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13 Going on 30

13 Going on 30 is a 2004 American fantasy romantic comedy film directed by Gary Winick and written by Cathy Yuspa and Josh Goldsmith.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

13 Going on 30 is a 2004 American fantasy romantic comedy film directed by Gary Winick and written by Cathy Yuspa and Josh Goldsmith. It stars Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo and follows a 13-year-old girl who wakes up as her 30-year-old self in 2004 after wishing to be older. The film was released in some markets as Suddenly 30.

Plot

Jenna Rink is humiliated at her 13th birthday party and wishes to be older. The next day she awakens in the body of her 30-year-old self in 2004 and has to adjust to an adult life she does not remember living.

Cast

The film stars Jennifer Garner as adult Jenna Rink and Mark Ruffalo as Matt Flamhaff. Christa B. Allen portrays Jenna at age 13, with supporting roles from Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, and others.

Production

13 Going on 30 was written by Cathy Yuspa and Josh Goldsmith and directed by Gary Winick. It was produced by Susan Arnold, Donna Arkoff Roth, and Gina Matthews.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2004 and received a PG-13 rating in the United States. It was distributed under the title Suddenly 30 in some countries.

Key facts

  • The film centers on Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who suddenly becomes 30 years old after making a wish.
  • Its story is set between 1987 and 2004.
  • Jennifer Garner plays the adult Jenna, while Christa B. Allen plays Jenna at 13.
  • Mark Ruffalo plays Jenna’s childhood friend Matt Flamhaff.
  • The film combines romantic comedy with fantasy elements and body-swap-style time-displacement.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed internationally, including in Canada, where it is commonly known under its original English title and remains part of early-2000s romantic comedy viewing culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is 13 Going on 30 about?
It is about a 13-year-old girl who wakes up as her 30-year-old self after wishing to be older.
Who stars in 13 Going on 30?
Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo star in the film, with Christa B. Allen playing Jenna at 13.
Who directed 13 Going on 30?
The film was directed by Gary Winick.
When was 13 Going on 30 released?
It was released in 2004.
What is the alternate title of the film?
It was released as Suddenly 30 in some countries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Going_on_30
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, release year, premise, alternate title, runtime, and production credits.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337563/
    Supports: Premise, cast, and character names.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/13_going_on_30
    Supports: Genre, MPAA rating, and theatrical release date.
  4. Box Office Mojo — https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0337563/
    Supports: Title, year, genre, and plot premise.
  5. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2004/08/03/13_going_on_30_2004_review.shtml
    Supports: Plot overview and cast.