Well, it was bound to happen eventually, wasn’t it?

With Disney making bank on their live-action remakes of animated classics, it was only a matter of time before we started seeing other animation powerhouses dipping their toes into the live-action well. And, the latest comes from DreamWorks and their upcoming remake of How to Train Your Dragon.

Now, while I’m not particularly fond of what Disney has done so far with their live-action projects, I am pretty excited for what DreamWorks might have to offer. There are some obvious picks for where they could go next after How to Train Your Dragon, such as Shrek, Madagascar, or Kung Fu Panda. But, I think there are much more interesting routes that they could take if this remake turns out to be successful. Such as…

The Boss Baby

The story of a big brother who works to help his baby brother (who arrives wearing a suit, no less) figure out why puppies are becoming more popular than babies is just as weird as it sounds on paper as it is on the screen.

The main joke is that the baby is voiced by Alec Baldwin (who even makes a sanitized reference to the very R-rated movie, Glengarry Glen Ross) and his parents have no idea that their new baby is a spy. Over the years, it’s become a whole franchise with a sequel and a TV series, and you know what? I think this would be a great live-action film.

Don’t get me wrong. I know we’ve already gotten precocious baby movies in the past (I’m an ‘80s baby, mind you, so I saw Look Who’s Talking when it was new). I’m also well aware that the Baby Geniuses series exists. However, what if we combined Look Who’s Talking with Baby Geniuses while also having the imaginative whimsy that we’ve gotten in the animated The Boss Baby movies and TV show?

I mean, I know it sounds like it might not work, but I just have a feeling that it would. If anything, it would definitely set itself apart from anything that Disney has been remaking, that’s for sure.

The Croods

A family of cave people who hunt, gather, and sleep in a big ‘ol pile at night, encounter a new cave person who seems to have new-aged ideas that the patriarch doesn’t like. That is, of course, until the father learns that this new guy might be right all along. Silliness ensues.

I’m a huge fan of the first Croods movie, as well as its superior sequel. I even really like the animated series, The Croods: Family Tree. The thing is, I’m not quite sure why. I mean, you’d think that the caveman gags would get tiresome after a while. But, much like The Flintstones, the adventures this family go on just always seem to get better and better every time.

All throughout, it seems like the Croods are slowly advancing, and I love the concept of a live-action movie doing something similar. Because unlike The Flintstones, where we have a whole bunch of cave people living together with dinosaurs, the world of this family is constantly in peril.

Yes, it’s all played for laughs (like the daughter, Eep, has a peanut for a toe since hers was apparently eaten off), but I think it would be really cool to see some of these dangers in live-action, while still being really silly. It could work!

Monsters Vs. Aliens

A meteorite makes a woman transform into a giant, and she is placed in a holding facility with other creatures that are deemed “monsters.” However, when hostile aliens come to take over our planet, the “monsters” have to – you guessed it – fight the aliens in order to save the world, hence the title.

Monsters vs. Aliens is one of those DreamWorks movies that was a huge hit upon release (It made $381 million worldwide) but somehow seems to be a bit more on the obscure end of their catalogue these days.

This is a shame, because the movie is all sorts of funny and exciting. I especially like characters like Dr. Herbert Cockroach, Ph.D, and the massive bug, Insectosaurus, which looks like it could be a stand-in for one of Godzilla’s enemies.

I think a live-action version could really benefit when it comes to Monsters vs. Aliens. For one thing, it could be baby's first kaiju movie…that is, if you’re not the kind of parent who already takes their children to Godzilla movies. Secondly, I think all the modern special effects could make this movie feel fresh and new. Because it deserves another audience to fall in love with it, dammit!

Megamind

A supervillain (who is not very good at his job) somehow manages to defeat his arch-nemesis. However, once his enemy is out of the picture, Megamind doesn’t really have much to do, so he creates a new villain for himself…with disastrous results.

I once dream cast a Wreck-It Ralph movie, and honestly, I think if one were ever made, it would be something like Megamind. The story of a “villain” who isn’t really all that bad (more misunderstood than anything), a live-action movie could be all sorts of fun.

Firstly, I envision it being playful like We Could Be Heroes, or Sky High, and secondly, I also see it parodying movies like Batman v. Superman, and being a whole hodgepodge of other superhero movies over the past few decades.

Honestly, if any movie on this list has the best chance of making a successful live-action transition, I think it’s Megamind. The ingredients are already established. Bonus points if Will Farrell and Brad Pitt could reprise their roles.

Rise Of The Guardians

Childhood guardians, such as Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, The Sandman, and Jack Frost, must fight to keep children’s imaginations alive from the Boogieman, who has nefarious plans.

Rise of the Guardians freaking rules. It made money, but apparently not enough to be considered a success, and the Guardians have fallen by the wayside when it comes to DreamWorks animation. That said, I definitely think these characters deserve a second chance, and I think it could be in live-action.

