Over the years, Superbad has become one of those movies people love to revisit and reexamine. Some fans still consider it not just one of the greatest movies of the 2000s, but one of the best comedies ever. Although some have argued that certain jokes and attitudes have aged less gracefully. So when Seth Rogen recently said the movie would never get made today, I immediately assumed he was referring to the content. Turns out, that wasn’t the issue at all.

During an appearance on The Interview, the podcast from The New York Times, Rogen reflected on how dramatically Hollywood has changed since he and Evan Goldberg brought Superbad to theaters in 2007. According to the actor, producer and co-writer, the biggest difference lies in how studios approach risk when planning their 2026 movie release calendar and beyond. As he explained:

That's a fascinating answer because the movie itself has frequently been part of conversations about how comedy evolves, along with Mel Brooks's classic Blazing Saddles. Some of the elements that feel like products of their era, but it’s hard not to acknowledge why the movie remains beloved nearly two decades later.

According to the Pineapple Express star, modern studios want nearly every piece of the puzzle locked down before committing to production. He continued:

Rogen argued that the process isn't necessarily impossible, but it has become far more complicated because of what he views as increasing risk aversion. A couple of beats later, he credited former Sony executive Amy Pascal for trusting the creative team instead of chasing the safest possible option. He added:

That is an interesting contrast with how Superbad actually came together. Michael Cera, Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse were not major movie stars at the time. The Superbad cast became stars because of the film's success, not the other way around.

Ironically, some corners of Hollywood seem to be moving in the opposite direction. Recent horror hits like Obsession have embraced a more filmmaker-driven model. Curry Barker reportedly arrived with much of the project already assembled, giving him leverage and the freedom to choose Focus Features as the film’s distributor. That approach has been paying off for new horror movies for years, and it makes me wonder whether smaller comedies could follow a similar blueprint. Instead of waiting for studios to eliminate every ounce of risk, perhaps the next Superbad gets made by creators who show up with the movie already in hand.

That is what makes Rogen’s comments so interesting. Whether Superbad’s humor would land the same way in 2026 is one conversation. Whether Hollywood would still take a chance on an original R-rated teen comedy with relatively unknown actors is another entirely. Maybe the future of the next raunchy teen comedy belongs to young filmmakers who show up with the movie ready to go, and for a fraction of the cost. Hey, if horror doesn't need big stars, neither should comedy. Just bring the jokes.

Major blood-soaked spoilers below for the latest episode of The Boys, so wade carefully if you haven’t yet watched via Amazon Prime subscription.

Ho-leeee. Mo-leeee. Fri-joleeees. The Boys has once again topped itself with the episode “One-Shots,” which shockingly killed off a major Supe, set up an until-death rivalry between two others, and delivered a celebrity cameo-filled sequence that went far beyond the highly anticipated Supernatural reunion for Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins. This will no doubt go down as one of the most fun and bloodiest hours in all of 2026 TV.

So let’s put our viscera-proof swimming caps on and dive into this muck to celebrate all the larger-than-usual number of wild and gory deaths, as well as series executive producer Seth Rogen heading up a murderer’s row (and eventually murdered row) of comedy stars, including Kumail Nanjiani, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Will Forte and Craig Robinson. All in a day’s work for the Supes that populate The Boys, amirite?

Jensen Ackles Got To Brutally Kill Off His Supernatural Co-Stars

The very first look at Misha Collins on The Boys surprisingly foreshadowed his death in the episode, with Soldier Boy holding his character Malchemical by the throat just before snapping the Supe's neck. I thought the show might buck that expectation somehow, but no.

From a plot perspective, Malchemical's death is pretty tragic by way of Butcher & Co.'s grand plan to kill off Homelander, since he could emit fumes noxious enough to knock the Seven's leader unconscious. Unfortunately, none of The Boys are likely aware Malcehmical exists, and thus likely won't be able to reverse-engineer his knockout gas. (That said, I'm holding out hope for Misha Collins-as-a-corpse to reappear in Episode 506 for Frenchie to extract DNA from.)

Jared Padalecki's speedster Mister Marathon was also an important introduction for the overall plot, as he confirmed where perhaps the last remaining vials of the V1 serum are. But his death was most much elaborate, utilizing some of the gnarliest practical effects I've ever seen in this show. (But only after fans got to see a hilarious assortment of Sony Pictures-produced VCU offshoot movies with Padalecki's character front and center.)

In a sequence straight out of a Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner cartoon, Marathon runs arouns his mansion chasing Soldier Boy, who amusingly puts the various celebs in his pursuer's path, causing each of them to full-on explode the way Hughie's girlfriend did when A-Train zipped through her. I guess Rogen didn't get fully 'sploded, but more on that below.

I Absolutely Loved The Dorky Nods To Superbad And Saturday Night Live

If you're looking for an SNL vet to play the weirdest dude in your movie, you're probably gonna go with Kyle Mooney. But if we're talking the second-weirdest character, that's the realm ruled over by talents like Will Forte and Bill Hader. Only, the latter isn't around anymore in The Boys' timeline, as he was outed (correctly or otherwise) as being a Starlighter, and Forte was only too happy to take advantage. As he put it:

I think hearing him refer to himself as "The Forte" could grow on me. But probably not for a while.

Elsewhere, when everyone is reacting in a panic to Homelander getting knocked out, Mister Marathon makes it clear that one of Forte's most memorable characters does indeed exist in this universe.

• WILL FORTE: Can we f--k off, please?!?
• MISTER MARATHON: Chill out, MacGruber! Everything is cool.

Forte's body does end up looking like the wrong end of a MacGruber mission, as he's the first celeb Soldier Boy sacrifices while running away.

But let's jump back a bit to before things getting so bloody. Seeing Seth Rogen and Christopher Mitz-Plasse together at the card table immediately sparked memories of Superbad, given that was the movie that put Mintz-Plasse on the map. So it's only fitting that he hilariously threw co-star Michael Cera under the bus as a possible traitor.

• CHRIS MINTZ-PLASSE: Hey, do we think Michael Cera's a Starlighter? 'Cause we're up for the same part right now, and it'd be pret-ty good if he got vanished.
• SETH ROGEN: You've been friends with him for 20 years, Chris.
• CHRIS: Yeah, but I really need this part, man.

A couple of minutes later, Homelander's ire has everyone on edge, and Mintz-Plasse once again draws attention to the Arrested Development vet, saying:

Technically, the Bill Hader comment could also count as a Superbad reference, since he and Rogen played the bumbling cops in that. Fans may recall that Craig Robinson played a drug dealer in 2007 comedy and its "Cop Car Confessions" extras. Well, he also showed up for an extremely brief cameo to gripe about Danny Trejo's tacos before Mister Marathon turned him into human salsa.

Seth Rogen Joked About Hating Weed And Then Got Half His Body Blown Off

Amidst all of the stressful happenings, Mintz-Plasse sparks up a joint and offers it to Rogen, who turns it down with the following reasoning:

It's high-ly ridiculous for this scene to imply that Mintz-Plasse wouldn't already be aware of Rogen's disinterest in the devil's lettuce after so many years. But still a funny joke, since there's a less than 0% chance that Rogen wasn't stoned while filming that very scene.

Firecracker's Fuse Was Permanently Snuffed

After all the earlier events of the episode, including Sister Sage laying out her mega-plan to eradicate humanity and catch up on reading, Homelander punctuated the episode off with another shocking death. After Firecracker pulled off arguably her most deplorable and sickening act by falsely accusing her hometown pastor and his church of being in cahoots with Starlighter, so soon after sitting with him and knowing that wasn't the case at all.

Against her better wishes, Firecracker remained loyal to Homelander's "I'm God now" turn to a fault, and likely would have continued to do his bidding for years on end. Which could have happened just so if Homelander never learned that she bagged his old man. He should have directed his anger at Soldier Boy, who knew that Homelander didn't rise to the occasion with her, but instead took it out on the one who actually had his back.

It's not quite as divisive as A-Train death scene in the premiere, since there wasn't anything redeemable happening with Firecracker. But still gave an equally cruel example of how little Homelander cares about anything or anyone around him. He's even getting breast milk from rando churchgoers now? For shame.

Find out who'll be the next to die when The Boys drops the rest of Season 5's episodes on Prime Video every Wednesday.

Movie-making is a wild business. Every actor has countless stories of the strange confluence of art and commerce that creating film and television in Hollywood creates. Creative people try to make entertainment while the studio executives behind them try to make it as successful as possible. It’s led to some strange situations, including Seth Rogen having to convince people to let him cast the likes of Emma Stone.

Seth Rogen plays a studio head in his new series, The Studio, available with an Apple TV+ subscription. In doing so, he becomes the guy who finds himself giving the dreaded studio notes that so many filmmakers hate. Speaking with THR, Rogen admits he’s had some bad notes over the years, including having to convince somebody to let him cast certain actors, including two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone. Rogen said:

While Rogen doesn’t mention any movie by name here, back in 2007, Seth Rogen wrote and produced Superbad. The raunchy comedy was one of Rogen’s earliest efforts, and it was also the first major film role for Emma Stone. Being largely unknown at the time, it’s perhaps understandable why some might have had reservations about casting her.

Except that, you know, basically the entire cast of Superbad was unknown at the time, including the other actors Rogen mentions here.

In retrospect, it absolutely is shocking that somebody would take issue with casting Emma Stone. She’s as funny as anybody in Superbad, and that honestly should have been obvious to anybody paying attention. One can only imagine if Rogen had acquiesced to the request and not cast Stone. She certainly would have still gone on to be a major star, and the fact that somebody fought against casting her might have been quite a career stain.

Rogen admits that today, he largely doesn’t acknowledge studio notes. To be fair, there have been times when studio notes improved movies. It's been known to happen. Having said that, it doesn't sound like Seth rogen will be giving them much attention.

We know them, we love them, and most of the time, we love to hate them. Regardless of how any of us feel about the iconic, troublesome teens that round out the fabric of Hollywood’s youth-centric media, they’ve left their signature messy marks. This list covers the big hitters, the unmistakable part-of-pop-culture adolescents who derailed monumentally (dependent on their character and world, not all misguided minors are created equal). Each calling card of these chaotic characters has a few things in common–they’re lost and faced with conflict–but how they solve their issues leads to many more issues than solutions. Buckle up and grab your favorite nostalgic mix tape/playlist; we’re in for a bumpy ride.

Jim Stark and Buzz Gunderson - Rebel Without a Cause

This is by far one of the most influential movies that jumpstarted the teen genre and it’s big thanks to Jim Stark (James Dean) and Buzz Gunderson (Corey Allen). When gang leader Buzz and new-in-town Jim agree to a “chickie race,” that’s when things go up in smoke. Jim is left to face the fallout.

Marissa Cooper - The O.C.

You could probably make a case for most of The O.C. kids, but Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) undoubtedly tops them all. Coop’s undoing was a monolith and started on the wings of her parents' divorce. It led to underage drinking, tumultuous relationships, petty theft, and eventually to her passing away after a car crash at the end of Season 3.

Danny Zuko - Grease

Like many other ensembles, you could make a pick mostly anyone from the Grease cast, but Danny Zuko's (John Travolta) issues bled into everyone else’s. Not to mention, he strung Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) along until the very end of the movie.

Serena van der Woodsen - Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is another show where you could argue a good case for any of the characters being the biggest saboteur. But like Marissa Cooper, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) just can’t shake off trouble in most things she does. The thought of old her and Georgina Sparks together really sounds like they’d top the list together.

Veronica Sawyer - Heathers

Heathers and Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) were ahead of the curve. When awkward loner Veronica gets invited to join the school’s most popular group, she quickly realizes it’s not the place for her. After befriending new kid Jason Dean (Christian Slater), they accidentally kill one of the Heathers. This sets off an entire killing spree that wreaks havoc on Westerburg High School.

Dawson Leery - Dawson’s Creek

Even though he may have been seen more as a golden boy during his reign, Dawson (James Van Der Beek) caused some major damage in his day. We literally have a separate list showcasing all the times Leery was the worst character for his loved ones to be around. If he'd only been supportive of Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) going to Paris, who knows what could've been?

Cady Heron - Mean Girls

Tina Fey’s wildly quotable Mean Girls needs no introduction or explanation. With Cady (Lindsay Lohan) coming to terms with attending a public high school in the US after growing up in Africa, she is a poster child for this list. As she explores her new reality, she gets lost for a moment amid girl world drama, which leads to multiple friend, family, and relationship troubles.

Rue Bennet - Euphoria

The Max ‘teen’ jewel-encrusted drama juggernaut holds another ensemble of lost and morose students. However, Rue Bennet (Zendaya) and her substance abuse issues are the focal point. It's upended friendships, caused familial stresses, multiple times over, causing Rue to lie, steal and hurt everyone in the East Highlanders.

Chris Hargensen - Carrie

Stephen King’s Carrie is another classic high school staple that helped push the envelope on what fictional teen worlds could hold. Popular girl and bully, Chris Hargensen (Nancy Allen) makes Carrie’s (Sissy Spacek) life a living nightmare. Hargensen continues down a downward spiral that leads to the bone-chilling but iconic prank that happens at the dance (which has some truly grim consequences).

Tim Riggins - Friday Night Lights

If you know anything about this NBC network TV classic, you either love or hate Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch). While he was a regular womanizer, heavy partier, not to mention that he sabotaged himself and the team with some regularity, he straightened up.

Dallas ‘Dally’ Winston - The Outsiders

Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of The Outsiders is a quintessential coming-of-age story. Even though the whole gang is rough and tumble, along with any of the ‘Socs,’ Dally (Matt Dillon) is the most troubled. With an already tumultuous background, Johnny’s death sends him on to make poor decisions for himself and his friends.

Cory Matthews - Boy Meets World

Surprising, I know. The more classic choice from Boy Meets World may be Shawn Hunter, but Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) sparked plenty of trouble in his time (like fellow do-gooder, Dawson Leery). Throughout the 7 seasons, he caused more rifts between his family, friends and Topanga than anyone else.

Billy Loomis & Stu Macher - Scream

Naturally, any teen in any scary movie generally has some baggage that leads to strife in one way or another. Youths like Billy (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu (Matthew Lillard) are different, though, they are intentionally motivated to terrify and harm their fellow classmates and the people of Woodsboro. Unfortunately for them, their plans backfire on them gravely.

Lucas Scott - One Tree Hill

Like the aforementioned teen network drama shows of the mid and late ‘00s, any character is up for debate. Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray), the main protagonist, puts on a good show of commotion for everyone in his life. Being a serial heartbreaker while being unloyal and manipulative to others lands him this particular title.

Jennifer Check - Jennifer’s Body

Jennifer’s Body, again, isn’t filled with average adolescents, and especially not Jennifer (Megan Fox). While she and longtime friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) head out for a semi-average night of Jennifer-approved fun, all goes awry. We find out that Jennifer has turned into a demon feasting on the male teens of Devil’s Kettle, WY. After the friends face off, Needy gets pinned for the murders and gets taken to an insane asylum.

Rachel Berry - Glee

The destined-for-greatness Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) typically stopped at nothing to get what she wanted, regardless of the consequences. While the fictional NYADA darling had moments of hope and promise, her ego and ambition always seemed to cause more harm than good. (Any Ryan Murphy-created teen could do, though.)

Seth - Superbad

The 2007 classic was the first Seth Rogen-Evan Goldberg project, and it immediately put them on the map. The semi-biographical Superbad revolves around characters with the same names and pretty typical senior tropes. Of the fictional duo Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), and their pal, Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), the first of the trio creates the most trouble for their celebratory evening. While the trio make up, along with the girls (Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac), before graduation.

Rory Gilmore - Gilmore Girls

“Why did you drop out of Yale?” Even though Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is one of the more unusual fictional high schoolers on the list, her dropping out was monumental for the world of Gilmore Girls. Even Lauren Graham didn’t like the storyline because of the turmoil it created between Lorelai and Rory. Not to mention, her sleeping with Dean, missing Lorelai's graduation and later on, being more lost than ever in her 30s.

Donnie - Donnie Darko

Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) isn’t your typical troublesome, drama-filled teen, even though his choices in one reality lead to serious consequences. His present ED signifiers (Emotional Disturbance) present Donnie as something else, but we eventually come to realize he's an anti-hero of sorts. As he comes to realize that there are multiple timelines at play, he chooses to fix it to save Gretchen Ross' (Jena Malone) life. And with his developed powers, he returns to the day when it all went awry, which leads to his destiny--death.

Archie Andrews - Riverdale

Archie of The CW’s Riverdale was one of the many, much darker TV reboots out there. And though all the drama has always hinged on the red-headed football hero regardless of genre, the TV show really packs Archie with a punch. To be fair, he also found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time quite frequently–it’s how he reacted to them that gives him the top spot for the searching students of Riverdale High.

Kathryn Merteuil & Sebastian Valmont - Cruel Intentions

Another young and terrifying twosome is Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Philippe). The oddball step-siblings wager a bet that involves innocent and new Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon). Through the scheme, the group of students is faced with continuing drama until a very sad end.

Valerie Malone - Beverly Hills, 90210

Though there was plenty of actual drama on the set of Beverly Hills, 90210, Valerie Malone (Tiffani Thiessen) wasted no time sowing seeds of chaos. Arriving in Season 5 with a lot of baggage in the form of family trauma, Malone was immediately set up to be in trouble. She dated many of the guys and regularly feuded with the girls.

Max Fischer - Rushmore

As one of the many stylized Wes Anderson films, Rushmore was one of his earliest. Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) is a love-drunk student determined to date his teacher and will stop at nothing to achieve it. After an array of mishaps and his fellow acquaintance, Blume (Bill Murray), hitting it off with her, Max loses it. He leaked the affair publicly and temporarily burned bridges with both of them.

Willow Rosenberg - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Willow’s (Alyson Hannigan) rise to raising hell for Buffy and co. may be a slow burn, but once she hits it, things get wild. While her use of telepathy, manipulation and struggling to keep her magic in check kick off the season, Tara’s death sets Willow into overdrive in trying to destroy the world.

PJ & Josie - Bottoms

Gen Z coming-of-age comedies come in all shapes and sizes, including Emma Seligman’s Bottoms. The satirical take on the high school experience is wild, especially with PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri). The BFF’s hatch a fight club for girls so they can talk to cheerleaders they have crushes on. Needless to say, a lot of drama goes down, including a car blowing up.

Mona Vanderwaal - Pretty Little Liars

Honestly, most characters from the 2010 series have a fair shot here. But Mona (Janel Parrish) is the reason for all of the mystery and torment. She is who sparks the series because of her grudge against the main friend group. Eventually, she becomes one of them, and even more trouble ensues.

Laura Palmer - Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

In my opinion, there’s no list about misguided high schoolers complete without Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). The character was cemented into pop culture in David Lynch’s cult show, Twin Peaks, but the less popular prequel movie shows her tragic undoing. Her last days are filled with traumas relating to her drug addiction, web of lies and darker spirits. Warning, this movie isn't for the faint of heart.

DeGrassi: The Next Generation

DeGrassi: The Next Generation is maybe the only title on the list in which each character is as chaotic and troubled as the last. The iconic Canadian teen soap has multiple iterations, but the 2002-2015 series takes the cake. Between the students, they have every classic dramatic HS storyline in the book, and alumni Drake’s “I’m Upset” reunion-filled music video summarizes some key points.

Nancy Downs - The Craft

The quartet of girls in The Craft start as lost as the next, but Nancy’s (Fairuza Balk) power-hungry ways destroy what they have together. After quiet Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) moves to town and gets wronged, Downs and her pals take her in. All four hatch a scheme to cast a spell on the wrongdoer, and when it succeeds, that’s when Nancy starts sabotaging everything.

John B - Outer Banks

Netflix’s Outer Banks is one wild ride with wayward John B (Chase Stokes) at the helm. Sure, other characters may be outwardly more troubled (JJ, Sarah or Rafe), but everyone’s lives intensified because of John B’s initial treasure hunt.

Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson - Lady Bird

As one of the more subtle teenage pot stirrers, Ladybird (Saoirse Ronan) still makes her presence and opinions unmistakably clear. Her main sources of conflict reside within her relationship with her hardworking mom (Laurie Metcalf) and nerdy best friend (Beanie Feldstein). While Lady Bird temporarily burns bridges with both in pursuit of greater life expectations and new friends, she mends things with both.

Effy Stonem - Skins UK

A cult classic that ran from 2007-2013 and largely featured the rebellious but lost Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario). From the jump, we see 14-year-old her sneaking home in the early morning after being out all night at a rave. Needless to say, Effy’s journey was a bumpy one filled with substance abuse, mental health crises, and a web of lies.

Some movies just get lucky when it comes to young, up-and-coming casts. Movies like Dazed and Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High are legendary for this, but there are so many more. This is a list dedicated to those movies that somehow pulled together major stars before they were stars.

Platoon (1986)

Oliver Stone collected an impressive stable of talent for his Oscar-winning film Platoon. Charlie Sheen was a star on the rise, but most of his roles had been in supporting roles. Tom Berringer and Willem Dafoe, who play dueling sergeants, were also very early in their careers. Add that young actors like Johnny Depp, Kevin Dillon, Forest Whitaker, and John C. McGinley and it adds up to one amazing cast.

School Ties (1992)

1992's School Ties is everything this list is about. Not only was it Brendan Fraser's first lead role (other than Encino Man), but it had young stars in the making named Chris O'Donnell, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser, and Anthony Rapp.

Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Director John Singleton rocked the world with his debut feature Boyz n the Hood, and the cast he assembled was impressive. Cuba Gooding, Jr., Morris Chestnut, Angela Bassett, Nia Long, and Regina King were all very early in their careers, and Ice Cube proved he could jump from hip hop icon to actor with acclaim.

The Faculty (1998)

The Faculty was Robert Rodriguez's follow-up to From Dusk Til Dawn, and while it doesn't have the same rep that his first few movies have, it's still an underrated gem of a teen horror movie. It boasts a cast that included a young Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Josh Hartnett, Elijah Wood, and Shawn Hatosy, not to mention Jon Stewart in one of the earliest, and biggest, movie roles of his career.

Empire Records (1995)

Like a lot of coming-of-age teen dramadies, Empire Records has an impressive cast of young actors destined for stardom. Actors like Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger, Robin Tunney, Rory Cochrane, Ethan Embry, and Debi Mazar.

National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)

The biggest star in Animal House is, without a doubt, John Belushi. He was already one of the most famous comedic actors in the country due to his success on Saturday Night Live. However, Animal House was his very first starring role, and he was joined by other young actors who were on their way up, like Karen Allen, Stephen Furst, Tim Matheson, Tom Hulce, Bruce McGill, and, of course, Kevin Bacon, in his first-ever movie role.

The Outsiders (1983)

Francis Ford Coppola's iconic The Outsiders has to be on this list. The cast, almost all of whom were in one of the earliest roles of their careers, would go on to become some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Stars like Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane, Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, and C. Thomas Howell. Nothing more really needs to be said.

The Goonies (1985)

Any movie with a list of young actors like Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, and Ke Huy Quan belongs on this list. The Goonies is an iconic Gen X movie, and the cast grew up with the same generation and became icons in and of themselves.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

The biggest stars in Saving Private Ryan, like Tom Hanks and Tom Sizemore, were already well established in their careers, of course. The supporting cast, however, was filled with young up-and-comers like Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, Nathan Fillion, Jeremy Davies, Adam Goldberg, and, of course, Matt Damon as the titular Private Ryan.

Diner (1982)

Barry Levinson has become one of the most revered directors in Hollywood, and his first movie included a lot of young actors who were headed for big careers. Ellen Barkin, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, and Tim Daly all joined Paul Riser, who was making his film debut in Diner.

Dazed And Confused (1993)

Director Richard Linklater's 1993 classic Dazed and Confused is the prototype for a list like this. The teen comedy set in the '70s but helped define '90s cinema includes one of the most stacked casts of young actors ever. There are huge stars like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey (in his first major role), Parker Posey, Yellowstone star Cole Hauser, Anthony Rapp, Adam Goldberg, Milla Jovovich, and even Renée Zellweger as an extra.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

There are few teen comedies more beloved than Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Not only is the movie hilarious, but it also features some major stars in the making. Stars like Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Phoebe Cates, and Forrest Whitaker. Then there are the stoners in the movie, led by Sean Penn. His buddies in the movie were played by Anthony Edwards and Eric Stoltz. And don't forget Nicolas Cage (billed as Nicolas Coppola) in his first appearance on the big screen as an extra.

The Big Chill (1983)

There is no more iconic Baby Boomer nostalgia flick than The Big Chill. While most of the actors in the ensemble cast have established careers, none could really be called stars until after the success of the movie. Actors like William Hurt, Meg Tilly, Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Kevin Kline, and maybe the most famous "cast member," Kevin Costner. Costner played the corpse of their dead friend, and while his face isn't even seen on screen, he counts, right?

Do The Right Thing (1989)

Spike Lee burst onto the Hollywood scene in the late '80s, and his 1989 joint Do The Right Thing changed the rules of filmmaking forever. It helps that he assembled a cast that included young actors like Giancarlo Stanton, John Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson, and Rosie Perez.

Basquiat (1996)

Jeffery Wright had his breakout role as the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in Basquiat. He was joined by a lot of established stars like David Bowie, Dennis Hopper, and Gary Oldman, but there were quite a few young stars on the move, too. Actors like Benicio del Toro, Claire Forlani, Parker Posey, and even Sam Rockwell in a small role as a street hood,

Stand By Me (1986)

Stand By Me doesn't have a big cast, but almost everyone in the movie became a big star after its release. There's the older group of guys led by Keifer Sutherland and Casey Siemaszko, but it's the group of kids that really got famous from the movie. Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, and the late River Phoenix all have breakout roles. Plus, there's a bonus with John Cusack as Wheaton's character's dead brother in flashbacks.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)

The cast of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a who's who of 2010's stars. Sure, Michael Cera had already begun making a name for himself, but there are a slew of others on the rise. Actresses like Aubrey Plaza, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Anna Kendrick, Alison Pill, and Brie Larson make up the bulk of the cast. Kieran Culkin and a pre-Captain America Chris Evans also show up.

Young Guns (1988)

Just like the title says, Young Guns isn't only about a bunch of young gunfighters in the late 19th Century like Billy The Kid, but the cast was also a bunch of young guns in Hollywood. Emilio Estevez leads a cast that also includes his brother Charlie Sheen alongside Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Dermot Mulroney, and Casey Siemaszko. In the sequel, they were joined by Christian Slater, Balthazar Getty, and Bradley Whitford, among others.

Love Actually (2003)

Guys like Colin Firth and Hugh Grant were already big names when they starred in Love Actually, but much of the rest of the cast were in the very early days of their careers, most notably Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, Kiera Knightly, January Jones, Shannon Elizabeth, Denise Richards, and Martin Freeman.

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

From the minds of The State came the now-iconic teen summer camp romp Wet Hot American Summer. It's like a little bit of the 1980s in the early 21st Century. It also features a cast who have gone on the big things in Hollywood, including Bradley Cooper in his first role, where he was joined by Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Elizabeth Banks, alongside vets like David Hyde Pierce and Janeane Garofalo.

St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

This list would be incomplete without mentioning the famous 1980s "Brat Pack," and St. Elmo's Fire is where almost the whole crew was in the same movie. Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy lead the cast list. Andie McDowell also appears in one of her earliest roles.

American Pie (1999)

Like so many other teen romps before and after it, American Pie is loaded with future stars. Jason Biggs leads the cast as Jim, and he's joined by Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, and Natasha Lyonne. Not to mention the well-established stars like Eugene Levy and Jennifer Coolidge.

Black Hawk Down (2001)

2001's Black Hawk Down from director Ridley Scott has a mix of established stars like Ewan McGregor, Jason Isaacs, Tom Sizemore, and Sam Shepard, and young soon-to-be stars like Eric Bana, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Orlando Bloom, Tom Hardy, Hugh Dancy, and Ty Burrell.

Catch-22 (1970)

In 1970, the book Catch-22 was adapted on the screen for the first time and had some of the biggest stars of all-time in it, like Orson Welles, but if also had some future stars like Alan Arkin, Charles Grodin, Bob Balaban, and a young Martin Sheen in one of his first major roles.

Private Parts (1997)

In the mid-1990s, Howard Stern was the "King of all Media," and he proved it with his hit movie Private Parts, based on his first memoir. The movie starred most of the Stern crew from his radio show, but they were augmented by young actors like Paul Giamatti in his breakout role, Mary McCormack, Allison Janey, Edie Falco, and Leslie Bibb.

Superbad (2007)

It's fair to say that Superbad helped launch a bunch of careers into the stratosphere. Michael Cera got his breakthrough role, and so did Jonah Hill. They were joined by Seth Rogen, who was already on the rise; Bill Hader, who was in one of his earliest movie roles; and Emma Stone, who was in her very first movie role. It's a stacked cast, to say the least.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Matthew Modine was the biggest "star" in Stanley Kubrick's Vietnam War classic Full Metal Jacket, but he was hardly a big star at the time. The rest of the cast includes Vincent D'Onofrio, in his first major role, Adam Baldwin, and R. Lee Ermey, who was originally brought in as a consultant and ended up launching an acting career.

American Graffiti (1973)

George Lucas burst onto the Hollywood scene with his first major production, American Graffiti, in 1973, and he helped bring attention to a lot of future stars in some of their earliest roles, most notably Harrison Ford, of course. Ron Howard was already famous from Andy Griffith, but this movie would help him transition to older roles. The film also helped make stars of Richard Dreyfuss, Mackenzie Phillips, Cindy Williams, and Suzanne Somers.

Midnight Madness (1980)

Midnight Madness is one of the most forgotten Disney movies, but in the early '80s, it was a staple of cable TV. The cast included, most notably, Michael J. Fox and David Naughton in their first movie roles. It also included up-and-comers like Simpson's cast member Maggie Roswell and Animal House cast member Stephen Furst. Paul Rubens also has a small role in one of his first movies as well.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is still remembered as director Guy Ritchie's first film, and it also includes some young actors whose careers blew up after the movie. Most notably, Jason Statham, but also Nick Moran, Jason Flemyng, former soccer player Vinnie Jones, and Steven Mackintosh.

Not Another Teen Movie (2001)

Yet another teen movie - or in this case, Not Another Teen Movie - helped launch a bunch of career,s like Chris Evans in his first starring role and Josh Radnor in his first role ever. Jaime Pressly, Mia Kirshner, Chyler Leigh, Lacey Chabert, and Eric Christian Olsen join them.

Can't Hardly Wait (1998)

1998's Can't Hardly Wait falls in that sweet spot where it's beloved by young Gen Xers and elder Millennials. It's easy to see why, with a cast that includes up-and-coming stars like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Seth Green, Jason Segel, Clea Duvall, Seann Patrick Thomason, Donald Faison, and Selma Blair, among others.

Superbad is one of those comedies that earned its R rating, as Jonah Hill’s Seth, Michael Cera’s Evan and Christopher Mintz-Plasse get into a lot of shenanigans that are definitely not meant for children’s eyes. But even with an R-rated movie, there are certain things that aren’t going to fly, some of which are just common sense. Then there are the unexpected reasons why something can’t be included, like when Seth Rogen, who co-wrote Superbad with Evan Goldberg, received a wild note from Sony Pictures that involved Hill’s character, which he described as “insulting.”

While speaking with Rotten Tomatoes at SXSW, where his new Apple TV+ show The Studio premiered, shared that his favorite note from working on Superbad was how Sony forbid the character Seth from using a PlayStation because he’s so detestable. As Rogen recalled:

Like Rogen mentioned, Superbad is loosely adapted from his and Goldberg’s own teen years, so he’s well within his rights to feel insulted. But with the PlayStation being Sony’s pride and joy in the realm of video games, apparently the executives at the film studio felt that Jonah Hill’s Seth was too reprehensible to show him playing the console. This sounds quite similar to the alleged rule Apple has that villains in movies and TV shows cannot be shown using iPhones.

Still, this wasn’t enough of a sticking point for Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg to put up a fight. Instead, Michael Cera’s Evan was show using the PlayStation while Seth, the character, was picking through Evan’s clothes for something to wear for the party that night. See for yourself:

Frankly, the PlayStation thing seems a little extreme, but Sony is well within its rights to rule out a character gaming on one. Ultimately, learning this information doesn’t detract from Superbad’s quality, and it was once even determined to be the funniest movie of all time. I don’t know if I’d go that far, as not everything in Superbad has aged well since its release in 2007. Still, the movie still has plenty of silver linings, and it played a big role in making Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Emma Stone households names in Hollywood.

Superbad can currently be streamed on fuboTV, which can be added on to your Hulu subscription. If you’re interested in seeing Seth Rogen’s work on The Studio, it will premiere to Apple TV+ subscription holders on March 26.

About a week into my daughters’ summer break, my 13-year-old mentioned in passing how many movies she’d already seen since school ended. This isn’t a particularly unusual occurrence, since her dad and I both try to ingest as much content as is humanly possible, but it did get me thinking about how to enhance her experience. I started keeping track of what we watched together, picking her brain on everything from the classics to the new 2024 movie releases. We ended up making it through 30 flicks, and I couldn’t be prouder of what she said was her favorite. Also, yeah, she hated Madame Web.

Movie nights have always been a big thing in our family, and especially now that our daughter is old enough to watch most things, it’s actually really interesting to hear her perspective on the different genres from different eras. I’d never have guessed, though, that of everything she saw this summer, Airplane!, one of the best movies from the ‘80s, would be her favorite.

My Teen Screamed In Laughter Watching Airplane!

When it comes to teenagers (and kids in general), you never know what’s going to come out of their mouths. I showed her the list I’d compiled of the movies we’d watched, and there was definitely a moment where I had to consider what my reaction would be if she said something like The Garfield Movie was her favorite. Thankfully, she chose the 1980 classic Airplane!, and when I asked why she went with an older movie, she said:

Be still my heart.

She liked that the jokes were nonstop and not overtly vulgar. Obviously she can appreciate some dark humor, because boy are there a lot of WTF moments in Airplane!. Really, though, what sealed the deal for her was the scene where the stewardess Randy plays a song for the sick girl Lisa, inadvertently knocking her IV out. My daughter howled in laughter and tears flowed. That is absolutely the reaction you’d hope for.

There were some things we had to explain to her, like who Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Barbara Billingsley were, but the sheer volume of laughs that didn’t require pop culture knowledge was more than enough to make up for that.

Superbad And The Truman Show Made Up The Rest Of Her Top 3

There was a discussion beforehand about whether Superbad — one of the best movies of the 2000s — was too inappropriate for a 13-year-old, and ultimately I insisted it was fine. Almost immediately, I knew I was wrong. Somehow I’d forgotten just how crude the humor is, not to mention Seth and Evan’s ultimate goal of bringing alcohol to the party in hopes of hooking up with Jules and Becca. However, my teenager loved it.

There were more screams to be had with Seth’s dick drawings, and she may have writhed herself onto the floor in horror when Jonah Hill’s character got period blood on his pants. She agreed there are plenty of reasons to hate Superbad, but she really enjoyed McLovin and his night out with the cops, enough to make up for the rest. In the end, was Superbad too inappropriate for her? She answered:

Worth it enough, even, to endure multiple conversations with me about teenage boys, high school parties and how using alcohol to make someone like you is disgusting at best.

As for The Truman Show, I was surprised that something more dramatic made her Top 3, but she said she loved when the movie — one of Jim Carrey’s best — showed the viewers in bars and at home watching Truman’s every move. In the teen's words:

She found it interesting to watch Truman’s life crumble around him, and she liked that she had no idea what was going to happen next.

Madame Web Was The Only Movie My Teenager ‘Hated’

Now we’ve got to get into the Madame Web of it all.

My 13-year-old had her own ranking system that went from “Favorite” to “Hated,” and only one movie fell into the latter category (which was written in red, incidentally, and underlined twice). She said she didn’t find the story interesting and didn’t like any of the characters. She absolutely abhorred the end when Dakota Johnson’s character used her powers to comment on the take-out the teens had gotten and to say “Bless you” to Anya before she sneezed. For real, how obnoxious.

What I found interesting about my teen’s strong reaction to this film was the fact that she didn’t know how badly the film was getting panned. I had read Madame Web’s negative reviews and mentioned it wasn’t supposed to be great, but that’s never stopped us from enjoying a clunker. (To that point, my daughter ranked Tarot and Abigail as “So Bad It’s Good.”) I may be biased, but I think the girl’s got good taste.

We Saw Twisters; My Daughter Is Not A Glen Powell Fan

She may agree with the general consensus on Madame Web, but when it comes to Glen Powell, I think she's in the minority. After watching both Twisters and its predecessor, she claimed to hate the romance stories in both (that’s fair) and described Powell's character as “standoffish and a jerk,” despite his well-intentioned motivations. (I promise my teen hasn’t been on Reddit.) She also thought Anthony Ramos was under-utilized, which is not a surprising statement, coming from my Hamilton- and In the Heights-loving theater kid.

Inside Out 2 May Have Hit Too Close To Home For My 13-Year-Old

I thought my daughter would relate to Inside Out 2’s Riley, as she is also 13 and has struggled with anxiety (she gave me permission to say that), but the second-hand embarrassment was just too much for her. She said:

I said maybe that’s how adults remember feeling during their own teen years, but she remained skeptical. She was still all for the representation and thought Anxiety as a character was portrayed well.

Quick Hits From My Teenager

So many movies, so little time. Here are some quick thoughts from our other ventures into film this summer:

• Coyote Ugly: “Good movie, but the romance, ugh!”
• Trap: Multiple forced viewings of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert film did not negatively affect her opinion of this movie. She called it “Fine.”
• The Garfield Movie: “Daddy issues propaganda,” she spits out, then bursts into giggles.
• Bad Boys: “I didn’t like some parts of it.” She felt so bad for Marcus’ wife that she couldn’t enjoy the humor, which I found sweet and hilarious. She ranked it "Meh," and did not continue the series.
• Donnie Darko: “Ooh, that was a good one. Love and fear, gang. Spread it.”
• Mamma Mia!: I cannot get her to stop saying, “Is that ABBA?!”
• Billy Madison: “So cringe, but so good.”

I’m glad that I kept track of our movie-filled summer, because it’s been a blast talking through these with my teenager. She brings a different, and sometimes really unexpected, perspective to movies, whether I’m seeing them in the theater for the first time with her or I’ve watched them multiple times over the years. I’d fully recommend it to any parent.

Regarding movie and TV characters that have withstood the test of time, I can think of no better characters than the sarcastic ones. These people we remember the most years later for their hilarious jokes, awesome one-liners, and deliveries that just can't be beaten. Today, we'll review the most sarcastic TV characters and the ones from movies. 

Chandler Bing (Friends)

Out of the entirety of the Friends cast, I don't think there's been another character that stands out just as much as Chandler Bing. From his first moments on the series to his last, Chandler was hands down the most sarcastic of the leading group, and some of his lines have lived on for years long after the series ended. Friends was undoubtedly one of Matthew Perry's best TV shows.

