Seeing twins is like seeing a magical creature. People are drawn to twins! They are fascinated by them and love to ask stupid questions about them (are your boy-girl twins identical?)! And Hollywood is no different. Filmmakers love to incorporate twins in their movies, some actual twins and some so-called “twins.”
Because Twiniversity is all about everything twinnie, we’ve compiled a list of movies featuring twin actors and movies about twins (where the actors aren’t twins at all) for your viewing pleasure. Check out these twin-winning movies. So don’t panic if you start seeing double!
Movies with Real Twins
Harry Potter
You know and love these two red-haired twins, Fred and George Weasley (aka identical twins James and Oliver Phelps) from Harry Potter. Fred and George are the Hogwarts pranksters, telling hilarious jokes, creating chaos within the school, and being a nuisance to the Hogwarts professors. They appear in all 8 movies and can be streamed now on MAX.
Olsen Twin Movies (1992-2004)
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen could arguably be the most recognized twins in the 90s to early 2000s. It all started on Full House but certainly didn’t end there. If you are up for one heck of a movie marathon, there are at least 19 movies in the Olsen Twins franchise.
I remember absolutely loving these movies as a kid. With so many different adventures, there’s something for everyone, from “You’re Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley’s Camping Party” to “Billboard Dad.” Check out their entire library of movies:
- You’re Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley’s Camping Party
- You’re Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley’s Fashion Party
- You’re Invited to Mary-Kate and Ashley’s Mall Party
- You’re Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley’s Sleepover Party
- You’re Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley’s School Dance Party
- You’re Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley’s Greatest Parties
- Double, Double Toil, and Trouble
- It Takes Two
- To Grandmother’s House, We Go
- How the West Was Fun
- So Little Time
- Switching Goals
- Billboard Dad
- Our Lips Are Sealed
- Winning London
- Holiday in the Sun
- When in Rome
- Passport to Paris
- New York Minute
You can stream most of these on Prime Video (some do require a rental fee)
Legally Blondes (2009)
In this spinoff of the ever-so-popular Legally Blonde, twin sisters and cousins of Elle Woods, played by Camilla and Rebecca Rosso, real identical twins from the UK, move from England to California and must defend themselves when they’re framed for a crime. A great one for teens and pre-teens! Stream now on YouTube.
The Shining (1980)
World-renowned horror film The Shining, based on Stephen King’s novel of the same title, iconically features a pair of twins that were murdered in the Overlook Hotel and whose ghosts are witnessed by 5-year-old Danny. These twins were played by real-life twins Louise and Lisa Burns. Although they spend very little time actually on screen, The Shining twins are imprinted in our minds as the creepy twins. You can stream The Shining on Apple TV.
The Suite Life Movie (2011)
How could we not mention Dylan and Cole Sprouse? Some of us know them best as Ben, the son of Ross on Friends (some of us are older than the rest of us). Others know them from their Disney Channel success in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody & The Suite Life on Deck. The famous fraternal twin brothers, built on their television series success, and made movies based on their characters. Check out “The Suite Life Movie” where you will see the twin brothers participate in a massive scientific project studying the effects of twins. Available to stream on Disney+.
Big Daddy (1999)
Big Daddy is another movie featuring America’s favorite fraternal twin brothers, Dylan and Cole Sprouse. Except this time, they play a dual role of one 5-year-old (which is rare for a fraternal set). In this movie, he’s “adopted” by Adam Sandler’s character to impress his ex-girlfriend. Watch now on Prime Movies.
Twitches (2005)
Remember Tia and Tamara Mowry from Sister, Sister? They come together again in this Disney original tween and teen Halloween movie. After realizing they are twins and they both possess magical powers, they work together to fight “the darkness” and save their home dimension. This movie has something for you and something for your kids. And when you finish Twitches, check out Twitches Too! Both are available to stream on Disney+.
Baby Geniuses (1999)
In this family comedy, scientists believe that babies are born with universal knowledge and speak a secret “baby talk.” This film involves quite the adventure of smart, independent babies and another story of swapped twins, except this time the twins are played by real-life triplets! Currently for rent on Prime Video or Apple TV.
Movies with “So-Called Twins”
Parent Trap (1998)
If there was one movie in this bunch that could be defined as the poster child for movies with twins, it would be The Parent Trap. In this classic, identical twin sisters, both played by the same actress, Hallie Mills or Lindsey Lohan (depending on what version you are watching), were separated after their parents’ divorce. They meet for the first time at summer camp and set out with a plan to switch places for the opportunity to get to know the other parent and eventually get them back together. Both versions are available on Disney+.
Big Business (1988)
This 80s film features not one, but TWO sets of identical twins, which are played by two actresses, Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin. They’re swapped at birth by an overworked nurse and raised as fraternal twins. The two sister pairs get caught in a business feud, saving the separated-at-birth reunion for the very end. Stream now on Disney+.
Twins (1988)
Clearly, a separated-at-birth story is the classic twin plot. Releasing the same year as Big Business, this classic film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as unlikely fraternal twin brothers living very different lives and follows through their reunion journey. Available to rent on Prime Movies or Apple TV.
Father Figures (2017)
In this comedy, fraternal twin brothers, played by Owen Wilson and Ed Helms, learn that their mother has been lying to them for years about their father. Join them as they take a road trip to find their birth father. With these two actors, it’s hard for this film not to be hilarious! Rent now on Prime Movies or Apple TV.
Jack and Jill (2011)
Calling all Adam Sandler fans! Jack and Jill is a hilarious family comedy about a twin brother and sister, both played by Adam Sandler. These twins couldn’t be more different! Available to rent on Prime Movies or Apple TV.
A Simple Favor (2018)
This mystery thriller is full of twists, turns and suspense. It features estranged twins, played by the same actress. I’m going to stop here, so I don’t give away any spoilers…watch for yourself! Stream now on Prime Movies or Apple TV.
High School Musical
Did you know that Sharpay and Ryan Evans (played by Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel) are fraternal twins? They are the co-presidents of the East High Drama Club, and Sharpay is about eight minutes older than Ryan. Check out their many duets in this Disney Musical. Stream now on Disney+.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Your kids will love this entertaining children’s adventure! It follows the Grace siblings’ adventures with magical creatures. The Grace siblings are twin brothers played by Freddie Highmore. Currently available to rent on Prime Movies or Apple TV.
Legend (2015)
Legend is a biographical crime thriller about the notorious London Gangster twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray. Tom Hardy plays both twins. Fun fact: It is rumored the actor would split the characters by the day, playing one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Available to rent on Prime Movies.
Star Wars (1977)
Are you familiar with Star Wars? You can’t possibly not know about Star Wars, but did you know there are several sets of twins in the franchise? The most important and iconic set is of course, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, but there are also other sets of twins in the franchise. Click here to check out all the twins in Star Wars! Stream the entire Star Wars Collection on Disney+.
The use of twins in film can add a unique and interesting dynamic to the story. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted comedy or something more intense, there are plenty of great movies with twins to choose from. What is your favorite movie with twins?
Kylee Burleigh lives in Washington State and effortlessly juggles multiple roles while embracing the chaos of a vibrant family life. With a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she’s a wizard at weaving compelling stories. When she’s not busy wrangling words, Kylee is a dedicated wife with fraternal twin girls expected August 2023, adding a delightful twist to her already bustling life. She tackles a full-time communications job, provides stellar marketing services to clients and is a contributing writer to Twiniversity. In her rare moments of respite, Kylee embraces holistic living and immerses herself in thrilling outdoor escapades like hiking, hunting and tearing through the wilderness in her trusty side-by-side.
