Dive into a world where characters don masks, not just for fun but to navigate through life's challenges. This collection of family films about pretending showcases the art of deception in a light-hearted, educational manner. These stories teach us about empathy, the complexities of human nature, and the importance of authenticity, all wrapped in the guise of playful pretense. Whether it's for love, friendship, or just a good laugh, these films are perfect for a family movie night.

Big (1988)
Description: A young boy wishes to be big and wakes up as an adult, navigating the adult world while pretending to be older. This film is a heartwarming tale of growing up too fast.
Fact: Tom Hanks won a Golden Globe for his performance in this film.


Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Description: A father disguises himself as a British nanny to spend time with his children after a divorce. This film showcases the lengths one will go to for family, using humor and warmth.
Fact: Robin Williams improvised much of his dialogue, making the film even more memorable.


The Parent Trap (1998)
Description: Identical twins, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and decide to switch places to reunite their divorced parents. This film is a delightful exploration of pretending to be someone else to bring a family back together.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1961 original, and Lindsay Lohan played both twins, showcasing her versatility as an actress.


The Princess Diaries (2001)
Description: An ordinary high school student discovers she's the princess of a small European country and must learn to act the part. This film captures the essence of pretending to be royalty, blending humor with heartfelt moments.
Fact: Anne Hathaway was cast after director Garry Marshall saw her in an audition tape for "Get Real."


Freaky Friday (2003)
Description: A mother and daughter switch bodies, each pretending to be the other, leading to hilarious and touching moments. This film explores the idea of understanding through pretending to be someone else.
Fact: The film is based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, which has been adapted multiple times.


The Pacifier (2005)
Description: A Navy SEAL pretends to be a nanny to protect a family, learning about caregiving and family life. This action-comedy showcases the contrast between military discipline and family chaos.
Fact: Vin Diesel performed many of his own stunts, including the famous baby bottle scene.


The Nanny Diaries (2007)
Description: A young woman pretends to be a nanny to study the behavior of wealthy families for her anthropology thesis. This film offers a comedic look at the world of the rich through the eyes of an outsider.
Fact: The film is based on a book by two former nannies, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus.


The Game Plan (2007)
Description: A famous quarterback pretends to be a single father to his newly discovered daughter, learning valuable life lessons along the way. This film blends sports with family dynamics, showing the power of pretending for a good cause.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's first lead role in a family comedy.


The Spy Next Door (2010)
Description: A retired spy pretends to be an ordinary neighbor to keep his cover, but his life gets complicated when he must protect his girlfriend's children. This film mixes espionage with family dynamics.
Fact: Jackie Chan performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where he fights while holding a baby.


The Princess Switch (2018)
Description: A baker from Chicago and a European princess switch places, each pretending to be the other, leading to a series of comedic and romantic misadventures. This film is a modern take on the classic body-swap story.
Fact: Vanessa Hudgens plays both the baker and the princess, showcasing her range as an actress.