Deadpool (The Deadpool Franchise)

Deadpool from the Deadpool franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is sarcastic by nature. No matter what fight he's dealing with, there's always a joke that comes flying out not that long after, whether it be a lighter joke or a very much Rated-R quip, Ryan Reynolds' character always has a quick remark.

Roman Roy (Succession)

The Succession cast is always serious about what is happening in the show – as they should be. It's a lot of money they are dealing with. 

But Roman Roy? He is the most unserious character ever and will break any tension with a sarcastic quip that will undoubtedly sit in viewers' minds for hours long after the TV show ends. Kieran Culkin was a beast at his delivery. 

Tony Stark (The MCU)

Out of the original Avengers, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr. in one of his best roles) is hands down the most sarcastic. I'm pretty sure half the time, it was just Downey Jr. acting like himself on screen because he's Tony Stark in real life. I'll never get over how he called one of Thanos' henchmen, Squidward, literally. 

Sherlock Holmes (Elementary & Sherlock) 

It's hard to pick just one Sherlock – so why not both? Benedict Cumberbatch from Sherlock and Jonny Lee Miller from Elementary both perfectly capture what it's like to play Sherlock Holmes – as well as his sassy and sarcastic nature when solving the case. They are some of the best portrayals of Sherlock out there – I'll give Robert Downey Jr. an honorable mention, too, for his role as Sherlock in the Sherlock movies.

Max Black (2 Broke Girls)

Kat Dennings has probably some of the best one-liners in all of 2 Broke Girls as Max Black. Coming from a broken home, the character came swinging right out the gate with hilarious one-liners and wits that made me laugh for hours on end – even if deep down, we all know she uses sarcasm as her emotional shield.  

Comic Book Guy (The Simpsons)

Few characters on this list have been around for decades, but Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons was primed for that. Appearing in the second season of The Simpsons, the character has remained a mainstay in the series for his sarcastic nature and love of all things comic books, making snide comments to anyone who challenges his mastery of the medium.

Juno (Juno)

Juno from Juno is probably the most relatable teenage character in movies (besides, maybe, the whole teen pregnancy part). She's witty and sarcastic and uses it in situations where you probably shouldn't use humor, but it's what brings you comfort. Admittedly, Juno was my favorite movie character for a long time. 

Gregory House (House)

There are many medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy, New Amsterdam, and so many others, but nothing can beat House and its namesake doctor, Gregory House. A man who is incredibly smart but has a drug problem, he uses sarcasm in his everyday job, which not only makes him hilarious but also causes him to run into some interesting patient situations. 

Hades (Hercules)

I will stand by the fact that Hades is hands down the best Disney villain overall. Not only is he so sarcastic and makes jokes about death and Greek mythology all the time, but he's able to use that hilarity and turn it sinister, turning into a pretty scary villain when he needs to be. But you can't hate him because he's just so funny. 

Roger Sterling (Mad Men)

When I first watched Mad Men and attempted to find someone I liked from the cast, the first person that came to mind was Roger Sterling. Portrayed by John Slattery, Sterling had some of the best storylines on the series – and brought that sarcasm despite all his heavy problems. 

Tyrion (Game Of Thrones)

There are some great Tyrion quotes out there that I could reference for hours about how sarcastic this man is, but they wouldn't do it justice. Honestly, rewatch Game of Thrones for Tyrion's sarcastic nature – I assure you, you will laugh just as much the first time you watched this series thanks to Peter Dinklage's excellent performance. 

Seinfeld (Seinfeld)

I mean, come on. Of course, we must put Jerry Seinfeld from Seinfeld on this list. The man was born to be a sarcastic comedian, and in every episode of this series, something will come out of his mouth to make you laugh. 

Miranda Bailey (Grey's Anatomy)

The Grey's Anatomy cast has ebbed and flowed so often throughout its long run that it's sometimes hard to remember everyone there. But Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson, has been in the show for years, and honestly, she's one of the few that I see the reason why. Not only is she hilarious in her sarcastic nature, but her facial expressions are to die for. 

Lucifer (Lucifer)

When you're the ruler of Hell, you tend to have a sense of humor from all the darkness going around, and of course, Lucifer from Lucifer is very much like that. And he has a sense of humor that is unlike anyone else. I'm pretty sure Lucifer can charm anyone with his sarcastic nature and pretty smile – and yes, he would most likely delight me, too, with his sarcasm.

Alex Russo (Wizards Of Waverly Place)

As someone who grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place, Alex Russo is why I am the person I am today. Funny, quippy, and sarcastic, this girl always knew how to make anyone laugh, regardless of the situation. And it's certainly a show to watch if you love Selena Gomez, as she plays Russo. 

Fallon Carrington (Dynasty)

If you want a character that genuinely lives for drama, then Fallon Carrington (played by Elizabeth Gillies) from Dynasty is the one for you. She grew up with money and power, but because everyone was always fighting each other within her family, she learned how to stand up for herself quickly – which manifested into some of the most sarcastic moments of the show. 

Stiles (Teen Wolf)

I'm 99% sure Stiles from the Teen Wolf cast can use his sarcasm as a weapon. Before he was affected by any supernatural forces, he was genuinely just a funny kid who used sarcasm in every way possible, and yes, I am still missing Dylan O'Brien in this role, because he was just the best. 

David (Schitt's Creek)

In modern-day television, no one is as sarcastic as David from the Schitt's Creek cast. Played by Dan Levy, this character had so many moments of sass that they are printed on t-shirts all over the place now. I still laugh just as hard when he says, "You look like the downfall of society," years later. 

Charlie (Two And A Half Men)

Fun fact – I binge-watched Two And A Half-Men for the first time in 2023, and yes, I am now aware of how funny Charlie Sheen was in this show as Charlie. He is probably the most sarcastic TV character I've ever gotten the chance to watch – and no matter how many times I view the episodes, I still laugh just as hard. 

Seth (Superbad)

The Superbad elevated many people among its cast up to fame, and one of those just happened to be Jonah Hill, who played Seth in the film. From there, we see how hilarious and sarcastic Hill could be when he played Seth and somehow made me laugh despite his strange nature – and his weird obsessions. 

April Ludgate (Parks And Recreation)

Aubrey Plaza's best TV shows certainly includes her role in the Parks and Recreation cast, where she played April Ludgate. Her deadpan-style comedy and the way she responded to any joke is what made her such a great addition to this cast, and in any rewatch, she's always the standout star. 

Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

Arguably, you could place anyone from the Big Bang Theory cast on this list, but Sheldon stands out. He's sarcastic, intelligent, and pretty much the face of the franchise – I mean, he got his series afterward, so it's not surprising he's on this list. 

Betty Rizzo (Grease)

Betty Rizzo is an exciting pick on this list because while she is undoubtedly sarcastic and a mean girl, we all know she's going through some serious personal stuff. Regardless, she channels her emotions into her sarcasm and truly comes up with some funny one-liners that have lived on – and of course, we can't forget the sarcasm queen's song, "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."

Miranda (Sex & The City)

Miranda Hobbes from the Sex and the City cast was the sarcastic and funny friend I'm sure we all want in our thirties. Portrayed by Cynthia Nixon, Miranda is a career-minded woman who has probably one of the most cynical takes on relationships and men in general, and she makes it known plenty through her sarcastic quips.  

Daria (Daria)

Daria's sarcasm from the show Daria is what made her famous. The adult animated sitcom -- a spinoff from Beavis and Butt-Head -- was released in the late 1990s and featured the story of Daria, a cynical high school student who was hilarious in every way. Let's be honest; we all wanted to be her. 

Sterling Archer (Archer)

Archer is all about Sterling Archer – who makes this animated series so much more fun with his sarcasm. As a secret agent who is as narcissistic as he is sarcastic, he makes this show as hilarious as some of the best TV shows.

Loki (The MCU)

I must include the supervillain (or hero, depending on how you look at him), Loki. From his first appearance in the MCU to his TV show on Disney+, Tom Hiddleston has made Loki one of the most sarcastic supervillains in the MCU. It's no wonder he keeps coming back again and again. 

Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)

"Florals? In the spring? How original." You can't get better than Miranda Priestly. Meryl Streep portrayed the character in The Devil Wears Prada cast, and this character used her sarcasm as a weapon to anyone who dared go against what she wanted. Truly, no one did it as well as Priestly. 

Severus Snape (The Harry Potter Franchise)

While Severus Snape was a man of few words in most of his appearances in the Harry Potter franchise, he was full of sass and sarcasm. Played by Alan Rickman, Severus Snape was a powerful wizard, and in some of his best moments, he used his sass and sarcasm against everyone, especially his students. 

Saul (Better Call Saul)

I mean, it's Saul Goodman. He's the king of sarcasm. There's a reason why Bob Odenkirk received an entire spinoff dedicated to the character after starring in Breaking Bad – he's an okay-ish lawyer with no shortage of sarcasm to offer. He can somehow always get someone out of trouble.

Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

What do you do when all your friends and family have bending abilities but you don't? You use sarcasm as a weapon, of course, and that's what Sokka did in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Hands down, Sokka was the funniest of the leading group of characters in the popular Nickelodeon show.

Richard Hayden (Tommy Boy)

David Spade is another iconic actor known for his sarcastic characters, and one of his best is Richard Hayden from Tommy Boy. His scenes with Chris Farley made him all the funnier and stands out as one of his best movies. 

Billy (Billy Madison)

Adam Sandler is known for being sarcastic in many of his movie roles, and one of his most iconic was Billy in Billy Madison. A spoiled man, Billy was hilarious in every way and used his sarcasm and dimwitted nature to get whatever he wanted – which, later on, hilariously backfires. 

There are plenty of great sarcastic characters out there to love and enjoy, but these guys certainly stand out as some of the best. Now if you don't mind me, I'm going to look up a compilation of Chandler Bing's funniest moments and laugh my butt off again and again. 

Before you yell at me, I know Superbad is one of the best movies of the 2000s, and I’m well aware that Evan Goldberg’s and Seth Rogen’s comedy is considered one of the greatest films within the genre. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and mine is that I had a really hard time liking this coming-of-age comedy. 

Going into my first viewing of this movie I really thought I’d like it. I was coming off the high of 2019’s Booksmart, and hearing all about how it was a lot like the comedy starring Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. I was riding a high, I loved the comedy from Olivia Wilde, and I figured I’d love the 2007 classic too. I also adore the entire cast of Superbad and I tend to like most movies in this genre. However, I hated Superbad the first time around. 

So, in an effort to prove my original opinion wrong, because I feel like I should love this movie, I gave Superbad a second chance. And while I liked it more on this rewatch, there are still elements to this film I hate. However, there are some delightful silver linings too. 

Jonah Hill’s Character Is Insufferable 

Let me start by saying that I can’t stand Seth, the character, not Jonah Hill, the actor. In fact, 21 Jump Street is one of my favorite comedies, and I tend to enjoy most of Hill’s movies. With that out of the way, I think I can now safely say that his character in Superbad is insufferable, and the primary reason I don’t like this movie. I’m not exaggerating when I say that just about every single time he was on screen I wanted to turn the movie off. Seth is a whiney, immature and self-centered dude, and I genuinely couldn’t take his complaining. 

Let’s take the scene where they find out about Fogell’s fake ID for example. Both Seth and Evan are understandably mad that their friend decided to just go by McLovin and claim he was 25. However, Evan handled the situation in a much calmer way, and there was really no reason for Seth to yell: 

I didn’t find it funny, I found it aggressive. Seth had already yelled at the kid enough, this was excessive, and moments like this happen consistently during Superbad. 

What really bothered me the most about him was how he blamed literally everything on others. He never really took the blame on himself, and he didn’t try to help his friends when they failed, instead, he just screamed at them. Now, we can blame this on him being a teenager, however, that’s no excuse. His pal, Evan, is a sweetheart, and while he shouldn’t have kept his rooming situation a secret, Seth had no reason to push him around and be rude to him for the entire movie (with the exception of the final few minutes). 

Superbad Is A Product Of Its Time, And I Am Not Of That Time 

Superbad came out in 2007, and you can tell for a couple of reasons, one that’s problematic and one that’s not really its fault. Nevertheless, it’s a major reason I didn’t like the movie. 

On a few occasions, they used ableist and homophobic remarks, and the way the men talk about women in many scenes can be pretty degrading. I realize that when this movie came out, all of this was not necessarily frowned upon in the way it is now. However, I couldn’t look over it for that reason. 

Along with some of the problematic elements of the movie, this issue with it being a product of its time also comes down to a simple difference in generational humor. I was 8 years old when Superbad came out, and I am not exactly part of the generation it was targeting. In my mind, a movie like Booksmart, which came out in 2019 and is about two high school girls going on a Superbad-like adventure, is way funnier. However, I also realize that my lived experience matches that of Amy and Molly's more than Seth and Evan’s for a myriad of reasons, one of the major ones being that the early 2000s and what was funny then is different than what’s funny now.  

Respectful King Michael Cera Is At His Funniest When He’s Not With Jonah Hill 

I’ve always loved Michael Cera, and this movie was just another reason why. However, my minor bone to pick with this situation is that while he was hilarious it was only when he wasn’t with Jonah Hill’s Seth, which wasn’t often. 

Seth is such a strong personality, and Evan is quite introverted. So, when they shared a scene, it was overwhelmingly run by Hill’s character as he yelled at Cera’s. However, with that said, there were still many hilarious moments from Cera, and he truly was a highlight of this movie for me. 

Easily, the scene in Superbad that had me laughing the hardest was when Evan got stuck in a room with a bunch of scary older men, and they forced him to sing. Cera singing “These Eyes” is peak comedy, and that’s just a fact in my book. 

On top of his hilarious physical comedy moments, Evan is also a sweetheart and super respectful. Not only is his scene with Becca really funny, it also shows that Cera's character really cares about this girl, and he just wants to do right by her.

From Scott Pilgrim vs. the World to Juno to Arrested Development to Barbie, I’ve always had a deep love and appreciation for Michael Cera, and this movie made that even stronger…But I wish he would have had more scenes where he wasn’t forced to listen to Seth complain. 

McLovin And The Cops Are The Reason I Kept Watching Superbad

Even before I saw Superbad, I knew about McLovin. Who didn’t? He was a cultural phenomenon, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s performance is one of the reasons this movie wasn’t completely terrible. His plotline of trying to buy alcohol and then befriending Officer Slater (Bill Hader) and Officer Michaels (Seth Rogen) was for sure the high point of the film. All three men were firing on all cylinders and their comedic chemistry was perfect. 

The cops' first scene when they’re interrogating the clerk at the alcohol store not only got this storyline off to a fantastic start, but it's also a great example of how phenomenal these three are together. When Rogen drew the suspect while the two officers were trying to figure out his height, I couldn’t stop chuckling. Also, I think the tone for their relationship with McLovin was really set when this interaction happened:

Officer Michaels: How old are you McLovin?

McLovin: Old enough.

Officer Slater: Old enough for what?

McLovin: To party.

These two guys are so dumb, and their efforts to take McLovin under their wing was a true highlight of the movie. Honestly, I wish Superbad was just about the shenanigans and hijinks of Slater, Michaels and McLovin.

I Can’t Deny That Superbad Is A Well Constructed Story 

I say this with slightly gritted teeth, but I can’t deny that Superbad is very well made, especially when it comes to the story structure. This journey Seth and Evan go on truly does come full circle, and their fears of their friendship ending when they go to college is so real. While I still think Jonah Hill’s character is insufferable, him recognizing what he did was wrong, noting that he acted like an idiot and ultimately apologizing to his friends was a very satisfying and heartfelt way to end the movie. It also proved how much thought was put into the film, and how the characters' actions would impact them in the long run.

Even though I didn’t love this movie, I can for sure respect it, and I understand why it’s so beloved. I also can’t deny the fact that Superbad had a major influence on coming-of-age comedies, and films like Booksmart clearly have an air of this comedy in them. However, when it comes down to it, I’m going to choose just about any other coming-of-age comedy over Superbad. 

I might not have enjoyed Superbad to its fullest extent, but that doesn't mean you can’t. You can stream the beloved comedy right now with a Netflix subscription. 

There’s no single CinemaBlend opinion on anything. Through countless arguments over the years, I’ve learned we’re not even on the same page about how to define the word best, from our choices for the top 100 '90s movies to our picks for the best horror movies of all time. What makes a movie the best is impossible to nail down from one person to the next, though it's perhaps easier to consider when thinking about a decade of movies that came and went and can't be added to anymore. But for the most part, it's all about what you like.

It’s because of those clashing perspectives that this Best Movies Of The 2000s list is unlike any list that a single person from our team could have crafted, taking into account both Oscar-worthiness and popcorn-friendliness. The list accounts for movies that have aired 5,000 times on cable, and movies that have been shared lovingly from generation to generation. It’s a retro-hodgepodge of what we loved then and then, from Adam Sandler's raunch to Daniel Day Lewis' aplomb.

This list is CinemaBlend’s collective celebration of the 2000s, in all its neon-hued glory, and we hope everyone will find plenty to love, though a few disagreements and good-natured debate never hurt anyone. Let the arguments begin…

100. Avatar (2009)

While it's the last on this list, there's no denying Avatar's impact on the film industry back in 2009. The movie is a sci-fi masterpiece that features incredible visuals, mainly following the tale of Jake Sully, a human who finds love and acceptance within the world of the Na'vi, the native people of Pandora.

The film takes the audience on a wild ride for two and a half hours. While the story of saving a planet from foreign invaders could be more groundbreaking, the unique visual effects that fans get to see are. And now, with a successful sequel out more than ten years later, it's the perfect chance to revisit the original.

99. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts had established herself as one of the most beloved actors in the world in the 1990s, and as calendars flipped over to the year 2000, she didn’t waste any time starring in yet another critically acclaimed box office hit. Hitting theaters in March 2000, Erin Brockovich tells the story of the titular lawyer who started a landmark case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for groundwater contamination, and it’s a stellar work that further cemented the clear talents of director Steven Soderbergh. It’s thrilling and dramatic, but also funny and fun – in large part due to Roberts’ charm and charisma.

98. The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover is part travelogue and part comedic shitshow. It races its characters through what feels like an entire TV season’s worth of odd locations and ridiculous scenarios, somehow finding time for hospital visits, naked gangsters, weddings, Blackjack heaters, stolen tigers, missing babies and stun gun demonstrations. It sounds like way too much plot for an hour and forty minute movie, but the key to a good comedy isn’t the situations the characters find themselves in, it’s the rapport and natural chemistry between the actors/characters going through those situations. And Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are fantastic together. Their clashing vibes, energy levels and comedic sensibilities somehow blend into a perfect cocktail, and with Oscar-nominated director Todd Phillips stirring the drink, The Hangover is able to turn its B-movie premise into one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s.

97. Cloverfield (2008)

The first decade of the Aughts saw one word playing into many of its most cherished cinematic successes: reinvention. For director Matt Reeves’ Cloverfield, two different types of genre favorites were mashed together to create a wildly new, very mysterious product: monster movies like Godzilla and found footage pictures such as The Blair Witch Project. 

Amping up the scale of what a handheld camera could cover, Cloverfield’s ingenious marketing campaign kept audiences guessing about what its true intentions were. In the wake of a mysterious/title-free teaser, it was anyone’s guess what writer Drew Goddard’s movie was about. To live up to the hype after stoking such anticipation for an unknown quantity only cemented Cloverfield as a certified success. In a market where it felt like the trailers gave everything away, a major studio movie broke with the norm, all in the name of a monstrous triumph. 

96. National Treasure (2004)

The race to steal the Declaration of Independence was on in 2004 as Nicolas Cage and his team of treasure hunters went on a high stakes mission to find the greatest treasure. This story sweeps across American history, and is held together by Cage’s protagonist and his drive to find this great prize, and protect the Declaration of Independence by stealing it, of course.

This Disney staple is a family classic, and an action adventure bound to entertain just about anyone. It was such a success that a sequel soon followed, and maybe, someday, National Treasure 3 will happen. However, let us not forget the majesty that is the original National Treasure. 

95. The Notebook (2004)

There’s a reason that when one thinks of the genre “romance” The Notebook instantly comes to mind. The 2004 Nicholas Sparks adaptation is nothing short of a timeless classic that gracefully dances between being a forbidden and second-chance love story. It’s the movie that made Ryan Gosling a Hollywood hunk matched by a passionate yet grounding performance by Rachel McAdams. Together they are a firecracker of chemistry who left a generation longing to kiss in the rain. Cliché and mushy as The Notebook can be, when the music swells on the final scene, it never ceases to remind us why it’s one of the most endearing and cathartic love affairs we’ve ever seen. 

94. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Though it's been nearly two decades since its release, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy still stands as one of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s greatest collaborations. The 70s-set movie marked McKay’s directorial debut and, with it, he masterfully injects humor and social commentary into a satirical workplace comedy set within the world of broadcast news. His screenplay is funny and occasionally, downright hilarious, but the cast truly makes the movie shine. Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and more are just flawless. And of course, it’s Ferrell’s portrayal of the titular character that really puts it over the top.

93. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Anyone angling for a great sports drama that not only delivers sheer emotion but also captures the spirit of the pastime it’s tackling should check out Million Dollar Baby. Director Clint Eastwood’s Best Picture-winning film tells the story of an aspiring boxer (played by Hilary Swank), who teams up with a veteran trainer (Eastwood) in the hopes of achieving in-ring glory. The result is an emotionally affecting – and sometimes brutal – story about resilience and parental bonds. This boxing flick won Swank, Eastwood and co-star Morgan Freeman all Oscars and, when you see the movie, you’ll understand why.

92. Saw (2004)

2004's Saw revitalized the horror genre years ago, thanks to James Wan and Leigh Whannell, with its shocking twists and equally astonishing violence. But while the movie did include some truly grotesque “games” for Jigsaw’s victims, this was more than the mere “torture porn” that plagued the aughts. There was intention behind Jigsaw’s pain — making people think about the lives they’d led before forcing them to, “Live or die, make your choice.” 

The audience was along for the ride, trying to figure out why Adam (Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) were chained up in a bathroom and how they could escape before it was too late. Thanks to some brilliant misdirection, the ensuing plot twist was truly gasp-inducing. These days you might not be able to get away with that ending, but don’t say you saw it coming back in 2004.

91. Super Troopers (2001)

Super Troopers From a plotting and acting perspective, Super Troopers isn’t exactly The Departed. Its basic premise, and even many of its specific scenes, are just nimbly bimbly excuses for the cast to make raunchy jokes about the natural absurdities of being a cop. That works, though, because the movie understands what we want as an audience: non-stop jokes and shenanigans about liters of cola, littering and smokin’ the reefer. From cat game to syrup fights to biker confusion, Super Troopers has its own vibe and unique sense of humor. It’s just out there, doing its own thing, and that’s why, more than two decades later, fans are still pulling over to watch it… even if they’re already pulled over and they can’t pull over any further.

90. War of the Worlds (2005)

Steven Spielberg wouldn’t be the first to adapt H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds novel for the screen, nor would he be the last. But his modern-day take on the 19th Century sci-fi novel certainly made an impression. From the main characters — led by Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, father to Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) — to the various settings, to the unnerving sight (and sound) of the tripods emerging from below the ground to decimate or capture any humans in their path, War of the Worlds made its mark as an epic sci-fi action movie about survival and the choices a struggling parent has to make to protect his children from a worst-case-scenario. In true Spielberg fashion, the movie is thrilling and occasionally chilling, but also offers that added layer of a family element to keep us invested from beginning to end. 

89. Sin City (2005)

Most comic book adaptations aim to reimagine the characters and events of the source material in a way that more closely resembles reality. However, when director Robert Rodriguez teamed up with famed author and illustrator Frank Miller (acting as co-director) to bring his graphic novel series, Sin City, to the big screen, they did more than just adapt it. They brought it to life.

This anthology-style collection of three interconnected stories — all of which take place in the same hopelessly down-trodden, crime-ridden metropolis — is a masterclass in noirish storytelling (the razor sharp dialogue is straight out of a Raymond Chandler classic), astonishingly unique visual design (every beautifully grayscale frame resembles a comic book panel), and flawless acting from the entire Sin City cast, including Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Mickey Rourke, and so many more amazing A-listers. When it comes to non-superhero-related comic book movies, this might be the best of them all.

88. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Anticipation for the feature adaptation of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary — itself a reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — was high, to say the least, for those of us who adored the book, when it finally made its way into theaters in 2001. Renee Zellweger’s mix of charm, determination for romance and occasional awkwardness alone are reason enough to love the adaptation. Then factor in the excellent chemistry she shares with both love interests — Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy — not to mention the fantastic supporting cast, well-timed bits of hilarity and genuinely heartfelt moments of romance and what’s not to love about Bridget Jones’s Diary? 

87. Taken (2008)

Taken isn’t the most emotionally complicated or the most realistic movie, but it has a really good sense of its own strengths and leverages that particular set of skills perfectly. Liam Neeson might not be the prototypical action star, but he’s an Oscar-nominated actor uniquely good at portraying single-mindedness and determination. Taken is able to harness the badass fatherly intensity of a desperate man searching for his daughter and pair it with ruthless action sequences that rely more on craftiness than brute strength. The result is one of the best and most rewatchable action movies of the 2000s, a tight 90 minutes that’s so much fun it produced two sequels, a TV series and an unexpected late career resurgence for Neeson.  

86. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Before Will Smith earned his third Oscar nomination for King Richard, and after his nomination for Ali, he received his second Academy Award nod for The Pursuit of Happyness. Based on the real story of Chris Gardner, the movie follows Gardner's struggle to find a job to provide for his son during a year when they are homeless. 

The movie is inspiring for anyone, featuring an uplifting and memorable story. That, paired with an incredible performance from Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith – who made his acting debut in the film – makes this the perfect movie to watch on any given day. 

85. The Bourne Identity (2002)

Before Daniel Craig came along and ushered in a new era for the James Bond movie franchise a few years later, Doug Liman’s The Bourne Identity welcomed audiences to the 21st century with this fresh, unique, and action-packed spy thriller. Matt Damon, who had already shown a great deal of depth in movies like Good Will Hunting and The Talented Mr. Ripley a few years earlier, became a bonafide action star with his portrayal of Jason Bourne, a trained killer with no recollection of his dark past.

There are few early 2000s action sequences as memorable as the movie’s iconic car chase through the streets of Paris. Audiences, used to seeing spies and assassins whipping around in souped-up sports cars were in for the ride of their lives with Bourne behind the wheel of a weathered Mini Cooper.

84. Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually has become annual holiday viewing for many since its premiere in 2004. Renowned rom-com filmmaker Richard Curtis struck gold with an A-list cast, as ten loosely connected plotlines each portray a different kind of love. Everybody’s sure to have their favorite stories within the movie, but they all strike an emotional chord, albeit in different ways. 

As these characters navigate the holidays, Love Actually tackles themes of grief, infidelity, unrequited love, workplace romance and more, while never losing its charm and eliciting tons of laughs. Throw in infinitely quotable dialogue (“Let’s get the shit kicked out of us by love!”), an infuriatingly hilarious cameo by Rowan Atkinson, and one absolutely iconic dance from Hugh Grant, and you’ve got yourself a classic.

83. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

In a decade greatly defined by bubblegum romantic comedies where audiences can take comfort in the same three act structure often ending in wedding bells, (500) Days Of Summer flipped the genre on its head. Romance and love can be a tricky, complicated thing that not only may be finite, but clouded by one’s fantasies, projections of potential and manic pixie dream girls. Marc Webb’s indie rom-com announces up front that it is “not a love story” and cleverly plays with structure as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Tom falls for Zooey Deschanel’s Summer. Between its stunningly memorable soundtrack, creative use of mixed media against its gorgeous L.A. backdrop, (500) Days Of Summer is a dark horse of a romantic comedy that tackles the expectations vs. reality of love with a sharp wit. 

82. Knocked Up (2007)

Most romantic comedies try a lot harder at one of those two things. They’re either romantic movies with a few solid laughs sprinkled in or they’re clearly comedies that shoehorn a romance in there as an afterthought. Knocked Up works so well because it tries really hard at both. It succeeds a little more as a comedy, given it has Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Craig Robinson, Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd, but it also takes a lot of time and care with its love story and has many thoughtful things to say about relationships and parenting. It never takes the easy way out or betrays itself for a cheap, inauthentic laugh, which lets the natural chemistry between Rogen and co-lead Katherine Heigl grow into a budding relationship you actually root for. 

81. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

As proven decades ago by George A. Romero, slow zombies are quite scary – but in 2004, director Zack Snyder and screenwriter James Gunn teamed up to show us just how freaky fast zombies can be. Dawn Of The Dead is a movie that stays true to its source material, gathering a bunch of strangers in a shopping mall as the dead come back to life, but it has its own energy and no shortage of standout moments. The beginning is a terror, the ending is deeply unsettling (including the material in the end credits), but the baby is where this one hits its peak.

80. Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans will make you laugh, cry, cheer and feel a whole range of emotions as you go on a journey with newly integrated T.C. Williams football team to win the state championship. This incredible movie about bringing a football team together is led by Denzel Washington, and it’s not only regarded as one of his best movies, but it’s also widely known as one of the greatest sports films. 

Washington and Will Patton lead the stacked cast of Remember the Titans, which includes Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst as the team’s leaders. Along with them, the movie also features Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood and Ethan Suplee as well as a very young Ryan Gosling and 10-year-old Hayden Panettiere, among many others. Overall, it’s an inspiring and moving movie about acceptance and determination. Let’s just say Remember the Titans always has us saying “We want some more!” 

79. Juno (2007)

While Elliot Page was an actor at a young age, Juno was the movie that made him into a household name. And for good measure, as Jason Reitman’s quirky 2007 flick delivers in both comedy and heartfelt, human moments. Page earned an Academy Award nomination at the time for his performance, which surely feels justified. 

2007's Juno centers around its title character, a teenage girl who accidentally gets pregnant. She decides to carry the baby to term, arranging an adoption with a married couple (played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman). After being filled with plenty of funny moments (and a killer soundtrack) the ending provides an emotional catharsis that puts Juno above many movies around its time.

78. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

It’s no wonder that Disney has been trying for 20 years to recapture the lightning in a bottle that was Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Inspired by a theme park attraction, but blazing its own trail, Pirates created one of modern cinema’s most iconic characters in Captain Jack Sparrow. But the rest of the cast, including Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and a scene-stealing Geoffrey Rush, is no less compelling. From sword fights to ship battles, Black Pearl’s action is near perfect, with the Johnny Depp vs. Orlando Bloom duel a textbook example of how to tell a story with an action scene. It set a bar so high that even its own sequels were never going to clear it.

77. Ray (2004)

Cinema lovers have been graced with plenty of great biopics over the decades, and Ray certainly stands as one of the best. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the movie chronicles the life and career of the great Ray Charles. James L. White’s screenplay effectively tells Charles’ story, chronicling his professional and personal highs and lows in the process. And of course, the production is (appropriately) infused with incredible music. There are plenty of great performances on display, but it’s Jamie Foxx’s uncanny – and Oscar-winning – turn as the titular musician that really makes this period drama worth a watch or two.

76. Unbreakable (2000)

M. Night Shyamalan had an unenviable task in 2000 – following up his overnight sensation, The Sixth Sense. Was that movie a flash in the pan? Or would Shyamalan live up to the billing he was receiving in the press as, “The next Spielberg?” Remarkably, Shyamalan came up with a deeper, more meaningful film that also started the bandwagon for superhero-movie fascination, only with a meditative origin story for a strong man (Bruce Willis) who doesn’t recognize his invulnerability. Pulp Fiction co-star Samuel L. Jackson tapped into his fiendish side to play Willis’s nemesis, a man plagued with brittle bones who assumed that his opposite had to exist in the world. But it was Night’s ability to generate an intense mood that boosted Unbreakable. We rode a wave of increasingly suspenseful tension until the moment Willis donned his raincoat and embraced his destiny. Unbreakable started a trilogy, but also guaranteed that Shyamalan was here to stay as one of our most original and effective storytellers. 

75. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall occasionally gets overlooked as being just another rom-com from the aughts – specifically the rom-com featuring the oddball pairing of Mila Kunis and Jason Segel, but I can’t imagine that anyone who’s lumping this movie into just another group of rom-coms has seen it recently because it is profoundly and consistently weird. 

Segel’s TV composer main character dreams of creating a Dracula musical featuring puppets called A Taste For Love. He also wants to get over his titular ex-girlfriend - hilariously played by Kristen Bell, who somehow ends up in the hotel room next to him having loud sex with her new rock star boyfriend. That messy journey of acceptance and moving on, amidst all its weirdness or maybe because of all its weirdness, never feels like a cliche. It’s consistently funny and has so many thoughtful things to say about relationships, break-ups and finding yourself. Don’t write it off.

74. School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black was many things in 2003, though many wouldn’t have considered his comedic stylings family-friendly until School Of Rock. Black’s musical abilities from his band Tenacious D paired with the wholesome story of teaching some kids how to rock, was fun for everyone and really skyrocketed him further into the mainstream and into more roles for younger audiences like Kung Fu Panda and Nacho Libre. Sure, he’d still do raunchier stuff like Tropic Thunder, but this movie was imperative to show the range he had as an actor. 

Let’s also not forget this movie boasted other celebrities who are notable talents in 2023, like Miranda Cosgrove and The White Lotus showrunner Mike White. Oh, and the music is still as great as it was then, even decades later. There’s a strong message here about the importance of teaching children about music and helping them follow their passion, and it’s that message that will keep this movie relevant for decades to come. 

73. Up (2009)

Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, has always been known for its films that have reached a broad audience, starting with their debut full-feature film, Toy Story. However, in 2009, the studio released Up, the first Pixar film to receive a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Up is mainly about Carl, an older man living a lonely life, and to fulfill his promise to his late wife, he travels across the world in a floating house to South America – with the help of a local wilderness explorer who tags along for the ride. 

A lot can be said about Up, from its stunning animation to the beautiful soundtrack, but nothing beats the story. It's a tale of a found family and of finding love and compassion in places you would never expect. And you must always remember – the wilderness must be explored!

72. District 9 (2009)

Coming in at 72 on the list might just be an indicator of how underrated District 9 is, considering it’s one of the best science fiction movies of the 2000s. Neill Blomkamp’s feature walks the line between messaging about the various mistreatment marginalized groups are subjected to, to how humanity would respond if aliens were really discovered to be on Earth. Given recent reports at government hearings, it isn’t all that unbelievable that it wouldn’t take long for humanity to get back to normal after finding a bunch of alien refugees on Earth. 

Perhaps the best compliment to pay District 9 is that it’s a phenomenal standalone sci-fi movie with no sequels or prequels. This could be why it’s typically lower on the sci-fi lists as there may be a community of people that simply forgot about it as the years went on. Now is the time to revive the credit it deserves and maybe bump it up a few notches on future top lists. 

71. Shrek (2001)

Think of every DreamWorks Animation movie you can think of – I bet Shrek is one of the first that pops into your head. 

Shrek was a momentous occasion for DreamWorks Animation when it was released. It was a huge box office success, received rave reviews, and was even the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature winner. The movie mainly follows Shrek, an ogre whose swamp is suddenly overrun with fairytale creatures, and to get them out, he must save Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a dragon on a mountain of lava and bring her to Lord Farquad. 

The DreamWorks Animation film created an empire of Shrek success. With numerous sequels and spinoff movies, Shrek is one of the most successful animated franchises ever. The first film featured some great CGI animation for 2001 but also had the hilarity of adult jokes that parents would get while their kids enjoyed the fantasy, animation, and love story. Besides, who wouldn't love listening to Eddie Murphy crack jokes as Donkey for an hour and a half? 

70. Mulholland Drive (2001)

There are two sides to David Lynch: the fairly normal filmmaker who wants to tell a linear story in a somewhat straightforward manner (examples include The Elephant Man and The Straight Story), and the absolute bonkers off-the-wall batshit fever dream of an avante-garde video artist (examples include Eraserhead and Inland Empire). What makes Mulholland Drive such a beautiful film, is that it’s the perfect balance of these two sides of the iconic writer/director. In fact, without spoiling anything, the film even has a pivotal moment where it completely changes tonally, effectively showing these two distinct sides of Lynch. Perhaps more importantly, this tonal switch is expertly pulled off by the film’s star Naomi Watts, who, between this and 2001’s 21 Grams, was at a point in her career where she was showing off her chops with an authenticity that was hard not to notice. Mulholland Drive will show you the full range of skill you need to see from both Watts, and the legendary auteur that is David Lynch. 

69. Watchmen (2009)

“Unadaptable” is a word that’s been used when approaching the most ambitious literary adaptations. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel Watchmen was one such project, earning that brand after decades of potential adaptations failed to tackle the ambitious superhero narrative properly. 

Even in light of multiple cuts, and the ending being substantially altered from what was depicted in the 1985 source material, Watchmen is a miracle to behold. Somehow, the complicated narrative told through various mediums in that graphic novel was streamlined into a product that didn’t water down the full story. 

Only Zack Snyder’s third directorial effort, Watchmen is a powerful statement of the man’s developing skills in that point of his career. Arriving in the wake of Iron Man and The Dark Knight, it proved comic adaptations could be more than market-driving crowd pleasers. In the case of Watchmen, such movies could also be masterpieces.

68. Sideways (2004)

How the hell did Sideways, a dialogue-driven dramedy about a schoolteacher who loves wine, become such a mainstream pop-culture phenomenon? Try going wine-tasting without hearing a joke about drinking from the spit bucket, or somebody saying, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!”

Sideways’ writer and director, Alexander Payne, has always told stories that are rather grounded in reality. Aside from Downsizing where he literally shrank Matt Damon, these are movies about common issues that most folks can relate to. The Descendants is about grief, About Schmidt is about aging, and Sideways is about letting go. With the script came Payne’s first Academy Award, a life-changing role for Paul Giamatti, and one of the best films of that decade. The bleak nature of the ending with just a dash of hope is a testament to real-life, and relatable for the average person. That is how a movie about a failed middle-aged writer with a drinking problem managed to cement its place in film history. 

67. Lost In Translation (2003)

Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is an American actor past his prime. Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is a young, married, recent college graduate. Both are in Tokyo — Bob to shoot promos for a Japanese whiskey and Charlotte to follow her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi) on his latest assignment — and overcome with feelings of loneliness and disillusionment until a chance meeting at their hotel bar gives the unlikely duo a sense of fulfillment when they both need it most.

Lost in Translation is one of the first films produced by Focus Features and is still considered to be one of the production company’s best releases two decades later for the refreshingly unique — albeit, unlikely — love story that still manages to warm hearts from its unforgettable opening shot to its cryptic, much-debated final moment. The charming, invigoratingly honest dramedy also managed to be a major turning point for Murray (who earned his sole Academy Award nomination), Johansson (a breakthrough performance), and second-time writer and director Sophia Coppola, who earned a well-deserved Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

66. The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

In the mid-2000s, big screen comedy underwent a titanic shift. Through the late ‘90s and the turn of the century, the genre was dominated by the so-called Frat Pack (Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson)… but then along came The 40-Year-Old Virgin, the directorial debut from Judd Apatow. The film is hilarious and sweet, with a collection of wonderful characters exploring the high highs and low lows of sexuality and romance in the 21st century – and while not everything about it has aged perfectly, it does a tremendous job at leaning into the talents of its stars. And it’s a game-changer.