A part of me thinks it would be somewhat in the vein of a Red One, but I think it would be cool if they really leaned into the idea of children losing their sense of wonder due to a boogie man trying to take it away from them.

My children are 9 and 7, and each year, I wonder when they’re going to stop believing in Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny. A story of parents not wanting their children to lose that magic could be a good bridge into this world of childhood imagination.

The Prince Of Egypt

Lastly, what better movie for DreamWorks to give the live-action adaptation to than possibly their greatest movie ever, The Prince of Egypt? The story of Moses from childhood to becoming a prophet is rife with beautiful animation and music. The film also makes the Book of Exodus exciting for young audiences. In every way, it’s a winner.

Which kind of makes me hesitant to put it on this list. The movie already works so well in animated form, and transitioning it to live-action might take something away from it.

However, I also think that it could make it feel even more majestic and grand in live-action. The Ten Commandments is one of the most powerful movies of all time, and while I’m not sure if a Prince of Egypt movie could come anywhere close, I don’t think it could hurt to try, either.

Which one of these movies, if any, would you like to see next after How to Train Your Dragon?

The 2000s were a transformative time in the world. It was the dawn of a new millennium, and everyone was ready to embrace the brave new world of CGI technology in Hollywood. New characters and franchises would dominate and shape the minds of children who came up in that era, but as much as I hate to say it, a lot of those movies actually suck. 

Listen, I'm not happy to report this news. I still enjoy watching quite a few of these with my Netflix subscription or whatever streaming service they happen to be on. Unfortunately, with age comes wisdom, and I have to say a lot of these following movies just don't hold up upon rewatch. 

Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over

Let's be honest, this one shouldn't surprise many. I remember watching this movie in theaters as a kid and thinking it was bad, so it's no wonder I felt the same as an adult. I'll add that it's honestly worse when you can't see the 3D effects, as the movie creates many shots specifically designed to utilize it. 

Barnyard

In a long list of CGI movies that came to try and hop on the Pixar money train, Barnyard represents the worst attempt. This movie is like the same premise as Toy Story on some level, where beloved farm animals act like humans when people aren't watching. The main problem is it lacks a lot of heart and story quality. 

Fat Albert

The Fat Albert movie was a kids movie released in the wrong era. Children of the 2000s might've been vaguely familiar with the character, but the cartoon was hardly getting television time in this era. The end result was a kids movie that, while decent, doesn't really have an audience that is all that interested in watching. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

You really have to be of the era to understand just how hyped people were that Tim Burton was directing Johnny Depp in a remake of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Unfortunately, the idea of doing that was not quite as solid as the execution, and I think I'd sooner watch Wonka a hundred times than sit through this one again. 

Twilight

Twilight was one of the biggest pop culture franchises of the 2000s, but you wouldn't know it by how low-budget the movie made for it was. Of all the movie franchises in need of a reboot, despite the stellar cast from the original, this is the most needed and deserving because future generations shouldn't be subjected to it. 

The Cat In The Hat

Make no mistake, many were of the opinion that The Cat In The Hat was a bad movie from the jump. The upside is that the Mike Myers-led Dr. Seuss adaptation is so bad that it's achieved cult status where the narrative has shifted back to it being enjoyable. I think these days, a lot of people like how it wasn't really all that appropriate for children. 

Charlotte’s Web

I understand the mindset of why it seemed like a good idea to make a live-action adaptation of Charlotte's Web, especially with the success of the Babe franchise. At the same time, the animated movie made in 1973 was about as perfect as could be,. This makes the live-action version a soulless remake we see happen far too often with beloved animated movies, so it's not a great watch. 

Dinosaur

Dinosaur felt like Disney's attempt to replicate the success of Jurassic Park, but to make it something that was a bit more kid-friendly. The movie quickly came and went without much fanfare, but it did result in one of the most horrifying rides at Disney World for a time. 

Pokémon: The First Movie

Pokémon remains one of the most dominant franchises in the world, but let's be real and admit the first animated movie was pretty bad. I know, it feels like blasphemy to the point I'm hating myself for writing it, but the story is objectively bad and just not that good. 

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius

The influence Jimmy Neutron had on millennials is unmatched, but it's important to note that almost none of what made the character iconic came from the movie. The TV show was amazing, but the movie almost felt like a pilot for the series, and like characters like Sheen, Carl, and others weren't as fully realized as they later were on the show. 

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets is generally considered the weakest of the franchise, and that's largely because it suffers trying to be as close to the book as possible. This makes the movie close to three hours long, and frankly, makes the adventure drag on in a few places. When watching the Harry Potter movies in order, this is generally the one fans dread the most. 

