As Seth Rogen and James Franco team up later this year for another movie, we thought we’d have a throwback of their collaborations, ranked from worst to best. Zeroville (2019) is set to be released in September and tells the story of a young actor as he arrives in Hollywood in 1969. The film stars the two comedy geniuses, along with upcoming Joey King, Megan Fox, Will Ferrell, Dave Franco, and Danny McBride.
In order to prepare for this new comedy-drama, let’s throw it back to where it all began with Seth Rogen and James Franco, and which ones you should watch (or rewatch!) before Zeroville comes to the big screen.
8 The Sound and the Fury (2014)
Franco, director and star, takes on bringing William Faulkner’s infamous novel to the big screen, and critics weren’t exactly in for it. With a 4.8/10 on IMDb and an Audience Score of 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, this drama falls short of the novel and as a film altogether. While Seth Rogen only has a minor role in this one, Franco isn’t able to save it himself. Although there were little complaints on Franco’s acting, people were still snoozing through this one. If you’ve read the novel, you’d realize how scrambled this movie must be. Therefore, this film takes the last slot on the list.
7 The Green Hornet (2011)
While Seth Rogen is the star in this film, sharing the spotlight with Jay Chou, this film also falls short of expectations, especially with such a killer cast. This film follows Britt Reid (Rogen), the heir to his father’s large company, who teams up with his late father’s assistant (Chou) to become a crime fighting duo. While this film definitely has its entertaining comedic and action-packed moments, it still only managed a 5.8 on IMDb and 43% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics weren’t crazy about this one, but it isn’t terrible if you’re looking for an awkward, laughable, action-crime film with a stellar cast. Franco also has a minimal role in this one, and we’re starting to think that the duo’s films are much better when they both have a big part in the movie.
6 Sausage Party (2016)
This R-rated animated film is not hiding anything. In fact, the entire plot of the movie is in the name. It follows a sausage as he takes an adventure through the supermarket, all the while learning about his existence. The truth reveals a dark secret, and he embarks on a mission to break the news to his fellow products in an attempt to rebel against the human consumers. This movie is absurd, offensive, and overall hilariously ridiculous (insert a scene where the products celebrate with a store-wide orgy). This movie is right up your ally if you’re one to laugh until your belly hurts at slapstick, dirty humor.
Your favorite products are voiced by Seth Rogen, James Franco, Salma Hayek, Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, and many, many more. This film is downright the definition of “cringe comedy,” so fasten your seat-belt for some pretty grotesque product deaths and innuendo. Party at your own risk, and be prepared never to eat a sausage again.
5 The Interview (2014)
This risky, political satire comedy launched a parade of ridicule and hesitance from the press, but ultimately the comedic duo took the leap and landed in a hilarious, ridiculous heap. The movie follows talk-show host Dave (Franco) and his producer (Rogen) as they land an incredible interview with none other than Kim Jong-Un. The two are then enlisted by the CIA to assassinate the North Korean dictator. Directed by Evan Goldberg (see also This Is the End), this comedic treat definitely isn’t afraid to defy politics and give its viewers a controversial yet entertaining ride.
As “the movie they don’t want you to see,” Franco and Rogen quite literally battle every aspect of the North Korean regime (and even our Western capitalist one) all while befriending Kim Jong-Un. This film was definitely under-screened because of its risky, political nature, but if you love the humor that always follows this duo (and you’re not easily offended), it’s worth the watch. “What’s more destructive than nuclear bombs? Words.” (And definitely this film.)
4 The Night Before (2015)
This Christmas movie follows three lifelong friends as they search New York City on Christmas Eve for the Holy Grail of parties. With Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anthony Mackie taking the wheel on this one, it’s safe to say it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its comedic aspects. This film also stars Jillian Bell, Michael Shannon, and the brilliant James Franco and Miley Cyrus (who play themselves). This film is a party in itself and managed to rank a 6.4 on IMDb. This fun flick never fails to make you laugh and cringe at the characters’ antics, or at least we dare you to try not to when Miley Cyrus and Joseph Gordon-Levitt sing a duet of “Wrecking Ball.” Forget those cheesy Christmas classics, this is definitely a Christmas movie to get behind. Fair warning: This is probably not a film to watch cuddled up with your kids (unless you can explain why those men are tripping on mushrooms and hallucinating about baby Jesus).
3 This Is the End (2013)
This movie has all of your favorite comedy geniuses all wrapped up into one dark comedy treat. It follows six Los Angeles celebrities (James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson) during an apocalypse that is destroying the city. The six (who all play themselves!) are trapped inside Franco’s house but are forced to escape after a series of unfortunate events. Along the way, your comedy dream team runs into Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, Paul Rudd, and Channing Tatum.
This R-rated film will definitely have you simultaneously rolling your eyes and laughing until your gut hurts. Beware, it gets pretty ridiculous and (in)arguably uncomfortable (we’re talking alien sex scenes), but many declare it a comedic masterpiece. Brace yourself for Channing Tatum on a leash and Emma Watson with an incredibly large axe. What more needs to be said?
2 Pineapple Express (2008)
This movie deserves the silver medal of the Rogen-Franco duo, scoring a 7.0/10 on IMDb and a 73% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. This classic is the oldest one on this list, and still holds up as the duo’s comedic best. After a process server (Rogen) witnesses his marijuana dealer’s (Franco) boss murder a competitor, the film follows the two as they run from hitmen and a corrupt police officer. This film also includes Craig Robinson and Danny McBride and offers the classic, absurd humor that launched their partnership and made their ingenuity known to the world. Pineapple Express has all the makings of an entertaining flick: Guns, romance, drugs, and Seth Rogen and Gary Cole fighting each other with fire extinguishers and fluorescent lights. If you need to brush up on your Rogen and Franco films, it would definitely serve to start here. “All aboard the pineapple express!”
1 The Disaster Artist (2017)
This movie-about-a-movie comes in first with a whopping 86% in Audience Score, 91% on the Tomatometer, and a 7.4 on IMDb. This biography takes form of both a comedy and a drama, telling the tale of Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero as they move to Hollywood to create the best film of all time: The Room. With brothers Dave Franco and James Franco taking the leading roles, Seth Rogen acts as Wiseau’s camera-man and fellow director. This whopping cast also includes Alison Brie, Zac Efron, Paul Scheer, and Josh Hutcherson.
This real-life movie is genius in its acting, directing, and comedy gold. The historical accuracy is even staggeringly impressive and tells an incredible story of friendship, failure, and fame. This film is horribly good, with enough cringe-inducing and heartwarming moments to frame its genuine story. Who doesn’t want to see Franco embracing the hell out of the role by struggling with the same line 60 times? It also snagged a nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. James Franco also took home the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Honestly, an artistic and humorous treat for Rogen and Franco fans, and even your mom.
About The Author