While it’s Steve Carell’s movie, a huge part of its legacy is featuring the breakout performance by Seth Rogen. In the wake of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Rogen and Apatow became the biggest names in funny, with not just their own comedic voices becoming popular, but also their improvisation-heavy styles.

65. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Hot Fuzz is the kind of action movie where every second feels crafted by a team of action movie fans, as opposed to a cast and crew just going through the motions. Co-written by the A+ pair Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, starring Pegg opposite frequent co-star Nick Front, Hot Fuzz is mostly set far from metropolitan skylines and endless high-rises, and its quaint Wicker Man-esque village makes for a wildly unique setting for any story filled with this many Point Break references.

As the second film in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Hot Fuzz built on Shaun of the Dead's already stellar cast with a host of UK legends such as Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Bill Nighy, Edward Woodward, Billie Whitelaw, Olivia Colman, Bill Bailey, and the list goes on and on. (When you have Cate Blanchett making uncredited appearances, you're doing something right.) Unlike the other two Cornetto films, though, Hot Fuzz probably deserves another straightforward sequel set in this universe, with a new killer crime for Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman to get crackin’ on.

64. Walk The Line (2005)

Music biopics might feel like they’re a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t gems to behold in the genre, and one of those is absolutely James Mangold’s Academy Award-winning drama, Walk the Line. In it, Joaquin Phoenix portrays country music legend Johnny Cash through his tumultuous rise to fame, which includes his relationship with eventual wife, June Carter (Reese Witherspoon).

Sure, on one hand, we’ve seen music’s superstars descend into alcoholism and drug addiction on the big screen time and time again, but it’s how all the pieces of Cash and Carter’s story are put together that make the film a must watch. As such, the performances of the leads are everything here, and seeing June attempt to staunch her feelings for her married co-performer, while also trying to knock some sense into him as she watches his addictions grow and Johnny become more erratic, are some of the best parts of the movie. Witherspoon didn’t win a Best Actress Oscar for nothing, and Phoenix is at his peak here, as well.

63. Lilo & Stitch (2002)

With Walt Disney Animation fresh out of its renaissance after the ‘90s, the 2000s were a particularly experimental period for the studio which, looking back, found inspiration from numerous science fiction classics. The best 2D animated movie from the House of Mouse of the decade is a lively spin on E.T., but this mysterious alien is an intergalactic fugitive with a bad temper who falls to the Hawaiian Islands, becomes best friends with a young orphaned girl who teaches him the gospel of Elvis Presley. 

Not only is Lilo & Stitch an incredibly quotable, fun, family adventure, it’s one of Disney’s most authentic and original films that speaks to finding one’s ohana in unexpected places amidst great loss. Few Walt Disney Animation movies have felt as simultaneously intimate and commercial as Lilo & Stitch. Experiment 626 remains a gem that made Disney’s growing pains of the 2000s worth the while. 

62. Monsters, INC (2001)

Before Up, The Incredibles and even Finding Nemo, there was Monsters, Inc. Pixar’s decision to make its fourth feature a story about a company that generates scream-based power in a world inhabited by ferocious creatures may have seemed odd at the time. However, it ultimately turned out to be an inspired (and very) lucrative decision. Set in the world of Monstropolis, the film centers on two pals – both employees of the titular corporation – who must return a human child to her world in order to keep her out of harm’s way. And the result is a hilarious and heartwarming romp about loyalty and tolerance.

Pete Docter – who’d go on to direct Up, Inside Out and more – really proved himself as a filmmaker with this directorial debut. The flick is beautifully animated and populated with plenty of lovable characters. Speaking of which, John Goodman’s James P. “Sully” Sullivan and Billy Crystal’s Mike Wasowski still stand as two of Pixar’s most popular creations. The interactions between the two sometimes mirror the interplay of some of cinema’s best comedic duos. Monsters, Inc. would spawn a sequel and TV spinoff, but it’s the 2001 movie that’s truly an eclectic piece of storytelling.

61. The Hurt Locker (2008)

Best Picture award, but the voters got it right when it came to the prize handed out at the end of the 21st century’s first decade. Director Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker is a heart-stopper that tears down the wall between film and audience: when Jeremy Renner’s Staff Sergeant William James is suited up and defusing bombs, you hold your breath in fear, terrified to feel the heat of the fiery explosion that will result with one false move by the protagonist.

Screenwriter Mark Boal’s work puts us directly in James’ mind – a soldier who is incapable of leaving the battlefield behind – and Jeremy Renner’s turn is a career best. In retrospect, it’s wholly understandable why Renner’s performance changed the trajectory of his career and turned him into the Marvel-bona fide star that he is today.

60. Moulin Rouge (2001)

On paper, Moulin Rouge is a movie that just should not exist. The premise alone, a modern jukebox musical set in 1890s Paris, creates a level of cognitive dissonance on its own that suspension of disbelief should be impossible. It’s the sort of thing that only a director like Baz Luhrmann would even try, but somehow, he not only makes it happen, he makes it work.

Everything about Moulin Rouge goes hard. The performances, the songs, the sets. It creates its unreality so perfectly that it’s near-impossible to avoid being swept up by it and brought along for the ride. And the absinthe-infused magic is so far removed from reality that even 20 years later Moulin Rouge feels just as fresh. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are perfect as the star-crossed lovers. We know how the story will end before it begins, but it doesn’t make any of it less heartbreaking. Luhrmann’s films can sometimes focus on style over substance, but there’s no lack of substance here. 

59. Elf (2003)

Elf is probably the most recent Christmas movie that became an instant classic. Jon Favreau crafted a delightful and bonkers story for the 2003 movie, with Will Ferrell offering one of his most iconic performances of all time. And it’s a movie that’s re-watched annually by countless families every Holiday Season… or other times in the year when you need a good laugh.

Elf’s concept is both ridiculous and simple; Buddy is a human raised by elves who eventually goes to New York City to find his birth father (played by Godfather icon James Caan). The juxtaposition between Buddy’s eternal optimism and the hard streets of the Big Apple is fodder for countless funny bits throughout its runtime. There’s also a touching story about family and the holiday spirit that makes Elf a true beloved Christmas movie. Plus, it’s got a pre-Game of Thrones appearance by Peter Dinklage. And of course, Santa (I know him!).

58. Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)

In the 1950s, few people were as outspoken about the threat of Communism than Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy, whose blacklisting of anyone he deemed suspicious was so notoriously frequent that “McCarthyism” — a term associated with fear mongering — was coined after him. One of the few people brave enough to take a stand against him was CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow, whose defiance of the politician and the Red Scare nearly cost him his career, but also made him into one of the most influential icons of his craft.

This monumental moment in journalism history is dramatized with nearly the same level of passion for truth and justice in Good Night, and Good Luck. — named after the famous concluding catchphrase of Murrow, portrayed here in an Academy Award-nominated performance by David Strathairn. George Clooney, who also plays Murrow’s producer, Fred Friendly, earned his first Oscar nominations as a director and co-writer for this riveting history lesson, made even better with Robert Elswit’s gorgeous cinematography and exquisite acting from the star-studded ensemble, which also includes Jeff Daniels, Patricia Arquette, Robert Downey Jr., and Frank Langella.

57. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Wes Anderson’s style is so distinct that it has become something of a joke in pop culture, frequently being parodied on shows like Saturday Night Live. When folks reference Wes Anderson, and the trademarks of a Wes Anderson film, they’re primarily lifting it from The Royal Tenenbaums. The point is, Tenenbaums is by far the most Wes Anderson-y film to ever Wes Anderson; absolutely jam-packed with quirkitude, a variety of eccentric characters and deadpan dialogue delivery. This is the quintessential hipster flick that helped to define a generation of indie millennial film buffs.

Aside from The Royal Tenenbaums’ effect on pop culture, it truly exists as a wonderful, honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking film. Over twenty years ago when the film was released, there wasn’t a lot like it in mainstream American cinema, with the somewhat privileged (yet painfully relatable) themes it explores being limited to conversations had by those gathering to watch Jean-Luc Godard in their NYU dorm rooms. With his first Oscar nomination, The Royal Tenenbaums introduced much of the world to Wes Anderson, and many still consider it to be his finest work to date. 

56. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Oftentimes sequels don’t measure up to their predecessor, but Spider-Man 2 is one of the exceptions. Director Sam Raimi and screenwriter Alvin Sargent kept the best elements from the first Spider-Man movie and improved upon them, with the follow-up doing an excellent job exploring how Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker handles the burden of heroism and trying to balance his web-sliding activities with his civilian life. However, Spider-Man 2’s MVP is Alfred Molina, whose more sympathetic take on Doctor Octopus quickly cemented him as one of the best superhero movie villains of all time. It’s no wonder we still have yet to see another actor play the tentacled antagonist in a live-action movie. As a bonus, I love how the movie recreated the panel from 1967’s The Amazing Spider-Man #50 of Peter Parker leaving his costume behind in the garbage. A touch like that is a great Easter egg for Marvel fans, but is also just a gorgeous shot for the casuals watching the tale unfold.

55. Ratatouille (2007)

Pixar Animation’s eighth feature film, Ratatouille, is as surprising as its premise. It came at a time when the studio was high on a winning streak, redefining how we looked at toys, bugs, monsters, cars, superheroes and fish. Sure, making an audience empathetic to rats feels like a stretch, but the 2007 movie had a fresh and quirky way in that kept Pixar at an all-time high. What if one rat was secretly a gourmet cook in Paris, France? The results are so charming. 

Fronted by a charismatic voice performance from Patton Oswalt as Remy, packed with decadent and often mouth-watering animation greatly displayed inside a top-tier French kitchen and beautifully underlined by an all-time great score from Michael Giacchino, Pixar told a hilarious underdog story with the creativity and wonder the studio remains beloved for. It’s one of those movies that has one doing a double take at every human and animal you encounter next time you walk outside in playful curiosity about the world thinking “Anyone Can Cook.” 

54. Superbad (2007)

Seth Rogen has touted himself as a “permanent teenager,” and never has that title been truer than in the 2007 teen buddy comedy Superbad. The movie — which he penned with Evan Goldberg and stars a number of the regular Judd Apatow players — carries the funky vibe of the 1970s throughout, but its story is timeless. The only thing more relatable than high-school seniors Seth and Evan (played perfectly by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera) trying to get to a party to impress some girls was their underlying anxiety over not knowing what would happen to their friendship after graduation.

The laughs come a mile a minute — some may say it’s the funniest movie of all time — with an impressive cast that also includes Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Emma Stone and, of course, Seth Rogen. But in the end it’s the friendship at the heart of the story that makes this one worth watching again and again. Superbad is also responsible for giving us “McLovin,” for which we should be forever grateful.

53. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

One of the most intriguing stories related to the crime of check fraud is that of Frank Abagnale Jr., who impersonated various professions, passed off millions of dollars worth of phony checks, and outran the FBI between the ages of 16 and 21. At least, that is what the fraud prevention consultant claimed in his memoir, Catch Me If You Can. The book inspired an excellent movie of the same name.

This 1960s-set crime drama stars future Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio as the young, elusive con artist, who enters an intense, enduring game of cat-and-mouse with two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as a veteran FBI agent who will stop at nothing to bring him to justice, even if he becomes friends with him in the process. Following Minority Report, director Steven Spielberg completed his one-two punch of masterfully entertaining films in 2002 with this dazzling, devilishly charming, and even heartwarming tale. 

52. Cast Away (2000)

Everybody scream “Wilson!” with me! Now, let’s all break into violent sobs as we remember Tom Hanks losing his best friend… a volleyball with a face painted on it. Cast Away is a miracle. It’s essentially a one-man show that you can’t pull your eyes off of, because you root so hard for Hanks and want to see how he’s going to get off the deserted island on which he is stranded. Director Robert Zemeckis places us in Hanks’ sandals, so we feel frustration as he fails to get a makeshift raft over the incoming tide, and elation when he figures out how to start a fire. Hanks already was viewed as one of our greatest actors before he single handedly carried this survival story, but the gripping performance earned him his fifth Oscar nomination. (He lost to Russell Crowe in Gladiator.) Listen to this remarkable stat: Zemeckis filmed Cast Away’s first half with a chunky Hanks, then had to pause production while his leading man lost enough weight and grew enough hair to play his marooned self in the movie’s second half. During that pause, Zemeckis filmed an entire feature: 2000’s marital thriller What Lies Beneath, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford.

51. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

One thing to know about Ang Lee is that he keeps audiences guessing when it comes to his projects. And given his body of work leading up to the 2000s, not too many people might’ve expected him to helm a wuxia martial arts epic with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Yet movie lovers should be so glad he did. His seventh directorial effort is a masterpiece featuring beautifully choreographed fight sequences, impeccable production design, imposing performances and more.

Based on Wang Dulu’s 1942 novel of the same name, the highly ambitious production centers on a seasoned warrior and his equally skilled ally (and love interest), who aim to hunt down the former’s fabled sword so it can be delivered for safekeeping. Their quest ultimately leads them down a path neither could’ve ever imagined. Ang Lee assembled a highly formidable ensemble of actors led by Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, who all give career-best performances. The martial arts genre features a wide array of movies, but few can meet the standard set by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

50. Legally Blonde (2001)

“What? Like it’s hard” to be one of the top 50 movies of the 2000s? It’s not for Legally Blonde, that’s for sure. Casually going to law school at Harvard to win back your ex-boyfriend is a far-fetched idea, but Reese Witherspoon’s Elle Woods doesn't just pull it off, she succeeds in grand fashion, obviously.  

Elle Woods is such an icon, she’s funny, gorgeous, and hyper-intelligent, and seeing her harness all of that to succeed at Harvard was empowering. Reese Witherspoon and the cast of Legally Blonde are also on their A-games in this movie, creating a hilariously smart and unique story. From Jennifer Coolidge’s “bend and snap” moment with our leading lady to the adorable rom-com subplot between Elle and Luke Wilson’s Emmett, the film is packed with memorable stories from fabulous characters.

Since then, Withersoon’s lawyer’s story has expanded into a sequel and a Broadway musical, because a world with more Elle Woods in it is “So Much Better.” 

49. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Tropic Thunder is a relentless and vicious commentary on the motion picture industry and all the absurdities associated with it. For two unyielding hours, Ben Stiller’s satirical action comedy mercilessly skewers the executives, the actors, the directors, the writers, the agents and even an explosives coordinator, painting them as deeply flawed and emotionally unstable people who will do anything to stay relevant and protect their own fragile egos. From blackface to stolen valor to exploiting the mentally handicapped, there’s no line they won’t cross in pursuit of their next award, their next paycheck or their next high.

Tropic Thunder shouldn’t work. From one angle, it’s a big budget, big studio action comedy filled with explosions, fart jokes and Tom Cruise dancing to Flo Rida. From another angle, it’s a deeply clever satire that repeatedly and without apology seeks out complicated and problematic subject matter. It’s a movie within a movie disguised as another movie, but instead of a disorganized mess, it somehow all comes together thanks to a fantastic script, an Oscar-nominated Robert Downey Jr. performance and the greatest little kid reaction shot in the history of movies.

48. Gladiator (2000)

Russell Crowe went on an absolute tear in the 2000s with a number of memorable movies, so it’s no surprise that the one he won the Best Actor Oscar for is on this list. Gladiator is an absolute triumph from start to finish, with knockout performances led by the direction of Ridley Scott. Maximus is an immediately likable character brought down to the lowest point of his life. He keeps fighting and survives solely because of the revenge he hopes to deliver to Commodus. 

And while Joaquin Phoenix did not win an Oscar for his nominated performance as Commodus, Maximus’ journey isn’t quite as sweet without him being every bit as unlikable as he should be. When the big scene finally comes for Maximus and Commodus to square off, how can you not be on the edge of your seat? Without a doubt one of the best gladiator movies of all time.

47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

While not strictly a love story, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire definitely owes a lot to the genre, as Jamal’s (Dev Patel) lifelong love for childhood friend Latika (Freida Pinto) drives much of what he does. The drama follows Jamal as he relays the events of his young life that have led him to correctly answering questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, after he’s arrested and tortured for cheating.

As Jamal takes us through the harrowing events of his childhood that led him not only to fall for Latika, but to compete on the show in an effort to find her again, we’re taken through an action-packed tale of survival under extreme circumstances, what a young man will go through to save the love of his life, and how we all probably know a lot more than we think we do. Definitely hard to watch at times, but inspirational nonetheless.

46. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

On one hand, Jonathan Daylon and Valerie Faris’ Little Miss Sunshine is one of the funniest movies of the 2000s, but on the other hand it’s one of the most tragic stories to come out of the decade. The “road trip from Hell” setup had been done countless times prior to the film’s 2006 release, but rarely had the subgenre been as effective, emotional, or laugh out loud funny.

Michael Arndt’s hilarious, heartbreaking, and nuanced screenplay, which earned him an Oscar, doesn’t play it safe by avoiding life’s tragedies (both major and minor), but instead faces them head-on, creating a cathartic experience for his characters and audience alike. Transformative performances by the late Alan Arkin (he also won an Academy Award), Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette and the rest of the Little Miss Sunshine cast make you feel their characters are family, which is the heart and soul of this outstanding film.

45. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Keira Knightley’s Pride & Prejudice is hardly the first take on the novel of the same name, but the 2005 film arguably set the standard for modern Jane Austen movie adaptations. The love story between Elizabeth Bennet (Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) is beautifully told, and made all the more memorable for the cinematography, soundtrack, and chemistry between the stars. In fact, the cast was stacked with stars who either already had or would become big names, including Donald Sutherland, Judi Dench, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, and Kelly Reilly in addition to Knightley and Macfadyen. 

The world of the Bennet family in this Pride & Prejudice feels lived in and domestic in a way that adds a touch of modern realism to a Regency-era period drama and contrasts the more austere beauty of Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley estate. The film isn’t as faithful to the book as the beloved 1995 BBC miniseries, but it hits the important beats of the original Jane Austen story in just over two hours while also being completely accessible to viewers who haven’t read the book, with moments like the iconic hand flex of Mr. Darcy that fans far and wide know well. 

44. Adaptation (2002)

Adaptation is a book adaptation about the adaptation process. Understood? Wonderful. 

Nicolas Cage plays dual roles as the most neurotic possible version of screenwriter Charlie Kauffman, as well as his fictitious twin Donald Kauffman. Originally hired to write the film adaptation for Susan Orlean’s bestseller The Orchid Thief, Charlie Kauffman experiences a debilitating case of writer’s block, stemming from a slew of mental health issues including social anxiety, body dysmorphia and depression. This sends him on something of a tortured artist’s odyssey that leads him to write himself, and the experience, into his script. Thus, we get Adaptation, a hybrid of both the story of The Orchid Thief, and Kauffman’s experience adapting it.

These days, such a meta concept is somewhat commonplace, but over 20 years ago, this was the most bonkers script since Kauffman’s Being John Malkovich. Malkovich was even worked into Adaptation’s storyline, with John Cusack, Catherine Keener and the titular John Malkovich playing themselves. The point is, this film is WEIRD in the best of ways, yet still managed to grab Oscar nominations for Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep, as well as a win for Chris Cooper. Adaptation is perhaps the greatest cinematic insight into the creative writing process, and the effect it has on one’s psyche, ever made.

43. Love & Basketball (2000)

The best romantic comedies might get a lot of attention from fans of lovey dovey stories, but romantic dramas deserve our eyeballs as well, and Love & Basketball is one that really should be praised. This romance (which is also a fantastic sports drama) tells the story of Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), two talented, basketball-obsessed kids who bond over their love of the sport, but have several trials as they attempt to take their relationship from friends to lovers in their high school and college years and, later, in their twenties.

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s feature-length directorial debut does an amazing job of showing how hard it can be for two people who are so dedicated to their craft to make time for one another, especially as the pressure to succeed in their sport pulls them in different directions. But, it goes much further than that, with each of their complicated family dynamics and emotional wounds taking this love story to the next level.

42. Minority Report (2002)

If you had the chance to predict and prevent a tragic crime, the choice sounds obvious, right? That is until you are faced with the possibility that the prediction is wrong and your arrestee was destined to be innocent. That provocative idea was the basis for a 1956 short story by prolific science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick, which was later adapted into one of director Steven Spielberg’s most exciting films of the decade, if not his full career.

Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton — the chief for a special police unit that uses a trio of clairvoyant siblings to detect future murders — who begins to question their seemingly “perfect” system when he makes the horrifying discovery that the potential perpetrator of his next case is himself, forcing him to go on the run. The truth behind this prediction revealed in the brilliant twist ending of Minority Report is one of the many fascinating and thought-provoking aspects of this astonishingly inventive sci-fi masterpiece that is not quite dystopian, but far from utopian either.

41. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Over the past few years, there have been great strides for representation and diverse stories in Hollywood. But back in the early 2000s, this wasn’t exactly the case. Which is why Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain was such a groundbreaking movie upon its release. Hollywood simply wasn’t telling queer love stories through major blockbusters, let alone honoring them with major Awards Nominations.

While there’s been some backlash about straight actors playing LGBTQ+ roles, Brokeback likely only got produced because of its bankable (and yes straight) lead actors. For their part, both Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger offer moving and complicated performances that still stand up today. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway also really deliver, which is par for the course for those talented actresses. This quartet of performers tell their characters’ stories through decades of time, and to devastating results. And the acclaimed film is still so beloved that it’s being adapted for the stage on the West End, starring Mike Faist and Lucas Hedges. 

40. American Psycho (2000)

Author Bret Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho is a shocking literary experience. There are scenes in it that will make even the most seasoned horror fan blanche – and reading it, you can understand why it was deemed unadaptable for a time after its publication. When it did finally get brought to the big screen, co-adapted by screenwriter Guinevere Turner and director Mary Harron, the material was understandably pulled back a bit, but the movie still remains a scary and biting satire that takes aim at the hardcore capitalism in the 1980s.

Years before he became a big screen legend playing Batman, Christian Bale became a horror icon with his performance as Patrick Bateman – a white, rich sociopath who enjoys torturing and slaughtering women… but who nonetheless blends in with all the rest of New York’s white, rich sociopaths. It’s a rich cinematic experience that manages to be both satisfyingly scary and surprisingly funny.

39. 28 Days Later (2002)

Certain movies can be credited as causing shifts so powerful, an entire genre felt its influence. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland’s 28 Days Later is one such film, as this lo-fi British horror-thriller would go on to see interest in movies like Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Shaun of the Dead being boosted. 

Revitalizing the zombie genre, while not calling its own creatures by the Z-word, the normal rules didn’t apply in this horror masterpiece. In the world of the previously coma-ridden Jim (Cillian Murphy), the vicious “infected” could come from anywhere, with blazing speed. Survival, in some situations, could be measured in a heartbeat, with a drop of blood or saliva making the difference. 

Stocked with a who’s who of actors like Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Eccleston, and Naomie Harris, 28 Days Later did for zombies what Scream did for slasher films. Challenging the status quo with relentless energy, the film is all at once terrifying, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland resurrected the undead genre with stunning results.

38. Amelie (2001)

One of the most delightful stories committed to film. French ingénue Audrey Tautou was perfectly cast as the title character Amelie, who is believed to have a delicate heart condition and so is overprotected by her doting parents. As a result of her gently-imposed isolation, Amelie develops an overactive imagination, which leads her on a series of whimsical adventures. Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet embraces magical realism as a style, with Tautou basically gliding through this giddy fantasy as she works to make the lives of everyone around her happy, and possibly find love on her own in the process. Amelie seems to transmit joy, and if you aren’t uplifted by Tautou’s effervescent performance, you might want to check to ensure you still have a pulse. Now, go borrow someone else’s lawn gnome, photograph it in front of a celebrated vacation spot, and spread the joy of Amelie with anyone who hasn’t yet seen this delightful gem. 

37. Donnie Darko (2001)

There may not be a more aggressively strange and maddeningly perplexing movie on this list than Donnie Darko. Yet, its mysterious and nearly off-putting nature may be the reason why — despite nearly becoming a cable TV movie (if not for Christopher Nolan’s praise) and ultimately bombing at the box office — it remains an enduring cult hit.

At its core, writer and director Richard Kelly’s feature-length debut is the story of an emotionally troubled young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) whose struggle to navigate adolescence in the late 1980s is worsened by visions of an apocalyptic soothsayer in a horrifying rabbit suit, but it is much more than that. It is a sharp coming-of-age satire on par with some of John Hughes’ films, a classic time travel movie, and a pervasively grim fantasy tale that serves as a perfect Halloween tradition, among other things. Above all, however, Donnie Darko is unique enough to defy categorization, resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience. 

36. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

If we’re only including one adaptation of the Harry Potter series on this list, it has to be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The source material has our lead trio entering into their teen years with more studies than ever and higher stakes all around. New characters are introduced, major reveals transpire and there’s also that twisty bit of time travel. Oh, and let’s not forget the bone-chilling Dementors, whose powers include dredging up a person’s darkest memories and fears. 

Those things on their own give Prisoner of Azkaban an edge over some of the other books, but Alfonso Cuarón’s adaptation does more than just bring one of the best installments of the series to life. New layers of the magical world emerge on the screen thanks to the cinematography, not to mention Cuarón’s vision and patient approach to the pacing, which gives us the chance to really soak in the surroundings in any given scene. Whether it’s showing the change of seasons at Hogwarts or the stunning sight of Harry soaring over the lake on the back of a Hippogriff, it’s more than enough to set the film above its predecessors and raise the bar firmly for the adaptations that would follow. 

35. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Devil Wears Prada is already a classic. While the film quality itself is high, the movie has also become part of the fabric of pop culture, thanks to its quotable lines and the unbelievable performance of one Meryl Streep. Anne Hathaway is regularly transformed into a meme thanks to the scene where Annie shows up to work post-makeover in Chanel Boots.

Aside from the pop culture of it all, The Devil Wears Prada is a delightful movie romp. The fashions are aspirational, and the cast is truly on top of their game. Special points to Emily Blunt, who became a household name following her performance as Emily. And considering how light and frothy even the movie’s drama is, the rewatchability of this book to movie adaptation cannot be understated. If you haven’t watched Devil Wears Prada recently, by all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

34. The Lord Of The Rings Movies (2001-2003)

There are very few fantasy movie franchises out there that have been great all the way through. They have their dips and slides, but if there’s one major fantasy franchise to rule them all, it has to be The Lord of the Rings movies. 

The film franchise mainly follows Frodo Baggins as he travels with the Fellowship on a quest to destroy the One Ring in order to take down the person who made it, Sauron. But don't take that premise at face value – there is so much more to this story than meets the eye. 

The Lord of the Rings movies are perfect in every shape and form. From the battle sequences to the visual effects to the acting, there is much to love and adore about these films. The Lord of the Rings delivers in ways fans can't even imagine. There's a reason why the franchise is so popular years later – and how spinoffs, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, have been released in recent years. The love keeps pouring in. 

33. Casino Royale (2006)

When James Bond was given his iconic Walther PPK in Dr. No, Sean Connery’s initial incarnation is told the weapon has “a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window.” The same could be said for 2006’s Casino Royale, as the introduction to Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies wasn’t shy about changing things up, and surprising even the most experienced 007 fans with how it would depict Commander Bond’s exploits.

Director Martin Campbell’s franchise reboot was as lean and mean as they come. Casino Royale showed 007 getting his ass handed to him, and his heart broken. Such vulnerability didn’t weaken the character, but rather it humanized him and added a suspense that the Bond movies had lost for some time.

Daniel Craig stepped into the role of the modern James Bond as if it were a tuxedo perfectly tailored for his presence. Wryly funny, yet cold and calculating when he had to pull the trigger, Craig made the role his own from frame one. To see such an iconic series redefined so perfectly, after 20 movies and over four decades of history before it, is something that still astonishes as much now as it did upon initial viewing.

32. Batman Begins (2005)

One of the most notorious bombs in Hollywood history is 1997’s Batman & Robin — a movie that, despite having some fans, is so cartoonishly absurd and dismissive of the source material’s essential themes and tone that it would be the last we would see of one of DC Comics’ most important characters on the big screen for years. The Caped Crusader’s resurgence in cinema — and in modern pop culture — can be traced back to when director Christopher Nolan went back to basics and all the way back to the beginning of his war on crime in Batman Begins.

Christian Bale immediately asserted himself as one of the best actors to play Batman with his grounded and stoic performance as a Bruce Wayne desperate to rescue his beloved Gotham City — one of the most stunningly realistic and effectively grimy depictions of the burdened metropolis — from the cesspool of crime and corruption it has become. While it is not widely considered to be the absolute best of the live-action Batman movies so far (more on that one later), most would agree that Batman Begins is one of the best superhero movies in general for its refreshingly earnest and complex approach to comic book lore, exhilarating action sequences and technical mastery, and reinventing the Dark Knight for a new generation without losing sight of what made him an icon in the first place.

31. Children of Men (2006)

In a dystopian future, environmental malpractice has led to constant war, famine, and total human infertility. So imagine the surprise felt by former political activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) when he learns that a young female refugee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) is pregnant, and is poised to deliver the first natural childbirth in eighteen years. 

Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron was coming off of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (considered by many to be the best film in that saga) when he unleashed his talents on Children of Men. His breathtaking approach to editing and cinematography propels the action forward at a feverish pitch, with Cuaron often choosing to stage his movements in long, eye-popping, unbroken shots that lure the audience to the edge of their seats. Cuaron says this is a movie about hope, but you have to endure a lot of credible despair to finally unearth it. It’s worth the effort.

30. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

As times change, what’s considered popular is as fluid as water itself. Sometimes a movie can be ahead of the curve in that respect, dictating a whole era of cool in its very existence. Director Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven did just that, as both an uber slick heist movie, and as a modernized remake of a pre-existing film. 

The 1960’s Rat Pack extravaganza about war veterans looking for one big score was turned into a gathering of thieves, assembled by one man (George Clooney) looking for something more than cash. While the stakes were changed, and the number spelled out in the title, this film nailed the breezy energy that made the original so lovely.

Be it an all-star cast including Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts, the insanely slick soundtrack, or even just the way George Clooney could rock a suit without a tie, Ocean’s Eleven doesn’t telegraph its style. It presents it with great confidence, and allows you to decide if it’s worth your while. It’s a love letter to the past, while playing to the viewer of today; with a result as cool as that drink you just ordered at the bar.

29. Chicago (2002)

If you look at just about any list of the best musicals of the 21st century, it’s basically a guarantee that Chicago will be there. The adaptation of Bob Fosse’s long-running musical is one of few musical films to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Catherine Zeta-Jones took home a trophy as well for her stellar performance as the “All That Jazz” singer who killed her husband and sister, Velma Kelly. This film has intrigue, sex, murder, genius performances and a whole lot of jazz, and it's truly a masterful musical adaptation.

Rob Marshall ultimately made a musical that stays true to its stage roots, but also heightens the entire story through movie magic. Take “Cell Block Tango” for example, the majority of the song is performed on a stage, and the women singing about murdering their husbands are in black costumes similar to the wardrobe from Broadway. However, it’s bigger as a whole, and it flashes between the actual prison, and this staged dream-like sequence. By doing this for every number, the film both elevated and paid homage to its predecessor, which is just one of the many reasons it’s so incredible.

28. Iron Man (2008)

From being the first self-financed Marvel Studios production, executives initially being opposed to casting Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, and most of the dialogue being improvised since the script wasn’t finished when production began, there was a lot that could have gone wrong with Iron Man. And yet, the end result stands as a triumph in large part due to Downey’s performance as the genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist.

But of course, one can’t discuss Iron Man without addressing how it changed the film franchise game. Once Nick Fury emerged from the shadows and mentioned the Avengers Initiative in the post-credits scene, that was the first big tipoff that this movie was the first chapter in a shared universe, just like in the original Marvel comics. More than a decade later, the MCU still stands as a Hollywood powerhouse, and many franchises, both superhero and from other genres, have followed in its footsteps. 

27. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

The slacker bastard child of George Romero's Dead films and Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead is a rarity in cinema, and not just for having the gall to sacrifice the soundtrack to 1989's Batman. It's a largely perfect amalgam of authenticity and parodical storytelling, anchored to the comedic whims and wiles of  director Edgar Wright, his co-writer Simon Pegg,  and Pegg’s co-star Nick Frost. As it goes with that trio’s other film on this list (see #65), Shaun’s biggest strength is its characters who feel real enough to legitimize the zombie apocalypse chaos, while also making viewers care about them even when the gory threats aren’t around the corner.

Shaun of the Dead may go down as the funniest horror movie to have ever existed, while also delivering some genuinely disturbing moments throughout that keep the adventure from falling too far into the funnies. Simon Pegg even transcends the dual genre description by spinning palpable emotion out of his struggle to prioritize the safety of his relationship, his BFF, and his mom. And if that wasn’t enough, it allowed moviegoers to spend some time in the Winchester, and that’s a slice of fried gold that makes everyone’s life better.

26. Moon (2009)

Whenever we sit down for a sci-fi film, especially one that takes place on a remote station somewhere away from our planet, we all know that we’re in for a twisty tale, and Moon certainly fulfills that promise. Duncan Jones’ 2009 directorial debut (he also came up with the story) focuses on Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), the lone human working a mostly automated mining facility on the far side of the moon, who begins to have troubling hallucinations as he nears the end of his work contract.

What follows is surprising, as not only does the story take several intriguingly unexpected turns, but it also examines what it’s like to be isolated from others (including loved ones), holding on to a sense of community, and one’s willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Throw in a creepy AI, which can’t quite be determined as a helper or a hindrance for a time, and you get science fiction gold.

25. The Incredibles (2004)

Released during the early years of the superhero movie’s surging popularity, The Incredibles still holds up tremendously after all this time, despite so many other offerings from Marvel, DC and other studios being delivered nearly two decades after its release. To be sure, Pixar’s sixth full-length feature does a spectacular job at both honoring classic superhero stories and tropes, as well as poking fun at them, including the hilarious ‘no capes’ gag. But The Incredibles’ greatest feat isn’t how it handles these larger-than-life elements, but rather how it makes these characters feel relatable and complex in the midst of the action.

From Bob and Helen Parr being concerned about their children’s welfare, whether they’re living everyday life in suburbia or fighting bad guys in costume, to understanding that Syndrome’s sinister motivations stem from the hurt he endured as an adolescent, The Incredibles never pushes aside its humanity in favor of spectacle; instead, they compliment each other quite nicely. Throw in outstanding vocal performances from actors like Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, and Brad Bird excelling as both the director and screenwriter, this movie stands out not just as a superhero movie, but as one of the greatest entries in Pixar’s library.

24. Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Join Us In Creating Excellence. More powerful than any anti-drug ad, Requiem for a Dream hit theaters in 2000 and has stood the test of time as possibly the most affecting portrayal of addiction to date. Based on the Hubert Selby Jr. book of the same name, Darren Aronofsky’s film explores more than just the heroin addictions of Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans’ characters. Ellen Burstyn’s obsession with being on television and fitting into her red dress is haunting, and there’s no questioning why the role earned her an Academy Award nomination.

The work behind the camera was equal to the all-around horrifying performances, as Darren Aronofsky and cinematographer Matthew Libatique added to the story in how every shot was framed, the choreography of the characters’ movements, and the use of sound effects and split screens. The score was worthy of praise all on its own, with "Lux Aeterna" — the song that played over the climax of the film — leaving such an impression that it has gone on to be re-orchestrated for several other movie and video game trailers. 

Combine all of this and add a little of Christopher McDonald’s Tappy Tibbons J.U.I.C.E., and you’ve got a real feel-bad movie that may never fully leave you.

23. Oldboy (2003)

Because many have such good storylines, South Korean films have become some of the biggest international movies.. A few examples could be Parasite and The Wailing. One movie in particular stands above many of them, and that's Oldboy. 

Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film is loosely based on the Japanese manga of the same name and focuses on Dae-su, a man imprisoned in a cell that looks like a hotel room, for fifteen years, without knowing who the person was behind his capture. But when he gets his chance at freedom, he makes it his mission to find out who committed the crime all those years ago – only to find out there is much more to his imprisonment than he thought. 

Oldboy is incredible. The action scenes are probably some of the best recorded on a movie screen and have been imitated many times – just the corridor fight scene itself is enough to satisfy any action-movie fan. The story is intriguing all the way until the end, which will blow the minds of first-time viewers. Truly, Oldboy is a staple of the South Korean film industry – and a fantastic movie of the 2000s. 

22. Collateral (2004)

Michael Mann had already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest directors in the world of crime thrillers, but he further made a case for himself with his 2004 thriller, Collateral. Clocking in at exactly two hours, this cool, violent, and ruthless neo-noir classic not only sees one of the best Jamie Foxx performances with his portrayal of cab driver Max (a role that should have earned him an Oscar), it also introduces one of Tom Cruise’s most unhinged characters: Vincent, a mysterious and deadly assassin.

Cruise, who was coming off movies like Minority Report and The Last Samurai, is incredibly refreshing as the film’s antagonist, and it shows a side of the star that audiences don’t get to see as much. Seeing the actor’s undeniable charm and big-screen energy used to breathe life into someone who is pure evil is quite the experience, and really messes with the viewers’ mindset. In addition to actors like Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem, and Jada Pinkett Smith, the movie also treats the city of Los Angeles less like a backdrop and more as another character, one that feels more alive as the story goes on, much like Mann’s 1995 heist film, Heat.

21. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Since the early days of moviemaking, Walt Disney’s viewpoint of the fairytale has had a stake in popular culture. It’s G-rated, soft and sweet, and there’s always a happy ending. Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth brings to life a fairytale that redefined what a fantasy movie can look like with its distinct and unforgettable vision. Set in 1944 Spain as the country picks up the pieces of the Spanish Civil War, the R-rated fantasy film follows a young girl named Ofelia as she faces the violent reality of the Francoist period and stumbles upon a dark wonderland in the shadows (or at least the shadows of her imagination). 

As del Toro was coming off two more commercial movies in Blade II and Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth is a breathtaking highlight in an all-time great filmmaker’s career. Across two hours, the Spanish-language movie brings to life an extraordinary vision that beautifully balances being twisted and innocent all at once with memorable horror, gore, mythical creations and a ton of gorgeous practical creature effects. How does he balance a magical quest with political drama? Some especially memorable words in Pan’s Labyrinth answers that question: If “door is locked,” one must “create your own.” In a landscape where fairytales can be predictable, del Toro opened a wonderfully defiant world of his own with Pan’s Labyrinth.

20. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) And Vol. 2 (2004)

After turning the heist movie on its head with 1992’s Reservoir Dogs, and changing the way audiences perceive movies in general (and winning a screenwriting Oscar) with 1994’s Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino very quickly made himself into one of the most unique and esteemed icons of the medium. However, after releasing his 1997 Elmore Leonard adaptation, Jackie Brown, we would not see him direct anything for another six years. Little did we know that he was planning to come back with something big — so big, that just one movie was not enough to tell the story. Based on a character Tarantino created with star Uma Thurman on the Pulp Fiction set, Kill Bill follows a deadly assassin initially known only as The Bride — one of the greatest female action heroes — who wakes up from a four-year coma with a furious urge to punish those who tried to put her to sleep permanently, with her former boss (David Carradine) being the primary target. 

