Diane Keaton’s New Main Comedy Mack and Rita recently released in theaters, offering audiences a story where a young woman suddenly finds herself magically transformed into her older self.
But it’s far from the first film to partake of such a premise, and any fan of Mack and Rita won’t have trouble finding similar movies to watch, from age-swapping movies to hilarious adventures involving old people. Certified classics and other recent Diane Keaton comedies are also just a few of the many films available to stream for Mack and Rita lovers.
Pompoms (2019)
Available to rent on Apple TV
Mack and Rita wasn’t the first comedy film starring Diane Keaton to emphasize how aging doesn’t have to be the end of life, as she recently starred in the 2019 film Pompoms. In the film, Keaton’s character, a former cheerleader named Martha, now with cancer, starts a cheerleading club in her retirement community and tries to help her fellow seniors succeed in a cheerleading competition.
Keaton was joined by a stellar cast in the film, including names like Pam Grier and Rhea Perlman. The film’s blend of amusing comedy and touching drama makes it a unique showcase of emotions, and as Mack and Ritahighlights how aging can bring unexpected new adventures to life.
Weird Friday (2003)
Available to stream on Disney+
Starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, this Disney film based on a book was actually the company’s third attempt to adapt the story of terrible friday. Like Mack and Ritathe film offers audiences a fun and unpredictable adventure where the characters face an unexpected age change, as therapist mother Tess and rocker daughter Anna find themselves having changed bodies after a magical event.
Lohan and Curtis received rave reviews for their performances as polar opposite characters, both receiving nominations at major award shows. Notably, Curtis has to portray teenage Lohan’s attitude to amusingly absurd lengths, something very similar to what Keaton had to do with his teenage incarnation in Mack and Rita.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)
Available for purchase on Apple TV
Another summer 2022 release featuring an older star with a story exploring the effects of aging and what it means for her life, Mrs. Harris goes to Paris became both a critical and commercial success, with many praising it for its charm and humor.
Lesley Manville plays the titular Harris, a housekeeper who, after saving up enough money, embarks on a trip to Paris in order to buy an actual haute couture Dior dress. While in the country, she affects the lives of everyone around her, while also learning some things about herself. Similar to Mack and Ritathe film explores how older people still yearn for and find love, and what challenges that love brings.
17 Again (2009)
Available to stream on Peacock Premium
One of the biggest box office hits for films in vain Mack and Rita is certainly 17 againwhich features a former high school basketball star, now a miserable middle-aged man, who gets a second chance at youth overnight.
Matthew Perry, the actor behind the ever relatable Chandler Bing, stars as the older version of the character, with musical high school star Zac Efron as his young incarnation. The film earned over $100 million at the box office and received favorable reviews from critics. Although the film focuses more on the concept of age-swapping, it similarly explores the unintended consequences that come with suddenly waking up to the age and life you so deeply desire.
Jerry and Marge Go Big (2022)
Available to stream on Paramount+
The 2022 version Jerry and Marge go big stars Bryan Cranston as the titular Jerry, the film serving as the newest addition to Cranston’s fantastic film and show synopsis. Based on a true story, the film follows elderly couple Jerry and Marge (Annette Bening) who start winning huge sums of money after discovering a lottery loophole, using the money to revitalize their local community. .
A group of younger players also discover the loophole, sparking fierce competition between the two factions. It’s another great movie of 2022 for viewers who want to see more of the fun contrast between young and old people who Mack and Rita had to offer.
Dreaming a Little Dream (1989)
Available to rent on Apple TV
While Mack & Rita shows what happens when a young woman suddenly discovers the world of the elderly, Dream A Little Dream does just the opposite. After a bizarre incident during a meditation experiment, an elderly teacher named Coleman finds himself trapped in the body of his troubled teenage neighbor Bobby and his wife trapped in a teenage girl’s mind.
Meanwhile, Bobby finds himself stuck in a dream world, and although he knows how to undo everything, he refuses to because he enjoys his new life. It’s up to Coleman to improve Bobby’s life enough to convince him to fix things before it’s too late. One of seven films starring both Coreys (Feldman and Haim), the film became known for its soundtrack and spawned a direct-to-video sequel, becoming one of the most popular age-swap films. iconic of the 1980s because of its comedy. (something he shares with Mack and Rita).
Big (1988)
Available to stream on Hulu
Perhaps the most iconic film of all age-swap films, Big is a 1988 film starring Tom Hanks as one of its greatest characters. In it, Hanks portrays the adult form of Josh, a 12-year-old whose wish to become “big” magically transforms him into an adult.
Josh’s childish nature appeals not only to the corporate world, but also to one of his co-workers, Susan (Elizabeth Perkins), though he soon yearns to be a kid again. It’s another film that shows the detriment of wanting to grow up too quickly and the hilarious adventures in which you can find yourself facing the responsibilities of an age you know nothing about.
13 Carry On 30 (2004)
Available to stream on HBO Max
Nearby Big in terms of iconic age-swapping films is 13 Continue 30. Starring Jennifer Garner as a 13-year-old whose wish to turn 30 magically comes true one night, 13 Continue 30 presented an added twist to the genre in which Garner’s character not only magically aged, but was also transported to a whole different time period, traveling 17 years from 1987 to 2003, when she woke up.
The film received wide acclaim and was a huge commercial success, both at the box office and at the video store. Perhaps the best-known female age-swap film, it paved the way for similar films such as Mack and Rita.
Last Vegas (2013)
Available to rent on Apple TV
Another comedy focusing on aging, Last Vegas features an absolutely all-star cast with Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Clines as the four leads. The Four portray four childhood friends who reunite decades later to have a bachelor party when their last single friend finally gets engaged.
The film is a bittersweet comedy about life and loss, and the ability to move on even when you’re much older, with as much fun as Mack and Rita.
Small (2019)
Available to rent on Apple TV
The movie 2019 Little also tells the story of a woman forced to face her perspective on life when her age changes drastically overnight, although in this case it happens when she becomes much younger, transforming from a cruel adult businesswoman to a 13-year-old girl.
Regina Hall added to her impressive filmography here as the adult version of the titular character, while Blackish star, Marsai Martin, portrayed the younger version of the character. Martin also produced the film, making her the youngest person to ever produce a studio film.