Seth Rogen's 5 Best R-Rated Comedies
It's hard to believe Seth Rogen is only in his 30s. It seems like he's been playing the role of the stoner dragged kicking and screaming into adulthood for decades. In honor of "Pineapple Express" turning ten years old, we've ranked his best R-rated comedies.
'The 40-Year-Old-Virgin' (2005)
Rogen was just 22 when he filmed his breakthrough role as Steve Carell's crass pal, but he seemed much older, thanks to that raspy bark and worldly-wise one-liners. He often stole the movie, whether advising Carell's aging naïf on how to talk to women or improvising "You know how I know you're gay?" riffs with Paul Rudd.
'Knocked Up' (2007)
Rogen's first real leading-man role came in this film, which was custom-made for him by Apatow, and he delivered. After all, it's not initially clear why Katherine Heigl's beautiful, smart, professional would take Rogen's Ben home for a one night stand, much less fall in love with him later.
'Pineapple Express' (2008)
This cult-favorite stoner action comedy features Rogen as another immature pothead. He soon gets chased and shot at by hitmen, gangsters, and corrupt cops after paying a visit to his dealer, a perfect Freaks and Geeks" alum Franco as a big-screen comedy duo.
'50/50' (2011)
Rogen's another pot-smoking best bud here, but the character is based on himself; his friend, Will Reiser, wrote the screenplay about his own experiences as a cancer patient. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the stricken protagonist, and while he handles his diagnosis and treatment with mordant wit, it's Kyle's good spirits and moral support that prove invaluable. The results are poignant, tear-jerking, and very hilarious.
'This Is the End' (2013)
Rogen made his directing debut (sharing the chair with writing partner Evan Goldberg) on this outrageous satire that finds Rogen, Franco, and other Apatow regulars playing exaggerated Hollywood versions of themselves coping with the Rapture and ensuing Apocalypse. The film mixes (with great effect) serious theological and philosophical debate with the filthiest and most irreverent gags.
