Credit: Netflix

Since premiering on May 1st, Swapped, Skydance Animation’s buddy comedy movie, has not only made waves on Netflix; it has summoned a storm of search engine results screaming more-like-this.

Directed by Nathan Greno, the adventure fantasy follows the unexpectedly colliding lives of Ollie, a Pookoo, described as a brown sea-otter-like creature, and Ivy, a bird-like Javan. Although the species are born enemies within The Valley, when curiosity gets the best of them, they end up accidentally swapping bodies, thanks to a mystical plant.

The duo is initially desperate to reclaim their original forms. However, realising that the reversal is far from simple, they navigate the dilemma through support and develop a close bond over time, taking on unexpected threats while going through a personal transformation.

Although Swapped is undoubtedly one of a kind, if you loved Ollie and Ivy’s dynamic alongside the body-swap aspect, here are five animated movies to follow up with on Netflix.

Five animated movies to stream on Netflix after Swapped

The Bad Guys (Pierre Perifel, 2022)

Loosely inspired by Aaron Blabey’s children’s book series, The Bad Guys is a DreamWorks Animation crime comedy movie, directed by Pierre Perifel in his feature directorial debut. The animated movie tells the story of a group of infamous animal criminal gang comprising Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Tarantula, Mr Shark, and Mr Piranha, who, upon a reputation-shattering arrest, pretend to rehabilitate to avoid jail time.

Led by Mr Wolf, the predatory animal gang easily manages to trick society initially. But in the process, he finds unexpected heart, causing him to doubt his criminal life. However, when a villain chimes in and tries to frame them for stealing, they are forced to actually turn good to stop him. So, if you’re into the unlikely alliances and rivalries aspect of Swapped, The Bad Guys is just the movie to hit play now.

Nimona (Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, 2023)

Based on ND Stevenson’s 2015 graphic novel, Nimona is an animated movie that dives into the sci-fi action-adventure genre. Set in a medieval futuristic empire, the 2023 movie follows Ballister Boldheart, a knight wrongly framed for the Queen’s murder during his knighthood ceremony. While on the run to save his life, Nimona, a spunky shapeshifter, approaches him, insisting on becoming his villainous sidekick.

Although Nimona is described as a “monster,” they join forces and turn to non-conventional ways in their pursuit of truth. Together, they not only work to clear Ballister’s name but also to expose the actual culprit, simultaneously resisting and challenging the kingdom’s rigid, prejudiced societal labels. Similar to Swapped, Nimona relies heavily on the themes of identity, dismantling the social sanctions surrounding the perception of monsters and enemies.

Spellbound (Vicky Jenson, 2024)

Spellbound is a Skydance Animation-produced animated movie, currently streaming on Netflix, that follows Princess Ellian of Lumbria, who’s on a mission to break a curse that transformed her parents, King Solon and Queen Ellsmere, into monsters. The transformation happens after the pair’s journey to the Dark Forest, reflecting their growing, volatile relationship.

But as the kingdom succumbs to panic from monstrous destruction, Ellian seeks out the Oracles of the Sun and Moon to reverse the spell, ultimately confronting the magical threat as well as her parents’ marital issues head-on. While Spellbound shares the same polished animation style as Swapped, what puts both movies on par is the magical family stakes at the centre.

The Secret Life of Pets (Chris Renaud, 2016)

Produced by Illumination Entertainment, The Secret Life of Pets is one of the most critically acclaimed animated comedies ever. It follows Max, a spoiled terrier in Manhattan whose lavish life turns upside down when his owner adopts a large, unruly shelter dog called Duke. A rivalry attempt goes wrong, and they’re both led astray in New York City, resulting in the loss of their collars.

But when they’re captured by The Flushed Pets, a sewer-dwelling group of abandoned animals led by Snowball, who seeks revenge on animals, Max and Duke are forced to put aside their differences to evade animal control and find their way back home. Although the premise of Swapped and The Secret Life of Pets may feel worlds apart, they share themes of unexpected companionship, loyalty, and survival.

Spies in Disguise (Troy Quane and Nick Bruno, 2019)

Finally, to end the Swapped-like movie marathon on Netflix, we’ve Spies in Disguise lined up. The animated comedy follows super spy Lance Sterling, who is framed for treason by a technologically advanced villain with cybernetic hands. However, while trying to use a biodynamic concealment gadget designed by nerdy scientist Walter Beckett, Lance is accidentally transformed into a pigeon.

With Sterling’s hands officially tied from all ends, he must rely on Walter to stop the cybernetic rival and reverse the transformation. So, together, with a flock of pigeons, they travel around the world to locate the enemy and stop his plans. Clearly, Spies in Disguise is a spy movie where the body swap energy is paramount, just like Swapped. While there’s no curse to reverse, the despair of transforming into one’s real self peaks in both cases.