Year: 1987
Runtime: 96 mins
Language: English
Director: Rod Daniel
When work‑obsessed Dr. Jack Hammond’s teen son Chris and his father accidentally drink a brain‑exchange serum, they swap bodies. The dad must navigate school with a fake ID and a gold card, while Chris handles clinic duties and a coveted Jag. Their mishaps cause comedic chaos and give each a deeper understanding of the other’s struggles.
Get a spoiler-free look at Like Father Like Son (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where the pressures of a high‑powered career collide with the turbulence of teenage life, the film opens on a bustling suburban community that feels both familiar and slightly exaggerated. The tone balances sharp, witty humor with genuine heart, letting everyday moments—school corridors, hospital halls, late‑night drinks—glimmer with the possibility of absurd mishap. The visual style leans into bright, kinetic comedy, letting the audience feel the frantic rhythm of two very different worlds brushing up against each other.
Work‑obsessed Dr. Jack Hammond spends his days chasing a promotion that could crown him chief of staff at the local hospital, his identity wrapped tightly around a white coat, a credit‑card that opens doors, and a polished reputation he’s keen to protect. At home, his son, Chris, is a high‑school senior navigating the classic trials of adolescence: a crush on the captivating Lori Beaumont, a rivalry with the school bully, and a friendship that keeps him grounded despite his dad’s constant absence. The contrast between Jack’s methodical, responsibility‑driven existence and Chris’s impulsive, free‑spirited energy sets up a natural tension that fuels much of the film’s comedy.
The inciting incident arrives in the form of an odd‑looking bottle of brain‑exchange serum, a relic of folklore that promises to blur the line between mind and body. A careless sip and a lingering glance trigger an unexpected switch, leaving Jack trapped in his son’s lanky frame and Chris forced to inhabit his father’s authoritative presence. Suddenly, the surgeon must navigate lockers, cafeteria politics, and a fake ID, while the teen finds himself scrambling to handle clinic duties, a sleek Jag, and the weight of adult expectations. The premise teases a cascade of comedic chaos as each tries to perform in a life that feels alien yet oddly familiar.
This body‑swap set‑up promises more than slapstick; it invites both characters—and the audience—to walk a mile in the other’s shoes, exposing hidden pressures, misunderstood motives, and the little moments that define family. The film’s playful tone suggests that while the mishaps may be outrageous, the deeper payoff lies in the surprising empathy that blossoms when two generations finally see each other’s world.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:36
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Characters switching bodies leads to hilarious misunderstandings and newfound understanding.If you enjoyed the hilarious role reversal in Like Father Like Son, you'll love these movies. This section features comedy films where characters accidentally swap bodies, leading to a fast-paced series of mishaps, slapstick humor, and ultimately, a heartwarming lesson about walking in someone else's shoes.
The narrative follows a simple catalyst—a magical spell, scientific mishap, or cursed object—that forces two characters (often with opposing personalities) to swap bodies. The plot is driven by their frantic attempts to reverse the swap while stumbling through each other's daily lives, creating a chain of comedic set pieces that highlight their differences and, ultimately, their shared humanity.
These movies are grouped together because they share a core comedic premise, a fast-paced and lighthearted tone, and a focus on situational humor arising from role reversal. They blend fantasy with comedy to deliver a feel-good experience centered on empathy and understanding.
High-energy comedies where family antics and role reversals drive the laughs.Fans of the high-energy, family-centered humor in Like Father Like Son will find more laughs here. Discover similar comedies featuring playful family members, ridiculous situations, and a steady stream of gags and slapstick that all build to a happy, heartwarming conclusion about the bonds of family.
Stories in this thread are typically straightforward and propelled by a single, high-concept premise that disrupts the family unit. The narrative structure is a series of escalating comedic scenarios where characters are pushed out of their comfort zones. The conflict is primarily situational and humorous, resolving in a way that strengthens family ties without heavy emotional drama.
These films are united by their fast pacing, light tone, and focus on family as the source of both conflict and comedy. They prioritize laughs and a feel-good resolution over complex drama, making them perfect for viewers seeking an energetic and uplifting movie experience centered on family life.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Like Father Like Son 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 Like Father Like Son is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Like Father Like Son, 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.
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Discover movies like Like Father Like Son 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.
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