A Christmas Carol 

A Christmas Carol has been remade time and time again, to the point that even a CGI remake starring Jim Carrey couldn't make a big splash in shaking things up. 

Son Of The Mask

Son of the Mask is a movie most critics declared dead on arrival, and I'd argue it effectively ended any momentum Jamie Kennedy gained as an actor with Malibu's Most Wanted. Still, as a kid, this movie was a blast to watch and one that had enough laughs to be watched again and again compared to the original. It doesn't hold up now watching as an adult, but those memories were fun.

The Country Bears

Disney would find great success adapting a theme park ride when Pirates Of The Caribbean became a breakout film franchise. Unfortunately, The Country Bears came out a year before, and it proved that the well of lore behind the animatronic bears that have entertained parkgoers for decades is, unsurprisingly, not that deep. 

Surf's Up

In the 90s it was Antz going up against A Bugs Life, and in the 2000s it was Happy Feet and Surf's Up. Could surfing penguins stand tall against a bunch of dancing penguins? Listen I was just as shocked to find out as a kid, but it turns out watching penguins dance was a far more entertaining story. 

National Treasure

This may be a hot take, especially considering how much the world still looks forward to upcoming Nicolas Cage movies. I loved this movie as a kid, but rewatching it as an adult just didn't capture me in the same way, and I think a lot of others who rewatch the same. 

A Series Of Unfortunate Events

I could make the argument that A Series Of Unfortunate Events is actually a great adaptation, and it was the lack of sequels adapting the other books that really sunk this franchise. That said, I feel like Netflix's series adaptation done years later really does the whole thing better, though I would've loved to see what Paramount could've done had this become a full franchise. 

Zathura: A Space Adventure

I think, in hindsight, the problem with Zathura: A Space Adventure is that the marketing leaned far too heavily into it coming from the same author as Jumanji. The movies are not remotely similar to each other, and kids who went in expecting Jumanji antics left disappointed. 

Shrek The Third

The original Shrek was great, and while I enjoyed the sequel, I already felt the franchise was overstaying its welcome. Shrek The Third is just mostly pop culture jokes, without a story nearly as strong as the first two movies. It makes for a largely forgettable movie, and one I'd advise to skip. 

Robots

Robots had everything going for them that, frankly, not every CGI movie at the time did. It had a stellar voice cast that included Robin Williams, Ewan McGregor, and Halle Berry to start, and robots are about the easiest cool thing to market to kids. Unfortunately, the movie is rather bland and didn't quite resonate well enough for anyone to want a sequel. 

The Spiderwick Chronicles

I don't know if there's a 2000s movie with a PG rating that is more horrific than The Spiderwick Chronicles. The movie is a bit terrifying for younger audiences, mainly due to the dark themes and one particularly troubling scene. That said Freddie Highmore had a great performance playing twins, which is especially impressive given how young he was. 

A Cinderella Story

Chad Michael Murray is pitching ideas for A Cinderella Story 2, so it's high time to remind the world the original was pretty bad. A modern take on Cinderella largely falls flat, with Hilary Duff not hitting the mark for being the high school outcast that she's portrayed to be in the movie. Plus, a cell phone replacing a glass slipper is almost as ridiculous as wearing a shoe made of something so breakable. 

Bolt

To be honest, Bolt not becoming a Disney classic is a hard one to explain. It has all the DNA that replicates the success of previous movies, but for some reason, it's just not nearly as good in execution despite dogs being at the center of many quality children's movies. I wish things were different, but this dog is a dud. 

Agent Cody Banks

Hollywood really tried to make Frankie Muniz a hit outside of Malcolm In The Middle, but unfortunately, none of his efforts ever seemed to resonate a ton with audiences. That said, I think Agent Cody Banks ranks among the worst attempts, especially since the movie contains two references to special education that prompted the studio to make an apology.  

Hannah Montana: The Movie

Hannah Montana: The Movie may get love from Swifties thanks to a cameo by Taylor Swift, but I think that most would agree the movie isn't nearly as good as the Disney series. Strangely enough, that generally seems the case with kids movies, though I would argue the opposite is true when it comes to most adult franchises. 

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel 

The Chipmunks should generally be saved for that Christmas song they sing, but Hollywood brought them back and audiences responded enough to get a sequel made. Unfortunately, that success did not translate to a better script, as watching Zachary Levi mess around with CGI chipmunks makes for a rough watch. 

Shark Tale

I think beyond just being a subpar movie, there's something we rarely discuss about Shark Tale. Will Smith's Oscar is not a shark, and yet he's the main character while Jack Black's Lenny is a supporting character. It would appear to me the story was never solely about the shark at all, but truth be told, the story isn't all that good at all. 