For years, it was debated whether or not the stylistically disparate halves of the story — with Vol. 1 being an ode to ‘70s kung fu movies and Vol. 2 counting as Tarantino’s first western, essentially — should count as one film. Well, even if the director had never officially clarified that he does see Kill Bill as one movie, we still would have designated one spot for both volumes of this exquisitely crafted, gorgeously choreographed, visually and emotionally breathtaking epic on this list, because that is the only way to experience "the whole bloody affair.” 

• A Kill Bill Quote To Remember: “That's right. I killed your master. And now I'm gonna kill you too, with your own sword, no less, which in the very immediate future, will become... my sword.” (The Bride)

19. Training Day (2001)

In 100 years, when film historians look back to determine why Denzel Washington was considered one of the best actors of his generation, director Antoine Fuqua's Training Day should be at the top of any screening list. Detective Alonzo Harris is a special kind of monster, and Washington’s work offers incredible escalation and power. At first, he just seems like a hardened detective who has made some scary discoveries about how best to patrol the city of Los Angeles, but he becomes a whole different kind of beast by the end – one that King Kong ain’t got nothin’ on.

But while Training Day features an all-time great performance from one of the all-time great actors, not to be ignored is just how terrific the movie as a whole is. Ethan Hawke is also at the top of his game as up-and-coming officer Jake Hoyt, who faces death and peril as he slowly understands the real game that Alonzo is playing, and David Ayer’s screenplay is special – packing the believable character arcs and growing stakes into a limited 24-hour time frame. Even on the tenth viewing it is successful at raising your pulse and getting you to invest in the protagonist’s peril, and that’s the mark of a truly great thriller.

• A Training Day Quote To Remember: “You gotta control your smiles and cries, because that's all you have and nobody can take that away from you.” (Jake Hoyt)

18. The Wrestler (2008)

Still considered one of the best movies of 2008 more than a decade later, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a grueling battle royale of emotions that doesn’t pull any punches with its story about a broken-down professional wrestler looking for one last shot at redemption. Channeling both the triumph and tragedy, and the agony and ecstasy of putting one’s life on the line day-in and day-out for decades, Mickey Rourke gave audiences the performance of a lifetime with his portrayal of washed-up wrestler, Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a one-time larger-than-life titan caught somewhere between his past and uncertain future.

There are a lot of parallels between the character and Rouke’s own journey in this semi-autobiographical drama, which adds a tremendous amount of depth to not only his performance, but also the movie in general. Though wrestling is often considered a fake sport, Rourke’s performance and Aronofsky’s commitment to portraying the industry in an honest and genuine light is incredibly real. The physical, mental, and emotional pain can be felt in each of Randy’s movements, heard in his voice, and seen in his eyes as the former champ wrestles in high school gyms and attempts to make ends meet by taking on shifts at a local grocery store deli. Then there are the religious allegories that are explored through Randy’s character, as well as Marisa Tomei’s Cassidy, which make it all even more potent.

• A The Wrestler Quote To Remember: “I'll tell you somethin', I hate the fuckin' 90's.” (Randy Robinson)

17. Finding Nemo (2003)

Pixar has created some of the greatest animated films of all time, and Finding Nemo may be the studio’s true crowning achievement. It is as beautifully animated as it is emotionally powerful. The undersea world of Nemo is gorgeous simply to look at, and that’s just as true today as it was when the film was released. 

2003's Finding Nemo’s voice casting is second to none. Nobody does neurotic like Albert Brooks. Nobody can play clueless like Ellen DeGeneres. Nobody plays a tough guy of questionable sanity like Willem Dafoe. These are the actors you would cast if you were telling this story in live-action, and they bring it all to the voice performances in a way that truly brings these characters to life.

And Finding Nemo is able to balance its emotional extremes perfectly. We’re used to Pixar movies making us cry but years before Up, Finding Nemo opened with an incredibly heartbreaking moment. But after that, it’s able to be hilarious, scary, and even exciting. Finally, it concludes with the sort of resolution that stands the test of time, as young children will see the film and relate with Nemo, then grow up, and begin to understand Marlin in a new way.  Nemo does it all, not bad for a clownfish with a bad fin. 

• A Finding Nemo Quote To Remember: “Of course I like you. It’s because I like you, I don’t want to be with you. It’s a complicated emotion.” (Marlin)

16. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

“I think this just might be my masterpiece.” That’s the final line in writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and coming as it does at the end of 153 minutes of perfection, it’s hard not to read it as a message directly from the filmmaker to the audience. In 2009, Tarantino was coming off of a low point in his career with the disappointing theatrical release of Grindhouse, but his follow-up is a phenomenal World War II epic that only he could make: Nazi-killing action packaged in a love letter to cinema.

Two stories – the revenge of Mélanie Laurent's Shosanna Dreyfus and the mission of the titular troop – play out in parallel with equal captivating energy right up until they collide in the (literally) explosive finale. While there isn’t a star in the expansive ensemble who doesn’t deliver a memorable performance (from Brad Pitt to Michael Fassbender to even Mike Myers), there isn’t a person who can watch the film and not walk away mesmerized by the work done by Christoph Waltz in his star-making turn as Hans Landa. It’s not an easy thing to blend a vibe of dastardly evil with sharp charisma, but Waltz is a force in the role, and it remains the best thing he has done in his career.

• An Inglourious Basterds Quote To Remember: “Well, you don't got to be Stonewall Jackson to know you don't want to fight in a basement.” (Lt. Aldo Raine)

15. Spirited Away (2001)

Studio Ghibli is one of the world's most-known anime film studios. Co-founded by legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki, the studio has created some of the best anime films of all time, one of which is Spirited Away – which Hayao Miyazaki directed. 

Spirited Away is about a journey into the spirit world following the young Chihiro. Taking place in Japan, we follow the little girl, who happens to be moving to a new neighborhood with her family. When her parents decide to take a shortcut to their new home and explore what looks to be an abandoned amusement park, Chihiro is forced to go along. However, there's magic everywhere, and her mom and dad turn into pigs against their will for eating a gluttonous feast. For her to get them back, she must work for the spirits in the bathhouse, so they can return to the human world. 

The premise itself sounds like a lot at first, but it's become Studio Ghibli’s – and Hayao Miyazaki's – highest-grossing film. It’s also the only anime film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the only hand-drawn film (so far) to accomplish the task. The movie features themes about love and learning to grow up and be brave. It's the perfect gateway movie into the anime film – indeed, one of the best movies of the 2000s. 

• A Spirited Away Quote To Remember: “I don't need any help; this place is full of soot.” (Kamaji)

14. The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige is a battle of wills between two talented and irreparably flawed magicians, who can’t stay out of each other’s lives. Their differing roles in a shared tragedy push them apart and then repeatedly back together, as their initial determination to succeed steadily gives way to an obsession for vengeance. That obsession drives them to sacrifice and abandon everything healthy about their lives until they’re each left with only a singular drive to sabotage the other.

Based on that description, The Prestige sounds like a really dark movie. In many ways, it is, but in director Christopher Nolan’s hands, it’s also often really fun. It has a sense of wonder and mystery about it, as it not only dives into the idiosyncrasies of magic but also the exciting possibilities of science in the 1890s and early 1900s. It was a time and place in which anything felt possible, and you really feel that hopeful uncertainty thanks to a timeline that jumps to and fro and fantastic performances from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and a perfectly cast David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Like a great magic trick, the first time you watch The Prestige, you’re fascinated by the spectacle and simply along for the ride. Then every time you rewatch it afterwards, you’re blown away by all the subtle skill required to pull it off.

• A The Prestige Quote To Remember: “Nobody cares about the man in the box.” (Robert Angier)

13. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Looking back, 2007 was one of the best movie years in recent memory, considering classics like No Country For Old Men, Zodiac, and Superbad all premiered on the big screen. But one of the biggest, baddest, and most arresting of those releases was Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. An epic period drama about oilman Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) doing everything in his power and stepping on anyone in his way in his quest for wealth in the early 20th-century oil boom, the movie is a deep and vast exploration of a man’s psyche and desire to become the biggest player in the game.

While Day-Lewis’s performance is tremendous and more than deserving of the Oscar he received, it’s made even better thanks to his character’s conflict with Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), a religious zealot who is just as tenacious and hungry for power as his counterpart. Several of the movie’s most iconic scenes (like the oil-town baptism and shocking ending sequence) are the result of the actor’s tremendous chemistry and ability to play off each other’s words. The pair, who get along like oil and holy water, create a dynamic that’s not quite a battle between good and evil, but instead something much deeper than that, which adds another level to this incredible cinematic achievement.

• A There Will Be Blood Quote To Remember: “You're an orphan from a basket in the middle of the desert, and I took you for no other reason than I needed a sweet face to buy land.” (Daniel)

12. In Bruges (2008)

Prior to 2008, Martin McDonagh was established as a talented and popular playwright, but he had ambitions to make his way into movies. In 2004, he directed the incredible short film Six Shooter (which won an Academy Award), and then he moved to features. He made his debut with In Bruges, and anyone who saw it instantly recognized McDonagh’s potential to become one of the best filmmakers working today (potential he has made good on with the genius of Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin).

In Bruges takes a high concept premise – two hitman hide out in Belgium waiting for instructions after a job goes bad – and weaves a remarkable meditation on life and death. It’s a dark comedy (and a hilarious one at that), but it has a beautiful blend of tones that radiate from the genius work of stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. Farrell and Gleeson have a unique chemistry that works on both comedic and dramatic levels (it’s far from a mystery why McDonagh reunited them for The Banshees of Inisherin) and the bizarrely rage and logic-filled energy that Fiennes brings in the third act is icing on the cake.

• An In Bruges Quote To Remember: “I kinda like hearing people having sex. Means at least somebody around here's happy.” (Ray)

11. Almost Famous (2000)

If a 15-year-old going on tour with a raucous rock band wasn’t enough of a hook, Almost Famous also happens to have one of the most memorable posters/ DVD box covers of all time. It focuses on the enigmatic Penny Lane, the heroine of Cameron Crowe’s film, whom everyone loves to love and admire and most don’t bother to understand. With distinct shades and tendrils of blonde hair, she draws you into her world of Humble Pie and heartbreak, and in between commentary on what made the ’70s the ’70s and a slick soundtrack including Led Zeppelin, The Who and of course Elton John, she helps turn the film into one of the best of the 2000s.

It’s a career-defining performance for Kate Hudson, and she’s not the only one who delivers. Jason Lee grows a mustache and long hair to fall into his hilarious lead singer role while Billy Crudup is similarly unrecognizable as the talented and moody Russell Hammond. Patrick Fugit plays William Miller, younger than most but wiser than some, and he finds a terrific foil in Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays famed music writer Lester Bangs. Throw in great work from Frances McDormand, Zooey Deschanel and even Jimmy Fallon and it’s a masterclass of terrific performances. If it’s been a while since you’ve revisited the movie, maybe throw on some purple-tinted sunglasses and kick back to the tune of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America.” Settle in, you’re almost home.

• An Almost Famous Quote To Remember: “If you never take it seriously, you never get hurt. If you never get hurt, you always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit your friends.” (Penny Lane)

10. No Country For Old Men (2007)

No matter what kind of film genre is up for discussion, the power and breadth of the Coen Brothers' filmography is worthy of inclusion, and they don't make 'em much better than 2007's No Country for Old Men. An adaptation of Carmac McCarthy’s 2005 novel that’s every bit as faithful as it is chilling, the film meticulously dips its toes most heavily into the cinematic waters of crime thrillers and westerns. That said, Javier Bardem’s unflinching hitman, Anton Chigurh, would be at home in any horror narrative, with his Two-Face-esque coin flips and an unstoppable drive that rivals Jason Voorhees or Michael Meyers. At least if a big ol’ stack of cash was also their end goal.

Despite being one of Joel and Ethan Coen’s driest films regarding their signature screwball humor, the movie is an exercise in tension that thrives on its lack of levity, though it’s hard not to smile whenever Woody Harrelson is on the screen in any capacity. With a stellar cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt and more, No Country for Old Men is, to date, the only Coen brothers masterpiece to win them the Oscars for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture, with Bardem taking the gold for Best Supporting Actor. It’s not the awards that best signify its impact, however, but the bolt pistol gripped in Chigurh’s ever-steady hand.

• A No Country For Old Men Quote To Remember: “Well all the time ya spend trying to get back what's been took from ya, more is going out the door. After a while you just have to try to get a tourniquet on it.” (Ellis)

9. Memento (2000)

Talk about a movie that you definitely need to watch without your phone in your hand. Christopher Nolan’s Memento is a mind-bending combination of different angles that demands and deserves your entire attention. The story is told backward, broken up by clips of a black and white, forward-moving montage of a mysterious one-sided phone call in a hotel, led by Guy Pearce, whose character Leonard, also happens to have anterograde (or short-term) amnesia, stopping our protagonist from creating new memories as he looks for his wife’s killer, who also gave him this debilitating injury.

As mentioned, Nolan basically begins at the end and works his way back, for the most part. The juxtaposition of the timelines bring the audience into the obvious confusion that Leonard lives with every day. "Even if you get revenge, you're not going to remember it," he's told by his new friend Teddy (played by Joe Pantoliano) but his reply shows just how far his love and determination will go, stating "My wife deserves revenge whether or not I remember it."  Toss in Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) to add some confusing sympathy (or treachery) and you will probably want a second viewing just to wrap your mind around what you might have initially dismissed as unimportant plot points from this Nolan classic. You’ll notice that Nolan has popped up numerous times on this list (and rightfully so) and he has also once again recently hit it out of the park with 2023’s Oppenheimer.  

• A Memento Quote To Remember: “So you lie to yourself to be happy. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all do it.” (Teddy G.)

8. Wall-E (2008)

Do you know who is a genius? Sound designer Ben Burtt. You might not know his name, but you certainly know the movies he contributed to over the years, including Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and 2009’s Star Trek. Burtt designed the “vocals” for R2-D2, Darth Vader’s heavy breathing, and the “voice” of E.T. But, his work truly soared when he lent dialogue to the adorable Waste Allocation Load Lifter assigned to an abandoned Earth. MIraculously, the first half of Pixar’s ingenious WALL-E works as a silent film, following our main character as it goes about its daily routine with a pet cockroach in tow. WALL-E’s life is upended when another robot named EVE arrives, searching for any sign of life. 

From there, the fate of humanity starts to be revealed, and it’s rather grim. Director Andrew Stanton’s animation for the film ranks as some of Pixar’s most magnificent, embracing the scorched orange of a deserted Earth and then painting with vivid colors for WALL-E’s eventual outer-space adventure. The environmental messages of the film are important without ever being preachy. And, the eventual romance felt and shared by WALL-E and EVE will lift every single heart, with the lovers sharing hardly any words. 

• A Wall-E Quote To Remember: “I see the ship's log is showing that today is the 700th anniversary of our five year cruise. Well, I'm sure our forefathers would be proud to know that 700 years later we'd be... doing the exact same thing they were doing.” (Captain B. McCrea)

7. The Departed (2006)

There are crime films and then there are Martin Scorsese crime films, and when it comes to The Departed, the director doesn’t let us down. A remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, the 2006 movie gives us a range of characters to root for, root against or simply watch just to see what they’ll do or say next. That includes Leonardo DiCaprio’s undercover cop character Billy Costigan, Matt Damon’s sneaky, spying Colin Sullivan, Jack Nicholson’s mob boss character Frank Costello, and Vera Farmiga’s well-meaning therapist Dr. Madolyn Madden. To say that things get complicated might be understating it, but it’s the complexity of the characters and their roles in this story that makes The Departed such a fantastic and gripping movie from beginning to end. 

In a way, it’s all business for everyone involved, but it’s also personal for each character on some level or another. It’s impossible not to feel anxious for DiCaprio’s character as he attempts to navigate the criminal world without being caught for who he really is, just as it’s impossible not to grow increasingly frustrated by Matt Damon’s character for posing as an upstanding law enforcer who’s actually up to no good. It’s thrilling, stressful, riveting and ultimately satisfying, and that’s not even factoring in Mark Wahlberg’s character every time he has something to say (that’s just a bonus). 

• A The Departed Quote To Remember: “You know what I like about restaurants? . . . You can learn a lot, watching things eat.” (Frank Costello)

6. Best In Show (2000)

Nobody does mockumentaries like Christopher Guest, and 2000’s Best in Show is an absolute masterclass. The mundane musings of everyday conversation combine with outlandish characters and awkward situations to deliver one of the best movies of the decade. The dog show is the event that brings these unique and individually brilliant characters under one roof, but it’s no Maguffin. As bonkers as each dog-lover’s trip is to get to the show, everything is turned up to 11, if you will, when they all come together, and the event itself is perfectly colored by Fred Willard’s commentary.

There’s a reason this phenomenal cast has stuck together to appear in other projects. The chemistry between Eugene Levy’s Gerry and Catherine O’Hara’s Cookie (with her “hundreds” of boyfriends) left people begging for more, which they got in A Mighty Wind. Jennifer Coolidge was excellent in her attempts to substantiate her marriage to her ancient sugar daddy husband by saying they bonded over a love of soup and the ability to “not talk or talk forever.” The genius casting of John Michael Higgins and Michael McKean gave audiences the married couple they never knew they needed. 

Best in Show exploits the banal in some situations while heightening reality in others, to where Harlan Pepper naming nuts and the couple describing how they met at Starbucks (but two different Starbucks) land laughs just as hard as Gerry’s literal two left feet or Cookie walking with her knee out of socket.

• A Best In Show Quote To Remember: “Why don’t they put the bloodhound — put on one of those Sherlock Holmes hats and put a little pipe in his mouth? Are they ever allowed to do anything like that? Dress up the dog in a funny way? It would really get the crowd going. You know what I mean? The Sherlock Holmes hat with a pipe. I don’t know if you could make it look like smoke is coming out of the pipe.” (Buck Laughlin)

5. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher’s greatest accomplishment, and that’s saying a lot. The director has spent countless hours analyzing the compulsion that drives people to seek the truth – be it lawyers parsing through statements to figure out who invented Facebook (The Social Network), or detectives tracking a serial killer who is inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins (Seven). But Zodiac is Fincher’s magnum opus, an engrossing true-crime thriller based on the books of Robert Graysmith tracking the diligent work of three men consumed by the search for the identity of the Zodiac Killer. 

Jake Gyllanhaal serves as the ideal audience surrogate, a puzzle designer for the San Francisco Chronicle who gets swept up in the mystery of the serial killer, who antagonized the police and the media as he committed vicious murders around San Francisco in the 1970s, Fincher painstakingly recreates the time period with breathtaking visuals and top-notch costuming and set design. His emphasis on the bustle of a newsroom is particularly spot on. The film also lingers in the haze of fear, anxiety, and suspense that comes from a killer on the loose. But it’s the supporting roles of Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, as well as an inability to truly deliver a concrete ending, that makes Zodiac such a rewatchable movie, and a captivating masterpiece.

• A Zodiac Quote To Remember: “I am not the Zodiac. And if I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you.” (Arthur Leigh Allen)

4. Mean Girls (2004)

From wearing pink on Wednesdays to shouting “You go Glen Coco” it’s undeniable that Mean Girls has seriously influenced pop culture over the last (almost) two decades. So, “get in loser,” it’s time to appreciate this beloved coming-of-age comedy from Tina Fey.

This movie is a classic teenage tale about a girl who moves from Africa to the United States where she experiences the rude awakening that is high school by way of The Plastics. While it’s your typical coming-of-age story, it’s infused with the signature sense of humor from Fey – who was in the midst of her legendary run at Saturday Night Live – and it shows the high school experience in a totally unique way with a cast of characters played by actors who have since become icons. 

Not only did the film solidify Lindsay Lohan as an early 2000s star, it also simultaneously jumpstarted the careers of many in the Mean Girls cast, including little known actresses like Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried. On top of that, its legacy has lived on, as it was adapted into a Broadway musical, and is eventually coming back to the screen with an adaptation of said stage production. To say this film is a quintessential 2000s classic almost feels like an understatement because of the lasting impact it has managed to have on people of all ages since its release in 2004. 

• A Mean Girls Quote To Remember: "She doesn't even go here!" (Damian)

3. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

You could argue that Jim Carrey makes much better dramatic movies than he does comedic features. And that opinion is coming from someone who adores Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, as well as Dumb & Dumber. But when you factor in the dramatic detours he embarked on for The Truman Show, Man on the Moon, and this incredible romance, you begin to wonder how many Oscars Carrey might have if he got the industry to treat him seriously, instead of talking out of his ass (literally). 

Carrey and Kate Winslet are magnificent as Joel and Clementine, two soul mates who undergo a radical procedure to have their memories of each other erased after a bitter argument. Only screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) could keep such a twisty premise from flying off the rails. And while the side-mission actions of the memory technicians can get a little silly, we remain wholly invested in Joel and Clementine’s complicated journey because of the heartbroken and beautiful chemistry shared between Carrey and Winslet. It’s a real challenge presented to these stars, as we’re not supposed to know whether Joel and Clementine are better off together or apart. But the satisfying resolution says as much about fate as it does about the existence of true love, so long as we remember how and when to look for it.

• An Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind Quote To Remember: “Constantly talking isn’t necessarily communicating.” (Joel Barish)

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

It’s been said before, but it’ll be said again – The Dark Knight is one of the greatest superhero films (and one of the greatest movies) ever made. Christopher Nolan’s ambition as a filmmaker has been well-noted, but even he outdid himself with his 2008 follow-up to 2005’s Batman Begins. The second chapter in the journey of Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne sees the iconic DC Comics hero going up against the dangerous and unpredictable Joker. All the while, the Caped Crusader and his allies must also contend with mob bosses and Harvey Dent, Gotham City’s honorable district attorney who becomes the deformed Two-Face.

Where does one even start when it comes to singing this movie’s praises? There’s the impeccable screenplay, massive set pieces, engrossing score and much more. Yet I suppose what stands out the most are the performances, especially that of the late Heath Ledger. The actor, who posthumously won an Oscar for his work, fully committed to his role as the Clown Prince of Crime and is absolutely mesmerizing. His villainous turn is just one of the many reasons why Nolan’s film is a thrilling and compelling piece of work that’s still incredibly entertaining now, over a decade later.

• A The Dark Knight Quote To Remember: “Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just...do things.” (The Joker)

1. City Of God (2002)

Making its Brazil and festival run in 2002 and eventually hitting theaters in the U.S. and elsewhere  in the year that followed, Fernando Meirelles’ City of God, based on Paulo Lins’ semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, served as an inflection point in the world of cinema and served as a preview of what the the next few years would look like. Told through the eyes of young photographer Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), the movie explores the life of street kids in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) favela in Rio de Janeiro, an expansive slum filled with endless supplies of drugs, ruthless gangsters, and corrupt cops who allow the madness to continue. One of the most violent movies of the 2000s, City of God is a lesson in brutality, especially whenever depicting the exploits of Li’l Dice (Douglas Silva), a ruthless and sociopathic young criminal who stops at nothing in his quest for complete control. Oddly enough, the older version of the character known as Li’l Ze (Leandro Firmino) never comes off as cold blooded as his younger self, which further illustrates the movie’s point about youth and violence. 

At the same time, City of God is also one of the most beautiful movies of the 2000s, and not just on an aesthetic level (though César Charlone’s cinematography is out of this world). The endearing spirit of those who wish to escape a life of crime, ranging from Rocket to the ill-fated drug dealer Benny (Phellipe Haagensen), adds a level of heart and soul one may not expect from a two-hour crime drama about young criminals with short fuses and, in many cases, tragically  shorter lifespans. 

• A City Of God Quote To Remember: “You need more than guts to be a good gangster; you need ideas.” (Rocket)

How we put this list together

Using a combination of internal recommendations and other best of lists, we compiled a spreadsheet of all the movies from the 2000s that we considered to be culturally relevant and/or critically well-reviewed. We pushed together some multi-part movies like Kill Bill and Lord Of The Rings and then had our staff of almost 30 go through and assign a score for each movie they’ve seen based on their own personal opinions. We disqualified any movies that didn’t get a minimum number of ratings and dropped the lowest score for each, as if we were judging a figure skating competition. We then ordered the top 100 based on average score and had someone who gave that movie a particularly high score write up a paragraph explaining what’s so great about it. This rigorous scientific process resulted in Idiocracy being slotted at 101, an omission I’m still furious about.

Superbad is a modern classic, with many fans fondly remembering the coming-of-age comedy and its introduction to some of this generation’s biggest comedy stars. Superbad is hilarious, and launched a slew of other raunchy comedies with the same creative team like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, This Is The End, and Knocked Up. While certainly a fan favorite, a recent metric showed that Superbad may actually be the funniest movie of all time, and writer and star Seth Rogen had a great response.

OnBuy Movies recently had a team of experts compile data using IMDB ratings and reviews. They took the top 125 highest rated films listed under the comedy genre and used the reviews containing words most synonymous with “funny” to determine which film audiences thought was the funniest. It's an interesting metric to use, and not an exact science considering anybody can write an IMDB review and it doesn’t account for bias. However, this metric determined that based on the criteria, 2007’s Superbad was crowned the funniest movie. An Instagram report releasing the outcome went viral.

The results caught the attention of many, including Seth Rogen, who penned the film with his writing and producing partner, Evan Goldberg. The film, directed by Greg Mottola, is based on Rogen and Goldberg's high school experiences and was a passion project for the duo. In the film, Rogen plays one of the cops who shows a high school student with a fake ID a fun night out after believing he was of age. The Pineapple Express star has always expressed his pride in the film, and even commented on the expert results, saying:

Superbad was a raunchy high school movie from the point-of-view of teenage boys about to head off to college. The film was a hit, and for a while, ideas for a Superbad 2 were circulating. That never ended up happening, but the cast has talked endlessly about their experiences shooting the comedy in the years following. Fans still seem to be intrigued by the R-rated romp, as the DVD commentary from the 2007 film recently went viral. 

Whether or not Superbad is the funniest movie of all time remains up for debate. Comedy is subjective, so I doubt any metric would be able to say definitively what movie is overly the funniest. However, Superbad has remained a mainstay favorite for many, even though Rogen probably couldn’t have written the film today.  It is responsible for a lot of the raunchy comedies that ended up being box office hits in the years following, and made actors like Jonah Hill, Bill Hader and Emma Stone comedy darlings. Funniest or not, it's incredibly well loved and iconic.

You can revisit the hilarity of Superbad now by renting it now on Amazon. Fans of Seth Rogen can also check out the other great films from the This Is The End star. You should also look through the other comedy movies like Superbad that earned their R-ratings.

Although a lot of people first learned about Michael Cera from when he played George Michael Bluth on Arrested Development, 2007 was a pivotal year for the actor, as he starred in both Superbad and Juno. Both movies performed critically and commercially well, and they arguably established him as a major name in Hollywood. More than a decade and a half after their release though, Cera has opened up about he nearly quit acting amid this success.

Superbad was released on August 13, 2007, just two months after Cera turned 19, and Juno followed on December 5. While these movies remain among that year’s most well-known cinematic offerings, the actor recalled to The Guardian that he had trouble dealing with his boosted profile in the aftermath of their releases, saying:

Michael Cera added that on the weekend Superbad came out, he went to a bar with some friends, which he described as a “mistake” because he had a “burning feeling the whole time” that everyone was “so aware” him. The Judd Apatow-directed teen comedy saw him and Jonah Hill playing two soon-to-graduate high school seniors trying to lose their virginity before going off to college, with the other notable actors including Emma Stone, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen (who also co-wrote the script) and Bill Hader. However, that was just the beginning of Cera having to grapple with increased fame and people out in the world not respecting his boundaries. 

Between that and Juno, where her played the teen who impregnated Elliot Page’s title character, Cera started realizing that this level of fame wasn’t something that was appealing to him. He even debated about quitting acting or, to a lesser degree, not act in any more projects on the level of these movies. As Cera put it:

What steered him away from such a drastic move was that he’d already agreed to star in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, so he needed to stay committed to it. Granted, while the Edgar Wright-helmed movie was a critical hit, it bombed at the box office, but it, along with a handful or smaller projects, was enough to get Cera through this difficult period. He wasn’t interested in fame, instead finding comfort “a working actor who can enjoy my day-to-day life.” In the years Superbad and Juno’s respective releases, his notable credits have included The LEGO Batman Movie, Molly’s Game, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp and Life & Beth.

Michael Cera can next be seen playing Allan as a member of Barbie’s stacked cast, with the movies opening in theaters Friday, July 21. If you’re interested in streaming Superbad and/or Juno, Hulu subscribers have access to the former, while the latter can be viewed with a Max subscription.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has left an indelible mark on pop culture since its inception, inspiring generations of fans with its pizza-loving, crime-fighting reptilian heroes. For actor and comedian Seth Rogen, the Turtles had such a profound impact on his childhood that it led to some perilous adventures in real life. As he gears up for the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which he co-wrote, the Knocked Up star fondly reflected on the karate mishaps that occurred due to his obsession with the iconic characters.

In an exclusive career-spanning interview with Empire, Seth Rogen and his writing partner Evan Goldberg opened up about their childhood love for the Heroes In A Half Shell. The Green Hornet performer fondly shared some of his cherished memories and the mishaps that unfolded during their karate training. The This Is the End actor revealed that their mutual adoration for the Ninja Turtles led them to delve into martial arts together, saying:

It comes as no surprise that Rogen, known for his comedic talent, gravitated toward the turtle known for his humor. Evan Goldberg, Rogen's longtime friend and writing partner, also shared an amusing incident involving his Superbad co-writer’s nunchuck skills and an unfortunate encounter with a chandelier. Goldberg recalled:

Look, not everyone can be an accomplished “chucker” like Mikey. And, according to the Pineapple Express star, the only thing he accomplished imitating his favorite turtle was destroying his family's lamp. Rogen hilariously continued: 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has been on our radar for quite some time, but only recently have we been treated to substantial details about the highly anticipated animated film. The moment fans have been waiting for arrived with the release of the first trailer, and it offered a glimpse of what promises to be a delightful movie, which was obviously crafted by someone who has a deep love for the Turtle brothers. 

The distinctive tone often associated with the TMNT franchise is on full display, but what truly stands out is the presence of the Sausage Party duo’s creative influence. Interestingly, there are also noticeable similarities to another beloved animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Here’s hoping the new outing of everyone's favorite reptile crime fighters is as big a hit at the box office as Miles Morales. 

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's adventurous journey into karate during their youth, driven by their profound affection for the Ninja Turtles, is set to infuse the upcoming film with a genuine and heartfelt essence. Fans eagerly anticipating their unique perspective on the beloved team can mark their calendars for the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, scheduled to hit theaters on August 4, as part of the exciting lineup of new 2023 movie releases.

The dynamic between McLovin and Seth in SuperBad is one of the highlights of the beloved coming-of-age movie, and as some might know, it might be because some of that anger is real. Actor Jonah Hill actively disliked working with Christopher Mintz-Plasse during the film, and while we've heard about the audition and things from Hill's perspective, we haven't heard the full story. Mintz-Plasse recently shared those details with CinemaBlend, and where things stand with the actors currently. 

I had a chance to speak to Christopher Mintz-Plasse following his recent appearance on Stars On Mars, in which he rubbed shoulders with fellow celebrities like Marshawn Lynch and Ariel Winter. During our conversation, I asked about the story of Jonah Hill not liking him while filming Superbad and got his take on the "beef" between them, starting with the infamous McLovin audition. Said Mintz-Plasse,

Christopher Mintz-Plasse had no intention of pissing off Jonah Hill. As he explained, he was just trying to get the part of McLovin. This meant acting like an actual high schooler (which he was pretty tuned into as a high schooler at the time), and his comebacks and jabs threw Hill off his game and frustrated him. 

The tension between Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse didn't end at the audition either, apparently. Mintz-Plasse told CinemaBlend about landing the gig as McLovin, and how the continued tension between him and Hill ultimately helped the movie: 

Seth was legitimately pissed off at McLovin most of the time they interacted, and apparently, the same was true of Jonah Hill in regard to Christopher Mintz-Plasse. The actor isn't upset about that in the slightest and points out that had Hill liked him, he may not have gotten the role of Superbad's most memorable character. 

McLovin is a role that led to a lot of other roles for Christopher Mintz-Plasse in Hollywood, so it's easy to see why he's happy with how things worked out. It also probably helps that he's since had time to talk with Jonah Hill about that gig fifteen-plus years later and hash out any issues that were between them: 

It's good to hear that things are good between the two actors, and we aren't reporting on some decade-and-a-half blood feud between the two of them. Something tells me that Seth and McLovin would for sure hold a grudge against each other for that long, but it doesn't seem like we'll ever get Superbad 2 to find out for sure. 

As far as what's next for Christopher Mintz-Plasse, he's reprising his role as King Gristle for the upcoming Trolls Band Together. He also was in Fox's Stars On Mars, but for those who missed the premiere, he was voted off in the opening episode. Hey, at least he's never too far away on streaming for anyone wanting to watch his work, as Superbad is available with an HBO Max subscription.  

Stars On Mars airs on Fox on Mondays at 8:00 pm ET. Tune in to see various stars trying to prove they can survive life on Mars or prove the exact opposite. It's a fun watch, even with Christopher Mintz-Plasse out of the mix, and I'm excited to see which celebrities make it to the end. 

What makes an R-rated movie? Is it crass and foul language? What about nudity? Violence, too? Or it could be a combination of these different elements, which is often the case for some of the best comedies of all time. 

Below is a list of 25 R-rated comedies that really earned their R-ratings, either because of language, nudity, violence, or simply because the subject matter was too harsh for audiences under a certain age. With classics like Blazing Saddles and modern gems like The Hangover, and just about everything in between, here are some of the raunchiest comedies and why the MPA felt they should be “restricted” at the box office, but not enough to earn the dreaded NC-17 rating.

The Hangover (2009)

Todd Phillips’ The Hangover pushed the limits of the R-rating in 2009 with its pervasive language, all kinds of references to drugs, violence, sex talk, and even some full-frontal nudity involving Ken Jeong. Those elements, along with a fun story about a group of guys who lose their friend in Las Vegas right before he’s set to get married, created one of the most popular comedies of the century as well as the most successful R-rated comedy of all time, per BoxOfficeMojo.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Most likely the first Mel Brooks movie that comes to mind, Blazing Saddles is often considered one of those movies that could never be made today. And there’s a good reason for that: Brooks already made the classic Western comedy in 1974. But seriously, this legendary R-rated comedy is full of racist, sexist, and straight-up dirty language, has all kinds of references to sex, violence, and so much more. But, what more would you expect from a script co-written by the late, great Richard Pryor?

American Pie (1999)

Undoubtedly the biggest teen sex comedy of the 1990s, American Pie took the world by storm in 1999, especially for those who had to sneak into the living room while their older brother and his friends were watching it. From the scrambled porn opening scene to the infamous apple pie moment, there are plenty of reasons the movie about a group of high school seniors trying to lose their virginity earned an R-rating.

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

Though David Wain’s teen comedy parody, Wet Hot American Summer, doesn’t push the boundaries like other movies on this list, the 2001 movie about the counselors and campers of Camp Firewood does have one sequence that earns its R-rating: the “Going into town” scene. In the span of three minutes, we go from a library to an alley where the counselors buy cocaine, rob an elderly woman, and shoot up heroin in a drug den that looks like something out of Trainspotting. As quickly as it starts, the scene ends and the teens go back to camp as if nothing happened. Classic. 

Bridesmaids (2011)

Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids is another movie on this list that is on the softer side of the R-rating, but this raunchy 2011 comedy starring Kristen Wiig (who also co-wrote the script) and Maya Rudolph more than earns its restricted classification. The food poisoning scene, especially when Rudoph’s character is pooping in the street, might not be too extreme, but the sexual references and crass language throughout the two-hour comedy were what made this modern classic too much for younger audiences.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

One of the best Eddie Murphy comedies, the Martin Brest-directed Beverly Hills Cop also happens to be one of greatest buddy cop movies, and comedies in general, of all time. Murphy’s turn as Axel Foley, a reckless Detroit police detective who goes to Los Angeles to solve the murder of his best friend, is definitely what gives this movie its R-rating, considering his constant barrage of profanity would be enough to lose a PG-13 classification in his first scene alone.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Nicholas Stoller’s comedy about a composer who goes on a Hawaiian vacation following his high-profile breakup with a famous actress, only to discover she’s at the same resort with her new boyfriend, was one of the biggest surprises of 2008. The language and situations found in Jason Segel’s script were enough to make this romp R-rated, but the two scenes where the actor is seen fully naked is what pushes it over the edge.

Friday (1995)

One of the best ‘90s comedies, F. Gary Gray’s Friday follows Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and his best friend Smokey (Chris Tucker) over the course of a single day, a day in which they get incredibly stoned, survive a drive-by, and take on neighborhood bully, Deebo (Tiny “Zeus” Lister Jr.). With language totally not suitable for younger audiences (unless they’re watching the USA Network edit), constant drug references, and one of the most brutal fights, there are plenty of reasons this 1995 comedy earned an R-rating.

Booksmart (2019)

Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart took the teen coming-of-age/sex comedy premise and flipped it on its head in 2019 with a hilarious and crude yet incredibly heartfelt story about two girls who finally decide to come out of their shells on the last day of school. Drug use, cursing, sexual situations, and other things often associated with male leads are instead tied to Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein’s characters as they attempt to let loose after years of following the straight and narrow.

Clerks (1994)

Kevin Smith has had an incredibly long and fruitful career in Hollywood, and it all started with the 1994 black-and-white comedy, Clerks. If you are familiar with Smith’s movies, then you know this landmark film is full of unsavory language, drug use, some violence, and an extended bit of dialogue about a certain girlfriend and the number 37. 

Ted (2012)

Seth McFarlane’s 2012 comedy, Ted, follows life-long slacker John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), as he spends his days wasting away with his best friend, a stuffed bear named Ted (McFarlane). This incredibly hilarious and crude movie checks all the boxes when it comes to an R-rating: drug use, sexual content, obscene language, and situations that may be too much even for some adults. 

The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Judd Apatow’s 2005 comedy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, follows Steve Carell’s Andy Stiltzer as the introverted Smart Tech employee attempts to have sex for the first time. But, the craziest thing about this movie is that Andy isn’t what really earns the R-rating, but instead the cast of characters surrounding him. Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, and Seth Rogen’s characters are foul-mouthed, sex-crazed lunatics who really turn up the volume throughout the movie, especially a certain scene shared by Malco and a then up-and-coming Kevin Hart.

