Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animals face peril, show courage, empathy, teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Swapped
What's the Story?
Ollie (voice by Michael B. Jordan) is a naturally adventurous and curious little creature called a pookoo in SWAPPED. His curiosity gets him into some trouble, though, and one day when he befriends a small bird, Ivy (Juno Temple), and teaches her how to eat the pookoos' food—seeds found inside pods—Ollie unintentionally threatens the existence of his entire species. When Ollie accidentally swaps bodies with Ivy, they will learn what it feels like to be in the other's skin—literally. This will help them when their entire forest is threatened into extinction by limited resources and other threats.
Is It Any Good?
This is a lovely tale where children's natural curiosity and acceptance of others saves the magical world they inhabit and all the creatures in it. In this sense, Swapped contains life lessons we could all use today. They're dosed out gently and set in a vast forest with magical creatures discovered in enchanting sequences set to music, with no dialogue. The pairing of Jordan and Temple was inspired—the actors are both able to channel a childlike innocence as Ollie and Ivy forge an unexpected partnership and discover a life they didn't know was possible. Tracy Morgan is another highlight as Boogle.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Ollie and Ivy learn in Swapped. How can you relate those lessons to your own life?
Why do the different species fear and mistrust each other? How does empathy help them overcome that fear?
How do characters show teamwork and courage in overcoming danger? Would the results have been the same if they'd retreated to their own species and tried to work alone?
How would you describe the world where Swapped is set?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 1, 2026
- Cast : Michael B. Jordan , Juno Temple , Ambika Mod
- Director : Nathan Greno
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Fish , Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril and some scary images
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : May 1, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate