11 Movies Like 13 Going On 30 To Watch Next

13 Going on 30, a popular romantic comedy from the 2000s, narrates the tale of Jenna (portrayed by Christa B. Allen), who transforms into her 30-year-old self (Jennifer Garner) after an unpleasant 13th birthday party. Though some aspects of it may seem outdated (the older Jenna’s romantic storyline can feel awkward when her inner self is still a 13-year-old), there are many elements that continue to strike a chord with viewers even today. These include the intense longing felt by pre-teens and the disheartening truth that life doesn’t get simpler as you grow up.

13 Going on 30″ is a film that encourages us to stay true to ourselves and find happiness in life, regardless of our social standing. It’s about personal growth and understanding that our younger selves continue to shape who we become. Although no movie is identical to “13 Going on 30,” there are numerous heartwarming films that delve into similar themes and evoke similar emotions. These movies explore topics like growing up, aging, friendship, and regrets. They also offer insights into the journey of young women’s self-discovery and unexpected romantic connections with old friends.

If you enjoyed the charm of “13 Going on 30”, here are eleven delightful movies with a similar feel that you might want to watch next.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023)

In my gaming world, I’d say: “I recently dived into the heartwarming tale of ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’, a movie that’s not your typical romantic flick, but more about a girl’s journey through the labyrinth of middle school and the challenges of adolescence. The character Margaret, played by Abby Ryder Fortson, finds herself in the popular crowd after moving to the suburbs, yet she still grapples with the harshness of her peers, particularly from her friend Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham).

What makes this film so relatable is its portrayal of the shared female experience across generations. Margaret’s mom (Rachel McAdams) is as lost in the suburban jungle as her daughter, still scarred by the coldness she experienced from her own parents. The grandma (Kathy Bates), my character’s grandmother, grapples with the stark reality of aging, feeling the growing distance from her child, Margaret’s father, and her grandchild.

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” fearlessly tackles the frequently untouched pain and bewilderment that each stage of womanhood brings.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

In a similar vein as “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, comes the movie “The Edge of Seventeen.” This film provides a candid, realistic, ultimately uplifting perspective on adolescence following a significant loss. The protagonist, Nadine (played by Hailee Steinfeld), has just lost her father and learns that her closest friend, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), is now dating her elder brother, Darian (Blake Jenner). This revelation leaves Nadine heartbroken as she comes to terms with the fact that a person she had trusted and leaned on emotionally has become romantically involved with her sibling, despite the strained relationship between Nadine and Darian.

The Edge of Seventeen” differs significantly from “13 Going on 30”. Unlike the latter, “The Edge of Seventeen” doesn’t have a light, feminine vibe and instead, presents a more somber narrative. However, both movies share similarities in their portrayal of the raw, intense emotions that come with conflicts and separations among friends and peers. Moreover, both films follow a young woman navigating her personal struggles with limited external help, and they both depict a phase of growth towards self-discovery. Thus, fans who appreciated “13 Going on 30” are likely to find enjoyment in this film as well.

Legally Blonde (2001)

This movie exudes a delightfully feminine and lively atmosphere, similar to “13 Going on 30” in terms of its celebration of unapologetic femininity, but with a unique twist. The storyline of “Legally Blonde” revolves around Elle Woods (portrayed by Reese Witherspoon), who after being dumped by her arrogantly named boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis), decides to attend Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. Despite the challenges involved, including the difficulty of getting into Harvard Law School as Elle humorously points out (“What, like it’s hard?”), Elle eventually seizes the opportunity and discovers a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment through her studies. While some might not appreciate Elle’s wardrobe in the film, it is undeniably impressive and shares similarities with that of Jenna in “13 Going on 30.” Both films feature a fun dance sequence and many instances of well-deserved success for their protagonists, making them both a pleasure to watch.