Superbad (2007)

We had Booksmart on the list, so you knew Superbad wasn’t going to be too far behind. This seminal teen comedy from Greg Mottola has all the hallmarks of a teen buddy comedy: two nerdy friends (played by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera), an end-of-the-year party, and language that would make a sailor blush. If the language and drug/alcohol use by teens wasn’t crazy enough, there’s that notebook scene at the end of the movie.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

Amy Heckerling’s 1982 coming-of-age comedy, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, is just as popular 40 years later thanks to its incredible cast, multiple storylines, and some of the genre’s most iconic scenes. Some of these scenes, like the fantasy sequence involving Judge Reinhold and Phoebe Cates, help you figure out why the movie was given an R-rating upon its initial release. But, the cussing and drug use by Sean Penn’s Jeff Spicoli also probably helped in that department.

There's Something About Mary (1998)

The Farrelly Brothers’ 1998 romantic comedy, There’s Something About Mary, is one of those movies that could have earned an NC-17 rating; it’s that wild. The movie centers on Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller) as he seeks out Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), his high school crush who’s also the obsession of pretty much every man she encounters. If you’ve seen this movie, you know it doesn’t hold back when it comes to language, sexual situations, and gross body humor like the zipper scene and that hair gel moment.

Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle introduced the world to two of the greatest movie potheads in 2004 with its story about a pair of underachievers who go on an epic quest to find a greasy, square-shaped burger. It’s the journey that makes these road trip movies so much fun, right? Well, along the way, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) get into all kinds of ridiculous situations, including a sequence with Neil Patrick Harris, that more than earn it a spot on this list.

Me, Myself & Irene (2000)

After There’s Something About Mary, the Farrelly Brothers gave the world another great R-rated comedy, and one that pushes the limits of the rating once again, with the 2000 Jim Carrey comedy, Me, Myself & Irene. The movie follows Carrey’s Charlie Baileygate, a meek and overly nice Rhode Island state trooper who finally snaps after years of taking abuse from everyone around him. This split personality, known as Hank Evans, creates some of the most hilarious, and depraved, moments from Carrey’s career.

National Lampoon's Animal House

The legendary National Lampoon’s Animal House is an absurdly funny and raucous affair, which is to be expected considering the movie is about a college fraternity on probation for poor academic standing and countless conduct violations. Even then, John Landis’ 1978 comedy surprises you with its vulgarity, sexual situations, and straight-up ridiculousness from characters played by the likes of John Belushi, Tim Matheson, Peter Riegert, and Kevin Bacon.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

One of the best Coen Brothers movies, The Big Lebowski is one of those films that transcends genre, but since it’s funny as all hell, we can’t not include it here. Released in 1998, the movie follows Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) as he gets caught up in a scheme involving the other Jeffrey Lebowski (David Huddleston), which leads to a long and winding road of kidnappings, pornography, and an epic fantasy sequence. The sexual situations, violence, and language from Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) sent this over the edge.

Porky's (1982)

Two years before he gave the world the classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story, Bob Clark presented a less wholesome and raunchier movie that made the whole leg lamp situation look like nothing. Of course, we’re talking about the successful 1982 sex comedy, Porky’s. So, why the R-rating? Well, there’s the main plot that involves a group of Florida high schoolers going to a strip club in an attempt to get their friend laid. Combine that with the “pepping” and “Lassie” subplots, and you can figure it out.

Borat (2006)

Released in 2006, Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, or Borat for short, was a mockumentary following Sacha Baron Cohen’s titular character as he explored America and got into all kinds of hijinks. With a combination of scripted sequences and some of the most absurd hidden-camera pranks, there was no way Larry Charles’ movie was going to be anything but R-rated. Nudity, sexual situations, cussing, violence, and racism/xenophobia are all at play in this utterly ridiculous movie.

Zombieland (2009)

Though movies like My Boyfriend’s Back, Warm Bodies, and World War Z proved a good zombie movie could have a PG-13 rating, that wasn’t the case for Ruben Fleischer’s 2009 horror comedy, Zombieland. Taking the best elements of buddy action comedies and combining them with the hallmarks of the zombie genre, the movie was a fun ride. Crude language, violence, and so much gore are the main reasons the movie earned an R-rating.

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

How Tom Green’s surrealist comedy, Freddy Got Fingered, was given an R-rating instead of the NC-17 classification is something that remains a mystery 22 years after its initial release. While the main plot about Green’s Gordon “Gord” Bordy trying to become a professional cartoonist doesn’t sound all that crazy, the movie is anything but tame. The horse and elephant scenes, the subplot where Gord accuses his father of sexually abusing his brother, and pretty much everything that happens is WILD. 

Revenge Of The Nerds (1984)

Jeff Kanew’s 1984 comedy, Revenge of the Nerds, doesn’t seem all that bad or too risque on the surface, but man, this movie is absolutely nuts. Sure, there’s an edited TV version that cuts out a lot of the language and some of the more absurd scenes, but the theatrical cut is a depraved exploration of college culture. The language is one thing, but the Lambda Lambda Lambda members spying on a sorority, the Darth Vader scene, and several other interactions mean giving this movie an R-rating was a no-brainer.

Super Troopers (2001)

The 2001 Broken Lizard comedy, Super Troopers, follows a group of Vermont state troopers as they try to prevent their raucous station from being shut down and their jurisdiction handed over to the local police department. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? Well, this movie is bonkers in all the good ways. With more curse words than one can count, so many drug references, and so many shenanigans, it’s easy to see what an R-rating was a given with this one.

Well, we’ve come to the end of this wild and debaucherous ride going back several decades. If you want to know about all the upcoming comedy movies that will push the boundaries of the R-rating, take a look at our 2023 movie schedule so you don’t miss a thing.

Superbad, a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age film by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, remains a highly influential and quotable modern comedy, more than 15 years after its release in 2007. The movie has stood many tests of time, if not all of them, and that is in part thanks to some of its unforgettable characters. One of the most memorable characters is Bill Hader's half of the chaotic police duo (with the other cop played by Seth Rogen) who find themselves looking after Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s Fogell “McLovin.” In a recent interview, the Barry actor revealed the inspiration for Officer Slater actually invovles a pretty wild story. 

During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on which he was promoting the fourth and final season of HBO’s Barry, Bill Hader shared that his Superbad authority figure was inspired by a real-life bespectacled police officer who'd personally arrested the eventual SNL star in his youth after a prank went awry. According to the IT: Chapter 2 alum, that bit of influential trouble came about when his father shared an anecdote about a trick he pulled off in his own younger days. Hader told Kimmel:

The actor then recounted a story about his father's past pranks, in which he and his friends would place a fishing wire between two trash cans across the street from each other, hoping to cause passing cars to speedily run into the wire and send the cans careening into the automobiles. Hader found his father's anecdotes amusing, and though he was strongly advised against attempting the same trick, he ignored the warnings and attempted to pull off the same gag. Only he forgot a crucial detail from his dad's experience, as he explained:

Unfortunately, whenever their prank actually worked out successfully, the target was a police car, appropriately enough for this story. Hader amusingly recalled trying to act nonchalant in front of the unnerved officer, only to be reprimanded with expletives before being ordered to pick up litter. As he put it:

The SNL vet shared that the officer who caught him and his friends during their prank made him pick up beer cans under a flashlight's glare, and he credits the unforgettable incident as the inspiration for his character in Superbad. He continued:

The amusing story that Bill Hader shared about the creation of Officer Slater adds another interesting aspect to the already beloved comedy, showing how reality can be even more unique than fiction. The incident adds a hilarious depth to the movie, which has been cherished by audiences for the past two decades. You can see the entire amusing interview in the video below.

Hader can be seen flexing his comedic (and dramatic) chops when Barry Season 4 premieres on HBO and for those with an HBO Max subscription on Sunday, April 16th. Let's hope that the show can maintain its high quality until the end and not suffer from a disappointing finale, which has been an issue with some HBO series in the past. Fans of the comedian may also want to check out our compilation of his top movies and shows, as well as where to watch them.

It’s hard to believe our fun party movie Superbad came out over a decade ago. According to Seth Rogen, Superbad is a good high school movie that truly stands the test of time. Critics and audiences were “McLovin’” this Judd Apatow movie for its hilarious dialogue, the chemistry between the cast, and its raunchiness. However, comedy collaborators Apatow and Superbad star Jonah Hill didn’t appear to be joking with each other during the comedy film’s commentary recording when the two were heard arguing with each other over an F-bomb.

Jonah Hill holds a record for cursing so much on-screen as it was reported that he threw 376 curse words across his career. So, it's not all that surprising that you'll hear him dropping f-bombs off-camera too, including in the commentary for Superbad’s special edition DVD. This can be heard firsthand, in a viral TikTok of the special feature that includes Judd Apatow and Jonah Hill going head-to-head when the 21 Jump Street actor dropped an f-bomb during the commentary recording. You won’t believe your ears when you take a listen to this trending Tiktok below.    

In the video that shares a fragment of Superbad’s DVD commentary, you can hear the cast talking about the scene when the character of Seth accidentally gets hit by a car after he chickens out over attempting to buy booze. Jonah Hill remarked:

This led to Judd Apatow ordering Hill to watch his language since his daughter, Maude, was with him. At the time, she was only 9, so it makes Apatow’s comment understandable. The Wolf of Wall Street star initially apologized. However, he went on to himself by saying there was cursing throughout Superbad and that the producer's daughter shouldn’t be around during the recording if he didn’t want her to hear curse words. 

The Knocked Up director continued asking Hill to stop cursing in front of his daughter as he continuously dropped s-bombs and f-bombs while defending his choice words. Apatow stood his ground as well, saying he had to bring his daughter to the recording because there was no one around to watch her. 

Then, The Wolf of Wall Street actor asked the future Euphoria star what she thought about hearing curse words. She awkwardly replied that she heard curse words all the time which shocked her protective father. As the video goes on, it became clear that Hill’s sailor’s mouth was not going to stop, it was heard in the recording that Apatow left in the middle of the commentary, taking his daughter with him. The cast begged the Freaks and Geeks developer not to leave with the Cyrus actor continuing to spew sarcastic comments toward the comedy director.

Comments on this viral TikTok explained that some felt like this argument was staged for the commentary. That wouldn’t be a left-field theory considering it doesn’t appear there was bad blood between this comedic duo after Superbad because one Jonah Hill’s best movies is the Apatow-directed project Funny People which came out two years later. Other comments seemed to side with Hill since the cast was there to talk about heavy language film.

So, it’s hard to tell if the recorded argument between Jonah Hill and Judd Apatow in the Superbad commentary was a hilarious skit or a tense moment between the two. Whatever it was, it looks like it's in the past, as the two have remained good friends since the seminal 2007 comedy. To see the film that caused this minor squabble, you can watch Superbad on your HBO Max subscription. Also, make sure to stay tuned to the 2023 movie schedule to see what Apatow and Hill have coming out this year. 

 Superbad is arguably one of the best coming of age comedies of our time sporting stars like Jonah Hill, Emma Stone, and Seth Rogen.  Somehow over 15 years have now passed since the movie’s premiere, and so much has happened to the stars.  

Recently, social media has been buzzing with praise for Jonah Hill’s new Netflix documentary, Stutz, a film about his profound journey with his therapist.  And let’s not forget Emma Stone’s thrilling performance in Cruella, which even earned her a sequel deal.  Seth Rogen has also been making headlines with his comments about how no one has made a good high school movie since Superbad.  Take a look at these throwback cast member photos from the Superbad premiere compared to images of them now. 

Superbad is considered one of Seth Rogen’s best movies and arguably one of the greatest high school movies of the 2000s. Many would probably agree, but the comedic actor recently made waves when he opined that there haven't been a good high school movie since the R-rated coming-of-age comedy hit theaters over a decade ago. After the comment caused a stir on social media, the Fabelmans actor is setting the record straight on that.   

It seems that with every passing year, audiences are gifted with high school movies, each of which try to put a different spin on a coming-of-age story. Superbad is famous for its ingenious plot, which sees two unpopular high school students attempting to buy alcohol to impress their crushes. The film is also notable for introducing audiences to Hollywood veterans like Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Emma Stone. Seth Rogen, Superbad’s co-writer and a cast member, admitted while talking about Hilarity for Charity's third annual CareCon (via People) that he didn’t mean to rile up people and explained just how serious he was with those sentiments:

The Judd Apatow-produced comedy may be one of the most defining movies of the millennial generation, but the actor/producer does admit that there have been many memorable high school films since then He made sure to mention films like Blockers and Good Boys (both of which he produced) as well as the 21 Jump Street reboot. The Knocked Up actor also mentioned teen comedies that he and his wife have watched over the past decade like Lady Bird. They're also fans of Easy A, The Edge of Seventeen, Spider-Man: Homecoming and Into the Spider-Verse.

It’s understandable why Seth Rogen still holds his 2007 comedy in such high regard nearly 16 years later. The Freaks and Geeks actor has been open about why he thinks Superbad is perfect. In his estimation, it still appeals to teenagers of this generation due to its timeless subject matter. It's true that the movie also showcased a lot of raunchy situations but, at it's core, it's a sweet movie about two friends who are on the cusp of entering a new chapter in their lives.

Because of the movie's enduring popularity, some have been asking for a follow-up for years. When the subject was brought up six years ago, Seth Rogen said a sequel shouldn’t happen because the original movie was about the personal experiences he had with his co-writer, Evan Goldberg, when they both were high school seniors in Canada. The two of them didn’t go to college together, so there wouldn’t be a friendship story to focus on in another movie. Also, Judd Apatow explained his plan for a theoretical sequel was to have the character of Seth flunk out of college and follow Evan at his college. It's an intriguing idea, but it's probably best that it was left alone.

On its own, the film remains a classic, and Seth Rogen and co. deserve a lot of credit for it. But of course, we definitely can't forget the other great flicks that have followed it. You can see why Superbad still holds up after all this time by streaming it with an HBO Max subscription or a Hulu subscription.

Seth Rogen has had a super successful career as an actor, producer, and writer. One of his most beloved projects continues to be the hit Superbad, directed by Greg Motolla. Rogen wrote it with Evan Goldberg, while also playing a supporting role as Officer Michaels. You can’t deny the quality of Superbad, although Rogen recently claimed no one has made a good high school movie since that 2007 comedy.

High School movies are historically a tried and true genre, with classics like The Breakfast Club and She’s All That continuing to be part of the pop culture landscape. Superbad helped to launch the careers of its starring cast, and remains quotable today. And in a recent interview with People, Rogen alleged that the genre hasn’t had many hits since his movie hit theaters back in 2007. He cited his Fabelmans co-star Gabe Labelle in his argument, saying:

Shots fired. While this is a print interview and we can’t glean Seth Rogen’s tone, he seems to think that there hasn’t been any great High School movies in the past 15 years. And given how many additions to the genre have hit theaters during that time, smart money says that Rogen’s comments about Superbad are going to turn a few heads.

Seth Rogen’s thoughts about Superbad’s ongoing legacy come from a larger conversation about his career, dating back to Judd Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks. And when discussing how he bonded with his young Fabelmans co-star Gabe Labelle, Rogen revealed that Superbad served as a jumping off point. Although in claiming that there’s been no good High School movies in the past 15 years, he seemingly ignored some very notable additions.

Some of the acclaimed teen movies that have arrived in recent years include Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird (which got a slew of Oscar noms including Best Picture), Olivia Wilde’s acclaimed comedy Booksmart, as well as Stephen Chbosky’s Perks of Being a Wallflower (among others.) These each have a unique tone and message, but have been embraced by audiences. 

Superbad’s success is something that truly can’t be denied, and the movie ended up being a star-making moment for a number of actors. This was Emma Stone and Jonah Hill’s big breaks, while McLovin actor Christopher Mintz-Plasse became a viral sensation. The movie was also one of the first credits for actor/director Dave Franco. 

The Fabelmans is currently available for home purchase, while Superbad can be rented. Seth Rogen has a number of exciting projects coming down the line including The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, with a career that’s spanned decades. He has a rich understanding of film history, and he has seen many different movies himself over the years. What some may not know, is he has dipped into Seth Rogen’s filmography, who stars in Spielberg’s latest venture, The Fabelmans. However, Spielberg has never been stoned, so his interpretation of some of Rogen’s films is a little off the mark.

Spielberg and Rogen recently made an appearance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival to promote The Fabelmans where Variety interviewed them about their collaboration. Spielberg was asked about his familiarity with his collaborator’s work, and which one of Rogen’s stoner movies was his favorite. The director's answer was priceless, especially as it pertained to Superbad.

Rogen laughed while the director gave his analysis of the high school comedy. You can check out the full interaction below.

While Superbad is certainly a stoner movie, the master director’s heart is definitely in the right place. Honestly, the image of Steven Spielberg checking out Superbad in his free time is almost as funny as the movie itself. Maybe that was the film that convinced Spielberg to hire Rogen for The Fabelmans. Spielberg has also worked with Bill Hader, who played Rogen’s police officer partner in that film, so maybe he’s just a huge Superbad fan. 

While Rogen and Spielberg probably have very different recreational hobbies, they are a great fit in The Fabelmans which is a semi-autobiographical film based on Spielberg’s childhood. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Sammy, and his ambition to be a movie maker while navigating his complicated family dynamic. Rogen plays Benny, the best friend of Sammy’s dad who alters the family unit in a significant way. The film also stars Paul Dano and Michelle Williams who masterfully portray Sammy’s parents. The film is a delight, and it is receiving great reviews from critics. 

This is a dramatic turn for Seth Rogen, who is mostly known for his comedic work. He seems to want to continue down this route as he has just wrapped filming Dumb Money about the Wall Street chaos when GameStop’s stock skyrocketed. He will once again act alongside Paul Dano, and the film is helmed by I,Tonya director Craig Gillespie. Maybe Rogen is moving away from the comedy world, but I hope he makes more raunchy, hilarious stoner movies in the future. I mean we know Spielberg will watch and enjoy them, even while he's sober.

You can check out The Fabelmans now in theaters, or it is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. Also, Superbad films can revisit the modern comedy classic by streaming the movie with an Amazon Prime subscription. For more information about other exciting films coming to theaters and streaming in the near future, make sure to check out our 2023 movie release schedule. 

2022 marks the 15th anniversary of Superbad, the coming-of-age comedy that followed Jonah Hill’s Seth and Michael Cera’s Evan’s chaotic journey to buy alcohol for a party and lose their virginity before graduating from high school. Spoiler alert for those of you who haven’t seen the 2007 movie, but it ends with the two teens pairing with their respective love interests at the mall and going their separate ways. Originally though, Superbad had a much different ending that involved boobs and f-bombs, which sounds about right for this movie.

Writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg were among the Superbad cast members and other creative talent who spoke with Vanity Fair for an oral history going over the making of the movie. Rogen, who also starred as Officer Michaels opposite Bill Hader’s Officer Slater, recalled how Superbad was “inspired largely just by our desire to buy alcohol at the time,” and that while they had “a ton of house parties at our high school for whatever reason,” it was “always was a challenge to get booze.” Goldberg added:

Had Superbad ended on this explicit note instead, that would have taken us to roughly the 90% point of the final cut, as the only material left with the Seth and Evan characters by then was them going back to Evan’s house and then going to the mall the next day, where they run into Emma Stone’s Jules and Martha MacIsaac’s Becca. However, even ignoring the ending, the house scene is a pretty integral moment, as that’s where the friends reconcile and Evan tells Seth that he doesn’t actually want to be roommates with Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s Fogell, a.k.a. McLovin, at college, and it only doing so because he’s afraid to room with strangers.

Speaking of McLovin (who celebrated his “40th birthday” last year), it’s unclear from Evan Goldberg’s statement if we still would have seen him getting into one last round of shenanigans with officers Slater and Michaels (i.e. setting the police car on fire and shooting at the flaming wreckage) before getting this final moment with Hill’s Seth and Cera’s Evan. Regardless, no doubt landing on the movie’s ultimate ending contribute to the warm reception Superbad received. Opening on August 17, 2007, Superbad was met with a lot of positive reviews and made over $170 million at the worldwide box office. The movie played a big role in launching Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Emma Stone to Hollywood stardom, although Cera was fairly well known at that point for Arrested Development. Although producer Judd Apatow came up with a story for Superbad 2, there’s been no progress with making it happen, especially since Hill would only want to do the sequel when he’s 80.

We’ll pass along any other interesting details about how Superbad came together as the 15th anniversary is celebrated. Those of you with your eyes looking to the future rather than the past should acquaint yourselves with our 2022 release schedule and 2023 release schedule.

Writer/director Judd Apatow hasn’t dealt with sequels too often in his career, with This is 40 acting as the closest thing to a follow-up in his body of work. Though he was merely a producer on the film, Apatow has always been keen to make a sequel to the 2007 pop culture hit Superbad. While it’s a project you won’t see on the list of upcoming movies for this, or any other year, the idea that he shared was actually a pretty promising prospect.

During an appearance on Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Judd Apatow spilled the beans on what he wanted Superbad 2 to be about. Following a natural progression, his pitch also came with a perfect defence for taking such a huge gamble to begin with. Here’s what Apatow had in mind for the potential follow-up:  

The expectation with any sequel is that there’s a good chance the goodwill towards the first movie might be squandered. Examples of such a happening are very subjective, as seen in Michael Cera and Judd Apatow’s back and forth about Superbad 2. However, seeing as Cera’s opinion is also shared by writer/star Seth Rogen, one can see why the sequel hasn’t exactly caught fire. 

At the same time, Judd Apatow does throw a loving reference to Jonah Hill’s pitch for Superbad 2, which would follow Seth and Evan’s lives in a retirement home. While that does sound like a pretty fun idea for a new start, the Apatow pitch above isn’t horrible. This holds especially true when you remember the story of Superbad and how ended.

Concluding on the final visual of Michael Cera’s Evan and Jonah Hill’s Seth respectively splitting up to hang out with Becca (Martha MacIsaac) and Jules (Emma Stone), it seems like they’ve got their futures ahead of them. Superbad’s fast paced march to adulthood embodied a bittersweet version of the typical happy ending a teen party movie such as this would land on. To see Seth backslide in Superbad 2 and fall back on his friendship with Evan would have been a fun new obstacle, with tons of comedy potential.

Looking at where the Superbad cast is now, as well as how long it’s been since that first movie, the chances of any sort of follow-up are pretty slim. Which is a shame because Judd Apatow’s concept for Superbad 2 actually could have been as poignant and funny as the film that inspired it. At least there’s a somewhat viable option with Christopher Mintz-Platz’s suggestion for a female reboot to Superbad, provided of course such a thing could be successfully created and not immediately compared to the already hysterical Booksmart.

In the current world of Judd Apatow films, you can see his latest project The Bubble, as it’s currently streaming as part of the vast library of Netflix movies. While Superbad 2 may never happen, at least Apatow still has his concept for a This is 40 sequel in the works, aptly titled This is 50. So Judd may get his dream sequel yet, just in a different form. 

Superbad fans have been clamoring for a sequel since the film dropped in 2007. Murmurings of a sequel have been floating around for years. Some of those involved in the film like Seth Rogen has been apprehensive about revisiting the story. Despite some apprehension, Superbad star Jonah Hill has an idea for a potential sequel. The Don’t Look Up star revealed the only way he would make Superbad 2.

Superbad became Hill’s Hollywood breakthrough as the film took over the box office and pop culture. The Mid90s director has grown beyond the sex-obsessed Seth as evident by his recent work. That doesn’t mean he isn’t willing to return for more hijinks with Michael Cera and Chris Mintz-Plasse in the future. Jonah Hill revealed to W his idea for a potential follow-up.

Catching up with Seth, Evan, and McLovin in an assisted living home sounds like a wonderful premise for a sequel. As morbid as the concept is, it would be nice to see the guys reminiscing about old times while creating new memories. Some sequels are at their bests when audiences get to catch up with characters years later. Catch-up sequels can be cool, but oftentimes, they can end up messing up the original film’s concept. Hill seemed to understand that mindset as he painted a Grumpy Old Men for the Millennial set.

Jonah Hill wasn’t the first Superbad alum to suggest a different angle for a potential sequel. Christopher Mintz-Plasse (aka McLovin) believed the sequel should be female-focused instead of catching up with the original group in the vein of Booksmart. He felt bringing back the original stars for a sequel could tarnish the 2007 coming-of-age film’s legacy. This marked a change as Mintz-Plasse was open to making a sequel in the past. Even producer Judd Apatow was gunning for a Superbad sequel but stopped after no one involved was willing to come back. But it seems like Hill might be ready for another film… just decades from now.

Of course, the original film took over pop culture as lines and scenes were parodied and referenced across all media. That train has continued as a new generation of fans has begun quoting the film. So, Superbad is still leaving an impression on audiences.

Since the coming-of-age film hit theaters more than a decade ago, the cast and writers have grown in their Hollywood careers. If you want to relive every inappropriate line and scene, you can watch Superbad on Prime Video.

There is something beautiful about movies that stand the test of time. The Harry Potter franchise is definitely one of the most beloved modern franchises in cinematic history, so when HBO Max brought together Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and the rest of the cast of the series for Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, it was a huge streaming hit. Now that we’ve seen that cast come together, naturally we have more beloved casts in mind we’d like to reunite to coincide with recent and upcoming anniversaries. 

As proved by the Harry Potter special, there’s a new perspective that a cast and filmmakers can speak to years following starring in a movie, especially when it becomes a classic so many people love and revisit year after year. Let’s get into our picks.

The Hunger Games

It’s almost been a decade since the release of The Hunger Games, which hit theaters in March of 2012 before becoming a major YA franchise. These book adaptations catapulted Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth into a new depth of stardom, and they are still good friends to this day. It’d be exciting to see this trio reflect on their time playing these characters alongside an iconic cast that also included Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland and Lenny Kravitz (to name a few). 

This reunion special seems like it’d be the most closely aligned to Harry Potter because it tapped into much of the same audience and through the idea of bringing a YA bestseller to the screen. The cast surely has a ton of fun stories from the sets, and we just miss them, you know? 

Superbad 

In summer of 2022, Superbad will be 15 years old, and all this time later, the comedy has become an especially memorable film that has very much influenced the landscape of the genre today. Superbad (along with Knocked Up) were the movies that got things started for Seth Rogen prior to making a long list of successful comedies, such as Pineapple Express, Neighbors and The Interview. We’d love to see Rogen back to speak about the making of the movie alongside Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader and Emma Stone. 

Just about the entire cast has since become big names, with many of them moving into award-nominated roles. No doubt seeing this cast reunite would be somewhat like a high school reunion where they can reminisce about where they got their starts and how things have changed in their careers together since Superbad, along with the movie’s legacy. 

Lord of the Rings

In December of 2021, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring turned twenty years old. The actors did reunite virtually back in 2020, but the anniversary would be a great time for them to perhaps return to Hobbiton and have a full-on special where they recall their time being in the beloved fantasy series. Elijah Wood has spoken about the cast having this on their minds as well, sharing that the COVID pandemic is a major factor in it not coming to fruition. 

The Lord of the Rings movies, of course, include the likes of Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellan, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving and so forth. It’s the perfect title for a reunion special, and we hope it happens in New Zealand one day. 

Titanic

This December, James Cameron’s Titanic turns 25, and it’d be an absolute joy to see Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Victor Garber and so forth back on a boat together to discuss the iconic epic, which won an incredible 11 Oscars and remains to be one of the most commercially successful movies of all time. It was an incredible production in Hollywood history for so many reasons, and a reunion special not unlike the one for Harry Potter is absolutely deserved for Titanic. 

We’d especially like to see DiCaprio and Winslet in conversation about their experiences on the film with one another and how it altered their careers. The pair reunited in 2008 to make Revolutionary Road, but that’s still a long time since we’ve seen this duo back together, and we’d bet their conversation would have audiences on the top of the world. 

Reservoir Dogs

Quentin Tarantino’s breakout film Reservoir Dogs premiered at Sundance in January 1992, making this year its 30-year anniversary. It boasts an incredible cast including Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen and Steve Buscemi, and many film fans would absolutely flip at the idea of the entire cast getting back into their suits and ties to reflect on the making of the classic. 

It would be fun to see these talented actors with Quentin Tarantino cruising back through the streets of Los Angeles and sharing some behind-the-scenes details of making the micro-budgeted film that began Tarantino’s award-winning career. 

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Another beloved movie is reaching a milestone in 2022. Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will turn 40 this summer. The coming-of-age alien movie is to this day one of the legendary director’s best feature films and on the heels of making West Side Story, there might be raised interest for the filmmaker and his cast, including Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton and E.T., of course, to revisit what it looked like behind the scenes to make the famed film. 

The Godfather

Perhaps the biggest movie birthday of 2022 is for The Godfather, which came out fifty years ago as of March 24. Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime film is still considered to be one of the most quintessential movies of all time and it would be amazing if the filmmaker and some of his cast came together to reflect on the movie and its mark on cinema. Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Andy Garcia and Sofia Coppola could be among the talents placed in the same room to discuss the making of The Godfather during a special reunion. 

Clearly there are a lot of great movies with anniversaries to celebrate this year, and hopefully studios and streaming services such as HBO Max continue to explore specials like this for movie fans. 

In times when gatherings among loved ones are hard to come by, I tend to rely on the movies to keep me entertained. However, if you are really in the mood to party, and rewatching the Marvel movies in order or marathoning all the best horror movies isn't satisfying your urge, there are, luckily, plenty of films in which partying is the whole point.

Now, to be clear, I am not just talking about movies that contain scenes at a party, involve a climactic moment at a party, or even movies that are great for watching at parties. I am talking about movies in which the party itself is the central focus and the main setting of the entire plot. The following are nine movies set during a party (or parties, even) that will have you dancing and laughing the night away, starting with just about the most definitive title of the bunch.

House Party (HBO Max)

After a fight at school gets him a grounded, a teen (Christopher “Kid” Reid) sneaks out to a get-together hosted by his best friend (Christopher “Play” Martin) that turns out to be an unpredictable night for both of them.

Why it’s a fun party movie: Directed by Oscar nominee Reginald Hudlin and starring hip-hop duo Kid ’N Play, House Party is one of the most acclaimed comedies of the early 1990s, inspiring four sequels and an upcoming remake produced by LeBron James exclusively for HBO Max.

Stream House Party on HBO Max.
Rent House Party on Amazon.

Project X (Netflix, HBO Max)

When his parents leave on a trip, a teen (Thomas Mann) plans a get-together with his friends for his 17th birthday, which turns out to be a crazy night for all of them after one decides to spread word of the event a little wider than initially intended.

Why it’s a fun party movie: The 21st Century equivalent of House Party is, arguably, 2012’s Project X - an uproarious and beautifully chaotic celebration that invites you to feel as if you are a part of it with its immersive found footage style.

Stream Project X on Netflix.
Stream Project X on HBO Max.
Rent Project X on Amazon.

21 & Over (Starz)

On the eve of an important interview that will determine his medical school admission, a devoted student (Blue Bayou cast lead and director Justin Chon) is taken out by his two best friends for his 21st birthday, which turns out to be a wilder and more problematic night for all of them than expected.

Why it’s a fun party movie: Project X also features Miles Teller in a small supporting role a year before he and Skyler Astin became the life of the party in 21 & Over - a funny and surprisingly heartfelt celebration of entering the more mature stages of your life by letting go of all maturity. 

Stream 21 & Over on Starz.
Rent 21 & Over on Amazon.

Superbad (Amazon Rental)

A meek high school senior (Michael Cera) and his sex-obsessed best friend (Academy Award nominee Jonah Hill) conspire to end their lifelong losing streak with ladies before graduating, by scoring booze for a local party.

Why it’s a fun party movie: It could be argued that the 21st Century equivalent of House Party is really 2007’s Superbad, which is also, inarguably, one of the most authentic (albeit shockingly filthy) depictions of modern youth for how Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s semi-autobiographical screenplay captures the desperation of debauchery and the pressures of growing up. 

Rent Superbad on Amazon.

Booksmart (Hulu)

A shy high school senior (Kaitlyn Dever) and her grades-obsessed best friend (Beanie Feldstein) conspire to reverse their lifelong ignorance of the social scene on the night before their graduation by scoring admission to a huge party, which turns into a tour of every major party in town.

Why it’s a fun party movie: It could be argued that the female equivalent of Superbad is Booksmart - not just because it stars Jonah Hill’s younger sister, Beanie Feldstein, but for its refreshingly honest and non-discriminatory reflection of Gen Z sensibilities, which director Olivia Wilde chooses to depict in the dazzling style of an ‘80s action movie.

Stream Booksmart on Hulu.
Rent Booksmart on Amazon.

Can’t Hardly Wait (Starz)

A nerdy teen outcast (Ethan Embry), the recently dumped popular girl he is secretly in love with (Jennifer Love Hewitt), and several others conspire to change their fates on the night of their graduation at the biggest party in town.

Why it’s a fun party movie: One of the most endearing and refreshingly honest depictions of youth in the late 1990s was this epic teen movie, with the Can’t Hardly Wait cast featuring a stunning ensemble of future A-listers, including Hewitt, Seth Green, Twilight cast member Peter Facinelli, and Jason Segel, to name a few.

Stream Can’t Hardly Wait on Starz.
Rent Can’t Hardly Wait on Amazon.

Dazed And Confused (Amazon Rental)

A teen football star (Jason London), a newly minted freshman tormented by traditional hazing (Wiley Wiggins), and several others conspire to have a good time on the night of the last day of school in Austin, Texas, in 1976.

Why it’s a fun party movie: Although released in 1993, writer and director Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused is easily the most authentic, thoroughly entertaining, and endlessly quotable depiction of America’s youth in the 1970s, that also features a notable ensemble of future A-listers, including Ben Affleck, Mathew McConaughey, and Milla Jovovich, to name a few.

Rent Dazed And Confused on Amazon.

Sisters (Amazon Rental)

When their parents announce they are selling their childhood home, a recently divorced nurse (Amy Poehler) and her more irresponsible older sister (Tina Fey) conspire to host one last wild night at the house, which turns out to be exactly what the local adults need, until things start getting out of hand.

Why it’s a fun party movie: Most of the films on our list are about representing youth, yet Sisters is a comedy about rediscovering your youth and rekindling your relationship with a loved one, but is just as irresistibly insane and inspired as any teen movie.

Rent Sisters on Amazon.

Office Christmas Party (Amazon Rental)

When the CEO (Jennifer Aniston) threatens to close a tech company’s Chicago branch, the local manager (T.J. Miller), Chief Technology Officer (Jason Bateman), and a research and development head (Olivia Munn) conspire to make a deal with a sought-after client (Courtney B. Vance) by throwing an unusually extravagant (and extreme) holiday event with their employees that quickly gets out of hand.

Why it’s a fun party movie: While it is best enjoyed at one particular time of the year, 2016’s Office Christmas Party is, in any case, a charming, star-studded comedy about reminding yourself how to have fun when responsibilities seem to get in the way, and one of the raunchiest holiday movies in recent memory.

Rent Office Christmas Party on Amazon.

Whether you watch these movies to get in the mood to party or to satisfy your insatiable partying mood, either result is a guarantee.

One of my favorite comedies is Superbad. While it’s been more than a decade since its release, it still finds ways to make me laugh over and over again, just like comedies starring legends like Adam Sandler or Chris Rock. From iconic lines to hilarious moments, Superbad has cemented itself into the comedy hall of fame. 

With a cast as long and large as Superbad, several of its stars have gone on to have major careers, and you might be wondering where they are now. From Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, to Emma Stone and Seth Rogen, these are what the Superbad cast has been doing in Hollywood. 

Jonah Hill (Seth)

Seth, played by Jonah Hill, was the first half of the iconic duo in Superbad, and ever since one of his biggest films, Hill has had quite the career in movies. Starting out, he was in several comedies like Knocked Up, a part of the Forgetting Sarah Marshall cast, Get Him to the Greek, and even teamed up with Channing Tatum in the 21 Jump Street cast, a role he would reprise in the sequel. 

Hill stepped into the drama world a little bit, as well, with starring roles in films such as Moneyball, and the Leonardo DiCaprio-led film, The Wolf of Wall Street. The actor was nominated for the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for each of those films.

Hill has also dabbled in television as well, with a starring role in the Netflix miniseries, Maniac. He has also stepped into the world of animation, voicing several roles. This ranged from parts in the supervillain movie, Megamind, to the adult animated comedy, Sausage Party (alongside many of his Superbad co-stars), to the How to Train Your Dragon series. Truly, Hill is a man of many talents and I can’t wait to see what he does next. 

Michael Cera (Evan)

The second half of the iconic duo, Evan, was played by Michael Cera in Superbad. Since then, he’s been in quite a few movies and TV shows. In film, Cera went on to star in the coming of age movie  Juno, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, This is the End, and several others. He’s also stepped into animation, as well, like his former castmate, voicing roles in the Lego Batman Movie, Sausage Party, and Between Two Ferns: The Movie. 

Cera has also had a prominent career in television as well. His biggest role thus far has been having a main role on the iconic comedy, Arrested Development. He also voiced Sal Viscuso, the voice of the announcements in Children’s Hospital, and had a recurring role in Burning Love. 

Christopher Minzt-Plasse (Fogell ‘McLovin’)

Who could ever forget McLoving’? Played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Fogell is a character that was unforgettable in Superbad and remains that way to this day. Mintz-Plasse has gone on to act in several projects in both television and film. 

He starred as Augie Farcques in Role Models, and as Chris D'Amico in the Kick-Ass superhero series. He rejoined Seth Rogen for Neighbors, as well as its sequel, made an appearance in the comedy movie, Tag, and was in Promising Young Woman. Mintz-Plasse also stepped into voice acting as well, voicing Fishlegs Ingerman in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, as well as King Gristle Jr. in the Trolls cast.  

With television, he continued to voice Fishlegs in the Dreamworks Dragons series, was Clark in The Great Indoors, and has voiced various roles on When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren.

Bill Hader (Officer Slater)

Bill Hader was most certainly a scene stealer in Superbad as Officer Slater, and because of that, he’s gone on to have a great career. Bill Hader has starred in plenty of movies, including comedies like Adventureland, Trainwreck, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and many others, but has also done movies like It Chapter 2, showcasing his dramatic acting ability. 

Hader is also a prominent voice actor, voicing the main character in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Fear in Inside Out, working on Monsters University for Pixar, had a role in Sausage Party, and many others. 

Hader’s career in television has also been great. At first, he was known for his iconic sketches on Saturday Night Live, but since then, he's expanded into his own territory. His HBO comedy will soon see Barry Season 3 arrive very soon, and he created Documentary Now!, a series that is all about mockumentaries. 

Seth Rogen (Officer Michaels)

Another scene stealer in Superbad was Officer Michaels, the partner to Officer Slater, played by the loveable Seth Rogen. Since his appearance in the comedy, Rogen has not only expanded his acting career, but his ability as a writer, director, and producer. 

In terms of movies, Rogen has starred in animated films like the Kung Fu Panda series, Sausage Party and more, but has been in a series of hilarious live-action films. This includes, but isn’t limited to, Pineapple Express, The Guilt Trip, This is the End, Neighbors (and it’s sequel), Long Shot, The Disaster Artist, the live-action version of The Lion King, and many, many others. 

