10 Movies to Watch if You Love Superbad

Estimated read time 8 min read
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Many adolescents aspire to experience one unforgettable night before venturing into adulthood and college life, marked by a wild party, new acquaintances, and activities that defy parental approval. Comedians Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, drawing from their own teenage fantasies, eventually translated their envisioned epic night into the blockbuster film “Superbad.”

While Rogen and Goldberg had outgrown their teenage years during the film’s production, they enlisted actors Michael Cera and Jonah Hill to embody the youthful essence they once possessed. “Superbad” strikes a unique balance, blending raunchiness with innocence, obnoxiousness with sweetness, and unconventional dialogue with a heartwarming narrative. Comparing it to other films may be challenging, but several movies share similarities and are worth watching.

Here’s a list of 10 films that you might enjoy if you’re a fan of “Superbad.”

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10 Movies to Watch if You Love Superbad

Project X (2012)

In the film “Project X,” Costa and J.B., unlike some teenagers merely trying to get through high school, are determined to create a memorable legacy. Opting for an epic celebration, they plan an extravagant and chaotic party for their friend Thomas when his parents are away. Utilizing unconventional methods like Craigslist ads and radio promotions, they ensure a massive turnout with an abundance of substances to keep the revelry going until morning.

The movie’s filming adopts a distinctive and frenetic style, immersing the audience in the perspective of a party attendee. Shot mostly at night, the production undoubtedly required copious amounts of caffeine. With a $12 million budget, the result is a cinematic experience that truly captures the essence of a legendary party.

American Pie (1999)

Similar to Seth and Evan in Superbad, five teenagers in American Pie are determined to lose their virginity before they graduate. However, they realize that their plan is much easier said than done. The directors leave absolutely nothing to the imagination as genitalia is openly displayed on-screen, honest conversations are had, and one lovely-looking pie is mutilated.

Reviews for American Pie are understandably mixed due to the nature of the sex comedy. People with a dirty mind and a zany sense of humor will find the film hysterical, while those looking for a lighthearted teen movie will not. The acting is superb, and many fans still find themselves quoting a few of the iconic one-liners on a regular basis. No one can send their child to band camp without thinking of Alyson Hannigan.

Adventureland (2009)

Shortly after the release of Superbad, director Greg Mottola swiftly transitioned to his next project, Adventureland. Unlike the epic teenage night in Superbad, Adventureland follows James (Jesse Eisenberg) and Em (Kristen Stewart) as they navigate the challenges of a summer job at a run-down amusement park before heading back to college. The film stands out for its relatability, featuring characters with ordinary problems and a nostalgic atmosphere. It captures the unglamorous reality of summer jobs, where coworkers accept each other’s lifestyles without judgment. Em’s character demonstrates that even good people can make mistakes, yet James doesn’t hold it against her.

This Is the End (2013)

Rogen and Goldberg collaborated on their directorial debuts with the apocalyptic comedy “This Is the End,” where they enlisted A-list actors like James Franco, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Jay Baruchel to portray exaggerated versions of themselves during the end of the world.

While the plot is absurd and nonsensical, that’s part of its charm. A stellar cast embraced the wild script, and even though the storyline may not make much sense, the movie thrives on the comedic synergy of more than a dozen major stars. Channing Tatum’s memorable, cringeworthy role as Danny McBride’s sex slave stands out, earning him praise, though not everyone, including Emma Watson, was a fan of McBride’s group’s behavior during filming.

Juno (2007)

In 2007, Michael Cera gained widespread recognition with the releases of “Superbad” and “Juno,” marking him as a rising talent in Hollywood, despite his reservations about fame. In “Juno,” Cera starred alongside Elliot Page, portraying teenagers facing the consequences of an unexpected pregnancy. The film’s screenwriter, Diablo Cody, received acclaim for her witty and relatable dialogue, creating genuine chemistry among the characters. Juno’s comedic yet heartwarming approach to her situation resonated well, leading to Page earning awards, including an Oscar nomination, and the film itself winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

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21 Jump Street (2012)

Merely five years after Jonah Hill portrayed an adolescent grappling with hormones, he found himself back in a high school setting alongside Channing Tatum in the film “21 Jump Street.” Aware of the expectations from fans of the popular TV series, Hill and Tatum faced the challenge of meeting high standards to avoid criticism.

Fortunately, the movie surpassed expectations, earning over $200 million at the box office. Its sequel, “22 Jump Street,” performed even better. The film’s charm lay in the role reversals, showcasing characters fitting in with the “cool crowd” or reliving their past, adding a delightful and comedic touch. Tatum and Hill’s natural chemistry on set undoubtedly contributed to the success of the films.

Neighbors (2014)

While “Superbad” focuses on the pre-college adventures of two teenagers, one can speculate about the potential university experiences of the film’s creators, Goldberg and Rogen. It’s conceivable that Goldberg would be a studious individual spending much of his time in the library, while Rogen might find himself drawn to a fraternity lifestyle, akin to the one portrayed in “Neighbors” where he stars alongside Zac Efron.

Predictably, the clash of these two worlds results in comedic chaos, with scenes that elicit horrified reactions from audiences. One particularly memorable moment, which likely contributed to Rogen and Rose Byrne winning the MTV Movie Award for the #WTF Moment, involves Rogen’s character attempting to help his wife by manually expressing milk when she’s unable to use her breast pump due to pain. It’s an unforgettable and eyebrow-raising scene that lingers in the minds of viewers.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Superbad drew inspiration from Dazed and Confused, a quintessential coming-of-age film directed by Richard Linklater. During the ’90s, Linklater’s laid-back approach allowed the cast to shape their characters authentically, requiring them to invest in their roles and represent what they believed was true for their characters.

Dazed and Confused, now a cult classic, features memorable performances, including Matthew McConaughey as a young adult trying to relive his glory days with recent high school graduates. The film also played a significant role in launching the careers of actors like Ben Affleck, Jason London, Cole Hauser, Parker Posey, and others who found their footing in Hollywood after their involvement in the project.

Big Time Adolescence (2020)

In recent years, Pete Davidson has gained prominence not just for his comedic talent but also as a notable figure in the entertainment industry and surprisingly, a skilled actor. In the movie “Big Time Adolescence,” Davidson takes on the role of Zeke, a 23-year-old character who struggles to maintain employment and finds solace in reliving his high school days through his 16-year-old best friend, Mo (played by Griffin Gluck).

Davidson’s portrayal of Zeke is remarkably composed, prompting speculation about how much of his own life experiences he may have drawn upon for the role. Despite Zeke being depicted as a laid-back, substance-using character, the film reveals a heartwarming and humorous side. While it might be tempting to dismiss Zeke as someone to avoid, he is actually a caring individual who, unfortunately, lacks the motivation to integrate into society in a positive way.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)

In the 2013 Craigslist ad-inspired film “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” Zac Efron and Adam DeVine team up with Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza, showcasing the evolution of the dating scene. The movie explores the dynamics of relationships and the unexpected consequences of their characters’ intentions, almost leading to the destruction of a wedding. With a star-studded cast, the audience anticipated a mix of risqué humor, clever schemes, and unforgettable moments, and the actors certainly delivered. The film strikes a balance between charm and edginess, with Kendrick and Plaza skillfully portraying seemingly sweet characters who turn out to be cunning and manipulative.

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