Rugrats Go Wild

The Rugrats movies were on a solid run with some heavy topics that made for great stories. The first movie captured Tommy reconciling with having a sibling, and the second featured Chucky coping with his mom's death and a new relationship, so it's only natural the third movie became a crossover with The Wild Thornberrys. Wait, that doesn't make sense you say? Yeah, I think most people agree, especially after watching this disappointing crossover. 

Osmosis Jones

I can't think of a worse movie to show a child who is afraid of dying of sickness than Osmosis Jones. Imagine seeing this movie, and thinking that everything that happens to you is the result of sentient cells in your body getting in brawls with viruses? It's terrifying, and the last thing any kid wants to be thinking of when they're sick. 

The Adventures Of Sharkboy and Lavagirl

The Adventures Of Sharkboy And Lavagirl felt like Robert Rodriguez knew he went to the well too many times with Spy Kids, but still wanted to make a kid's movie in the exact same style. The end result is this movie, which was largely panned upon release for the forced use of 3D effects that, to some, ruined any praise it could've gotten.  

Monsters vs. Aliens

Truthfully, I'd argue that Monsters vs. Aliens was ahead of its time. The movie wasn't stellar, but it created an ensemble team of monsters that could've eventually been one of the biggest kids movie heroes out there during the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unfortunately, Dreamworks balked at the idea of sequels, so we'll never know. 

Hotel For Dogs

With a title like Hotel For Dogs, it's pretty hard to disappoint critics and audiences. Everyone should know what they signed up for, and yet, reviews for this movie are not good, and somehow, the idea of a hotel for dogs is not quite as fun in execution as anyone would've imagined. 

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.

What do you do when aliens attack? Find some monsters to fight them, of course! Monsters vs. Aliens was pretty big when it hit theaters back in March, but it’s going to get even bigger when it’s released on DVD and Blu-ray September 29th.

Susan Murphy’s (Reese Witherspoon) dream wedding goes awry when she’s hit by a meteorite and turned into a giant. Apparently it’s not what’s on the inside that counts for her fiancé, Derek Dietl (Paul Rudd), because he bolts when the military arrives and classifies Susan as the monster Ginormica. She’s thrown into a top-secret facility where her roommates include the gelatin creature B.O.B. (Seth Rogen), mad scientist Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), half-fish/half-ape Missing Link (Will Arnett), and the enormous Insectosaurus. When an alien named Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) attacks, the government has no choice but to let the monsters out into the open to try and stop Gallaxhar from destroying the world.

The action and adventure continue with B.O.B.’s Big Break. Rogen, Arnett, and Laurie return to bring life to their characters so they can bust out of Area 52. There’s only one thing stopping them: General W.R. Monger (Kiefer Sutherland).

You’ll have three buying options for Monsters vs. Aliens, and even the lesser of the bunch is Ginormica-sized. The single-disc DVD comes with a making-of featurette, deleted scenes, “DWA Music Video Juke Box,” filmmaker commentary, “The Tech of Monsters vs. Aliens,” and some sneak peeks, including the trailer for the Monsters vs. Aliens videogame. The BD version and Ginormous Double DVD Pack will blow even Insectosaurus away. The first disc of the Double DVD Pack is identical to the single-disc DVD, and the second features B.O.B.’s Big Break, as well as a karaoke music party, a paddle-ball game, and six DVD-Rom features. Opting for the BD will cut out the DVD-Rom pieces but add on “Animators’ Corner” picture-in-picture, as well as a trivia track. To get a look at all of the details take a look at the list below.

The BD and Ginormous Double DVD Pack will both come with four pairs of 3D glasses, so you can watch the film with the extra dimension. I have yet to see a film that I can comfortably enjoy in 3D at home, but perhaps that will change with Monsters vs. Aliens. No word on prices yet, but the Ginormous Double DVD Pack is expected to cost under $25. Check out the special features line-up below:

MONSTERS VS. ALIENS GINORMOUS DOUBLE DVD PACK

• Modern Monster Movie Making
• Monger's Plan
• War Room Turns on Monsters
• If You Don't Know
• DWA Music Video Juke Box
• Filmmaker Commentary
• The Tech of Monsters vs. Aliens
• How to Train Your Dragon
• Shrek the Musical
• Kung Fu Panda World
• The Penguins of Madagascar
• Shrek the Halls
• Secrets of the Furious Five
• Monsters vs. Aliens Activision Game trailer
• B.O.B.'s Big Break (in Monster 3D & 2D)
• "More Than A Woman" with B.O.B.
• "Born to Be Wild" with Dr. Cockroach & Missing Link
• "I Will Survive" with Ginormica
• Paddle Ball Game in Monster 3D
• Monsters vs. Alien Activision Game Demo with Cheat Code
• Creature Feature Fun Factory
• Kung Fu Panda World
• Shrekster.com
• MonstersVsAliens.com
• DreamWorksAnimation.com