13 Going on 30

13 Going on 30

Year: 2004

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Gary Winick

FantasyComedyRomance

Wishing she could skip the awkwardness of adolescence, Jenna Rink makes a wish to be thirty, and wakes up to find it has come true. Suddenly a successful businesswoman in New York City, she must navigate the complexities of her career, relationships, and a life vastly different from the one she imagined. As she rediscovers the joys and challenges of adulthood, she also learns valuable lessons about growing up and appreciating the past.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen 13 Going on 30 yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 13 Going on 30 (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1987, 2004

The movie begins in 1987, a time characterized by vibrant youth culture and the emergence of fashion trends. By 2004, the film showcases the evolution of Jenna's life as she experiences the challenges of adulthood, navigating both professional and personal landscapes.

Location

New Jersey, Greenwich Village

The story unfolds in New Jersey, where Jenna returns to her childhood home, seeking solace and family love. Greenwich Village serves as the backdrop for Matty's artistic endeavors as a photographer and symbolizes his pursuit of dreams and creativity.

🏡 Home 🌆 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

Main Characters – 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Meet the key characters of 13 Going on 30 (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jenna Rink

A young girl who transitions into a successful editor, Jenna grapples with the reality of adulthood after making a heartfelt wish. She is ambitious but struggles with the loss of her childhood innocence and true happiness. Ultimately, Jenna learns the importance of authenticity and reconnection with her past.

👩‍💼 Ambitious 🌟 Dreamer 💕 Romantic

Matty Flamhaff

Jenna's best friend and unrequited love, Matty is a thoughtful and caring individual who harbors feelings for Jenna. Over the years, he becomes a dedicated photographer, reflecting his own ambitions. Matty's unwavering love for Jenna highlights the theme of true love surviving the tests of time.

📸 Photographer 💔 Romantic 🏆 Supportive

Lucy Wyman

Jenna's loyal friend who becomes a fierce competitor in the professional world. Lucy is ambitious but resorts to manipulation and deception to achieve her goals. Her betrayal serves as a critical turning point in Jenna's journey of self-realization.

🌟 Ambitious ⚔️ Rival 🤔 Calculative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

Major Themes – 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Explore the central themes of 13 Going on 30 (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Self-Discovery

Jenna's journey is all about self-discovery and growth as she navigates the complexities of adulthood after her transformation. Her return to her roots reveals the importance of reconnecting with one's true self, values, and childhood friendships. It emphasizes the lessons learned from past mistakes and the pursuit of authentic happiness.

💔 Love and Betrayal

The film explores themes of love and betrayal through Jenna's relationship with Matty and her rivalry with Lucy. As Jenna confronts the truth about her friendships and romantic feelings, the story showcases the painful repercussions of misplaced trust and the lasting impact of genuine love across the years.

💫 Magic and Wishes

The concept of magic and wishing plays a central role in the narrative, as Jenna's plea to the stars catalyzes her transition into adulthood. This theme highlights the impact of wishes on one's life path, reminding viewers of the power of hope and belief in the possibility of change.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

Unlock the Full Story of 13 Going on 30

Don't stop at just watching — explore 13 Going on 30 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 13 Going on 30 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

13 Going on 30 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 13 Going on 30, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

13 Going on 30 Summary

13 Going on 30 Timeline

Track the full timeline of 13 Going on 30 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

13 Going on 30 Timeline

More About 13 Going on 30

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 13 Going on 30: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About 13 Going on 30

Similar Movies to 13 Going on 30

Discover movies like 13 Going on 30 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.