7 hilarious Judd Apatow movies you can stream right now
7 hilarious Judd Apatow movies you can stream right now
From ‘Superbad’ to ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin,’ these Apatow hits still hold up.
One of the big reasons I wanted to get into writing movies is because of Judd Apatow. His comedies are more than just funny – they’re heartfelt and genuine, with imperfect characters doing their best to get on with it. He helped popularize the “antihero” protagonist (Seth Rogan is a good example). Someone who’s not the brightest, not the most attractive, but their heart is in the right place… and they sure are funny. The prolific writer, producer, and director has a ton of hit movies to his name, but I want to give you my favorites. Here are the top 7 Judd Apatow comedies you can stream right now
Top 7 Judd Apatow comedy movies streaming right now
No. 7: ‘The Big Sick’ (2017) | Prime Video
Coming in at No. 7 on the list is one of the top Judd Apatow comedies. However, he serves only as a producer on the film, which comes from a script written by the husband-and-wife duo of Kumail Nanjiani (who also stars) and Emily V. Gordon. The movie is “The Big Sick.” I love this movie, first because it’s based on the real-life relationship between Nanjiani and Gordon.
Second, because it gave us a funny, attractive South Asian man in the lead – which we need more of. And third, because it’s funny and sweet. The story follows Nanjiani as a Pakistani comedian who falls for an American grad student, but their romance hits a wall when cultural differences get in the way. Things take a wild turn when she falls into a coma, forcing him to connect with her parents while figuring out his own messy feelings.
On a budget of just $5 million, “The Big Sick” earned $56 million at the worldwide box office, catapulting Kumail Nanjiani to stardom while proving Apatow can handle small, heartfelt indie comedies just as well as his bigger, more outrageous hits. Definitely check it out.
The Big Sick
Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings.
No. 6: ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ (2004) | Paramount+
I’m in a glass cage of emotion with this Judd Apatow-produced film at No. 6: “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” I remember when this movie dropped – it was still quoted a decade later with some of the funniest lines of the 2000s (60% of the time, it works every time). The story follows Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), a self-absorbed, top-rated news anchor in 1970s San Diego whose world turns upside down when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) joins the station. As Ron struggles to maintain his dominance, their rivalry spirals into hilarious chaos both on and off the air.
Directed by Adam McKay, Anchorman blends absurd comedy with unforgettable one-liners, becoming a cult classic. The film pulled in $90 million at the box office on a budget of $26 million, helping Apatow break out as a producer while redefining absurdist comedy for years to come. Oh, and it catapulted Will Ferrell to a new level of stardom - one he’s never left.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
It’s the 1970s and San Diego anchorman Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) is the top dog in local TV, but that’s all about to change when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) arrives as a new employee at his station.
This modern comedy classic is endlessly quotable, and features a great supporting cast including Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, and Fred Willard. It was directed by future Academy Award winner Adam McKay.
No. 5: ‘Trainwreck’ (2015) | Rent with Peacock
At No. 5 is Apatow’s first directorial appearance on this list with, “Trainwreck.” This movie follows Amy (Amy Schumer) as a commitment-phobic magazine writer who is tasked with writing the profile of a charming sports doctor, played by Bill Hader. As you may guess, love starts to blossom, but not before Amy confronts all her fears about vulnerability and intimacy. I love this movie for Amy’s performance and the fresh take on the modern rom-com. It’s outrageous, different, and really funny – audiences agreed, as it pulled in $140.8 million worldwide on a relatively small $35 million budget. If you want the female version of Apatow’s classic antihero, this is it.
Trainwreck
Ever since her father drilled into her head that monogamy isn’t realistic, magazine writer Amy has made promiscuity her credo. As much as she enjoys an uninhibited life free of commitment, Amy is really in a rut. While writing a profile about charming and successful sports doctor Aaron Conners, she finds herself actually falling in love for the first time — and what’s more, Aaron seems to really like her too. Amy starts to wonder if it’s time to clean up her act and face her fears.