Freaky Friday (2003)

The 2003 film “Freaky Friday,” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, is essentially a modern retelling of the 1976 movie with the same name. However, its humor seems more aligned with that of the film “13 Going on 30,” which was also released around the same time. Both films share an element of absurdity stemming from their unique premise – two individuals swapping bodies. In this case, it’s a mother and daughter who switch due to a mischievous fortune cookie. Despite being set in different times, both actresses portray their characters’ insecurities fearlessly, making them endearing and relatable as individuals and as a mother-daughter duo. This timeless classic resonates with many people now in their 20s and 30s, and it is sure to delight younger audiences today. With a sequel featuring Curtis and Lohan coming soon, there’s no better time to watch the original!

Eighth Grade (2018)

In a modern-day scenario, if Jenna from “13 Going on 30” hadn’t wished for adulthood and instead remained a middle schooler, her story would resemble that of Kayla, the protagonist in Bo Burnham’s directorial debut, “Eighth Grade.” This film centers around Kayla (played by Elsie Fisher) as she approaches the end of her school year. Despite creating motivational videos, Kayla grapples with social acceptance at school and battles profound anxiety. The movie is reminiscent of intensified awkward moments from “13 Going on 30,” where almost the entire film serves to provoke second-hand embarrassment in viewers and evoke bittersweet memories of middle school. “Eighth Grade” explores universal struggles experienced during middle school, as well as the challenges of growing up in a digital era.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

As a child, having good friends can be similar to possessing an extraordinary ability. Your closest companions act like teammates, and they frequently feel like kin. The Netflix series “Always Be My Maybe” tells a love story that starts when its protagonists, Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park), form a friendship as kids. Similar to Jenna and Matt from “13 Going on 30,” Sasha and Marcus drift apart during their adult years. However, they reconnect not through Sasha’s 13-year-old self, but rather when she comes back to San Francisco to launch her new restaurant.

Wong and Park exhibit a captivating screen presence that mirrors the relationship between Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo in “13 Going on 30.” Similar to how Matt grapples with adulthood, Park’s character Marcus faces similar struggles, while Jenna and Sasha appear successful. However, their successes are questionable as they have neglected their true selves for the image they wish to project. A witty, transformed friend can be a powerful catalyst for self-realization.

Big (1988)

16 years prior to the release of “13 Going on 30,” director Penny Marshall introduced a unique tale about a youngster who finds themselves in their adult form after a night’s sleep. The film, titled “Big,” stars Tom Hanks and revolves around a 13-year-old boy named Josh. After being rejected from a carnival ride due to his height, Josh makes a wish at a fortune-teller machine called Zoltar Speaks, asking to grow up overnight. To his surprise, the following morning, he wakes up as a fully-grown adult, making Zoltar more like a real-life genie.

Due to the nomadic characteristics of the carnival linked with the Zoltar machine, Josh is compelled to spend several weeks living as an adult. Similar to Jenna from “13 Going on 30,” Josh’s youthful enthusiasm and innovative thoughts aid him in his professional growth. He climbs the corporate ladder from a data entry clerk to Vice President of Product Development at FAO Schwarz, but this new position brings about competition from a colleague (John Heard) and romantic attention from a fellow employee named Susan (Elizabeth Perkins). However, just like “13 Going on 30,” the romantic storyline is debatable; it presents a considerable amount of intimacy between Josh and Susan, which might make viewers feel uneasy.

My Old Ass (2024)

Aubrey Plaza bears little resemblance to Maisy Stella, famously known for her role as Daphne Conrad in “Nashville,” yet it’s reasonable given Aubrey’s growing acting talent that she was chosen to portray an older Elliot LaBrant (Stella) in “My Old Ass.” The movie chronicles Elliot’s last summer at home in Ontario before departing for university in Toronto. To celebrate her eighteenth birthday, Elliot and her two closest friends pitch a tent and share a tea brewed from psychedelic mushrooms. Initially, Elliot thinks she’s not affected by the drugs when her friends react strangely while she remains calm near the fire, but later that night, she meets a woman who claims to be Elliot’s future self.

