The Parent Trap (1998)
Kernel Score: 81% · 4,461 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy, Family, Romance
Released: 1998-07-28
Runtime: 128 minutes
Is The Parent Trap worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheerful summer-camp comedy in which twin girls swap places to reunite their divorced parents. It's silly and formulaic, but charming, well cast and easy to enjoy with kids.
Watch it if you
- want a feel-good family comedy
- like twin-swap stories
- enjoy 90s comfort movies
Skip it if you
- can't tolerate sugary plots
- want something with edge
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Parent Trap
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Hallie Parker and Annie James are identical twins who were separated at a young age due to their parents' divorce. Unbeknownst to their parents, the girls are sent to the same summer camp, where they meet, discover the truth about their relationship, and come up with a plan to switch places in an effort to reunite their mother and father.
The Parent Trap parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The Parent Trap is a PG family comedy about twin sisters scheming to reunite their divorced parents.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Parent Trap
If you liked The Parent Trap, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Parent Trap (1961) — 77%: The original film, with the same twin-swap setup.
- The Holiday (2006) — 79%: Same director's cosy, polished romantic comedy.
- The Intern (2015) — 81%: Same director's gentle, feel-good comedy.
- The Princess Diaries (2001) — 77%: Lighthearted girls' coming-of-age comedy.
- The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) — 88%: Sisters, romance and colour in a joyful musical.
- Another Cinderella Story (2008) — 83%: Easygoing teen fairy-tale comedy.
Director
Cast
- Lindsay Lohan as Hallie Parker / Annie James
- Dennis Quaid as Nick Parker
- Natasha Richardson as Elizabeth James
- Elaine Hendrix as Meredith Blake
- Lisa Ann Walter as Chessy
- Simon Kunz as Martin
- Polly Holliday as Marva Kulp, Sr.
- Maggie Wheeler as Marva Kulp, Jr.
- Ronnie Stevens as Grandfather
- Erin Mackey as Hallie / Annie Acting Double
The Parent Trap FAQ
Is The Parent Trap worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheerful summer-camp comedy in which twin girls swap places to reunite their divorced parents. It's silly and formulaic, but charming, well cast and easy to enjoy with kids.
Where can I watch The Parent Trap?
In the US you can stream The Parent Trap on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Parent Trap OK for kids?
The Parent Trap is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Parent Trap is a PG family comedy about twin sisters scheming to reunite their divorced parents.
What movies are like The Parent Trap?
If you liked The Parent Trap, try The Parent Trap, The Holiday, The Intern and The Princess Diaries.