No. 4: ‘Knocked Up’ (2007) | Prime Video
Coming in at No. 4 on this Judd Apatow list is the rom-com game-changer, “Knocked Up. The story follows slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) and career-driven Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) as a one-night stand leads to an unexpected pregnancy. What starts as a comedy of bad decisions turns into a heartfelt exploration of relationships, responsibility, and personal growth - all while delivering serious laughs.
Written and directed by Apatow himself, “Knocked Up” was a massive hit, earning $219 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. It didn’t just cement Apatow’s voice as a director - it redefined the modern rom-com by blending crude humor with emotional storytelling. The film also propelled Seth Rogen into leading man territory and made room for a whole generation of comedy talent, including Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd. Few comedies manage to be this hilarious and heartfelt - definitely worth a rewatch.
Knocked Up
A slacker and a career-driven woman accidentally conceive a child after a one-night stand. As they try to make the relationship work, they must navigate the challenges of parenthood and their differences in lifestyle and maturity.
No. 3: ‘Bridesmaids’ (2011) | Netflix
At No. 3 is the Apatow movie I’ve seen the most (right next to “The 40 Year Old Virgin”) and that’s “Bridesmaids.” The story centers on Annie (Kristen Wiig), whose life is falling apart just as her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) gets engaged. Tasked with being the maid of honor, Annie spirals into insecurity when she clashes with fellow bridesmaid Helen (Rose Byrne), leading to a series of hilariously disastrous wedding events… like Lillian sh**ing in the street in her wedding dress (iconic).
Produced by Judd Apatow, directed by Paul Feig, and written by Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo, “Bridesmaids” wasn’t just a critical hit - it became a box office powerhouse, earning $288 million worldwide on a $32 million budget. It proved that female-driven comedies could dominate both financially and culturally while launching Melissa McCarthy into superstardom.
Bridesmaids
Annie’s life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian’s maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.
No. 2: ‘Superbad’ (2007) |Netflix
Sliding into the No. 2 spot is the coming-of-age comedy, “Superbad.” This movie became a cultural phenomenon, yet doesn’t it seem like every movie Apatow’s involved in turns to gold? The story follows high school best friends Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) on a chaotic quest to buy alcohol for a party, hoping to impress their crushes before graduation. What starts as a wild night filled with awkward encounters, fake IDs, and questionable life choices transforms into a hilarious (but heartwarming) look at friendship and growing up.
Produced by Judd Apatow and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, “Superbad” was a smash hit, earning $170 million globally on just a $20 million budget. Beyond its box office success, the film helped launch the careers of its young cast, including Emma Stone, and became one of the most quoted comedies of the 2000s. Its mix of raunchy humor and genuine emotional depth set a new standard for teen comedies, making it a classic that is as good today as it was in 2007.
Superbad
Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.
No. 1: ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ (2005) | Rent on Prime Video
At No. 1 is one of my favorite movies ever made, and the film that truly put Judd Apatow on the map as a powerhouse director and comedic voice: “The 40 Year Old Virgin.” I love this movie so much I’ve read the screenplay by Apatow & Steve Carell multiple times (it’s great!) and have read about all the lore around the making of this movie (the waxing scene is 100% real). The story follows Andy Stitzer (Carell), a sweet but socially awkward guy who’s somehow never had sex. When his friends discover his secret, they make it their mission to help him lose his virginity - leading to painfully funny missteps, awkward encounters, and, ultimately, a heartfelt romance with Trish (Catherine Keener).
Directed and co-written by Apatow, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” was a massive hit, grossing $177 million worldwide on a modest $26 million budget. More than just a financial win, it redefined the modern R-rated comedy by blending raunchy humor with genuine emotional depth - something Apatow would continue to master in all of his movies going forward. The film also skyrocketed Steve Carell to leading man status and established Apatow’s signature formula: outrageous comedy balanced with relatable human moments. It wasn’t just a hit - it shaped the next decade of comedy. Enjoy!
The 40 Year-Old Virgin
Andy Stitzer has a pleasant life with a nice apartment and a job stamping invoices at an electronics store. But at age 40, there’s one thing Andy hasn’t done, and it’s really bothering his sex-obsessed male co-workers: Andy is still a virgin. Determined to help Andy get laid, the guys make it their mission to de-virginize him. But it all seems hopeless until Andy meets small business owner Trish, a single mom.