Wish Upon a Star (1996)
A delightful family fantasy comedy about two feuding sisters who magically swap bodies after a shooting star wish comes true.
Wish Upon a Star - Movie Information
- Original Title: Wish Upon a Star
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Blair Treu
- Type: Movie
- Genres: TV Movie, Family, Comedy, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Leucadia Film Corporation, CINAR
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada
- Alternative Titles: Pide un deseo (ES)
Wish Upon a Star - Plot
A younger sister wishes to switch places with her popular older sister and the two bickering siblings awaken to find the wish has come true.
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Wish Upon a Star - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Blair Treu
Main Cast
- Katherine Heigl
- Danielle Harris
- Donnie Jeffcoat
- Scott Wilkinson
- Mary Parker Williams
- Lois Chiles
- Ivey Lloyd
- Matt Barker
- Jacque Gray
- January Sorensen
Writers
- Jessica Barondes
Producers
- David C. Anderson
- Don Schain
Wish Upon a Star - FAQs
What is Wish Upon a Star about?
Wish Upon a Star follows two very different sisters — cool, popular Alexia and bookish younger Hayley — who magically swap bodies after Hayley wishes on a shooting star. Suddenly forced to live each other's lives, the rivals discover that walking in someone else's shoes isn't as easy as it looks.
Does Wish Upon a Star have a happy ending?
Yes! After spending time in each other's lives, Alexia and Hayley gain a real appreciation for one another. The film wraps up warmly, with the sisters finding their way back to their own bodies and, more importantly, developing a genuine bond they never had before.
Where can you stream Wish Upon a Star?
You can catch Wish Upon a Star for free on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, YouTube Free, The CW, Hoopla, and Fawesome. It's also available on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads, or you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Who stars in Wish Upon a Star?
The film stars a young Katherine Heigl as the popular older sister Alexia and Danielle Harris as the studious younger Hayley. Donnie Jeffcoat plays the charming Kyle, while Lois Chiles appears as the memorable teacher Mittermonster. It's a fun early showcase for Heigl before her Grey's Anatomy fame.
How does the body swap happen in the film?
The swap is triggered when Hayley wishes on a passing comet — a classic shooting-star wish with unexpected consequences. The next morning, the two sisters wake up in each other's bodies, setting off a comedic scramble to navigate high school social life, classes, and relationships from completely opposite perspectives.
Is Wish Upon a Star appropriate for kids?
Absolutely. Wish Upon a Star is rated PG, making it a great pick for families and younger viewers. The humor is light and wholesome, the themes center on sibling empathy and self-discovery, and there's nothing here that parents need to worry about. It's a cozy, feel-good watch for all ages.
What movies are similar to Wish Upon a Star?
If you enjoyed Wish Upon a Star, you'll likely love Freaky Friday (2003), which puts a mother and daughter through a similar body-swap adventure. Zapped (2014) and Twitches (2005) offer comparable family-friendly fantasy fun, while The Edge of Seventeen (2016) captures that same relatable teen experience with a sharper edge.
Who directed and wrote Wish Upon a Star?
Blair Treu directed the film, and the screenplay was written by Jessica Barondes. The production was a joint effort between Leucadia Film Corporation and CINAR, with the movie premiering on television in November 1996. Treu brought a light, warm touch to the material that keeps it charming throughout.
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