Rogen has also appeared in several television shows as well, such as appearances in Arrested Development alongside Michael Cera, the Netflix original series, Big Mouth, Future Man, and more. He also has recently had a small voice role in the Amazon original series, Invincible as one of the chillest aliens ever. He also executive produced those last two shows, along with The Boys, Preacher, Black Monday, and several other series and movies.

Emma Stone (Jules)

If we’re talking about stars that shot up to stardom after Superbad, there’s not a better example than Emma Stone, who played Jules. After her role, Emma Stone became a Hollywood A-lister.

At first, she appeared in many comedies, such as being a part of the Zombieland cast (a role she would reprise in Zombieland 2), the teen comedy, Easy A, Crazy Stupid, Love, and others. But soon, she would expand her acting skills into movies like The Help, The Favourite, Birdman, and La La Land, for which she won an Academy Award. As of recently, she took on the live-action role of Cruella, sporting that iconic black and white hairstyle. 

Stone also had her time in a superhero film series, portraying Gwen Stacey in the Amazing Spider-Man series alongside Andrew Garfield, and voiced the lead character in the Croods animated movies. 

Emma Stone even reunited with Jonah Hill from Superbad for their miniseries, Maniac. If only we could see them together again. They work so well together. 

Martha Maclsaac (Becca)

Playing Becca in Superbad was Martha MacIssac, who has made a name for herself in the voice-acting world. While she’s been in movies like The Last House on the Left, Dead Before Dawn, Battle of the Sexes, and more, MacIssac has mainly kept her talents to television. 

She voiced Melosa in Di-Gata Defends, Edwyn and Bisiwog in Magi-Nation, Sarah in Friends and Heroes, and many other voice roles. She’s also had plenty of live-action appearances as well, including Dana Stockwell in the TV series, Greek,  Becca Gilchrist in 1600 Penn, and played the lead, Kate Warne, in The Pinkertons. Currently, she voices Patty and the Airport Announcer on Family Guy. 

Aviva Baumann (Nicola)

Aviva Baumann played Nicola in Superbad, and after her role, she appeared in a few projects and movies. She had a recurring guest role on NCIS, was in Saint John of Las Vegas, The Closer, Party Down, and a couple of other movies. 

However, Baumann has since retired herself from the spotlight. 

Joe Lo Truglio (Francis)

Moving on, we have Joe Lo Truglio, who played Francis in Superbad. Ever since his part, Truglio has had a prominent career in television. His biggest role thus far has been playing Charles Boyle as part of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast, as well as a member of Reno 911!, Burning Love, the Wet Hot American Summer franchise, and several other series, along with many guest appearances. Truglio also portrayed Jeff Sessions on the political series, The Comey Rule. 

Truglio has also been in many movies that might sound familiar, such as Pineapple Express, Role Models, I Love You, Man, Gulliver’s Travels, Someone Marry Barry, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, and many more. Recently, he was in the comedy, Mark, Mary & Some Other People. 

Kevin Corrigan (Mark)

Next up, we have Kevin Corrigan, who played Mark in Superbad. Since his role, Corrigan has appeared in many films, such as the mafia flick, American Gangster, Pineapple Express, The Dictator, Seven Psychopaths, Winter’s Tale, the Judd Apatow movie, The King of Staten Island, and more. 

Corrigan also appeared as Sam Weiss in the TV series, Fringe, Professor Sean Garrity in the hilarious sitcom, Community, Agent Bob Kirkland in The Mentalist, Milkshake in Dice, Jackie Moreno in The Get-Down, and many other TV shows. It’s only a matter of time before we see him on our TV screens once again. 

Dave Franco (Greg)

Last up, we have Dave Franco, who played Greg in Superbad. While his time in the movie was brief, we’ve still seen Franco everywhere in movies since his role.

Franco has been all over the place. He appeared in the Zac Efron-led film, Charlie St. Cloud, the 21 Jump Street, Neighbors, and Now You See Me franchises, starred in The Disaster Artist with his brother, James Franco, portrayed Levy in If Beale Street Could Talk, and so many other fantastic movies. 

Franco has had some time in television, as well. He played Gonzo in Greek in a recurring role, Zachary in Privileged, Cole Aaronson in Scrubs, Jeff in Easy and a few others, showing off how capable he is as an actor. Soon, he’s going to be in two upcoming series, called The Now and The Afterparty. 

You know, after writing this, I’m starting to see a trend with these actors often starring in the same movies as their actor buddies - but honestly, who minds that when their films are always so hilarious? While Superbad is iconic and could never be replaced, I’m always down to see these actors collaborate and make great projects together again. 

Now, if I could just get Jonah Hill and Michael Cera in the same movie once more, that would be a dream come true. 

Some of the cast members from Saturday Night Live over the last 20 years have really seen success in Hollywood, such as Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Seth Meyers and many others. One who's had a large amount of success is Bill Hader, a talented actor and voice actor. 

From his time on Saturday Night Live to some awesome voiceover roles, Bill Hader has truly become a staple in the industry, especially in comedic roles. Here’s where you can watch some of the best Bill Hader movies and TV shows, streaming right now, from some of the best movies on Netflix to the best movies on Amazon Prime. 

Saturday Night Live (2005-2013)

I can’t have a Bill Hader list without mentioning his time on Saturday Night Live, otherwise known as SNL. In this primetime sketch series that’s been on air for more than 40 years, SNL features a variety of comedic cast members who put on regular sketches parodying pop culture, politics, and more. 

Bill Hader is one of my personal favorites. Some of his sketches have truly lived on and become so popular through re-runs and postings on YouTube. But, my all-time favorite character of his - and I’m sure it might be yours too - is Stefan, who often appeared on Weekend Update. If you haven’t seen any of Bill Hader’s hilarious skits from SNL, be sure to watch some of them now if you haven’t. 

Stream Saturday Night Live on Hulu. 

Hot Rod (2007) 

Next up, we have Hot Rod, a comedy starring Andy Samberg as Rod Kimble, an amateur stuntman who is continuously mocked by his stepfather. But, when his stepfather becomes ill, Rod decides to raise money by executing one of the largest stunts he's ever done. 

In one of his first ever film roles, Bill Hader is, honestly, hilarious in Hot Rod. His timing is great and he has great chemistry with Samberg. Even so, Hot Rod has a stellar cast, with big stars like Danny McBride, Isla Fisher, Will Arnett, and more, creating a comical experience that is sure to entertain comedy lovers. 

Stream Hot Rod on Amazon Prime. 
Rent Hot Rod on Apple TV+.

Superbad (2007)

Superbad is one of those films that I feel everyone has seen if you like comedy movies. Starring Michael Cera and Jonah Hill, Superbad is about two high school seniors who are planning to lose their virginity to the prettiest and coolest girls at school before they graduate, causing hilarity to ensue. 

Bill Hader stars as one of the cops in the movie, Officer Slater, and his chemistry with Seth Rogen? Masterful. I love watching their scenes all the time. Regardless, the Superbad cast just has a tone of awesome stars. Talent like Emma Stone, Dave Franco, Martin Starr, and several others are in the cast list - and of course, no one can forget McLovin’, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse. 

Rent Superbad on Amazon. 

Documentary Now! (2015-Present)

This mockumentary style television series, Documentary Now!, is hosted by Helen Mirren, and spoofs celebrated documentary films by parodying several real ones with a similar, but fictitious, subject. 

Bill Hader actually co-created by the show with fellow SNL alumni, Fred Armisen and Seth Meyers, as well as Rhys Thomas. Hader and Armisen both star in the show, and while there aren’t that many episodes, they’re worth every second it takes to watch. As someone who enjoys documentaries, I also love the way that they parody them. They’re so much fun and hilarious. 

Stream Documentary Now! on Netflix. 

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a fantastic romantic comedy starring Jason Segel, telling the story of Peter Bretter, who is a music composer for a TV show that features his future girlfriend, Sarah Marshall, in the lead role. But, when she suddenly breaks up with him, he takes a vacation to try and move on with his life, creating endless problems. 

While Bill Hader doesn’t have a super big role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, his scenes as Peter's step-brother and best friend stand out, often with him trying to help Peter navigate heartbreak. The Forgetting Sarah Marshall cast is great as well, with big names such as Kristen Bell, Russell Brand, and more. 

Stream Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Starz. 
Rent Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Amazon. 

Adventureland (2009)

Next up, we have Adventureland, a comedy-drama that is set in the summer of 1987. When a recent college graduate wants to go to Europe to continue his career in grad school, he realizes that money is tight and takes up a job at Adventureland, a local theme park in Pennsylvania, where he meets a co-worker whom he develops a relationship with. 

As someone who grew up not too far from the actual theme park this movie is loosely based on, I can say that Adventureland is a lot of fun. Bill Hader is great as the assistant manager of the park, from his support of his employees, to his obsessiveness over littering in the park. He and Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenburg, Kristin Wiig, and several others work wonderfully together and create such a fun, hilarious movie with plenty of laughs. 

Stream Adventureland on HBO Max. 
Rent Adventureland on Amazon. 

Barry (2018-Present)

The popular HBO original series, Barry, is a dark comedy starring Bill Hader that tells the story of a hitman from Cleveland who travels to L.A. to kill someone, but finds himself joining an acting class, where he starts to meet people and question the choices he has made thus far in his life. 

Barry is fantastic. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about that. It’s a great comedy with plenty of twists and a lot of dark moments that make it so good. Bill Hader’s performance as the titular character is one of his best character moments so far, creating a complex individual that you want to root for, even if he’s done bad things. Henry Winkler’s character, as well, is also a fantastic addition. With Barry Season 3 on the way, one can only hope that maybe, we’ll get to continue this story soon. 

Stream Barry on HBO Max. 

Inside Out (2015)

One of my personal favorites of Bill Hader’s library of work is Inside Out. This Pixar film follows Riley and her emotions - Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear - as she goes through a big change in her life by moving across the country to San Francisco, and the feelings that come along with it. 

Bill Hader voices Fear in Inside Out, and personally, I don’t think any other actor could have done it better. His version of Fear feels so real, showing how small things can scare us sometimes, as well as the larger moments of doubt in oneself. Inside Out is a spectacularly animated film with a great cast, wonderful visuals, a good score - you really can’t go wrong with it. Check it out if you haven’t already. 

Stream Inside Out on Disney+. 
Rent Inside Out on Amazon.

Trainwreck (2015)

In this popular Judd Apatow film, Trainwreck stars Amy Schumer and Bill Hader, and tells the story of “trainwreck” Amy Townsend, who ends up having her first serious relationship with an orthopedic surgeon, named Aaron. 

Now, I’ll be honest - I’ve never really been a huge fan of Amy Schumer’s comedy in general. However, Trainwreck is one of her works that I do enjoy thoroughly, and I believe that’s from two things - the brilliant direction and entertaining story from Apatow and Schumer, and Hader’s chemistry with her. The two work very well together, creating this funny duo that definitely has their problems, but also care deeply about each other. Their relationship feels like a real one, rather than one made up for a movie. It’s authentic and sweet. 

Stream Trainwreck on Peacock. 
Rent Trainwreck on Amazon.

IT Chapter 2 (2019)

Next up, we have everyone’s favorite clown, Pennywise, in IT Chapter 2. This follow-up to the 2017 movie, IT, features the same characters all grown up, traveling back to Derry to fight the creature known as IT 27 years later, before it attacks and kills more children. 

While I will always have a special place in my heart for Tim Curry’s IT, I do think these versions are much better, and a big reason is that the casting for these characters is on point. Bill Hader’s adult Richie matches up with the kid version perfectly, and he provides some excellent comedic moments, while also participating in some terrifying ones as well. I get chills every time during one of his scenes, in particular. If you’re a fan of best horror movies, check this one out, as well as the first IT. 

Stream IT Chapter 2 on HBO Max. 
Rent IT Chapter 2 on Amazon.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009/2013)

Lastly, we have Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, both the first and the second installment. This duology tells the story of Flint, an aspiring inventor who makes a machine that can convert water into food. But, when the machine gains sentience and begins to develop food storms, it’s up to him and some of his allies to destroy it and save the world. 

Listen, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is adorable and worth the watch on Netflix. I could watch this family film over and over, and not get bored. Bill Hader is an awesome voice-actor and really brings that certain quirkiness and charm to Flint, creating a dorky character who you really want to root for in his inventions. The animation is also fun, too. I mean, if you ever wanted to envision what it would look like for meatballs to suddenly rain down from the sky, here you go. 

Stream Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs on Netflix. 
Rent Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs on Amazon. 

I know I’m going to have to check out the new 2021 movies, because I can’t wait to see what Bill Hader does next. Even so, it’ll still be just as fun as all of his other movies and shows have been. Now, if the third season of Barry could just come out, I’d be happy.  

Over two-plus decades, Jonah Hill has become one of Hollywood's most reliable movie stars, particularly as he proves himself comedically and dramatically with a number of celebrated projects. Whether it's his starring roles in Superbad and the 21/22 Jump Street movies, his standout supporting turns in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and This Is the End, or his Oscar-nominated performances in Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street, Hill has a flair for playing characters broad or mild-mannered, outlandish or intuitive. This is a trend that continues (one hopes) with his latest performance in Don't Look Up. If you love the acclaimed actor and you want to discover his finest films, here are the movies that you should check out! 

Superbad (2007)

Two dorky high school seniors (Michael Cera, Jonah Hill) clumsily partake in an all-night rager in an awkward —and eventful — attempt to be in the in-crowd. 

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: Following a string of notable supporting turns in often less-than-notable '00s comedies, Jonah Hill finally had a chance to prove himself as a leading man with Greg Mottola's warm, endearing Superbad, a coming-of-age high school comedy that was able to be just the right cocktail of raunchy and sweet, thanks to its semi-autobiographical screenplay by Seth Rogen (who co-stars) and Evan Goldberg and its affectionate performances from Hill and Michael Cera. While Cera has the comparatively harder challenge of playing the more refrained, mild-mannered character, Hill is explosively funny, playing up the heightened absurdities of this uncomfortable teenager in broad, outlandish but also appealing and entertaining ways. The results prove to be both exceptionally funny and unexpectedly tender — even gently moving. While it's not the role that would turn Hill into a two-time Oscar-nominee, it's arguably the most pivotal performance of his vibrant and increasingly exceptional career.

Rent/buy Superbad on Amazon.
Buy Superbad on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)

The rise-and-fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) through his epically storied and spectacularly heinous history of criminality and corruption. 

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: Working with one of the actor's greatest filmmaking influences, Jonah Hill appeared eager to prove himself with his splashy supporting turn in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street, and he proved himself in spades, resulting in his second Oscar nomination. While he must work around wide-eyed glasses, a frizzy head of hair, and some wonky fake teeth, Hill makes the pompous performance entirely his own, as he plays up the heightened buffoonery of his looney Wall Street blowhard while also grounding the character just enough in this reality to make us believe that he would exist in Jordan Belfort's already larger-than-life orbit. The result is a splendid turn, filled with vigor and vibrancy, and it remains one of Hill's most famous and infamous.

Stream The Wolf of Wall Street on Showtime.
Rent/buy The Wolf of Wall Street on Amazon.
Buy The Wolf of Wall Street on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

Moneyball (2011)

Moneyball follows Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's (Brad Pitt) bold attempt to re-assemble this struggling baseball team through new-grade computer analytics.

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: In the role that would turn the affable up-and-coming comedy star into an A-list Oscar nominee, Jonah Hill gives what remains one of his best performances as Peter Brand, the tech wiz who has a revolutionary new way of predicting the calculated statistical advantages of this flailing baseball team's players, in Bennett Miller's exceptionally great Moneyball. Even a whole decade later, this standout supporting performance remains fresh and proven, as Hill brings his lovable enthusiasm to the role in spades while also capturing the gentle yearning that's evident in this man's eager-hearted desire to prove his wits and his skills. As a result, this award-nominated turn captures Hill's talents at the right place and the right time, resulting in an expansive career that continues to develop in intriguing ways — especially as he pushes himself more. 

Stream Moneyball on Tubi.
Rent/buy Moneyball on Amazon.
Buy Moneyball on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

This Is The End (2013)

Several self-absorbed celebrities are trapped in James Franco's lavish house when the biblical apocalypse happens to befall the sinful city of Los Angeles. 

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: Shortly after he became an Oscar-nominated actor, Jonah Hill poked fun at his new image by playing a vain, self-important version of himself in Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's This Is the End. Reuniting with the writers that propelled his career in Superbad, Hill doesn't get as many opportunities to shine in this ensemble piece, but his warped self-image allows the actor to have a good bit of fun and play up the strangest of his raunchy comedy career origins. In this commendably bleak and uproarious dark comedy, the actor isn't doing his best work, but he's doing some of his funniest.

Stream This Is the End on Starz.
Rent/buy This Is the End on Amazon.
Buy This Is the End on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

The LEGO Movie (2014)

An extraordinary LEGO construction worker (voiced by Chris Pratt) is recruited for an awesome quest when he's believed to be prophesied for epic greatness. 

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: Though it's not remembered for Jonah Hill's lighthearted portrayal of Green Lantern, it's safe to say that the actor has a small hand in making one of the best animated movies of the past decade with 2014's The LEGO Movie, a buoyant and impressively imaginative take on the popular toy line that proved that writers-directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were the real deal, in animation and live-action. Reuniting with his 21/22 Jump Street directors, Hill provides a splashy cameo alongside Channing Tatum. Even with his limited involvement, Hill played a part in building one of the most unexpectedly delightful movies — family-orientated or otherwise — of the 2010s. While it's not on the same level, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part is also a good bit of fun.

Rent/buy The LEGO Movie on Amazon.
Buy The LEGO Movie on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

21 Jump Street (2012)

A pair of down-and-out cops (Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum) are recruited for a retro operation to go undercover in order to track down a synthetic drug ring. 

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: Though perhaps not as pivotal to his career as Superbad, The Wolf of Wall Street, or Moneyball, 21 Jump Street and its 2014 sequel, 22 Jump Street, were key to Jonah Hill's stardom, notably as these R-rated studio comedies showed Hill's talents as a screenwriter in addition to being an affable action-comedy star opposite a surprisingly buoyant Channing Tatum. With its fast and, of course, funny mix of action, lewd jokes, meta-humor and pointed commentary on the sad state of Hollywood and the wobbling genre-at-large, 21 Jump Street surpassed the understandably uncertain expectations to become one of the freshest comedies of the year — quite ironically — while also continuing to demonstrate Hill's quick-to-prove-himself versatility as a lead actor.

Stream 21 Jump Street on Peacock.
Rent/buy 21 Jump Street on Amazon.
Buy 21 Jump Street on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

Hail, Caesar! (2016)

A Hollywood fixer (Josh Brolin) works to keep the studio happy in the 1950s. 

Why It's Worth Streaming If You Love Jonah Hill: Though he's only one part of an expectedly impressive A-list ensemble, Jonah Hill's Joseph Silverman provides a warmly flustered bit of fun in this fussy period farce's proceedings, playing up the part of an overdressed and overworked busy-man who finds himself easily flummoxed in the presence of a very beautiful woman. It's a glorified cameo in the midst of this gorgeously crafted and reverently produced movie's high-strung antics, but it's another reminder of what Hill can do when he works with writers and directors as immensely talented and well-proven as Joel and Ethan Coen. 

Stream Hail, Caesar! on Netflix.
Rent/buy Hail, Caesar! on Amazon.
Buy Hail, Caesar! on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

Cyrus (2010)

Upon forming a mid-life relationship with a beautiful single mother, Molly (Marisa Tomei), divorced John (John C. Reilly) must get over the love affair's biggest hurdle yet: meeting Cyrus (Jonah Hill), Molly's dependent adult son. 

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: It would take the following year with 2011's Moneyball for audiences to appreciate Jonah Hill's dramatic talents, but they were already on display in 2010's underseen Cyrus, an affectionately funny, nicely sad character dramedy that doesn't reach the heights of its star's greatest triumphs, but it's elevated by their affable screen presences. In the lead role, Reilly is given the most flexibility to stretch, but Hill is its biggest success story. In the title role, Hill plays up and leans into the man's oddball tenacities, but never without the recognition of what makes this man grounded in reality, while also being divorced by common society. It's an impressive performance that relies on him being both endearing and off-putting, uncomfortable yet also entertaining. Thankfully, Hill is more than able to find that right balance, and he would continue to impress with similarly nuanced parts. Cyrus isn't his peak, but if you love this talented Oscar nominee, you would be remiss if you didn't see it.

Rent/buy Cyrus on Amazon.
Buy Cyrus on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Following a devastating break-up, Peter (Jason Segel) takes a trip to an exotic resort, only to reconnect with his ex (Kristen Bell) and her cool new boyfriend (Russell Brand).

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: Though he's stuck in supporting character mode, Jonah Hill's scene-stealing work is particularly notable in 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Only a year after the wonderful success of Superbad, this happy-go-lucky performance became an instant favorite — so much so that Hill got a spin-off film alongside Russell Brand with 2010's Get Him to the Greek (though Hill, confusingly, plays a different part). With his childlike enthusiasm and his warm-hearted desire to make the most of an uncomfortable situation, Hill was far from the star of this movie, but his growing star power was already becoming apparent — even with rather minor roles like this scene-stealing turn. 

Stream Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Starz.
Rent/buy Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Amazon.
Buy Forgetting Sarah Marshall on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

A hapless young Viking (voiced by Jay Baruchel) becomes an unlikely friend to a toothless wyvern — at a time when dragons are a grave threat to humanity.

Why It's Worth Watching If You Love Jonah Hill: Similiar to The LEGO Movie, the How to Train Your Dragon movies only see (or, more accurately, hear) Jonah Hill in a minor supporting role. Specifically, he lends his voice to the role of Snotlout Jorgenson, a boastful young man who's eager to strut his stuff as a dragonslayer. Nevertheless, while only a small portion of this franchise's success, he played a part in making one of the most celebrated series of the past decade, particularly by DreamWorks Animation standards, and his comedic chops were well-utilized in this fiery supporting turn. While it's not the role that he'll be remembered for, it's arguable among movie fans that these are some of Hill's very finest movies.

Stream How to Train Your Dragon on IMDbTV.
Rent/buy How To Train Your Dragon on Amazon.
Buy How to Train Your Dragon on DVD/Blu-Ray on Amazon.

If you're looking for more good Jonah Hill movies, I'd also recommend Funny People, Knocked Up, Django Unchained, and The Beach Bum. He also gives one of his best performances in War Dogs. Away from acting, Hill became a multi-hyphenate with 2018's mid90s, which the actor wrote, produced, and directed. 

In the last ten years or so, new stars have emerged in Hollywood who have truly taken over, bringing in a brand new generation of amazing talent. One of those actresses was none other than Emma Stone, a young woman who has gone on to have quite the career so far.

It’s about time that we gave Emma Stone the honor that she deserves in re-watching some of her best films. Because, trust me, there are plenty of them. These are the best Emma Stone movies on Amazon, Hulu, and other streaming platforms which you should go and watch right now if you’re a fan of the actress.

Superbad (2007)

Starting off this list, we take a look at Emma Stone’s film debut, Superbad. In this classic comedy, starring Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, we follow the story of two high school students, who have been best friends since they were small, on their quest to lose their virginity to the prettiest and coolest girls in school before they go away to college.

There’s a reason why, after this film, Emma Stone was signed up for so many other roles. Her performance as Jules was comically fantastic and showed off her acting chops, as well as her natural talents with comedy. This might have been the first comedic role she starred in, but it's been far from her last. The rest of the Superbad cast is great, but Stone was a standout. 

Stream Superbad on Peacock..
Rent/Buy Superbad on Amazon.

Zombieland (2009)

Moving into another genre that Emma Stone rocks, we take a look at Zombieland. This apocalyptic comedy follows the story of a geeky college kid, who has a set of rules for surviving in an apocalypse filled with zombies. He ends up meeting three strangers along the way, and they band together for a long road trip across the country to find sanctuary from the zombies.

There was a sequel ten years later for more than one reason. Emma Stone and Jesse Eisenberg have amazing chemistry. Not only is their comedic timing fantastic, but their strange and yet quirky relationship is believable, as well. Woody Harrelson and Abigail Breslin also add to this awesome ensemble that not only makes you laugh but gets you prepped for the zombie apocalypse. But, remember to get a kickass partner to do it with. It’s a shame Stone didn’t get that Walking Dead crossover that she wanted though. 

Stream Zombieland on Apple TV+.
Rent/Buy Zombieland on Amazon. 

The Amazing Spider-Man (And The Sequel) (2012, 2014)

I’ve always felt that a lot of people forget these movies exist because of how popular Tom Holland’s version of Spider-Man became, but Emma Stone rocked it in The Amazing Spider-Man movies. In the first Amazing Spider-Man, we see the origin story of Peter Parker, the boy who would go on to be bitten by a radioactive spider and become the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, saving NYC.

Emma Stone portrays Gwen Stacy, Peter’s love interest in the two films, and while she looks amazing as a blonde, she also kills this role. You’d never think she could be anything other than an awesome scientist. I always wished that we got to see more of her as the character – but, let’s be honest, neither she nor Andrew Garfield really looked like high schoolers, did they? They’re still great films, though. It’s a shame she wasn’t in Spider-Man: No Way Home like her co-star Andrew Garfield, but that’s something I can live with as long as I have these films. 

Stream The Amazing Spider-Man on Netflix.
Stream The Amazing Spider-Man 2 on Netflix.
Rent/Buy The Amazing Spider-Man on Amazon.
Rent/Buy The Amazing Spider-Man 2 on Amazon.

Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) (2014)

Winning Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2015, Birdman, otherwise known as Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), is a black comedy-drama that tells the story of a faded Hollywood actor and his rise to try and come back by starring in a new adaptation of Broadway play. 

Birdman has an impressive cast overall, and Emma Stone was one of the best additions the movie could have had, co-starring as Sam Thomson. Birdman actually earned Stone her first Academy Award nomination, and showed just how talented she is in the drama sphere. She went on to win for a different film a couple years later, but her role in Birdman is legendary. 

Stream Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) on Amazon.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Crazy, Stupid Love is just another example of how great Stone performs in a comedic manner – with a hint of drama as well. In this popular romantic dramedy starring Steve Carell in one of his best movies, we follow the story of a recently separated man who wants to rediscover his manhood and is taught by his new friend, Jacob, how to pick up women at bars.

Let me just say that this film is ridiculously funny. Not only are the dramatic moments on point and pull at your heartstrings in a great way but the jokes land every single time. Even the scenes between Emma Stone and Steve Carell are some of the best in the film because it feels like a father and a daughter conversing, not two actors. It’s just so great. Please, give it a watch if you haven’t seen it!

Stream Crazy Stupid Love on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Crazy Stupid Love on Amazon.

Battle Of The Sexes (2017)

If you’re looking for a great biographical sports film, Battle of the Sexes is one that you need to check out, starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell. The film is based on the real-life match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, two major tennis players who took the world by storm, and the drama that led up to this competition. 

Battle of the Sexes premiered a year after Birdman and continued to show just how brilliant Stone was in more dramatic roles. While the movie itself was a box-office bomb, both Stone and Carell received plenty of praise for their performances, including a Best Actress in a Comedy for the Critics Choice Awards and Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Stone.

Rent/Buy Battle of the Sexes on Amazon.

La La Land (2016)

If you haven’t heard of La La Land at this point, then you’ve been living under a rock. La La Land is a wonderfully written musical telling the story of two unlikely lovers meeting in Hollywood, who have two very different dreams for their lives.

Emma Stone won the Academy Award for Best Actress because of her role in the La La Land cast. We like to talk about how she’s amazing in comedy, but you listen to her sing, dance, and show off her drama skills. I promise you will be crying by the end of this film. Plus, the music is incredibly catchy. I found myself listening to “City of Stars” for months after the film’s release. Your dreams just might come true with La La Land if you take the time to watch it.

Rent La La Land on Amazon.

The Help (2011)

In The Help, we are told the story of Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a young white woman who works as a journalist, and her relationship with two Black maids during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963.

The film received high praise and several awards. Emma Stone stars as the journalist, and her story captivates you as you watch her interactions with the women who face constant racism on a daily basis. It’s raw and real, which is what makes The Help so fantastic. The performances of this amazing ensemble cast will have you clapping at your TV screen like you would do at the credits in a movie theater. Truly outstanding.

Stream The Help on the Roku Channel.
Rent/Buy The Help on Amazon.

Easy A (2010)

After some heavy choices on this list, we turn back to a comedy – which was the first Emma Stone movie I ever saw. Easy A is about Olive, a high school student who ends up as a victim of her school's “rumor mill” when she lies to her best friend that she had sex for the first time. When word spreads, she welcomes the attention she receives.

I’ve gone off so many times on this list with how amazing Emma Stone is at comedy, but in my opinion, she is at her best in Easy A. The jokes are consistent (I don’t think any of us could forget that ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’ bit), and the acting talent beside her, like Lisa Kudrow and Stanley Tucci, is phenomenal. Plus, this movie is all about women’s empowerment and embracing your sexuality – who wouldn’t want to watch a hysterical movie with a message like that?

Rent/Buy Easy A on Amazon.

The Favourite (2018)

Coming off of her win for La La Land, Emma Stone decided she wanted another Oscar nomination and signed onto the period piece, The Favourite. In this black comedy, we are given the chance to look at the relationship between two cousins, the Duchess of Marlborough and Abigail Masham, both of which are trying to be the Court favourite for the queen.

Emma Stone with a British accent is something I didn’t think I ever needed but God, it’s one of my favorite movies ever. The chemistry that she shares with Rachel Weisz is top-notch, and the comedic moments that come from this film will have you snorting out whatever drink you have. Not only that, but the set design is absolutely gorgeous. Sometimes you won’t even be focusing on the jokes, but looking at the beautiful landscapes, or even the outfits that they have on. If you’re a supporter of period pieces, but want to laugh your butt off, The Favourite is the way to go.

Stream The Favourite on Hulu.
Rent/Buy The Favourite on Amazon.

Poor Things (2023)

You knew at some point this would be on here. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things is based on the novel of the same name and tells the story of a young woman who is brought back to life, but with the brain of someone else in her head, and follows her journey into adulthood and discovering more about herself and the world around her. 

Emma Stone knocks it out of the park with Poor Things, so much so that she won the 2024 Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film. I’ll be honest and say that out of all the 2024 Best Picture nominees, Poor Things is certainly the wackiest, but it’s such a fun time. It tells an intriguing story that will capture your interest instantly. 

Stream Poor Things on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Poor Things on Amazon.

Kinds Of Kindness (2024) (Coming Soon)

While this isn’t a film you can watch right now, I have to bring it up because it’s coming out soon. Kinds of Kindness is Stone’s third collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos after The Favourite and Poor Things, and while not much is known about the film, we know it follows three different stories, as if they’re like three different films.

Stone is just one of the many talented cast members who are in this new film. Willem Dafoe reunites with her, as well as newcomers to Lanthimos movies like Mamaoudou Athie, Hong Chau, Margaret Qualley and more. Trust me when I say this is a movie you’re going to want to see. 

Kinds of Kindness opens in theaters June 21, 2024.

I mean, let’s be honest – these are some of the best movies on Amazon, on Apple TV+, on Hulu and many more. You all need to watch them – but if you’re a fan of Emma Stone, then you have to check all of these out. Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to go stream Zombieland for the millionth time.

Jonah Hill and Michael Cera may have been the stars of 2007’s Superbad, but arguably the movie’s biggest scene stealer was Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s Fogell. Actually, you probably know the character by a different name: McLovin. That’s the weird name Fogell picked out for his fake ID in his quest to buy liquor as a high schooler, and today actually marks McLovin’s 40th birthday. So Seth Rogen, who also appeared in Superbad, decided to commemorate the big “milestone.”

In addition to starring in Superbad as Officer Michaels alongside Bill Hader’s Officer Slater, Seth Rogen also co-wrote the movie with Evan Goldberg. So to celebrate McLovin turning the big 4-0, Rogen tweeted this:

Ah, how far McLovin has come since Superbad. At the time, he was a 25-year-old organ donor from Hawaii, and now he’s over the hill and presumably settled down with a family. To know for sure, we’d either have to ask Fogell in the Superbad universe (assuming he kept adding backstory details to his alter ego), or check with Seth Rogen or Evan Goldberg in the real world. After all, the writers came up with the McLovin joke at just 14, so maybe they could quickly come up with some details on his adult life.

Ultimately though, McLovin was just a means to an end for Fogell to acquire all sorts of alcohol for Jonah Hill’s Seth and Michael Cera’s Evan, as they promised to bring vodka to a party being held by Emma Stone’s Jules. Fogell’s plan worked… until he got punched in the face when the convenience store he was at was robbed. From there, Officers Michaels and Slater entered the picture, and Fogell joined them on a night of debauchery while Seth and Evan got caught up in their own antics.

Released on August 17, 2007, Superbad was met with a lot of positive critical reception and make nearly $171 million worldwide off a $20 million budget. In addition to catapulting Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse to new levels of fame, the movie also served as Emma Stone’s film debut, having previously done stage and TV work. At this point their careers, Seth Rogen was best known for projects like Freaks and Geeks and The 40-Year-Old Virgin (which Hill also appeared in), while Hader was still early into his Saturday Night Live run.

One way we could know for certain what happened to McLovin… sorry, Fogell, is if Superbad 2 moved forward. A potential sequel has been discussed for years, but back in February, Christopher Mintz-Plasse said that he’d heard from “some of the people” who made Superbad that they “don’t want to touch” a follow-up story so as not to tarnish the first movie. Seth Rogen also expressed apprehension last year about making Superbad 2, so if you’re wondering where Seth, Evan and Fogell are nowadays, you’ll just have to make that up in your head.

For those of you interested in Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s career, he most recently starred in Promising Young Woman and wrapped his time voicing Fishlegs Ingerman in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. For the people reading who are simply wondering what movies are coming out later this year, look through our 2021 release schedule for that information.

Since its release in 2007, Superbad has become a cult classic. The film infiltrated pop culture in a way very few coming-of-age comedies have, and one of the most beloved parts of the film is Fogell, a.k.a. McLovin, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse. For many the actor’s performance was a highlight, and recently, the McLovin actor gave his stance on the only way Superbad 2 could ever work.

Christopher Mintz-Plasse shot to superstardom as McLovin in the classic teen sex comedy. McLovin was arguably the most popular character from Superbad, to the point that the actor was only recognized by the name. Mintz-Plasse has moved on from the iconic role, as evident by his latest role in the acclaimed film Promising Young Woman. The actor recently revealed how a Superbad sequel could work on an appearance on 98.1 WOGL, telling host Glenn Kalina

Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s remarks are understandable given how highly regarded Superbad still is years after its release. McLovin and the film as a whole are still quoted and referenced in conversations and media, and next year, the teen sex comedy will be celebrating its 15th anniversary. But a sequel might not be in the cards, as the film’s writer Seth Rogen was apprehensive about touching the classic comedy.

Before Christopher Mintz-Plasse was cast as McLovin, Superbad was originally conceived as a star vehicle for Seth Rogen. But by the time the film went into production. Rogen has aged out of the role, leading to Johan Hill being cast to play Seth. Mintz-Plasse’s McLovin was based on Rogen and co-writer Evan Goldberg’s real friend from high school. Superbad was released to positive critical reception, along with grossing over $170 million at the worldwide box office. Not only did Superbad push Mintz-Plasse from an unknown actor to a big name, but it cemented Hill and Michael Cera as Hollywood’s go-to comedy film stars.

With so many classics either getting sequels remakes or reboots left and right, Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s view seems to fall in line with some Hollywood trends. While a female version might seem like a promising idea, some female reboots of classic films have been met with a divisive reception in recent years. I guess we’ll have to keep watching Booksmart in the meantime. If you want to relive the high school hijinks and sex jokes of McLovin, Seth and Evan, you can stream Superbad on Netflix and Hulu, or rent it on Vudu and Prime Video.

One of the most influential and quotable modern comedies is still 2007’s Superbad. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age movie may have been one of their first collaborations, but it has stood the test of time. And when a movie reaches this status, there’s an obvious question that always makes its way to the filmmakers: will there ever be a sequel?

Here’s what Seth Rogen recently had to say about the prospect of making a Superbad 2:

Now that’s high praise from the writer of Superbad. Seth Rogen told LADBible that he doesn’t want to make another Superbad movie because he doesn’t believe there’s more story to tell and he’s afraid he’d mess up the legacy it has built over the past thirteen years. It is amazing to hear Seth Rogen’s film is still making an impact on teens years later. It’s sure to cement its place in the high school movie hall of fame.

Speaking to Seth Rogen’s point about its continued prominence on young people, last year a 20-year-old got caught flashing a fake Hawaii ID with the name “McLovin” on it, along with the same birthdate Superbad’s Fogell had on his too. Rogen saw it and simply commented with “My work here is done.” Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart is certainly Gen-Z’s own update on the concept.

Superbad follows Jonah Hill's Seth and Michael Cera's Evan as they approach the end of their high school careers. The codependent friends go partying together in an attempt to lose their virginities. Along the way, they meet Rogen and Bill Hader’s cop characters, and an up-and-coming Emma Stone and Dave Franco as high school students.

If Superbad 2 was to remain autobiographical, Seth and Evan would be successful filmmakers, and we already know that story. Plus, the pair must have injected themselves in some way in their many other films that have come out since Superbad. It would be fun to see Michael Cera, Jonah Hill and the gang reunite for a high school reunion of some sort though.

On CinemaBlend’s podcast ReelBlend, the hosts recently spoke Judd Apatow, who produced the movie early in his career too. You can listen to Apatow talk about Superbad along with The King of Staten Island and his other famous comedies in the new episode. Seth Rogen’s latest movie is An American Pickle, which is available to stream on HBO Max.

Every great hero needs a sidekick, but every not-so-great hero absolutely needs a sidekick to bail them out time and time again. I'm not saying that's true of absolutely every hero called out on this list, because truth be told, some only suffered from being not nearly as cool as the side characters they supported.

Don't think of this as a disparagement of heroes, but more of a celebration of sidekicks and acknowledgement of their achievements. These ones shouldered the work while their friends got a lion's share of the credit, and it's time to put that to an end.

The Harry Potter Movies - Hermione Granger

Harry Potter may have survived a killing curse and was an above-average Quidditch player, but let's be real, he wasn't all that special. In fact, if it wasn't for Hermione Granger, Harry would've fallen victim to Lord Voldemort and dark wizards several times over. She was the more talented magic user of the two, and to be quite honest, she was much smarter than Harry and Ron combined. Those two would've died before ever reaching the Sorcerer's Stone in the first movie if it wasn't for Hermione, and it's time more people start recognizing that.

The Toy Story Movies - Buzz Lightyear

Let's be honest, cowboys were cool for the children of the baby boomer age. Woody may have been cool for a hot minute, but can we really blame Andy for tossing him aside temporarily to have a Buzz Lightyear? Buzz has always been the better toy of the two, even when he didn't believe he was a toy. He ultimately bows to Woody's leadership, but he's fully capable of running things. Personally, I think that's what made it so easy for Woody to move on in Toy Story 4.

