Freaky Friday is exactly what it promises: a wholesome, feel-good family comedy about empathy that won't traumatize anyone. The core lesson—understanding someone else's perspective—is legitimately valuable and presented in a way kids can grasp.
That said, this movie is over 20 years old and it SHOWS. The fashion, the technology, the slang, the pop-punk soundtrack—it's all very 2003. Modern kids might find it harder to connect with Lindsay Lohan's garage band drama when they're used to TikTok and Discord. It's not unwatchable like some older family films, but it requires a bit more patience than contemporary options.
The critics loved it more than audiences did, which tracks—it's competent and well-acted but not particularly memorable. If your kid is already into body-swap stories or you want a concrete conversation starter about empathy, it's a solid choice. But if they're expecting something that feels current, you might get some eye rolls at the dated aesthetic.