Top 20 Most Impressively Accurate Parent/Child Castings

#20: Kristine Sutherland & Sarah Michelle Gellar

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

This duo didn’t have to try hard to convincingly play a mother and daughter. Kristine Sutherland and Sarah Michelle Gellar play Joyce and Buffy Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and their relationship is one of the most touching aspects of the show. Their gorgeous blonde locks, soft oval faces, and expressive eyes create an obvious physical resemblance. Sarah’s portrayal of the titular heroine also carries echoes of Kristine’s Joyce, making their on-screen dynamic even more believable and effortless. The pair bonded off-screen, too, with Gellar even pushing back on Joss Whedon’s decision to write Joyce out of the series.

#19: Poorna Jagannathan & Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

“Never Have I Ever” (2020-23)

Nalini and Devi Vishwakumar have a complex but enduring relationship. Although they have clashing personalities – mother believes in strict discipline and control, while daughter is defiant, impulsive, and feisty – they eventually grow to understand each other. Poorna Jagannathan and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s striking visual likeness certainly adds to the impact of their characters’ dynamic. Their scenes together don’t even come across as acting! Their raw, authentic performances feel like a glimpse into a real family, which is why audiences got so attached to them. Moreover, it’s easy to imagine Devi growing up to look like Nalini, which is proof of brilliant casting.

#18: Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom & Brenton Thwaites

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2017)

The collective face economy of this trio is unbelievable. Brenton Thwaites plays Henry Turner in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”. The character is the son of Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner and Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann. Needless to say, he inherited his parents’ good looks. He has his father’s sharp, sculpted features, especially his jawline, and his mother’s softness and smile. He can be brooding, like Will, and defiant but elegant, like Elizabeth. As Brenton himself is considered both rugged and refined, he was a perfect fit for playing Henry.

#17: Teri Garr & Lisa Kudrow

“Friends” (1994-2004)

One of the first things you’ll notice about these two gorgeous actresses is that they have the same smile. Teri Garr played Phoebe Abbott on “Friends”, whose daughter is Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow. The elder Phoebe was estranged from the younger for most of her life. When they finally met, viewers were able to immediately tell they were mother and daughter. Not only did they have similarities in appearance and cadence, but their quirks and expressions also hinted at a family tie. That’s what made the eventual reveal so satisfying. No one but Teri Garr could’ve made the connection feel so convincing.

#16: Orlando Jones & Tyler James Williams

“Abbott Elementary” (2021-)

There’s no denying that these two amazing actors look related. Orlando Jones and Tyler James Williams play father and son, Martin Eddie and Gregory Eddie, in “Abbott Elementary”. Jones was always a fan-favorite pick for playing the elder Eddie, given his resemblance to Williams. So, when the show’s creator, Quinta Brunson, actually cast him in the role, fans were overjoyed. The characters initially have a fraught relationship. Martin’s sternness, stemming from his military background, and his constant criticism of Gregory’s teaching career indicated distance between them. However, with time, they grow close and learn to see eye to eye. Their similar features add realism to their story, making it feel more authentic.

#15: Ethan Hawke & Ellar Coltrane

“Boyhood” (2014)

Richard Linklater’s award-winning coming-of-age saga is a cinematic masterpiece. It follows Mason Evans Jr., played by Ellar Coltrane, as he navigates growth and self-discovery amid shifting family dynamics. Ethan Hawke takes on the role of his father, Mason Evans Sr., while Patricia Arquette plays his mother, Olivia. It took over a decade to make this movie and authentically portray the central character’s journey through childhood and adolescence. As both Ethan and Ellar aged through the course of the film, their visual likeness grew more pronounced. In an interview with Time Magazine, Linklater revealed he had ‘great faith in the future’ for this film, and it certainly paid off.

#14: Daphne Zuniga & Sophia Bush

“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)

Business affects the mother-daughter relationship between Victoria and Brooke Davis at times—to such an extent that you might not know that they’re mother and daughter. Their dynamic in “One Tree Hill” is turbulent, with its share of highs and lows—but one thing stays constant: their physical resemblance. Brooke, played by Sophia Bush, has a strong likeness to her mother, Victoria, played by Daphne Zuniga starting in Season 5. It was a late introduction, so when it finally came, the casting had to be spot on to satisfy viewers after such a long wait. Sure enough, it was. The resemblance between the show’s Peyton Sawyer and her mother Ellie is also strong, but not quite to the extent of Brooke and Victoria.

#13: Marisol Nichols & Camila Mendes

Riverdale” (2017-23)

Especially during the more emotional and heartfelt moments between Veronica and Hermione Lodge, it’s easy to think that they really do look like mother and daughter. The on-screen chemistry between Camila Mendes and Marisol Nichols in “Riverdale” is impressive in and of itself. But their physical likeness enhances their dynamic as a fictional mother-daughter duo. In an interview with TODAY, Nichols, who’s about 21 years older than Mendes, compared her younger self to her “Riverdale” co-star. Their resemblance adds an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship and highlights the contrast with Veronica's complex relationship with her powerful, manipulative, up-to-no-good father.

#12: Robert De Niro & Lillo Brancato Jr.

“A Bronx Tale” (1993)

Bobby D doesn’t exactly have a common face. His brooding intensity and bad-boy charms are truly inimitable. So, casting directors had their work cut out for them when they were looking for a young actor to play his character Lorenzo’s son Calogero in “A Bronx Tale”. It was a talent agent who discovered Lillo Brancato Jr., noticing his likeness to Robert De Niro. Fortunately, he was blessed with not just good looks but also talent. He bagged the role of Calogero by impersonating De Niro’s iconic character, Travis Bickle, from “Taxi Driver”. In “A Bronx Tale”, he was able to hold his own alongside the megastar. Their resemblance simply amplified the immersion they created through their performances.

#11: Alistair Petrie & Connor Swindells

“Sex Education” (2019-23)

Sometimes a teen student might try to keep it on the down low that their parent is a teacher—or headmaster at their school. But that’d be impossible for Adam Groff in the series “Sex Education.” Why? Because he looks too much like the headmaster! They have to be related! Multiple fans have pointed out this striking physical resemblance between the fictional father-son duo, played by Alistair Petrie and Connor Swindells, respectively. The question has been posed of whether or not they’re related in real life. Just so we’re clear, they’re not. Although, a DNA test would be appreciated—just to confirm.

#10: Carla Gugino & Kate Siegel

“The Haunting of Hill House” (2018)

In the horror drama miniseries “The Haunting of Hill House,” the lasting impact of paranormal activity on the Crain family is highlighted through a series of flashbacks. It’s during the present-day timeline that there’s a resemblance between two characters so striking, it’s eerie—eerie in a different way than the series itself, of course. This resemblance is between Olivia Crain, the family matriarch, and her middle child, Theo. Olivia is played by Carla Gugino, while adult Theo is portrayed by Kate Siegel. Although some might argue they look too close in age to be mother and daughter, it’s undeniable that they look related.

#9: Philip Seymour Hoffman & Jesse Plemons

“The Master” (2012)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s psychological drama revolves around Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a cult called The Cause. He meets and influences Freddie Quell, a veteran of the Second World War. Behind his larger-than-life personality, Dodd, played by Hoffman, has a complicated relationship with his son, Val, played by Plemons. The latter starts out as a skeptic, dismissing his father’s philosophies, but ultimately falls in line and joins his movement. Besides the obvious similarities in their facial features, they’re also both intense, just in different ways. This reinforces the genetic link while highlighting Val’s defiance. Philip and Jesse’s acting styles were also aligned, making the connection undeniable.

#8: Phoebe Tonkin & Danielle Rose Russell

“The Originals” (2013-18)

The result of a one-night stand between Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall is the birth of the first ever tribrid—part witch, part vampire, and part werewolf. Yeah, um, that’s definitely one unusual outcome. The name of the supernatural kid is Hope. In the fifth and final season of “The Originals,” teenage Hope is played by Danielle Rose Russell. Did someone cast some kind of spell? Because she looks extraordinarily similar to her mom in the series—who’s played by Phoebe Tonkin. Seriously, “The Originals” casting really hit the mark to close out the series.

#7: Travis Fimmel & Alexander Ludwig

“Vikings” (2013-20)

A powerful character transformation can come in a myriad of ways. For Bjorn Ironside in the historical drama series “Vikings,” it comes in the form of not only power and responsibility, but also appearance. With his grown-out beard and strong build, the physical similarities between Bjorn and his father, the Viking warrior Ragnar Lodbrok, become apparent. Their facial structures and blue eyes mirror each other as well. Ragnar is played by Travis Fimmel, while Bjorn is played by Alexander Ludwig. These two really look like a potentially real-life father and son.

#6: Keith Richards & Johnny Depp

“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise (2003-17)

The rock legend’s appearance in the “POTC” film series as Jack Sparrow's father, Captain Teague, was a full-circle moment. Keith Richards was one of Johnny Depp’s main inspirations in his portrayal of Captain Sparrow. So, a link to the Rolling Stones star was already present when he came on board to play the Pirate Lord of Madagascar. Richards’ Teague exuded power and authority, making even the eccentric Jack appear boyish by comparison. This contrast helped establish a clear father-son dynamic. The costume and makeup contributed to the visual resemblance, but what made this casting so perfect was how the actors complemented each other.

#5: Emily Bett Rickards & Katherine McNamara

“Arrow” (2012-20)

The only possible complaint one can make for this casting pair is that Mia and Felicity Smoak look a bit too close in age to be mother and daughter in the superhero TV series “Arrow.” Because, besides that, when it comes to appearance, the likeness is striking. Katherine McNamara, who plays Mia, a.k.a Blackstar, and Emily Bett Rickards, who plays Felicity, a.k.a. Overwatch, are separated by just four years of age in real life. Still, the series does a great job of masking that reality—and there’s no question that Mia Smoak looks like a younger Felicity Smoak.

#4: Idina Menzel & Lea Michele

“Glee” (2009-15)

There’s a Reddit thread about Rachel Berry and Shelby Corcoran being the perfect mother-daughter casting, and we can see why. These “Glee” characters are played by Lea Michele and Idina Menzel, respectively. In real life, Menzel is about 15 years older than Michele. It’s like twins were separated at birth, with one aging faster on another planet. For real, the resemblance is uncanny. Menzel’s first appearance as Shelby on "Glee" comes in the 14th episode of the series after fans lobbied for her—pointing out the striking physical resemblance between her and Michele. While the series doesn’t immediately confirm that Shelby is Rachel’s biological mother, it just feels like she has to be.

#3: Jodie Foster & Kristen Stewart

“Panic Room” (2002)

This duo had us at the edge of our seats throughout this David Fincher thriller. They played mother and daughter, Meg and Sarah, who are trapped in a panic room during a home invasion. Both actresses delivered nuanced performances, earning high praise from critics. Their naturalistic chemistry made it seem like they had known each other forever, which strengthened their on-screen connection. Besides, young Kristen looked unbelievably similar to Jodie – eyes, hair, bone structure, and all. We would love to see them play parent and child again in another project.

#2: Reese Witherspoon & Jade Pettyjohn

“Little Fires Everywhere” (2020)

The eldest daughter of Elena Richardson in the drama miniseries “Little Fires Everywhere” is a dead ringer for her mother. Jade Pettyjohn, who plays Lexie, looks like a younger version of Reese Witherspoon, who portrays Elena. Or, Reese Witherspoon looks like an older version of Jade Pettyjohn. Whichever way you want to spin it, there’s no denying that they look alike. In scenes where Lexie and Elena are side by side, their matching features make their on-screen relationship even more convincing—and make us wonder if they could be a real-life DNA match.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

John Ritter & Zach Braff, “Scrubs” (2001-10; 2026-)

They Have the Same Exact Smile!

Ashley Johnson & Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us” (2023-)

Game Ellie’s Voice Actress Plays Series Ellie’s Mom, and Looks like an Older Version of Bella

Brian Cox & Sarah Snook, “Succession” (2018-23)

Logan Roy’s Only Daughter Has His Confidence and His Facial Bone Structure

Mark Consuelos & Camila Mendes, “Riverdale” (2017-23)

Their Jawlines & Strong Brows Make Veronica and Hiram a Believable Daddy-Daughter Duo

Sylvester Stallone & Milo Ventimiglia, “Rocky Balboa” (2006)

Both Actors Have a Fire in Their Eyes That Makes Them So Convincing as Father and Son

#1: Fred Willard & Ty Burrell

“Modern Family” (2009-20)

Fans have raved in online threads about the casting combo of Phil and Frank Dunphy in the sitcom “Modern Family—” and rightfully so. While Phil is a more featured character in the series, when Frank enters the scene, there's no mistaking him for anyone else other than Phil's father. Their facial structures, including their noses, eyes, and mouths—you name it—are near-mirror images of each other. Phil is played by Ty Burrell, while his father is played by the late Fred Willard. Just check out this scene. Does that not look like Phil giving his older self a haircut? Exactly.

Which actors do you think could totally play parent and child? Tell us in the comments!