Movies Like Superbad for Fans of Raunchy Humor and Coming-of-Age Chaos
Superbad (2007) remains a cult classic for its perfect blend of raunchy humor, heartfelt friendships, and cringe-worthy teenage antics. If you’re craving more films that balance outrageous comedy with genuine emotion, this list highlights 8 movies like Superbad that deliver chaotic adventures, unforgettable friendships, and the awkward glory of growing up. From wild parties to heartfelt self-discovery, these picks are sure to hit the same sweet spot.
1. Booksmart (2019)
Genre: Comedy/Coming-of-Age | Director: Olivia Wilde | Streaming: Hulu
Overachievers Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) realize they’ve wasted their high school years buried in textbooks and decide to cram four years of partying into one wild night. Like Superbad, the film pairs raunchy humor with heartfelt moments, exploring the pressure to “be perfect” and the fear of missing out. The chemistry between the leads mirrors Seth and Evan’s dynamic, while absurd scenarios like a drug-induced animated sequence—rival McLovin’s fake ID escapades.
Booksmart stands out for its feminist twist on the genre, proving girls can be just as hilariously clueless as the boys. With sharp writing and a killer soundtrack, it’s a modern classic for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re faking adulthood.
2. Good Boys (2019)
Genre: Comedy | Director: Gene Stupnitsky | Streaming: Netflix
Produced by Seth Rogen (who co-wrote Superbad), Good Boys follows sixth graders Max, Thor, and Lucas as they navigate a day of mishaps involving stolen drones, frat-house parties, and their first kiss. The film captures the same awkward charm as Superbad but dials down the age to highlight middle school innocence. Whether they’re battling sex dolls or learning about “CPR” (misheard as “CPR”), the trio’s loyalty and cluelessness evoke Seth and Evan’s bond. It’s a hilarious reminder that puberty is universally chaotic, whether you’re 12 or 17. Jacob Tremblay shines as Max, delivering a performance that’s equal parts naive and endearing.
3. American Pie (1999)
Genre: Comedy | Director: Paul Weitz | Streaming: Peacock
The ultimate blueprint for raunchy teen comedies, American Pie follows four friends determined to lose their virginity before graduation. Like Superbad, it balances gross-out gags (see: the infamous pie scene) with genuine camaraderie. Jim’s awkwardness rivals Seth’s cringe-worthy moments, while Finch’s suave persona echoes Fogel’s misguided confidence. The film’s heart lies in its portrayal of friendship and the universal fear of growing up. With iconic lines (“This one time, at band camp…”) and a nostalgic late-’90s vibe, it’s a must-watch for fans of Superbad’s mix of humor and heart.
4. Blockers (2018)
Genre: Comedy | Director: Kay Cannon | Streaming: HBO Max
When three parents (Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz) discover their daughters’ pact to lose their virginity on prom night, they embark on a mission to stop them. The film flips Superbad’s premise by adding a parental perspective, blending slapstick humor (Cena chugging beer through his butt) with touching moments about letting go. Julie (Kathryn Newton) and her friends’ bond mirrors Seth and Evan’s loyalty, while the absurd stakes (see: the “butt chugging” scene) keep the laughs coming. Blockers succeeds by treating both teens and parents as flawed yet lovable, making it a standout in the genre.
5. The To Do List (2013)
Genre: Comedy | Director: Maggie Carey | Streaming: Paramount+
Valedictorian Brandy Clark (Aubrey Plaza) creates a sexual bucket list to shed her “good girl” image before college. Think Superbad with a feminist edge: Brandy’s awkward attempts at hookups mirror Seth and Evan’s bumbling quests, but the film tackles double standards head-on. From cringe-worthy encounters (a disastrous threesome) to heartfelt friendships, it balances humor with a critique of societal expectations. Plaza’s deadpan delivery and the ’90s setting add nostalgic charm, while supporting turns from Bill Hader and Rachel Bilson elevate the chaos. It’s a refreshing take on teenage sexuality that doesn’t shy away from the messiness.
6. 21 Jump Street (2012)
Genre: Action-Comedy | Director: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller | Streaming: Netflix
Underachieving cops Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) go undercover as high school students to bust a drug ring. The film’s meta humor and buddy-comedy dynamic echo Superbad’s charm, with Hill reprising his lovable loser persona. The duo’s struggle to fit in—Jenko bonds with the science geeks, Schmidt becomes prom king—highlights the absurdity of high school hierarchies. A drug-fueled triathlon scene rivals Superbad’s liquor store antics, while the bromance between Hill and Tatum adds heart. It’s a hilarious, self-aware take on teen movies that never takes itself seriously.
7. Adventureland (2009)
Genre: Comedy-Drama | Director: Greg Mottola | Streaming: Hulu
From Superbad director Greg Mottola, Adventureland follows college grad James (Jesse Eisenberg) as he works a summer job at a rundown amusement park. Less raunchy but equally poignant, the film explores post-grad uncertainty and first love. James’ awkward crush on Em (Kristen Stewart) and friendship with Connell (Ryan Reynolds) mirror Seth and Evan’s dynamic, while the grungy ’80s setting adds nostalgic depth. Mottola’s sharp dialogue and indie soundtrack (The Replacements, Husker Du) make it a bittersweet ode to the messiness of growing up. For fans of Superbad’s quieter moments, this one’s a gem.
8. Project X (2012)
Genre: Comedy | Director: Nima Nourizadeh | Streaming: HBO Max
When three teens throw a birthday party to boost their social status, it spirals into a riotous, drug-fueled disaster. Shot in found-footage style, Project X captures the anarchic energy of Superbad’s wildest scenes but dials the chaos to 11. From flaming couches to SWAT team interventions, the film is a cautionary tale about teenage recklessness. While lighter on character development, it’s a guilty pleasure for anyone who loves seeing plans go gloriously off the rails. Thomas Mann’s panicked performance as the host echoes Michael Cera’s neurotic charm, making it a chaotic companion to Superbad.
Conclusion: Relive the Glory Days
No matter you’re here for the raunchy humor (American Pie), heartfelt friendships (Adventureland), or chaotic parties (Project X), these eight films capture the essence of what made Superbad iconic. They remind us that growing up is equal parts hilarious, awkward, and unforgettable. So grab your crew, queue up these picks, and toast to the messy journey of adolescence.