Superbad - McLovin

Superbad is a great movie, and there's plenty of high points for all the main characters that audiences can laugh at. That said, we all know Fogell, aka McLovin, was the true star of the movie when it came out. He went from zero to hero in the course of one night, all thanks to some cops who wanted to show him a good time. Seth and Evan are every bit as nerdy as McLovin, and I think the fact that he is extra nerdy and owns it almost makes him look better than them in the long run.

The Green Hornet - Kato

Britt Reid is the money behind the operation, but it's not hard to see how Kato is the stronger person of the two. His martial arts expertise is top-notch on its own, but then he's got all the mechanic skills too. Credit to Britt for having a guy on staff who's so resourceful, and I guess more credit to Kato for not taking the limelight when he totally could in The Green Hornet dynamic.

Fight Club - Tyler Durden

This one is a bit tricky because as most people who watched the movie know, the Narrator and Tyler are the same person. That said, Tyler acts as the sidekick for most of the movie and is obviously the "cooler" personality of the two. Sure, his methods were a bit extreme, but man, wouldn't it be great to have no credit card debt? That was all Tyler, or at least the Narrator's personality that was Tyler. This shouldn't be that hard to explain over 20 years after the movie's release, should it?

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy - Samwise Gamgee

This one is the epitome of a sidekick who should get a lion's share of the credit. Samwise Gamgee emotionally and physically carried Frodo Baggins to Mordor to destroy the ring in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I don't believe Frodo would've been able to do it alone. Had Frodo been left to his own devices, he would've become the next Gollum, and for that alone, Frodo should be making second breakfast for Sam the rest of his furry-footed life. Personally, I've always wondered if Sam would've been corrupted by the ring's power in the same way Frodo did, and if this adventure would've gone much faster with just him toting it.

Jurassic Park - Dr. Ian Malcolm

There are a lot of key figures in the Jurassic Park franchise, and ultimately, one could make the argument that Alan, Ellie and Ian are considered equals. That's not the way I feel, and if we're talking who's the coolest doctor dodging a T-Rex (something he didn't do in the novel) and keeping a cool head when the going gets rough, Ian Malcolm is the guy. I mean, I don't even need to mention the iconic shirtless pose, do I? This one is a no brainer.

Mad Max: Fury Road - Furiosa

In the Mad Max universe, it's hard to really argue anyone isn't a badass. When the post-apocalypse landscape is that brutal, there's really no one left but the badasses. Furiosa has a real comeuppance in the movie though, and frankly, looks to have made more of herself in this brave new world with less advantages than Max Rockatansky. It's no wonder Charlize Theron's Furiosa was popular enough to warrant a standalone movie, though it will be disappointing that the prequel will mean another actress needs to be recast for the role.

The Star Trek Movies - Spock

I don't think this is the craziest of hot takes, though I will admit this is a closer situation than past examples. Kirk occasionally trumps Spock's logic just because, which doesn't even make sense sometimes especially in the context of them playing chess. That's all well and good, but let's make one thing clear: if you die, and then come back from the dead, you automatically win the debate. Unless you're Harry Potter, of course, because Hermione would be like if Kirk and Spock were the same person.

Do you have any other duos where the sidekick was greater than the hero? Let us know down in the comments below, and of course, be sure to stick with CinemaBlend for more happenings on the world of movies and television.

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Every decade has a few teen movies that define it. These flicks emphasized growing pains, the conflicting views between parents and children, and immortalized the importance of teen parties. Can’t Hardly Wait is one of the 90s defining teen comedies and a cult classic. It along with Booksmart and Superbad have helped highlight the hilarious journey before, during, and after the high school graduation party.

Everyone has their favorite teen movies because that film connects us with a simpler time, either for nostalgic reasons or relating to the character’s struggles and triumphs. I could easily name 50 teen movies that I love, but this list is less about my favorites and more about teen movies that share a commonality. It could be their depiction of friendship, going after the impossible girl or guy, or just showing the complicated dynamics of the high school party system.

Can’t Hardly Wait

What It’s about: A group of high school graduates attend an end of year party with a variety of goals and expectations. The main story surrounds Preston (Ethan Embry)’s plans to confess his love to the most popular girl in school Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt). The Can’t Hardly Wait ensemble cast also includes Lauren Ambrose, Peter Facinelli, and Seth Green.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: Can’t Hardly Wait displays the expectations versus reality element of high school. Most students believe their high school experience is going to be the best time of their lives, and life after is going to be even better. However, reality and expectations hardly ever match up, but this doesn’t mean high school or post-high school life can’t be a wild wonderful ride.

Stream it on Netflix here

Rent it here.

American Pie

What It’s about: Five friends make a pact to lose their virginity before their high school graduation. The American Pie movies consist of eight films, including the three direct sequels American Pie 2, American Wedding, and American Reunion. Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott, and Alyson Hannigan star in American Pie.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: In 1999, American Pie took raunchy teen movies to a new level. It was shocking, funny, awkward, and sometimes surprisingly heartwarming--Jim (Jason Biggs)’s relationship with his dad (Eugene Levy) is some of the movies’ best parts.. The American Pie franchise lasted so long because these movies leave a lasting impression on the teen mind.

Stream it on HBO Now here

Rent it: N/A

10 Things I Hate About You

What It’s about: In this modern take on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) wants to ask Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) out, but she can’t date until her sister Kat (Julia Stiles) dates. He hires bad boy Patrick (Heath Ledger) to take out Kat. Unexpectedly, Kat and Patrick start to fall in love.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: 10 Things I Hate About You is a witty and sweet movie of the 90s. Kat and Patrick’s love story along with Cameron and Bianca’s grabs you from start to finish. You really want both couples to have that teen romance that they deserve.

Stream it on Disney+ here.

Rent it here.

Sixteen Candles

What It’s about: This John Hughes classic stars Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, and Anthony Michael Hall. It follows Sam (Molly Ringwald) on her sixteenth birthday, which is overshadowed by her sister Ginny (Blanche Baker)’s wedding. Unbeknownst to Sam, her crush Jake Ryan (Michael Scoeffling) has started to notice her, so it just might be a sweet sixteen.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: The Jake Ryan and Sam final scene has become one of the most iconic scenes in movie history. The whole film beautifully captures the bittersweet part of being a teen. It also shows that a bad day can become much better with a little birthday magic.

Stream it on Starz here.

Rent it here.

Loser

What It’s about: Paul (Jason Biggs) is a small town boy who has just entered college in New York City. He encounters many jerks who use, abuse, and mistreats him and others. Along the way, he bonds with Dora (Mena Suvari).

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: I know Loser gets a lot of hate from movie fans, but it really is a sweet romantic comedy. Biggs and Suvari have great chemistry and Paul’s coming of age story feels authentic due to Jason Biggs’ natural awkward screen persona. Loser is also a great film about carving your own path and standing up for your morals and beliefs even when it’s hard.

Stream it on Crackle here.

Rent it here.

Say Anything

What It’s about: Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) has been in love with Diane (Ione Skye) all through high school, and after graduation, he finally decides to take a chance and ask her out.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: Say Anything is one of the best teen romance movies, because Lloyd is one of the most swoon-worthy male movie protagonist. However, it’s not just another teen romance movie because it is also about growing apart from parents, and teens needing to forge their own paths without them.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Rent it here.

Booksmart

What It’s about: Two best friends (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) spend all of high school being studious and only socializing with each other, but they decide to do things differently by attending the big end of the year party. The girls face many obstacles on their way to the event.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: Booksmart revamps the coming of age story by giving it a fresh perspective. It highlights the rising stars and talented Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. It’s also just a really funny teen movie.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Rent it here.

Superbad

What It’s about: Jonah Hill and Michael Cera play Seth and Evan in this movie about two teen boys who spend a night trying to score alcohol and impress their crushes at a major party. Seth Rogen, Emma Stone, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Bill Hader also star in Superbad.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: Superbad has some extremely silly moments, but it’s a funny movie with a heartbreaking undertone. Seth and Evan are close in high school, but they both can sense that they’re heading down different paths. As much as they try to fight it, it’s inevitable.

Stream it on Showtime here.

Rent it here.

Easy A

What It’s about: Emma Stone plays Olive in Easy A, a movie where she pretends to have sex with boys to help improve their social status. Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, and Aly Michalka also star in Easy A.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: Easy A highlights the comedic talents of Emma Stone. This film allows her to shine with its already witty humor and commentary on the judgmental nature that people put on female sexuality, especially teen girls’ sexuality.

Rent it here.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

What It’s about: Ferris (Matthew Broderick) fakes an illness to skip school and spend a day exploring Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) and best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck).

Why It’s One of the best teen movies: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off shows that sometimes you have to stop and experience life. There is a lot of beauty out there, but you have to be willing to welcome it to see it.

Stream it on Netflix here.

Rent it here.

EuroTrip

What It’s about: After high school graduation, four friends travel across Europe. Scotty (Scott Mechiowicz) has just been dumped by his girlfriend and offends his German pen pal Mieke (Jessica Boehrs). He travels across Europe to explore and apologize to Mieke. Michelle Trachtenberg, Jacob Pitts, and Travis Wester plays Scotty’s three best friends in EuroTrip.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: EuroTrip is a raunchy teen comedy that’s as funny as it is vulgar. It’s extremely risqué at points, but it’s done more for comedic effect than just to sneak in a few boob scenes.

Rent it here.

The Duff

What It’s About: Bianca (Mae Whitman) is told that she’s the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) of her inner circle, and enlists the help of jock Wesley (Robbie Amell) to give her a makeover. Duff also stars Bella Thorne, Skyler Samuels, Ken Jeong, Allison Janney, and Bianca Santos.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: The Duff pays homage to the many other teen movies that came before it, like She’s All That, but the film takes an interesting and unexpected turn. It’s less about Bianca getting a makeover and more about Wesley discovering his beliefs and views are the problem, not Bianca’s appearance. The Duff also works really well because of the chemistry between Robbie Amell and Mae Whitman.

Rent it here.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High

What It’s about: Fast Times at Ridgemont High chronicles a year in high school for Brad (Judge Reinhold), Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), Mark (Brian Backer), Linda (Phoebe Cates), and Mike (Robert Romanus). The cast also includes Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stolz, and Anthony Edwards.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: Fast Times at Ridgemont High is an 80s classic for its humor and raunchy scenes. It’s also a classic for its earnest portrayal of teen characters trying to deal with adult situations, but they don’t necessarily have the emotional depth to handle them.

Stream it on Starz here.

Rent it here.

Clueless

What It’s about: Cher (Alicia Silverstone) spends most of her time meddling in the affairs of others. She loves playing matchmaker, but she has no clue what to do when she finds herself falling for an unexpected suitor. Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, and Donald Faison also star in Clueless.

Why It’s one of the best teen movies: This modern version of Jane Austen’s Emma takes place in Beverly Hills and shines a spotlight on the self-absorbed nature of the rich and beautiful, especially teens. However, this film also shows that underneath it all, they are good kids. They just need some direction.

Rent it here.

Teen movies are so beloved because they entertain while showing that the hormonal, confusing, and stressful time of adolescence is just part of the journey and it gets better…sort of.

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Coming-of-age movies remind us of the awkward, funny, dramatic, limiting, and liberating nature of growing up. A really impactful one profoundly touches your heart. Booksmart, starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever is one of the recent coming-of-age movies gaining praise for its funny look at the struggles of growing up. It's also one of the many coming of age films currently available to stream or rent online.

The coming-of-age category describes a broad blanket of films. I define this movie genre as tales of growing up with an emphasis on how that process leads to growth, self-exploration, or a deeper understanding of the world around.

Booksmart (2019)

After spending most of their high school careers being nerds and not socializing beyond each other, high school seniors Amy (Kaithly Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) decide to attend the big year-end party. Their quest to attend this party leads them on a strange adventure that includes drugs, an arrest, porn, and awkward hook-ups.

Booksmart takes some inspiration from coming-of-age movies like Superbad —which just happens to star Feldstein’s brother Jonah Hill-- but it is not just a carbon copy: Booksmart has its own distinct identity and brand of humor. Like Amy and Molly, the film is very comfortable in its own skin and that helps it give a refreshing spin on the high school comedy genre.

Where To Stream: Hulu

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows introvert Charlie (Logan Lerman) through his first year of high school. Two seniors Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson) befriend Charlie and take him under their wings. The movie is based on the book of the same name.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower explores serious issues like sexual abuse, domestic violence, and abortion. It tackles these issues with a careful approach and compassionate touch. Charlie’s layered and sympathetic persona makes him a great narrator because he creates an instant connection with the viewers. The three main leads all give some of their best performances in this film.

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Breakfast Club (1985)

In The Breakfast Club, five students from different high school cliques experience a Saturday together after all being put in detention. Detention brings them together in a way they never expected, and they start to understand each other more. Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, and Anthony Michael Hall star in The Breakfast Club.

John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club has become a teen movie classic, often referenced and sourced in pop culture. This film has stood the test of time because it focuses on characters that are relatable, and highlights that no matter what high school cliché you embody, we all suffer the same feelings of loneliness, fear, and confusion.

John Hughes films in general are very entertaining coming of age stories. A few others to give a try are Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Sixteen Candles.

Where To Stream: Starz

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig directs Saorise Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Beanie Feldstein in this coming-of-age story about a combative mother and daughter duo. In Lady Bird, Lady Bird (Saorise Ronan) and her mother (Laurie Metcalf) are constantly at odds, and are both dealing with their own growing pains.

Lady Bird’s biggest strength is the performances by Saorise Ronan and Laurie Metcalf. They both make you frustrated and sympathetic towards their behavior. Despite their fighting, like many mother and teen daughter relationships, both clearly do love and appreciate each other underneath all the disagreements. It’s not easy growing up, and it’s even harder being an adult.

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Where To Stream: Amazon Prime

Real Women Have Curves (2002)

Real Women Have Curves stars America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, and George Lopez. It’s about a Mexican-American teen trying to find her own identity and live her dreams while staying true to her culture and heritage.

Real Women Have Curves is a body positive movie a little ahead of its time. It also shows a mother and daughter whose culture and beliefs are often at odds. America Ferrera’s character is learning to love her body and embrace her sexuality, while her mother thinks she should feel shame for both. The film challenges a sense of duty to family, while also showing how cycles of emotional abuse can limit people’s opportunity for emotional and economic growth. Real Women Have Curves is a raw but spirited look at the hardships of growing up, especially with added familial pressures.

Where To Stream: HBO Now

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Moonlight (2016)

Barry Jenkins directed Moonlight, a movie that follows Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) from his difficult childhood with drug addict mother Paula (Naomie Harris) to exploring his sexuality as a teen to an adult in desperate need of love and hope.

Moonlight is a gritty look at the difficulties faced by a man with life and society working against him. Chiron suffers many great losses, but the end of Moonlight offers a sense of peace and possibilities. He has had a hard journey but hope still exists.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Slumdog Millionaire follows Jamal (Dev Patel), a young man who, throughout the course of the movie, is managing to win his way through the Indian version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? As we through through the course of flashbacks, many of the questions he's given tie into his experiences growing up in some way. Slumdog Millionaire is also the story of Jamal’s love for Latika (Freida Pinto).

Slumdog Millionaire is one of the most exciting coming of age stories as you’re enthralled by Jamal’s journey. Every new question and story, you root and cheer him on, hoping that he wins this million and gains a better life. It thrills from beginning to end.

Where To Stream: Cinemax

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Handsome Devil (2016)

Handsome Devil follows Ned (Fionn O’Shea), a teen who goes to an elite Irish school who is mocked for being different and often accused of being gay. Conor (Nicholas Galitzine) is the new student who is instantly popular for being a good rugby player. The two become roommates and unlikely friends.

The school in Handsome Devil is very homophobic, and the movie reveals early on that Conor is gay. It’s the story of Ned and Conor’s friendship and Conor learning to accept his sexuality. Conor and Ned’s friendship is a very sweet one, especially how they go from believing they have nothing in common to discovering they’re a lot alike.

Where To Stream: Netflix

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Dazed And Confused (1993)

Richard Linklater directed Dazed and Confused, a movie about different groups of students on the last day of school in 1976. The cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Jason London, Milla Jovoich, Parker Posey, and Joey Lauren Adams.

Dazed and Confused offers a snapshot at the life of high school students in the 1970s, and it feels real because it’s basically just a bunch of kids roaming around looking for something to do. That’s like 90 percent of the high school experience. Dazed and Confused is also just a really funny movie that’s simple and easy.

Where To Stream: Starz

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Kirsten Dunst, James Woods, Kathleen Turner, and Josh Hartnett star in The Virgin Suicides. The film follows the Lisbon family, particularly the Lisbon daughters. Lux Lisbon (Kirsten Dunst) is the main daughter and her sister’s orbit around her chaos.

The Virgin Suicides takes the perspective of Tim Weiner (Jonathan Tucker) and the other boys who watch and love the Lisbon girls from afar. As the girls grow up, their parents try to suppress and hide them from the world, especially the world of boys. This leads to desperate measures. The Virgin Suicides taking the male perspective shows the deep misunderstanding that young boys can have when dealing with women and girls. It also shows the consequences that occur when parents try to stop the growing up process.

Where To Stream: Crackle

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Superbad (2007)

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg wrote Superbad, a coming of age story about two best friends who try to have the night of their lives, but end up going on a crazy adventure on the way to a party. The Superbad cast includes Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, and Emma Stone.

Superbad is a funny high school adventure movie, but it’s also about drifting apart from your childhood friends as you get older. The film shows that this inevitable outcome is okay because it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to disappear from your life completely.

Where To Stream: Vudu

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Stand By Me (1986)

Stand by Me follows four boys who find the dead body of a missing boy. Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell star in this coming of age film based on a Stephen King novella called The Body.

At the core of Stand By Me is a tale of how friendship gets these four young boys through the harsh and cruel nature of life and growing up. The film has excellent performances by the young cast, but River Phoenix especially gives a mesmerizing performance.

Where To Stream: Crackle

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

Raising Victor Vargas (2002)

Raising Victor Vargas is the story of three siblings being raised by their grandmother. It’s also about Victor (Victor Rasuk)’s budding romance with Judy (Judy Marte).

Raising Victor Vargas is a very funny and heartwarming movie about removing your masks to let someone see and love your true self. It is also about family, first love, and growing up.

Where To Stream: Tubi

Where To Rent Online: Amazon

There are many great coming of age movies available to rent or stream online. Here are a few others to consider:

Welcome To The Dollhouse (1996): Rent

The Edge of Seventeen (2016): Rent, Stream

10 Things I Hate About You (1999): Rent, Stream

Rushmore (1999): Rent

Boyhood (2014): Rent, Stream

Say Anything (1989): Rent, Stream

Almost Famous (2000): Rent

Reality often inspires art, and if it’s popular enough, art can inspire reality, in turn too. Remember 2007’s Superbad? Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s character iconically donned a fake ID with the “legal name” McLovin in order to buy alcohol at a liquor store ahead of a high school party. It’s a hilarious highlight of the bro comedy from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and now an underage man has now been arrested for possessing the ID with the same name.

Seth Rogen found the report and cleverly responded on Twitter with this:

On Friday, local police officers arrested a 20-year-old man from Iowa for possessing the McLovin ID he apparently bought from Amazon. He was approached by an officer at a bar while consuming a drink with vodka in it. After admitting he was drinking alcohol, he was taken outside the bar and asked to show his ID. Daniel Alfredo Burleson did so, revealing his age of 20. When he was probed for his fake ID, he said he didn’t have one but when he went through his wallet the police said they could see his “fake Hawaii ID with the name ‘McLovin DOB 06/03/1981”, exactly mirroring Superbad!

According to the arrest report, Burleson smelled strongly of alcohol, had slurred speech and bloodshot watery eyes. He was wearing a wristband from the bar – begging the question did the McLovin ID work? Or maybe he was he able to just get in without being carded? He was arrested and charged with public intoxication, possession of a fake ID, possession of alcohol while underage and being in a bar after 10pm while being under 21.

It’s true the McLovin “fake ID” can be easily purchased on Amazon for $7 but clearly to be used as a joke. Even though the night ended in an arrest, it’s a hilarious way to get booked. The 20-year-old almost seems pleased with himself in his mugshot picture. Take a look:

Going back to Seth Rogen, one might imagine the Superbad writer finds a source of pride in a story such as this. Having something you wrote reach such popularity that it inspires an actual illegal act is a next level cultural phenonmenon. It’s a rather innocent one too, considering the 20-year-old wasn’t too far away from being allowed to attend a bar and consume alcohol legally.

Superbad was certainly a life-changing comedy for Seth Rogen, that propelled his, Jonah Hill and Michael Cera’s careers further-- along with providing a jumping off point for Emma Stone and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Most recently, the writing partners reinvented the Superbad concept with middle schoolers in a sense with Good Boys. It reached an R-rated comedy box office milestone over the summer by crossing $100 million worldwide.

And, Superbad remains a classic, the new generation of young people seem to be latching on to.

As we near the fall season of moviegoing, it’s good to fall back on some old favorites in-between new and exciting fare, like the potentially surprising horror hit Ready or Not. While not every weekend is a barnstormer at the box office, that just means there’s more room to head to Netflix for something you’ve seen a million times before, or perhaps not at all.

With that in mind, we’re always on the lookout for the best and brightest titles to come online in any given month, and September 2019 looks to have some ringers headed our way. If you’re curious as to what else Netflix is bringing to the table in the next month, head over to our full rundown of the titles coming online.

Otherwise, it’s time to look into the future and recommend the following prime picks:

300

At the height of his powers, director Zack Snyder was one of the most creative interpreters of the DC/Vertigo comic line that Warner Bros had to offer. Working around the same time as Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy was in play, Snyder gave the world two precious graphic novel based gifts: Watchmen and 300. Gerard Butler, Michael Fassbender, and Lena Headey all star in the latter, Snyder’s adaptation of Frank Miller’s cult comic classic, which is drenched in his personal brand of style.

A lot of the hallmarks of the director’s visual language are here, especially the beginnings of his obsession with speed ramping, as this film most definitely lead to the director’s prime position in DC Comics’ filmmaking apparatus. Debate 300’s messages all you want, you can’t rob the film of its beauty.

American Psycho

Before Christian Bale even donned a cape for the first time, he had a noteworthy career in a variety of roles that would set him up as an acting talent that had to be seen to be believed. Among those early victories was a film that was passed around with quite a bit of impish glee: director Mary Herron’s version of Bret Easton Ellis’ infamous novel American Psycho.

As the central role of insecure sociopath Patrick Bateman, Bale set a benchmark for a role that had already drawn quite a bit of attention through merely existing in print. So you could imagine how much seeing Bateman kill Paul Allen for the first time on screen must have shocked audiences in 2000 for it to still be talked about to this very day. Insanely quotable and severely unhinged, it’s a must-see for old fans and new victims.

Dante's Peak

1997 was the year to have a volcano in your movie, as both Dante’s Peak and Volcano would open in U.S. theaters within three months of each other. While 1998 would be an even bigger year for dueling projects, as Armageddon vs. Deep Impact and A Bug’s Live vs. Antz would see Disney and Dreamworks going head to head in two very unique ways, this was the battle that started it all.

Much like those conflicts, there’s a distinct difference between the combatants. One film tends to be the more character-invested of the two, with the other being a more blockbuster fueled experience. Dante’s Peak is the perfect example of the former, as Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton’s journey to brave the elements in the middle of a volcanic event is the more grounded of the pair. Admit it: it’s been a while since you’ve seen this one, and you’re curious to see if it holds up.

Mystic River

Author Dennis Lehane is one of those writers who found his work explode in greater popularity after one particularly impressive film adaptation put him on the map. Already a renowned writer before director Clint Eastwood and writer Brian Helgeland tackled the emotionally haunting Mystic River, Lehane’s star only rose when the film version of that very book became an Oscar contender in 2004; winning Sean Penn and Tim Robbins trophies for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.

Three childhood friends are reunited by fate when one of their daughters is murdered, and a past trauma is unearthed as a result. Dark and brooding, Mystic River was also the breakout role for Shameless vet Emmy Rossum, and boasts a particularly effecting performance from acting legend Laura Linney. It’s a film that deserves to be rediscovered, and it’s about to get a lot easier to do so.

Stripes

If Meatballs and Caddyshack teed up Bill Murray for cinematic stardom, his work in Ivan Reitman’s Stripes has to be the swing that sent him through the plate glass window of comedy legend. Re-teaming Murray with Reitman and adding co-writer/actor Harold Ramis to the balance, the stage would be set for the three to form up most of the unit that would go on to land Ghostbusters just three short years from this point in time.

Though don’t expect supernatural charged laughs in this one, as Stripes is a laugh-filled comedy about irresponsible men who find a bit of personal accountability as they make their way through the finest training the U.S. Army’s has to provide them. Bill Murray was officially on a role by time this one came around, and performances by John Laroquette, John Candy and a bunch of other notables make this an ‘80s classic that survives the test of time.

Superbad

Since this past summer has produced two pseudo remakes of Superbad in not only Booksmart, but also Good Boys, the fact that the 2007 R-rated comedy is heading to Netflix’s streaming lineup puts audiences in an interesting position. If one really wanted to, they could buy a digital HD copy of Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, cue up the Michael Cera and Jonah Hill hitmaker, and then go see the raunchy tween comedy – all in rapid succession if they really wanted to.

Obviously, this story of two best friends getting into misadventures on one of the last nights of high school should be first in the queue, as Cera and Hill’s big break is the one that started it all. But if we were to recommend any other specific placements, we’d put Booksmart in the middle and bookend things with Good Boys, as it would round things out with another Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg involved comedy. No matter how you watch them, Superbad is the perfect foundation of laughs to a day’s worth of superb comedic entertainment, and we could all use a day or two like that.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

With The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring already on Netflix, anyone who’s enjoyed the beginning of Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy based on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien was probably left hanging when the remaining chapters in the series were nowhere to be found in the streaming library’s archives. Now, if you really want to kill an afternoon in style, those two remaining chapters are coming online for your personal enjoyment.

In the case of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Jackson’s adaptation of this famed trilogy tackles the hardest part of any three-tiered story, the middle, with the greatest of ease. The film also follows up the intense world building of the film before it, mixing in an economy of battle sequences that prepare the audience for the raised stakes the finale would cash in on with Return of the King.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The finale of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Return of The King is undoubtedly peak Peter Jackson. Everything comes together in the final chapter of Frodo and the Fellowship’s quest to destroy the One Ring, and it’s hard not to feel incredibly satisfied once the film’s concluded. Just as any Academy Award voter that awarded the film its phalanx of victories, including Best Picture, in the same year that Mystic River would compete for those top honors. If you’re looking for a little extra excitement, throw that film on after watching this triumphant achievement, and feel free to debate which film should have walked away with the crown that night.

Keep in mind that the titles above are subject to availability, as they could change at any time, and are not available in all regions. So check your Netflix queue carefully throughout September to make sure you’re in the clear. Other than that, if you’re curious to see what big debuts made waves throughout this past month, you can check those titles out in our run through the notable titles of August.

We’ll see you back here this time next month, when October has revealed its Netflix surprises in waiting!

In the past couple decades, Seth Rogen has transformed into one of the most dependably funny filmmakers working in Hollywood today. The smart and consistently funny actor/writer/director has built his brand off of sophomoric comedies and a lot of jokes based on weed and genitalia. That said, it's clear that through his surprisingly eclectic resume, he has continued to push himself as a performer and storyteller. That's allowed his signature brand of comedy to be found in a variety of different genres and allowed himself to find lively, exciting ways to explore his acute worldview in fresh, funny ways.

With the recent release of Good Boys, the latest R-rated comedy produced by the comedian and his working partner, Evan Goldberg, it felt like a good time to look back on Seth Rogen's filmography and celebrate the actor/writer/director's greatest triumphs, while also noting his few scattered misfires. Nobody has a perfect track record, after all. But looking at his resume, it's clear that Seth Rogen has had a hand in some of the most noteworthy and entertaining comedies of the past two decades. Comedy is always subjective, but it's hard to think of many other comedians who go out of their way to make movies that are as enjoyable, heartfelt and hilarious at a consistent clip. But Seth Rogen has continued to prove himself time and time again.

With that in mind, let's take a look at Seth Rogen's best movies, while also taking some time to comment on his, well, less-than-stellar films as well.

The Best Seth Rogen Movies

The Disaster Artist (2017)

In James Franco's surprisingly touching biopic dramedy, based on cult filmmaker Tommy Wiseau and the making of his so-bad-it's-great melodrama disasterpiece, The Room, Franco honored the mysterious filmmaker by taking on both acting and directing duties simultaneously, allowing himself to become the oddball guy as both a performer and filmmaker. Thankfully, however, the movie made by James Franco is notably better than what we got from Tommy Wiseau (if not quite as quotable). One big reason why this film worked where so many other films directed by Franco fell apart is knowing that Rogen played a heavy hand as a producer, both on-screen in the role of real-life script supervisor Sandy Schklair, and behind-the-scenes as well.

This is an emotional and tender, but also often funny and entertaining look at the creative process, and how one's desire to prove themselves and make something big and bold in the art-making process is ultimately more important and meaningful than making something that actually stands up to greatness. The Disaster Artist is a familial effort, allowing Franco to work with his brother, Dave Franco, and his friends, like Seth Rogen and many more. It provides a satirical, yet sympathetic look at what makes the moviemaking process so rewarding — even if the reception isn't exactly what you'd hope it would be.

Neighbors (2014)

A fun and inspired twist on the frat house comedy, Neighbors finally gives us something we didn't often see from those '80s comedies: the perspective of the cranky older neighbors trying to mind their own business without being disturbed by their party-loving lawn-sharers. It's a cheeky reversal that Seth Rogen and director Nicholas Stoller got sufficient mileage from, allowing the perspective of both the recent father (Rogen) and the head of the frat (Zac Efron) to get nearly equal screen-time, allowing neither party (hardy har har) to be either completely antagonistic or totally justified in their stance.

The result is not exactly the best comedy we have gotten from Seth Rogen and his crew, but it's an often enjoyable and consistently amusing R-rated comedy, one that finds the actor both indulging in the juvenile humor that made his brand while also maturing and recognizing that he is getting older, and that he's closer to being a functional adult than the party-loving college students living next door. It's a good transition point for the actor/writer, and it turned into one of his most profitable films to boot. The sequel, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, while solid, didn't earn the same high attendance.

Observe And Report (2009)

One of the more controversial and divisive titles in Seth Rogen's filmography, and among the darker and more disturbing of Rogen's comedies, Jody Hill's sophomore film, Observe and Report, might not be an easy sell — even for some of Rogen's diehard enthusiasts. Yet, if you like your comedy to be a little more on the twisted side of the equation, this unhinged, mean-spirited studio comedy is certainly among the bolder movies Rogen has done. And, in my view, it's one of his strongest and most unflinching performances, proving what the actor could do when he pushes past his likable image.

A film that was inspired by Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver more than anything starring Seth Rogen, prior to its release, Observe and Report had the ugly misfortune of being compared — under rather shallow terms — to Paul Blart: Mall Cop, the Kevin James comedy which came out only a few months before, and it never quite got its due. As I said before, it's one of the few studio dark comedies that is not afraid to really get into some nasty territory, making it an intentionally uncomfortable sit for many views. I don't begrudge anyone who has trouble stomaching some of its character turns. But it's still a stand-out for Seth Rogen, allowing the actor to challenge himself and push himself beyond his usual comfort zone and prove what he can do. It won't win everyone over, but it's one that is definitely worth considering and ultimately one of Seth Rogen's most surprising and underrated titles.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

While The 40-Year-Old Virgin is more of a vehicle for Steve Carrell's budding film career than a full showcase for Seth Rogen's comedy prowess, it was one of the actor's first noteworthy movie appearances. And because he was in quite a few scenes, the rising comedy star arguably stole the show. While certainly the crudest and most foul-mouthed of Carrell's on-screen companions, Seth Rogen's Cal is often showing his rather twisted, yet sweet side —doing what he can to tell his office mate get laid for the first time. Among the most outspokenly sexual members of the bunch, Cal does what he can to make sure Carrell's Andy isn't holding his V-card for long, and his frank and perverted dialogue provides some of the most raunchy and risqué jokes in the movie.

Ultimately, while it's the title that launched Judd Apatow's directorial career and helped Steve Carrell become a marquee name when The Office was starting to become regular viewing for TV viewers around the country, The 40-Year-Old Virgin isn't necessarily celebrated for Seth Rogen's involvement. But his contributions to the laugh department shouldn't be ignored, and his involvement — notably sans shirt — in the "Aquarius" music number towards the very end of the movie alone makes it easy to put this movie on the list of Seth Rogen favorites. He wouldn't be who he is today without it.

Pineapple Express (2008)

Easily among the most celebrated of Seth Rogen's comedies, David Gordon Green's Pineapple Express played a huge part in making the actor a regular at the multiplex. The stoner action-comedy, which was also one of the big movies that helped to crystalize the big screen dynamic between Rogen and his scene-stealing co-star, James Franco, is a light-hearted romp that's not light on laughs, action, drug consumption or violence.

But the R-rated action-comedy also has a big, beating heart, amid the smoking and shooting, for his scrappy low-life characters who become unlikely action superstars in the midst of the movie's fast-moving turn-of-events. That fine mix of raunchiness and sweetness became more consistent than ever in Seth Rogen's resume through this heartfelt, fun-loving comedy, providing Rogen and Franco with another starring vehicle worth cruising at high speeds.

Steve Jobs (2015)

While Danny Boyle's unconventional biopic Steve Jobs is often celebrated for Michael Fassbender's exceptional lead performance in the role of the troubled title genius, one would be remiss to overlook the tremendous supporting work of his co-star Seth Rogen, playing Jobs' disgruntled right wing, Steve Wozniak. It's an exceptional dramatic performance from the typically-comedic actor, once again showcasing Rogen's undervalued acting range.

Given the task of playing one of the more subdued yet pivotal roles in the dramatic film, Seth Rogen provides one of the strongest performances in Steve Jobs, which is no easy task considering the high volume of talent attached to this project. His performance often feels raw and reserved, allowing us to see the frustration and also the acceptance that must come from working with some as egotistical yet undeniably brilliant as Steve Jobs — even if, as Steve Wozniak knows, he is the one who is behind some of the greatest inventions in Apple's history, and even if Steve Jobs will take the credit for his hard work. In the end, then, it's only fitting that Michael Fassbender got most of the praise while Rogen got overlooked, which is why we wish to celebrate it here.

Funny People (2009)

In some respects, Funny People can either be seen as Judd Apatow's misunderstood masterpiece or his most indulgent, overlong movie to date. I'm not quite on either side of the extremes, but I am certainly closer to the former than the latter. Judd Apatow's third film is, once again, a personal and heartfelt examination at lonely, joke-friendly people trying to make it through the tribulations of life as best as they possibly can. With the story focused on a once-respected comedic actor (Adam Sandler) suffering from cancer and potentially months away from his death, however, it's considerably more heavy than the usual light-hearted films we expect from the prominent writer/director/producer. And while it's Sandler's film, Rogen is also quite good.

While Seth Rogen's Ira Wright is a little more mild-mannered and gentle than some of the other Seth Rogen characters we got before then, it's still very much a role from Rogen's enjoyable blend of jokey-but-warm. He is caring and sweet, but he is also believably affable, and it's one of the roles that is best able to channel the everyman charm that has played a big role in the actor's appeal in the comedy scene. Paired well with Adam Sandler giving one of his best performances to date, Funny People provides both actors with a highly respectable and likably sincere look at comedy, living in the entertainment industry and what it means to make people laugh, even when you're crying inside. It lives up to its title, but Funny People is simultaneously a nice comedy and a respectable drama for these typically chuckle-friendly entertainers, and it's a shame that it didn't get a warmer reception upon release.

This Is The End (2013)

Having proven themselves as both writers and producers through a variety of hit-making comedies in the past five-to-seven years, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg finally decided to jump into the director's chairs with the apocalyptic ensemble comedy This Is The End. A horror-comedy with amble room for its talented team of actors to play around with the possibility of being holed up together during the literal apocalypse, This Is The End is both a very fun take on the hangout comedy, one that is given some serious stakes with the world literally ending outside their door, and a nice chance for all the stars to reflect upon their careers — and the highs-and-lows found therein — as they played heightened variations of their celebrity personas.

Benefitted nicely by allowing the talented actors to stay (mostly) restrained to their surroundings, allowing the talented actors to bounce off each other frequently and letting the improvisation comedy come naturally, while never entirely overdoing it in the process, This Is The End was a fine step forward for Seth Rogen as a screenwriter and newly-minted director, as well as another fine showcase of his buddy acting charms working off Jay Baruchel. Even as people are dying left-and-right and dangers lurk outside, there is a softness to the emotional core of the movie, and it was firm proof that Seth Rogen could take his well-proven style of comedy into new genres, expanding himself and his talents in a major way for future projects.

The Night Before (2015)

One of the most underrated movies from Seth Rogen to date, The Night Before was unjustly overlooked upon its release, with its holiday-themed festivities being glazed over in the busy winter holiday movie season. That's a shame, because at its best, The Night Before represents what can be so jolly and bright about a really solid Seth Rogen vehicle. Particularly when it comes to his warm and tidy buddy dynamic with Anthony Mackie and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, which makes for a delightful reunion with the actor's solid 50/50 collaborators, including director Jonathan Levine.

A fast-paced, richly-inspired romp that keeps the laughs moving and the warm holiday feelings in mind, The Night Before is a wonderfully well-realized movie about what the importance of the holiday season can be, not merely for what it means to bring people together, but how the holidays are very important reminders of what is lost when we get too caught up in our lives and don't spend time with the people we love. It's a familiar message, but it's one that's told with a bundle of laughs and a lot of heart to boot. If you're looking for a fine holiday classic to add to your collection, I'd make a point to check out The Night Before, just in case you get a little tired of watching A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation later this season.

50/50 (2011)

One of the actor/producer's richest efforts in the dramedy category, 50/50 (much like Funny People, funny enough) tackles one of the toughest topics —cancer —and turns it into a rich, poignant look at life, friendship, humanity and what it means to be alive, even when you are potentially on the verge of death. It's a powerful, gently touching movie, and the irreverent-yet-sympathetic comedic styles of Rogen's well-established brand of comedy prove to be a great combination for this movie, one that is almost effortlessly able to blend laughs and tears into a complete and satisfying package. The result is one tremendously tender triumph, and it's another showcase for how the movies that allow Rogen to stretch himself warmly become his best.

Benefitting nicely from the firm buddy friendship of Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, while also being paired with screenwriter Will Reiser's autobiographical screenplay and commendably nuanced direction from Jonathan Levine, 50/50 takes what could've easily been too sentimental and saccharine, and turns it into a richly affecting look at life and laughter, resulting — in my opinion — in one of the best films from Seth Rogen to date.

