10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Tootsie (1982)

Description: This classic comedy, like 'Tootsie', involves men disguising themselves as women to escape dangerous situations, leading to humorous and insightful explorations of gender roles. Both films use cross-dressing as a central plot device to comment on societal norms and expectations, blending slapstick comedy with sharp social commentary.

Fact: Marilyn Monroe often required numerous takes to deliver her lines correctly. The film was considered risqué for its time due to its themes of cross-dressing and sexual innuendo. It was voted the greatest comedy of all time by the American Film Institute in

Description: 'Yentl' shares with 'Tootsie' the theme of a protagonist assuming a different gender identity to pursue their dreams in a restrictive society. Both films explore the challenges and revelations that come with living as another gender, though 'Yentl' takes a more dramatic approach compared to 'Tootsie's comedic tone.

Fact: Barbra Streisand directed, produced, co-wrote, and starred in the film. It was the first Hollywood studio film to be directed by a woman who also starred in it. The film's score won an Academy Award.

Description: This teen comedy reverses the gender disguise premise of 'Tootsie', with a female protagonist disguising herself as a boy. Both films explore gender dynamics and stereotypes, using humor to highlight the differences in how men and women are treated in society.

Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days. Joyce Hyser, the lead actress, did most of her own stunts. The movie has gained a cult following over the years.

Description: This comedy about mistaken identity and switched-at-birth twins shares with 'Tootsie' the theme of characters navigating life in roles that aren't authentically theirs. While 'Big Business' focuses on class differences rather than gender disguise, both films use comedic situations to explore identity and self-discovery.

Fact: The film was inspired by Shakespeare's 'The Comedy of Errors'. Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin each played dual roles. The movie was shot in North Carolina, standing in for both New York City and a small rural town.

Description: Similar to 'Tootsie', 'Mrs. Doubtfire' explores themes of gender disguise and identity transformation. Both films feature male protagonists who adopt female personas to achieve personal or professional goals, leading to comedic situations and deeper self-discovery. The films also share a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, addressing serious themes like fatherhood and relationships under the guise of comedy.

Fact: Robin Williams improvised many of his lines in character as Mrs. Doubtfire. The makeup process for Williams took over four hours each day. The film was inspired by the novel 'Madame Doubtfire' by Anne Fine.

Description: While 'The Birdcage' focuses more on drag performance than disguise for personal gain, it shares with 'Tootsie' a humorous yet poignant look at identity and societal expectations. Both films challenge traditional gender norms and use comedy to explore themes of acceptance and authenticity.

Fact: The film is a remake of the French-Italian film 'La Cage aux Folles'. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane improvised many of their scenes together. The movie was shot in just 45 days.

Description: Shakespeare's classic comedy of gender disguise and mistaken identity shares many thematic elements with 'Tootsie'. Both works explore the fluidity of gender and the complications that arise when characters present themselves as something they're not, all while delivering witty dialogue and romantic entanglements.

Fact: This adaptation features Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Kingsley. It stays remarkably faithful to Shakespeare's original text. The film was shot on location in Cornwall, England.

Description: This body-swap comedy shares with 'Tootsie' the theme of a character experiencing life as the opposite gender, leading to humorous situations and personal growth. While 'The Hot Chick' uses a supernatural premise rather than disguise, both films explore gender roles and expectations through comedy.

Fact: Rob Schneider's daughter Elle Schneider makes her film debut in a small role. The film was originally titled 'The Girlie Show'. It was inspired by the 1980s comedy 'Like Father Like Son'.

Description: This comedy shares with 'Tootsie' the premise of men disguising themselves as women, though 'White Chicks' adds racial transformation to the mix. Both films use exaggerated gender performance for comedic effect while subtly commenting on societal expectations and stereotypes.

Fact: The makeup process for the Wayans brothers took about three hours each day. The film was inspired by a real-life case of FBI agents going undercover as women. It was a box office success despite mixed reviews.

Description: Like 'Tootsie', 'She's the Man' features a protagonist who disguises themselves as the opposite sex to achieve a goal, leading to comedic misunderstandings and romantic complications. Both films use the gender disguise premise to explore themes of identity, ambition, and love.

Fact: The film is loosely based on Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'. Amanda Bynes trained for three months to prepare for her soccer scenes. Channing Tatum's role in this film helped launch his career.