In a heartwarming scene, an older woman identified as Elliot (in Plaza) successfully persuades a younger version of herself that she is her future self. However, their conversation is cut short when the young Elliot falls asleep. Fortunately, the older Elliot manages to save her number in the young one’s phone. Two things that resonate with the young Elliot are the older woman’s advice to appreciate time with family before college and a caution about avoiding someone named Chad. The movie is sugary sweet and sure to evoke nostalgia for childhood days, but it’s the way the younger and older Elliots exchange insights that truly makes the ending poignant.

17 Again (2009)

In a fresh spin on body transformation comedies that embrace magical realism, the movie “17 Again” shares many similarities with “13 Going on 30,” but with a twist. The main character Mike, portrayed by Zac Efron and the late Matthew Perry, is an adult who undergoes a transformation to his 17-year-old self, rather than the opposite. Despite not typically being recognized among great coming-of-age films, “17 Again” stands as Matthew Perry’s highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes and offers a delightful viewing experience. Zac Efron infuses his characters with infectious charm, while Thomas Lennon provides ample humor as Mike’s adult best friend who also takes on the role of father when Mike is de-aged and forced to return to high school. The concept of an adult physically reverting to their teenage self adds an intriguing layer to the more innocent and optimistic protagonists seen in films like “13 Going on 30” and “Big.

17 Again tells the story of Mike, who finds himself back in high school after a strange turn of events. He discovers that his son, Alex, is being tormented by bullies, while his daughter Maggie is involved with an unsuitable boyfriend named Stan. Initially, Mike considers seizing the basketball scholarship opportunity he had missed due to an unexpected pregnancy from his former girlfriend and current estranged wife (played by Leslie Mann). However, as time passes, he comes to appreciate his family and decides to mend the life he already has.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

In “The Devil Wears Prada,” the main character Andrea “Andy” Sachs (Anne Hathaway) initially views her position at Runway Magazine as a temporary step towards her desired career in journalism. However, her boss, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), is a difficult individual, leading Andy into a continuous power struggle that causes her to lose sight of her aspirations. As she distances herself from her old friends and life outside Runway, Andy is compelled to confront the superficial glamour and darker side of the fashion world. When she witnesses how relentlessly Miranda has given up her personal life for her career, ending up as a bitter editor trying to maintain relevance, Andy decides to leave Runway and get her life back on track.

If you enjoy the aspect of “13 Going on 30” that features Jenna’s job at a fashion magazine and the numerous stunning outfits shown, then you will be drawn into Andy’s narrative. Unlike “13 Going on 30,” the ending of “The Devil Wears Prada” leaves some room for interpretation, but the scene where Andy struts in various outfits is legendary and chic. The fashion-forward elements within “The Devil Wears Prada” are likely to appeal to fans of “13 Going on 30,” particularly those seeking a more sophisticated storyline.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

In “Pretty in Pink,” humor isn’t abundant, instead, it focuses heavily on the stark contrast between rich and poor high school students, a theme that significantly impacts the film’s main character, Andie Walsh (portrayed by Molly Ringwald), and her love interest, Blane McDonnagh (Andrew McCarthy). The economic divide serves as the most formidable barrier in their relationship. On the other hand, “13 Going on 30” is a light-hearted comedy without any commentary on the wealth disparity between the affluent and the less fortunate. However, both films share a common theme: the strong bond between the female protagonist and her male best friend.

I, as a fan, find a striking similarity between Jenna’s relationship with Matt from “13 Going on 30” and Andie’s bond with Duckie (Jon Cryer) from “Pretty in Pink”. Both couples share an ending that is joyful and built upon mutual respect and deep affection. However, unlike Matt who eventually wins Jenna’s heart, Duckie remains unrequited in his love for Andie. Yet, the boundless affection Duckie harbors for Andie mirrors the kind of emotion that drove Matt to create such a heartwarming birthday gift for Jenna in “13 Going on 30”. Despite not sharing the same romantic outcome, their stories resonate with me as they beautifully illustrate unconditional love and friendship.

One of the defining movies of the ’80s, often referred to as “Pretty in Pink,” is recognized as a key work by the Brat Pack group. This collection of young actors became synonymous with films during that era. Here’s what the cast of the Brat Pack looks like now.

2025-01-20 20:30