Superbad (2007)

Just a couple short months after Seth Rogen became the new leading man in comedy with his heartfelt and immensely charming lead performance in Knocked Up, Rogen proved that his talents extended behind-the-scenes in addition to in front of it with his screenwriting debut (alongside his regular collaborator Evan Goldberg) in Superbad. The R-rated coming-of-age comedy, which is quite easily among the most personal of his projects to date, focuses on the hardships of learning to say goodbye to your best buddy, and recognizing that sometimes life will take you away from the people you love the most, even if the emotions felt between you are still palpable and strong. It became one of the most sincere, winsome bromances of the '00s.

That said, the comedy is still as crude as the day is long. And this comedy, which focuses on a day-in-the-life of these socially-awkward high school teenagers trying to find the night of their lives before they find themselves in college several miles away, is both relatable and bombastic, finding a nice mix of realistic and over-the-top while never going too far in either direction. It's benefitted nicely from the influence of indie director Greg Mottola, who gives the movie its nice blend of heartfelt character beats while staying true to the raunch and silliness you expect from a juvenile comedy in this vein. It remains one of Seth Rogen's finest accomplishments, and it's the film that firmly solidified his status as one of Hollywood's major new comedy makers.

Knocked Up (2007)

When deciding which of Seth Rogen's movies are the best, there are clearly several different options to choose from. The actor has provided an abundance of riches to the comedy world, and it's apparent that he is only continuing to find his stride as an actor, writer, director and producer. But if you must pick the best, it's hard to overlook Knocked Up, the comedy that firmly proved to moviegoers that writer/director Judd Apatow is the real deal and the movie that richly put Seth Rogen into leading man territory. It's easily one of the smartest, most delightful, most human and heartfelt comedies of the 21st century.

Based on what happened between Judd Apatow and his wife, Leslie Mann, when it came to the birth of their first daughter and the formation of their relationship, Knocked Up finds Seth Rogen in an unlikely one night stand with Katherine Heigl's Allison Scott, a woman who is ultimately very much out of his league. And together, when they are thrust into a pregnancy that neither of them anticipated, they begin to form a cuddly and likable bond, one that grows stronger as the audience warms up to their dynamic more and more. It's a romantic comedy that even those who aren't fans of the genre can appreciate immensely, and that's benefitted enormously from the wonderful performance from Seth Rogen, which is filled with life, care and an abundance of sympathy and sincerity, even during the most outlandish comedy beats. It's a highly likable film, and it's arguably still Rogen's best.

The Worst Seth Rogen Movies

Monsters Vs. Aliens (2009)

While Seth Rogen has one of the most distinctive voices in Hollywood today, there haven't been too many movies that have taken advantage of those vocal talents. To be clear, there are several animated movies featuring Seth Rogen, but many of them either have Rogen in a very minor role (Kung Fu Panda, for instance) or they don't find the actor living up to his full potential (like Sausage Party). Alas, Monsters Vs. Aliens is one of the most underwhelming animated movies in recent years, neither allowing its goofy and promising premise to flourish or let Rogen excel in his voice talents.

As the voice of B.O.B., a one-eyed slimeball who can twist and contort himself in a number of ways, Rogen is at least one of the standouts of the film, getting some of the biggest laughs and providing his likably goofy charm to the animated role. Alas, it's ultimately just a middling movie with very little living up to its potential. While it gave Seth Rogen a chance to expand himself into both animation and family-friendly entertainment, it is sadly a dud.

The Green Hornet (2011)

As this worst list would suggest, Seth Rogen tends to strike out more than he succeeds whenever he moves outside his R-rated comfort zone. While the actor/writer likes to experiment with genre and tone in a variety of projects, it's often the ones that land either PG or PG-13 ratings that tend to misfire. It is clear, then, that The Green Hornet was an ambitious, but underwhelming effort for the actor/writer/producer, hoping to expand himself into a blockbuster for his outsized persona, but not cracking the formula right, despite his best efforts. Sony's superhero project wasn't very super after all.

Taking on writing in addition to acting duties for this reimagining of the masked crime fighter, Seth Rogen tried to translate his lighthearted charm into this silly, good-natured take on the material. But it felt half-hearted in a way that most Seth Rogen films, whether good or not, often feel entirely whole-hearted. With a confused blend of tones and comedic stylings, the result was the rare lackluster miscalculation from Seth Rogen that's not so much bad, but entirely mediocre, which in some respects makes it worse. But The Green Hornet's failure was one that taught Rogen and Evan Goldberg a very valuable lesson that they continued to apply later: it's better to make lower budget risks than to try to conform into any big-budget expectations.

The Guilt Trip (2012)

A mother-son road trip dramedy with Seth Rogen and Barbara Streisand: what could go wrong? Alas, The Guilt Trip, while almost entirely gentle and good-natured, was a disappointing misfire. Meant to be something in the vein of a James L. Brooks heart-tugger, with a liberal dose of love and laughs, The Guilt Trip isn't too far removed from some of Rogen's better movies. Only, this time, it would be more wholesome than dirty comedy. But The Guilt Trip is overly sentimental and saccharine in a way that most Rogen movies tend to avoid being, resulting in a comedy that's disposable and forgettable in a way that Rogen movies tend not to be, even when they aren't entirely successful. The result is something you don't usually get from a Seth Rogen movie: a boring, bland and ultimately middling effort, with nothing in the way of character of personality to make it stand out or succeed.

While it's nice to have the rare Seth Rogen movie that you can't take your grandma to see and not feel awkward about it, The Guilt Trip is hopelessly underwhelming, lacking anything resembling distinction or visual flair, even though the movie does have a nice heart in the right moments. While both Rogen and Barbara Streisand have a nice on-screen dynamic, which helps to make some of the listless comedy have a bit of a kick, it's not enough to make it something worthwhile, resulting in a disappointing and unsuccessful comedy that does go down smooth, but it leaves very little to reflect upon. And worse of all, it's light in the laughs department, making something that would live out its legacy in Wal-Mart bargain bins, then hopefully forgotten.

There are a few other Seth Rogen movies that didn't get mentioned here. For instance, Drillbit Taylor, which became another PG-13 misfire from screenwriter Seth Rogen, is best left forgotten. Additionally, Paul, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, Like Father, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Zack and Miri Make a Porno and The Interview, are likable enough, but they are neither the best nor worst we've seen from Seth Rogen. (Though, that said, there's something to be noted about The Interview almost starting a war, which isn't something you can say about a lot comedies out today — good or bad.)

I also liked Take This Waltz, but it does not quite make its way into the top ten for Seth Rogen. And its not exactly a "Seth Rogen movie," though it is definitely one that I appreciated. I'm also not a fan of The Lion King (2019), but I'm not here to pick fights. And there are a lot of folks here who liked it.

Do you agree or disagree with these selections? Let us know in the comment sections how you feel about this ranking.

Last year, Jonah Hill showed a new side of his talent when his directorial debut Mid90s was met with critical acclaim. Additionally, he had an incredible performance on Netflix’s Maniac alongside Superbad co-star Emma Stone. The actor has certainly branched out since his early days in modern classic comedic hits such as Knocked Up and This is The End, and it doesn’t look like he plans on going back to his roots in “bro” comedy any time to soon. As he recently revealed:

Jonah Hill has developed a mature approach to his work over the years and while he fondly looks back at the movies that jump started his career, he no longer wants to encourage the “bro masculinity” a.k.a. somewhat toxic masculinity depicted in many of those films.

As he recently explained to Variety, Jonah Hill doesn’t particularly feel a responsibility to steer away from these narratives, but as he’s grown up he’s recognized some of the problematic elements of the characters of his past and is moving forward as an actor by telling different kinds of stories.

A prime example of his interest in challenging traditional masculinity is through Mid90s, which he wrote the script for and directed. The film tells the coming-of-age story of a 13-year-old boy who starts hanging out with a new crowd from a local skate shop. He said he made the movie to bring to attention the harmful misogynistic and homophobic behaviors in teens language at the time, and how their inability to show emotion, sensitivity and vulnerability led to “terrible decisions.”

So while his breakout roles are classics and certainly still hilarious movies, the themes just don't hold up for Jonah Hill. So don’t expect Superbad 2 in the future. The actor has been moving away from bro comedies since his dramatic work in his Oscar nominated roles in 2011’s Moneyball and 2013’s The Wolf of Wall Street and voice roles in LEGO and How to Train Your Dragon film series as Green Lantern and Snotlout respectively.

Hollywood’s demand for “bro comedies” has certainly shifted since 2007’s Superbad but let’s hope Jonah Hill returns to his beginnings in comedy someday in a project that is where his heart is and we would love to see him, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader and Emma Stone join in on the fun too!

Ten years ago, Emma Stone and Martha MacIsaac both found themselves starring in what would ultimately be seen by many as one of the great coming of age comedies in the modern era: Greg Motolla's Superbad. Since then, the actresses have stayed in touch personally, but within the industry they've stayed apart. That is, until the new movie Battle of the Sexes, which features their first screentime together in a decade. I recently had the opportunity to talk with directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton about this special reunion, and while it wasn't intentional during the casting process, they admitted that MacIsaac wound up being a special presence on set. Said the filmmakers:

I had the chance to talk with the directors during the Battle of the Sexes Los Angeles press day this past weekend, and it was in the midst of our conversation that I brought up the funny little reunion that comes together in their film. In Superbad, Emma Stone (Jules) and Martha MacIssac (Becca) played friends who are the respective love interests of Jonah Hill and Michael Cera's characters, and now 10 years later they're back palling around on the big screen. In the new movie, Stone stars in the lead role as tennis legend Billie Jean King, but MacIssac plays a notable player in her own right, portraying Jane 'Peaches' Bartkowicz. In 1970, both were part of the group of nine players who participated in the Houston Women's Invitation, which was essentially established in protest of professional tournaments giving unequal prize money to male and female competitors (and is a key event in the first act of the feature).

Battle of the Sexes actually features the second funny big screen Superbad reunion in recent years, as it was back in 2014 that Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg brought the boys, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, back together for a special scene in the opening of This Is The End:

Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton had nothing but extremely nice things to say about the actors that they cast for Battle of the Sexes, and found themselves immensely impressed by their dedication. They admitted to me that they didn't personally have the opportunity to do research on absolutely every single historical figure represented in the movie, but noted that their ensemble definitely did the work for their individual characters, and expressed real pride in their contributions:

Battle of the Sexes arrives in theaters this Friday, September 22nd, and stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for more from my interview with Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton!

Superbad spawned a lot of memorable quotes when it came out ten years ago, but one of the big ones was Jonah Hill's flippant use of the term D.T.F., or "down to fuck." That phrase has lived on longer than most of the other moments from the movie, helped along by the Jersey Shore cast and more. However, it wasn't originally even written into the script. Recently, Jonah Hill explained where "down to fuck" actually came from, noting,

The scene in question features Hill's character, Seth, telling his other pal Evan about how he plans to hook up with a girl he likes. The scheme involves first buying a shitton of alcohol for her upcoming party and then using that alcohol as leverage to hook up with her on some level. During the conversation, he's talking about possibly making out or fooling around with the girl at the party and then potentially working into actually dating her and getting laid before college. While filming this scene, Jonah Hill casually dropped D.T.F. on set while ad-libbing, and thus the term D.T.F. was born.

Although he blatantly stole a phrase his tagger friends had thrown together, Jonah Hill said that at first they thought it was pretty freaking cool. And why wouldn't they? The year Superbad came out, the movie was a pretty huge phenomenon, showing how teenagers can actually behave in their natural environments. (Answer: pretty freaking vulgar.) We say at first, though, because according to what Hill told The Ringer, that goodwill for D.T. F. has not lasted.

Yes, that's right, Jersey Shore made the quote its own and it has since become a more regular part of our cultural lexicon. While there are plenty of other comedies that have been around and have had avid fanbases for much longer than Superbad, I can't understate enough that Superbad came out a whole decade ago at this point. A decade ago, guys. It served as a launching point for a lot of careers, including giving Jonah Hill and Emma Stone their first big roles, and it has maintained a fanbase over the years.

If somehow you've missed out on this epic movie moment, you can give it a watch, below.

It's the anniversary year for Superbad, and as such a lot of great movie facts are running around. Whether you're D.T.F. or not, maybe now is a good time for a re-watch of the raunch comedy.

Ten years after Superbad first hit theaters, the R-rated, coming-of-age comedy has already become a modern classic. In part, that's because it helped launch the careers of quite a few popular actors working today, including headlining stars Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. One of the names that people immediately associated with the comedy, however, is Christopher Mintz-Plasse, because of his unforgettable performance as unwisely confident nerd McLovin. A decade later, Hill now admits that he started off hating his costar because Hill didn't think the younger star was very professional during the audition process.

The hate started with the audition scene for Christopher Mintz-Plasse, which featured the character he ended up playing's famous reveal of his fake McLovin ID to Jonah Hill's Seth and Michael Cera's Evan. The dialogue calls for some strong words between Seth and Mintz-Plasse's Fogell and, apparently, the two-time Academy Award nominee found that Mintz-Plasse's take really rubbed him the wrong way. With no film experience to date, Mintz-Plasse initially came off to Hill as overly aggressive and in danger of sabotaging Hill's own performance. Seth Rogen, meanwhile, fills The Ringer in with his own recollection of what occurred, revealing that he found comedy gold in the actor conflict.

With this peek behind the scenes of Superbad, it's easy to see why Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have emerged as such successful storytellers. As much fun as it is to be on a film set surrounded only by friends, knowing how to get a great performance from two actors who don't necessarily get along tends to make for a more dramatic narrative. While tempers hopefully settled by the time Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse were actually shooting, their dislike for one another as characters in the final film is certainly palpable.

Fortunately, it seems like Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse moved past that original audition. Both actors would go on to lend their voices to characters in the animated How to Train Your Dragon franchise. Plus, Hill and Mintz-Plasse both played themselves in This is the End, the official directorial debut for Superbad scribes Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen. Mintz-Plasse has several other projects in his filmography alongside Goldberg and Rogen, including both Neighbors films and the upcoming The Disaster Artist. The Tommy Wiseau biopic, directed by James Franco, details the making of the infamously terrible feature film, 2003's The Room. Look for The Disaster Artist to hit theaters this December. Hill, meanwhile, is gearing up to direct his own first feature, a coming of age drama called Mid-90s.

Now that Superbad is turning 10, we'll keep you posted if any other fun stories from the set emerge.

Do you want to feel old? Superbad officially turns ten years old this month. I know, right? The classic Judd Apatow-produced teen flick continues to reign supreme as one of the more popular and frequently quoted comedies of the last decade, and it effectively served as a jumping off point for actors like Emma Stone and Christopher Mintz-Plasse to launch their careers. However, the production of Superbad is apparently just as fascinating as the movie itself, as Seth Rogen took to social media to drop some knowledge on the film's development and production, writing:

That's right, folks. As if Superbad did not already have enough comedy icons to pack its ranks; it turns out that the film also included a cameo by none other than former Eastbound and Down star (and upcoming Halloween rebooter) Danny McBride. Granted, this was still a year before the Alien: Covenant actor would eventually break out with his fan-favorite performances in films like Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express, but it's still insane to think that he has been hiding in there for the last decade and many of us never even noticed him.

Following this tweet, fans went through Superbad's party scene and found McBride taking part in the background in festivities. Take a look to see if you can pick him out of the crowd.

However, that wasn't the only Superbad secret that Seth Rogen revealed for the film's tenth anniversary. The comedian also went on to admit that Jules' house in the movie is actually incredibly close to another infamous Los Angeles home -- one with a violent history.

Luckily, unlike Danny McBride, it does not sound like O.J. Simpson had a cameo in the background of that particular scene. From there, Seth Rogen went on to admit that one of Superbad's darkest jokes (involving McLovin sleeping with Nicola at the end party) actually came from his own mother.

Last, but certainly not least, Seth Rogen's Superbad posts revealed that one of the most iconic Jersey Shore acronyms of all time actually has its roots in Superbad. Even if you didn't watch the reality TV series during its run, the chances are that you are probably familiar with it.

Looking back on all of those weird facts and pieces of trivia, it only makes our love for Superbad's legacy run that much deeper. The film may now be a full decade old, but it arguably remains required viewing for anyone with an affinity for the vulgar teen comedy genre. As for upcoming film releases, check out CinemaBlend's comprehensive movie premiere guide to keep yourself up to date on all of 2017's biggest theatrical releases!

Summertime is a great period for major motion picture releases, but not every one of these movies can be hits. Even fewer are the ones that are still watched in the years after, but those that find themselves in that category are most fortunate, and some of those are deemed classic. 2017's summer movie period is almost finished, and it will be interesting to see how many of the releases from recent months will remain popular 10 years from now. But what about the offerings from this time a decade ago? How many of those movies are still hold up to this day?

With the 2017 summer movie season winding down, we've decided to look back ten years and collect some of the most well-received movies that came out in the summer of 2007. Let's start by looking back at when The Boy Who Lived was still one of the reigning box office champs.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Four years after J.K. Rowling published Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Warner Bros released the film adaptation to kick off the second half of the big screen series. Like Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix was rated PG-13, and it was arguably the darkest Harry Potter entry at that point due to Voldemort's rise to power (again), Professor Dolores Umbridge's cruelty and more. Much like how the main Hogwarts students were further transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, this movie built off what The Goblet of Fire set up and brought the Harry Potter series to new territory that, while tragic at times, helped reinvigorate the Wizarding World. What's even more impressive is the fact that Order of the Phoenix was able to boil down so much of the original text and still come out as a compelling story, not to mention also being the second-shortest movie of the series.

Ratatouille

Pixar had already come with a lot of weird ideas before 2007, from sentient toys to a world where some monsters earned their living by scaring human children. But a rat who secretly starts cooking at an upscale French restaurant? That's especially bonkers! But with such a unique premise, as well as Brad Bird's direction and vocal talents like Patton Oswalt and Brad Garrett, Ratatouille remains one of Pixar's most charming offerings. It's packed with a lot of heart and is appealing to moviegoers of all ages, whether you love the shenanigans Remy gets up to in that kitchen or enjoy the deeper message of pursuing what you're passionate about and not letting anyone stop you from at least trying to accomplish your dream.

Knocked Up

Seth Rogen had already built a fanbase through credits like Freaks and Geeks and The 40-Year Old Virgin, but Knocked Up marked his first time leading a comedy movie. Paired with Katherine Heigl, the movie followed how a slacker and a big media personality handled their lives after the former impregnated the latter during a drunken one-night stand. Knocked Up was considered by many outlets to be one of the best comedies of 2007, and even though Rogen and director Judd Apatow have warded off controversy concerning to the movie in the years since, it still holds up as one of Rogen's best pieces of work, combining this usual brand of raunchy humor with a sprinkling of sentimental moments.

Hairspray

It's difficult for a remake to provide a fresh take to audiences while still staying faithful to its predecessor. That was the challenge presented to Hairspray, which was released nearly two decades after the John Waters original and five years after the Broadway musical pulled back its curtain. Fortunately, the Hairspray remake, which was directed by Adam Shankman and starred talent like John Travolta, Michelle Pfieffer and Christopher Walken, was inspired more by the musical than the 1988 movie, so for folks who weren't able to travel to New York to see the critically acclaimed stage production, this movie was the next best thing. Rocking an enthusiastic energy and tunes that would get most folks at least tapping their foot to the rhythm, Hairspray remains one of those movie that's worth playing if you need a good pick-me-up.

Superbad

Before 2007, you probably know Michael Cera as the kid from Arrested Development and Jonah Hill from his minor/supporting roles in The 40-Year Old Virgin and Grandma's Boy. Thanks to Superbad, these two actors were put front and center on the Hollywood map, though we would be remiss for not mentioning that this movie also doubled as Emma Stone's film debut. The premise was relatively basic: two teens are trying to get to a party so they can get laid before high school graduation, a task that looked simpler on paper than it did to execute once buying alcohol was factored in. Superbad was a welcome and frank take on the pressures of high school, but more importantly, it delivered a lot of laughs that still hold up, especially from McLovin's side story.

Stardust

There's no question that Stardust came and went with less fanfare than the other entries on this list, but that doesn't take away from its enjoyability. Based off the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name published in 1999, the Stardust movie featured a lot of incredible talent, including future Daredevil Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert de Niro and Mark Strong. The adaptation took some creative liberties from the original text to make Tristan's journey through the kingdom of Stormhold more appetizing for moviegoers (especially younger ones), and it paid off. For those who appreciate more lighthearted fantasy tales or want something that kids can enjoy just as much as adults, Stardust is the movie to check out.

The Simpsons Movie

The Simpsons had already long been a pop culture institution when The Simpsons Movie came out, but this theatrical release proved that the Simpson family can be just as entertaining over nearly 90 minutes as they've been in the half-hour timeframe. The Simpsons Movie put Homer in arguably his worst situation yet when he was exiled and abandoned by his family after polluting Springfield's lake, forcing him to make things right when the town is threatened. It was a story that couldn't be effectively told in the traditional Simpsons sitcom format, and thankfully by leaning on the same humor and gags that make the show so popular, The Simpsons Movie is still worthy of re-watching every now and then, especially if you're blazing your way through The Simpsons episodes of the mid-2000s.

You can practically set your calendar to the following constants: pay days, Sharknado films, and the revolving selections of the Netflix instant queue. We've already seen the fantastic films heading to the streaming giant next month, but alas, now's the time to go through the movies that are worth watching before Netflix kicks them off the service. If you want to see what was taken off of Netflix streaming through the month of July, click here. But if you're more curious about what you've still got time to take part in, you may proceed!

10 Things I Hate About You

It may sound weird, but if Ready Player One is going to incorporate more aspects from 90's pop culture into its treasure hunting narrative, we kind of wish they'd use the most iconic scene from 10 Things I Hate About You as one of the puzzles. I can still remember Heath Ledger serenading Julia Stiles in the bleachers, with young Wade Watts having to remember the words to, "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You," as the sequence plays out. That scenario is not very likely to play out, but you can still watch the origins of that special moment on Netflix before it leaves the streaming service.

Babe

George Miller is a hell of a director. One moment he's directing penguins with Happy Feet, and the next he's giving us a lovely day with Mad Max: Fury Road. So let Netflix's decision to drop Babe be your periodic reminder that yes, the man that brought us such tales of surreal conservation and high octane action can also tell stories about talking pigs that herd sheep into their enclosures. Want to bend your mind a little further? Rex, Farmer Hoggett's ornery sheepdog, is voiced by none other than Hugo Weaving.

Superbad

School may be out for the season, but we're at a point right now where it's almost time to go back. And naturally, for some students, it will be their last year in high school, prompting some mad dashes for the last bits of chaotic fun before those college days begin. As luck would have it, Superbad is just the sort of movie that includes those antics, and it's leaving before the school year starts. So for those of you going through those awkward high school days, or want to relive the bawdy humor of this hit comedy that made Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Emma Stone household names, now's the time to do it.

Dope

In an alternate universe, Rick Famuyiwa, the writer/director behind Dope, would be hard at work on bringing us his version of The Flash to the DCEU. Unfortunately, this version of the film is lost to our universe, but if you want a taste of what his film could have been like, Dope is probably one of the best examples you could ever find. Taking the teen comedy and putting a more modern, socially relevant spin on it, the film stands as one of the best films people still need to see from the last couple of years. Watch it on Netflix before it's gone.

To Kill A Mockingbird

We here at CinemaBlend like to be willing servants to the public, and as such we have to warn you about To Kill A Mockingbird. While it's a fantastic film of cinematic history, it's also a film some of our younger readers may try to use as a sort of Cliff's Notes to catch up with their summer reading. So long as returning students read the book along with seeing the film, we're all for it. But never let a good movie fool you into thinking it tells you the entire story of a classic novel.

Prefontaine

The story of Steve Prefontaine is one of the most tragic tales in American sports history. The potential he had was only cut short by the tragic accident that took the young runner's life, at only age 24. Two films were made about his short, but powerful life's work, and Prefontaine is the version that focused more on Steve's story, and starred a young up-and-coming Jared Leto in the lead role. While Leto has caught some flack for some of his career choices as of late, seeing him in such a role reminds us of why he becamea notable actor in the first place.

Elizabethtown

Orlando Bloom has mostly been known for franchise films like the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, but he did appear in Elizabethtown, a romantic from Cameron Crowe that wasn't super well-reviewed at the time of its release, but has lived on in popular context in the decade+ after its release. Some say that time has been kind to the film, and surely it's time for the world to revisit Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst's hipster odyssey of love and loss. Give it another chance, and you might find that it's better than you could have ever thought.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie

The Disney Channel is quite a different animal than it once was. Just take a look at the movies they make today, and compare them to one of the only theatrical features to spring from their catalog, The Lizzie McGuire Movie. With their big screen adaptation of Hilary Duff's classic character, it harkens back to an era where the network was still putting out Disney Channel original movies that were well-liked by fans. If only The Even Stevens Movie could have gotten this treatment, maybe we'd see a more stable Shia LaBoeuf.

Zack and Miri Make A Porno

Zack and Miri Make A Porno may not be one of the typically mentioned classic Kevin Smith films, but the Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks starrer does have its moments. For example, as the film tries to mimic the style and tone of a Judd Apatow film, it still shines through as a Smith picture through and through. That, and it still has one of the best gross-out gags that plays as well for laughs as it does for shock value.

The Verdict

Paul Newman. The man's steely gaze could have put holes in the wall of the toughest battleship, and his resume is only proof of such a claim. The Verdict is one of his later films, but certainly as powerful as one of the movies Newman had made in the peak of his career. A legal drama of the highest order, you'll be on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns this film has to offer. And if that doesn't sell you, then the Newman charm surely will.

Believe it or not, it's almost February. And with a new month comes the pre-requisite shake-ups to the Netflix Streaming line-up, with this upcoming month looking like one of the most fruitful addition cycles in quite some time. Take a look below at the titles that'll be streaming to a living room near you below, and remember, titles are subject to change at any point and time.

Titles and dates are, as always, subject to change...

Week of February 1

Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, and Cyber Attacks (2016) -- February 1

Babe (1995) -- February 1

Babe: Pig in the City (1998) -- February 1

Balto (1995) -- February 1

Balto 2: Wolf Quest (2001) -- February 1

Balto 3: Wings of Change (2004) -- February 1

Contact (1997) -- February 1

Corpse Bride (2005) -- February 1

Disney's Finding Dory (2016) -- February 1

Eleven P.M. (1928) -- February 1

From This Day Forward: A Trans Love Story (2016) -- February 1

Gun Runners (2015) -- February 1

Hell-Bound Train (1930) -- February 1

Highly Strung (2015) -- February 1

Hot Biskits (1931) -- February 1

I Am Sun Mu (2016) -- February 1

Invincible (2006) -- February 1

Les beaux malaises: Season 1 - 4 (2014) -- February 1

Magic Mike (2012) -- February 1

Masha's Spooky Stories: Season 1 (2012) -- February 1

Mother with a Gun (2016) -- February 1

Paris Is Burning (1990) -- February 1

Project X (1987) -- February 1

Silver Streak (1976) -- February 1

The Blair Witch Project (1999) -- February 1

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2005) -- February 1

The Five Heartbeats (1995) -- February 1

The Furchester Hotel: Season 1 - 2 (2014) -- February 1

The Girl from Chicago (1932) -- February 1

The Longest Day (1962) -- February 1

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) -- February 1

Twilight (2008) -- February 1

Women in Gold -- February 1

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016) -- February 2

Frequency: Season 1 -- February 2

Daniel Sosa: Sosafado -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 3

Imperial Dreams -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 3

Santa Clarita Diet -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 3

Superbad (2007) -- February 4

Week of February 5

Elvira I Will Give You My Life but I'm Using It (2014) -- February 5

Los herederos (2015) -- February 5

Girls Lost (2015) -- February 6

Me, Myself and Her (2015) -- February 6

Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 7

Tiempos Felices (2014) -- February 8

Girl Asleep (2015) -- February 8

Abstract: The Art of Design -- February 10

David Brent: Life on the Road --- NETFLIX ORIGINAL-- February 10

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Season 2 (2016) -- February 11

Stronger Than The World --- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 11

Week of February 12

Clouds of Sils Maria (2014) -- February 12

Code: Debugging the Gender Gap (2016) - February 13

Magicians: Life in the Impossible (2016) - February 13

Girlfriend's Day -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL- February 14

Katherine Ryan: In Trouble -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL- February 14

King Cobra (2016) - February 14

Project Mc ²: Part 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL- February 14

White Nights -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL - February 14

Aram, Aram (2015) -- February 15

Before I Go to Sleep (2014) -- February 15

Fire Song (2015) -- February 15

Milk (2008) -- February 16

Sundown (2016) -- February 16

Chef's Table: Season 3 --- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 17

DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge: Season 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL-- February 17

Kill Ratio (2016) -- February 17

The Seven Deadly Sins: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL-- February 17

Week of February 19

Girl Meets World: Season 3 (2016) -- February 19

Growing Up Wild (2016) -- February 19

Tini: El Gran Cambio De Violetta (2016) -- February 19

When Calls the Heart: Season 3 (2016) -- February 19

Sausage Party (2016) -- February 23

I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore - NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 24

Legend Quest: Season 1 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL-- February 24

Ultimate Beastmaster --- NETFLIX ORIGINAL-- February 24

Ultimate Beastmaster Mexico ---NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 24

VeggieTales in the City: Season 1 --- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 24

Week of February 26

Night Will Fall (2016) -- February 26

Brazilian Western (2013) -- February 27

Be Here Now (2015) -- February 28

Michael Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL -- February 28

Movie fans have a lot to be thankful for this month, as recent films like Finding Dory and Sausage Party are both finding their way to the streaming platform this month. In the realm of classics, Robert Zemeckis' Contact has found its way back to the library, as well as The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Blair Witch Project.

As far as TV shows are concerned, two really big updates are coming this month, as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 2 and American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson are both joining the fray in the first couple of weeks of February. Meanwhile, Netflix Original fans will have a lot to look forward to, as anime The Seven Deadly Sins comes back for a second season, with Dreamworks Dragons: Race To The Edge entering its fourth season as well.

Finally, speaking of Netflix Originals, Ricky Gervais' spin-off movie from the British version of The Office will be hitting the service's servers, as David Brent: On The Road makes its American debut. But perhaps the most curious programming we're looking forward to partaking in is a special we've never heard of until now: Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special. Tell us, how are we supposed to live without something that hysterical?

After the weak tea years of the early Aughts, cinema started to kick back up in 2005, with 2006 revving up the engines once again. So when 2007 came along, the stakes were higher, and so were the rewards. 10 years on, and out of all of the year's best, there are just as many clearly defined winners that we not only still talk about, but have also left a clear mark on the movies that have come after it. With apologies to the multitudes of similarly excellent films we didn't have the room to include, it's time to look at the class of 2007's best and brightest.

10. Superbad

Accept no substitutions on this one, and trust us, there were plenty. Superbad was not only the apex of the "teen party" genre, it's also a sweet love letter to writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's actual childhoods. Also, if it wasn't for this flick, the careers of Jonah Hill, Emma Stone, Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse wouldn't have shot to the heights they're at today. Especially in the cases of Hill and Stone, that's a pretty big deal.

9. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

A film as gorgeous as it's title is long, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an understated Western in an era that has almost completely forgotten the genre. In one of two absolutely tremendous turns in 2007 film, Casey Affleck's titular coward is the ultimate cypher of hero worship, as well as close and personal betrayal. Commercially, the film fell flat, but artistically, it's a film that provides more than its fair share of proof that it deserves a wider audience.

8. There Will Be Blood

Some say that There Will Be Blood is Paul Thomas Anderson's magnum opus. While we're not here to debate that point's validity, it's hard to deny that Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano's central struggle throughout the film is the stuff that Anderson truly excels at. Both leads play a dangerous game of one-upmanship, all focused around drilling rights on a particular plot of land. And yet, for a film that's technically classified as a drama, there's a fair amount of horror to There Will Be Blood, both in the tense atmosphere the film trades in, as well as the deliverance of said titular promise.

7. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is quite possibly one of the most criminally underrated entries in the Disney/Pixar canon. Before sequels ruled the studio's slate, the era of almost exclusively original IP brought some of Pixar's best films, and Brad Bird's paean to food undoubtedly qualifies. With sparkling dialogue, some choice action set-pieces, and Patton Oswalt's mix of warmth and snark as protagonist Remy, Ratatouille follows the dreams its plot lays down to its obvious, logical conclusion. And we, the audience, are all the better for it.

6. Atonement

Joe Wright can be a hit or miss prospect as a director, but he's almost always a hit when he adapts romantic English literature. Atonement is quite possibly his biggest hit, as Keira Knightly and James McAvoy's tragically aligned couple anchor a story of false witness, fiction, and trying to make things right. Though it would be criminal not to mention Saoirse Ronan's tremendous breakout role as young Briony, our protagonist through whom we move through time to learn both the romantic and realistic version of the events she'd witnessed throughout her life. Even in such an early role, you could tell she was in it for the long haul.

5. Michael Clayton

It's no secret that George Clooney loves to make muckraking films. While they don't always hit, Michael Clayton certainly did, as its 1970s suspense vibe gelled well with the more modern politics of big corporations and legal malfeasance that the film deals in. Not to mention, both Clooney and co-star Tilda Swinton share one powerhouse final moment in this film that still, to this day, stands as one of the most satisfying resolutions to a filmed conflict. This film is all about actors at their prime, and story at its peak.

4. Gone Baby Gone

Back in 2007, hearing Ben Affleck was going to direct his first film was something that sounded extremely familiar to us. Another actor who thinks they can direct, big whoop. But by the time Gone Baby Gone had woven its magic in front of our very eyes, Affleck wasn't merely thinking he could direct: he actually went and damn well did it. With brother Casey at the lead of an all-star cast that included Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and Amy Ryan, the cast is up to the challenges the film throws at them. And if that finale isn't a challenge, then you're probably not watching the film hard enough.

3. Zodiac

How do you make a movie about one of the most intriguing mysteries of modern crime? Well, if you're David Fincher, you hire top flight actors, embrace the ambiguity of the mystery's solution, and make your characters effectively wallow in their inability to solve said mystery. Zodiac does just that, as the film moves through almost three decades of the case's life-span, with a slick presentation of an investigation that ultimately lead nowhere. Don't get too frustrated with the ending, as the unavoidable open-ended nature is the point of the whole exercise.

2. Hot Fuzz

Edgar Wright made a name for himself when Shaun of the Dead landed in theaters in 2004. His keen eye for simultaneous satire and homage proved that he not only could craft a film that served as a legitimate entry in the genre it spoofed, but he could also take the genre to task with his examination. In the case of Hot Fuzz, cop films of all stripes, but mostly Point Break and Bad Boys, are sent up with gleeful British charm. Violence, comedy, and ice cream never had it this good before this film existed, and rarely has it ever since.

1. No Country For Old Men

The Coen Brothers operate on two speeds: satirical comedy and pitch black drama. Somehow, No Country For Old Men transcended the boundary between both films, thus creating a perfect storm of all talents at their disposal. Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin engage in a cat-and-mouse chase that, under normal Coens circumstances, would show a trail of idiots trying to get their own piece of the action. However, through Cormac McCarthy's high tension source material, those tendencies become much deadlier and even higher strung than usual. Still, there's some dark humor that slips through, and there's a reason why it not only won Best Picture of the '07 crop, but just might be the best Coen Brothers film period.

In recent years, I've had the opportunity to talk with both Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow about the idea of a Superbad 2, and in each separate conversation I was met with a different attitude. While it turns out that a direct follow-up was something that Apatow always wanted to do, Rogen could never get on-board with an idea, and a project never developed. When I recently presented the same question to Superbad director Greg Mottola , he sided with Rogen on the idea, believing that a direct sequel would have been unnecessary... but he does have a desire to do a big reunion movie that would bring back absolutely everybody from the original film.

Mottola's latest film, Keeping Up With The Joneses, is now in theaters, and when I had the chance to speak with the filmmaker on the phone last week, I dedicated my last question to asking about his thoughts on the Superbad 2 that never came together. Telling the director about my previous conversations with Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow, I asked which side of the issue he personally landed on -- and the director explained why he never wanted to make a sequel, and explained what he wants to do instead. Said Mottola,

To do the math so that you don't have to, Superbad first came out in 2007, so making a reunion movie 20 years on would mean waiting until 2027 to see the finished product. It would definitely have to be a very different film than the high school set comedy, but the possibilities are really infinite.

As for Superbad 2 specifically, Greg Mottola further explained that there definitely was a time when he was working alongside Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg to try and come up with a sequel idea that they liked, but that the project simply died because it proved to be an impossible task:

At this point, it surely would be best to just leave well enough alone and keep Superbad as a special singular cinematic entity -- but it's also hard not to be excited by Greg Mottola's idea for a reunion movie. After all, the cast he put together for the first film (including those with only one line) is incredible, and it would be great to see all of them come back together.

Hopefully we'll get some legitimate news about a Superbad reunion movie at some point in the future (perhaps 10 years from now), but in the meantime you can catch Greg Mottola's Keeping Up With The Joneses in theaters now.

Slowly but surely the summer of 2016 has begun to come to a close. Some people lament this fact, but if you're doing school right, then you should know how to pack as many kickbacks, pregames, and full-blown ragers into the year as possible.

For those cinephiles out there with a passion for cutting loose and partying like there's no tomorrow, Fandango's new on-demand video service, FandangoNOW has compiled a list of the "best party school movies" of all time. Sit back, crack a beer, and check out the list below to see for yourself.

Party movies come in all shapes and sizes, and Fandango's list (based on a survey of respondents in the 18-34 age group) pretty much runs the gamut. For the college students with a passion for Greek life, there's Neighbors, Animal House, Old School, and The House Bunny. Then again, maybe you're a college student who never really gravitated towards the fraternity and sorority scene; there's nothing wrong with being a GDI. In that case you can check out Pitch Perfect, Accepted, and Van Wilder. Then there are the younger tikes who haven't quite made their way to an institution of higher learning just yet. For the high school party animals, the list features such classics as: Superbad, Dazed and Confused, and event the recent Project X.

Regardless of your preferences, all of these movies have become iconic for their nostalgic depictions of youthful recklessness, and relatable coming-of-age stupidity. Even the tamest ones among us probably have at least a single wild party story to reflect on, and these movies capture that spirit. If you happen to have an affinity for tons of fun, mild intoxication, and just a little bit of trouble, then you should consider any of these movies required viewing before the school year starts.

Fandango released the above list in conjunction with its brand new "Cash For College" sweepstakes. It's a raffle-style contest in which the grand prizewinner will receive $10,000 towards higher education, as well as a year of free movie tickets. Just think about it; with that much money to put towards your tuition, and a year without paying for movie tickets, you could spend so much more money on books, and by books I mean beer.

However, while most people like to party, not everybody knows how to properly throw a party. Fret not, Cinema Blend readers; the video below should give you a rough outline of everything you need in order to throw a rager to remember (or not remember) once the school year has officially kicked off. Check it out below.

See? There's nothing wrong with summer coming to an end. We've got movies, and we've got parties, and we've got party movies to keep us occupied until summer of 2017 rolls around. Did this list miss anything? Let us know what your favorite party movie is in the comments section below and keep the conversation going!