10 Seth Rogen movies you shouldn’t miss

Seth Rogen has made a singular niche for himself in Hollywood as an actor, writer, director, and producer who reliably brings both laughter and surprise, emotional depth. As a character with his signature laugh and his stoner-comedy character, Rogen has shown repeatedly that he's capable of more than being a wise-cracking goofball with good timing; he's a creative force with an innate sense of smart storytelling. Whether he's portraying a charming slacker, harried new father, or actual tech wizard, Rogen's approach is so real that it makes his characters tangible and accessible.

From his early success in Knocked Up (2007) to his risky satirical excursion in The Interview (2014) and his moving performance in 50/50 (2011), Seth Rogen has demonstrated remarkable range across comedy, drama, and everything in between. He's also made waves behind the scenes, co-writing and producing several of his most successful films.

This list of 10 must-watch Seth Rogen movies captures the best of his career films that are not only funny but are also thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and culturally impactful. Whether you’re new to his work or a longtime fan, these titles are essential viewing to appreciate the full scope of Rogen’s talent.

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Seth Rogen movies you shouldn’t miss

1. Superbad (2007)

A 2000s cult classic, Superbad continues to be a quintessential teen comedy, and Seth Rogen's contribution is more than just turning up as Officer Michaels. Written by Rogen and his old friend Evan Goldberg, the film gets the awkwardness and surrealism of high school friendships right with unflinching realism and wicked wit. Rogen's contribution, alongside Bill Hader, produces some of the film's most side-splitting scenes. The core of the film, though, is its coming-of-age story. It was a huge success that went on to establish the careers of Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, while cementing Rogen as an A-list comedy writer and performer.

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2. Pineapple Express (2008)

This genre-bending action-comedy saw Rogen pairing up with James Franco for a crazy, pot-fueled thriller. Rogen stars as Dale Denton, a laid-back process server who finds himself on the lam with his zany dealer after he accidentally witnesses him kill someone. With the crazy action, the slapstick pandemonium, and the unexpectedly sweet moments of bromance, Pineapple Express is still a champion of the stoner comedies. Rogen's chemistry with Franco is incredible, and his ability to pen over-the-top yet honest-to-goodness scenarios is on full display. The movie demonstrated that Rogen was capable of headlining a buddy-action movie without sacrificing his comedic bona fides.

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3. Knocked Up (2007)

Judd Apatow's Knocked Up made Seth Rogen a household name. As Ben Stone, a slacker who becomes a father overnight after a one-night stand with an up-and-coming journalist (Katherine Heigl), Rogen added both humor and unanticipated depth to the character. The film balances raunchy humor with genuine introspection on responsibility, relationships, and maturity. Rogen's guileless sincerity and everyman likability made the film a success, especially as something greater than a comedy, and earned it the status of a contemporary rom-com classic. His work announced him ready to top A-list studio features with emotion and impeccable comic timing.

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4. This Is the End (2013)

In this hysterical apocalyptic comedy, Rogen stars as a fictionalized version of himself, joined by an all-star cast that includes James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Danny McBride. Co-written and co-directed by Rogen and Goldberg, This Is the End is a humorous, self-referential spoof of celebrity culture, friendship, and the apocalypse. With ridiculous situations, meta-humor, and even a surprise Backstreet Boys dance routine, the film demonstrates Rogen's imagination and boldness as a director. It's a messy, laugh-out-loud gem that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is precisely the point.

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5. The Interview (2014)

Few comedies have been as internationally provocative as The Interview. Seth Rogen stars as a TV producer who, with a talk-show host (James Franco), is asked by the CIA to kill North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. Blending satire, slapstick, and politics, the film, with its daring premise, is a polarizing yet unapologetically daring piece of media. Co-directed by Rogen, the film's release was notoriously delayed because of real-world threats and hacking, thrusting it into the world's spotlight. Though it divided critics, The Interview demonstrated Rogen wasn't hesitant to court comic controversy even if it courted diplomatic controversy as well.

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6. 50/50 (2011)

Amongst Rogen's most emotionally resonant performances, 50/50 is about a young man (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who is diagnosed with cancer. Rogen plays the role of his best friend, a character inspired by his real-life friend Will Reiser, who also wrote the screenplay. The film balances humor and tragedy with great care, with Rogen providing the comic relief whilst providing emotional support and depicting genuine vulnerability. It's a lovely tribute to friendship at times of adversity. The film's realism was applauded by critics, and Rogen's acting helped demonstrate that he had more to offer than merely laughs.

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7. The Disaster Artist (2017)

In this biographical dramedy about the psychological horror of The Room's creation, one of the film industry's all-time worst productions, Seth Rogen takes on the role of Sandy Schklair, the incredulous script supervisor. The film features its director, James Franco, as Tommy Wiseau, while Rogen's subtle performance provides a voice of reason amidst the madness. As a producer, he helped make the film come to life, demonstrating his appreciation for unconventional, innovative filmmaking. The Disaster Artist was a critical hit and won multiple award nominations, cementing Rogen's reputation as a versatile on-screen and off-screen talent.

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8. Neighbors (2014)

Rogen excels as a new father who finds himself instantly at odds with a raucous fraternity headed by Zac Efron. Neighbors combines over-the-top humor with a winking nod towards aging and transitioning into new stages of life. Funny and endearing, Rogen's character is ill-suited for fatherhood and suburban life, resulting in a series of absurd pranks and increasing chaos. The film was a box office success and earned favorable reviews for its entertaining wit and unexpected depth. Rogen's comic timing and relatable edge make this suburban showdown a must-watch.

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9. Long Shot (2019)

This romantic comedy pairs Seth Rogen with Charlize Theron in an improbable yet sweet affair. Seth Rogen plays Fred Flarsky, a scrupulous reporter who reconnects with his former babysitter, now the Secretary of State running for president.

The film's sharp political satire and genuine romance make for a satisfying genre twist. Rogen wins the audience over with his performance as an underdog, marked by disarming charm and vulnerability, which showcases his capability to helm a rom-com opposite a star such as Theron. Long Shot stands out through its intelligent writing, chemistry between its leads, and its capacity to combine worldwide stakes with profoundly intimate moments.

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10. Steve Jobs (2015)

In a dramatic departure from the norm, Seth Rogen appears as Steve Wozniak in Steve Jobs, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Danny Boyle. The film chronicles pivotal product introductions in Apple's past, with Rogen serving as Steve Jobs' (played by Michael Fassbender) emotional counterbalance. His restrained performance as Wozniak garnered acclaim, showing that Seth Rogen has always had what it takes to succeed beyond comedy. He holds his own before Fassbender's portrayal of Jobs, especially during a memorable confrontation scene. Steve Jobs demonstrated that Rogen's capabilities have always gone far beyond stoner comedy; he has always been capable of crafting rich, character-driven drama as well.

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Seth Rogen's filmography is a testament to his breadth, combining raunchy comedy with genuine tear-jerking and even dramatic heft. Whether he's causing people to laugh until they cry or pushing further into the human condition, Rogen always leaves an indelible impression and undeniable charm on screen. These ten films not only mark his development as an actor and director but also demonstrate the broad appeal of his work. From cult favorites to overlooked gems, each film in the list has something that makes it memorable. If you have yet to check out these titles, now is the best time to become immersed in the world of Seth Rogen.