Last Updated on August 3, 2021
#1 – Chest Waxing (THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN)
The Kelly Clarkson line by itself is Judd Apatow’s most memorable line, but this entire sequence is full of ad-libbed moments. The freedom to just be funny is a testament to Apatow as much as the cast as the movie features such a comfort level amongst the performers that they were able to use so much of this material.
#2- Double Date (KNOCKED UP)
The reason Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann’s characters got their own spin-off film has to do with this scene. Rudd and Mann play well off of each other and truly seem like a real married couple. The difference between these two pairs on this double date makes for some very entertaining viewing.
#3- Drugs (WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY)
Apatow co-scripted this parody of musical biopics like RAY and WALK THE LINE to great effect. I could have put any number of scenes in here but Tim Meadows indoctrination of John C. Reilly’s Dewey Cox into the world of illegal drugs makes me laugh every time.
#4 – The Accent (FUNNY PEOPLE)
FUNNY PEOPLE Is often considered the weakest Apatow directorial outing but it still has some great moments like Eric Bana explaining Australian Rules Football. But, I love this scene where Adam Sandler’s character learns his prognosis from a doctor that sounds like a DIE HARD villain.
#5 – Age of Aquarius (THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN)
Finishing the ridiculous and heartfelt comedy about a man’s quest to pop his cherry could not have ended in a more incongruous manner than a big musical number. Everyone looks like they are having a great time and we as an audience do as well.
#6- Pubes (KNOCKED UP)
While the relationship between Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl takes center stage, KNOCKED UP is full of great supporting roles. Rogen’s housemates, including Jonah Hill and Jay Baruchel, are especially good. This scene in particular about shaved pubes is hilarious.
#7 – Principal’s Office (THIS IS 40)
There are a lot of Melissa McCarthy haters out there, but when she appears in smaller doses, she can be as hilarious as anyone out there. Playing off of Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd in this scene from the better than you realize THIS IS 40 is a clear reason why she keeps getting roles in big movies.
#8 – Car Chase (PINEAPPLE EXPRESS)
Designed to be a bromantic comedy inspired by Brad Pitt’s TRUE ROMANCE character, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS was developed by Apatow alongside Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The resulting film was a great homage and send-up of action buddy films that also kickstarted the filmmaking careers for Rogen, Goldberg and James Franco.
#9 – Larry Bird (CELTIC PRIDE)
Another early writing gig, CELTIC PRIDE paired Daniel Stern and Dan Akyroyd as die had Boston NBA fans who kidnap the player they love to hate. Damon Wayans is great as the straight man for this pair of knuckleheads in what ends up being one of Apatow’s broader comedic works. The appearance from Celtic legend Larry Bird is just hilarious.
#10 – Personal Responsibility (HEAVYWEIGHTS)
One of Judd Apatow’s first film projects was this Disney family film about kids at a fat camp taken over by a villainous Ben Stiller.Stiller’s performance here is very similar to his role in DODGEBALL but on a more kid appropriate scale. Definitely an early hint of what Apatow had to come, HEAVYWEIGHTS also features a supporting performance from long-time collaborator Paul Feig.
Follow the JOBLO MOVIE NETWORK
Follow us on YOUTUBE
Follow ARROW IN THE HEAD
Follow AITH on YOUTUBE