#Here’s Every Judd Apatow Film, Ranked

Beloved and revered, Judd Apatow has gradually become one of the kings of comedy over his thirty-year career in film and television. Apatow initially got his start in stand-up before shifting his focus to writing and producing in the ’90s, contributing to The Larry Sanders Show and both Ben Stiller’s Emmy-winning titular series and his film Heavyweights. Before becoming an esteemed film director, Apatow helmed the beloved cult classic shows Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, both of which were canceled far too soon. It was the 2005 massive comedy hit The 40-Year-Old Virgin, though, which served as his directorial debut and effectively kicked off his film career.
It’s important to acknowledge that Apatow is a major movie producer in addition to a prominent director, having had a hand producing hits like Superbad, Pineapple Express, and Bridesmaids, among countless others. His next upcoming directing project, The Bubble, will debut on Netflix sometime this year and will follow a group of actors stuck inside a pandemic quarantine at a hotel as they attempt to complete their film. Focusing only on his extensive and lucrative filmography as a director, here is every Judd Apatow film, ranked.

8 The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling

Exploring the life and legacy of comedian Garry Shandling, Judd Apatow’s documentary The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling features a deep dive into the personal journals, home videos, and television performances of the late funnyman, combining interviews from family and close friends. The film was released on HBO and enlisted actor Michael Cera to provide readings of various excerpts from Shandling’s diaries. Apatow was inspired to direct the documentary about Shandling because the two were close friends, with Shandling idolized by Apatow and providing one of the first major gigs for the young writer. NPR called the documentary, “a deeply affecting TV show about the meaning of life.”

7 This Is 40

A spin-off of Apatow’s colossal 2007 hit Knocked Up, the comedy film This Is 40 stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann as married couple Pete and Debbie, whose already stressful relationship is amplified by the pair becoming quadragenarians. The director was able to once again work with his real-life wife Mann on the hilaious but humanistic farce. With a supporting cast including John Lithgow, Jason Segel, and Melissa McCarthy, This Is 40 was applauded for its mature humor and star performances. Rudd and Mann’s sassy squabbles and entertaining relationship propelled the film despite a sometimes aimless script, and Apatow served up many humorous insights into marriage.
Related: Original Anchorman Script Was Far Too Crazy to Make Says Judd Apatow

6 May it Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers

Chronicling the renowned and illustrious North Carolina band the Avett Brothers, Apatow’s 2017 documentary May it Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers is a poignant and intimate film that details the famous band as they created their 2016 album True Sadness. Apatow co-directed the intimate, observational movie with documentarian Michael Bonfiglio, releasing it in 2018 on HBO. It would later go on to win the SXSW Audience Award at the SXSW film festival and highlighted Apatow’s tremendous gift for storytelling outside of the comedy realm.

5 Funny People

Psychological dramedy Funny People centers around a famous comedian who discovers he has a terminal disease and attempts to repair the fractured relationships in his life while mentoring an aspiring comedian. Starring Adam Sandler as the retired comedian George Simmons and with a stacked cast including Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann and Jonah Hill, Funny People is a dramatic and emotionally driven story. The dramedy is full of substance and notable performances, and was a fascinating genre pivot for Apatow. Funny People was favored by critics, with Roger Ebert proclaiming that it’s “a real movie. That means carefully written dialogue and carefully placed supporting performances—and it’s about something.”

4 The King of Staten Island

Pete Davidson stars in the semi-biographical dramedy The King of Staten Island, which follows a young man forced to get his life together after his mother begins dating a new man. Davidson’s character Scott Carlin is an aspiring tattoo artist who must face his unresolved trauma and issues regarding his deceased firefighter father. With supporting talent like Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, and Steve Buscemi, The King of Staten Island is a compelling coming-of-age film. Buscemi portrays veteran firefighter Papa in the film, and the actor was actually a firefighter in his 20s; after 9/11, he returned to his firehouse to sort through the rubble and look for survivors in the same place where Pete Davidson’s actual father died. The Saturday Night Live star delivers a moving performance in this dark and tender dramedy, and Apatow was praised for his handling of the raw and mature subject matter.

3 Trainwreck

Judd Apatow directed the 2015 rom-com hit Trainwreck, which centers on a free-spirited and hard-partying magazine writer who experiences her first serious relationship. Amy Schumer wrote the film and stars as Amy Townsend as she commits herself to the esteemed orthopedic surgeon Aaron Conners, portrayed by the endearing Bill Hader. Trainwreck enlists a colorful group of supporting stars to compliment the story, with Brie Larson, John Cena, Tilda Swinton, and LeBron James all rounding out the talent. Schumer’s sharp delivery paired with Apatow’s knack for character-driven comedy is a dynamite combination that makes Trainwreck a winning spectacle. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, and was Apatow’s first picture to do so.
Related: Trainwreck Clip: LeBron James Is Bill Hader’s Wingman

2 Knocked Up

The universally acclaimed Knocked Up was written, produced and directed by Judd Apatow and centers on the repercussions of a drunken one-night stand between a career-minded reporter and a resident slacker, culminating in an unintended pregnancy. Starring Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen as the unlikely romantic duo, the movie also utilizes frequent Apatow collaborators Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Jonah Hill. Knocked Up was an unexpected financial success, bringing in $219 million and was a knockout with critics. It also helped further skyrocket Rogen and Heigl to Hollywood stardom. The epic comedy continued to propel Apatow to newfound mainstream triumph and won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie Comedy.

1 The 40-Year-Old Virgin

The masterpiece that started it all, 2005’s The 40-Year-Old Virgin was the feature directorial debut of Judd Apatow, which he co-wrote with lead star Steve Carell. Portraying the titular 40-year-old virgin Andy, Carell’s character is coerced by his electronics store co-workers to lose his virginity. Apatow was inspired to work with the funnyman after his amusing performance in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and the film’s premise is based on a sketch The Office alum created with The Second City. Carell’s portrayal was celebrated among moviegoers, with a deep appreciation for his comedic and charming approach to the character. With a current Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 85%, The 40-Year-Old Virgin is arguably Apatow’s most lauded and iconic movie and served as a monumental stepping stone for his prominent directing resume.

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