Embark on a riotous journey through the world of comedy with our curated list of the 25 best movies like "The Hangover."
Whether it's the uncontrollable laughter, the unpredictability of a wild night out, or the unbreakable bonds of friendship, these films capture the spirit of adventure and the comedy of errors that make life's unpredictable moments memorable.
From the chaotic party scenes to the awkward morning afters, each movie on this list promises a dose of raucous humor, relatable characters, and irreverent fun that will resonate with fans of "The Hangover."
So, grab your popcorn and prepare for a marathon of hilarity as we dive into the comedies that have mastered the art of turning mayhem into mirth.
American Pie (1999)
The cultural touchstone "American Pie" follows a group of high school friends who make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night, leading to a series of cringe-worthy yet endearing attempts to understand the opposite sex. This raunchy coming-of-age story blends the awkwardness of teenage years with the sheer hilarity of growing up. Much like "The Hangover," the film centers on a pivotal life event, mixes in a heavy dose of sexual comedy, and features a memorable ensemble cast. It delivers a slice of life's embarrassing moments with a side of warm nostalgia and genuine heart, much like the hangover-fueled revelations of the morning after.
CAST
Jason Biggs
Chris Klein
Thomas Ian Nicholas
Alyson Hannigan
Shannon Elizabeth
Tara Reid
Eddie Kaye Thomas
Seann William Scott
Eugene Levy
Natasha Lyonne
Superbad (2007)
"Superbad" is a riotous account of two inseparable high school friends, Seth and Evan, who are on the verge of graduating and parting ways for college. They embark on a quest to secure alcohol for a party, believing it will finally allow them to break their losing streak with the ladies before they head off to college. The film, produced by comedy kingpin Judd Apatow, shares "The Hangover's" DNA of close friendship tested by a night of escalating shenanigans. It showcases a blend of lewd humor and touching moments, capturing the bittersweet edge of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.
CAST
Jonah Hill
Michael Cera
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Bill Hader
Seth Rogen
Martha MacIsaac
Emma Stone
Aviva Baumann
Joe Lo Truglio
Kevin Corrigan
21 Jump Street (2012)
In "21 Jump Street," two mismatched police officers, Schmidt and Jenko, are sent undercover as high school students to bust a synthetic drug ring. This action-comedy reboots the 1980s TV series with a modern twist, focusing on the hilarious dynamics of reliving high school and the absurdities of undercover work. Like "The Hangover," it delivers a comedic exploration of identity, friendship, and the unexpected turns that come with adult responsibilities. The chemistry between the leads, played by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, adds to the film's charm, making it a stand-out in the buddy-cop genre with a healthy dose of uproarious moments.
CAST
Jonah Hill
Channing Tatum
Brie Larson
Dave Franco
Rob Riggle
DeRay Davis
Ice Cube
Dax Flame
Chris Parnell
Ellie Kemper
Bridesmaids (2011)
"Bridesmaids" follows the story of Annie (Kristen Wiig), whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a colorful group of bridesmaids on a wild ride toward matrimony. Annie's down-on-her-luck persona is met with the over-the-top perfection of her rival bridesmaid, Helen (Rose Byrne), setting the stage for a comedic clash of personalities. The movie is replete with laugh-out-loud moments stemming from absurd situations, much like "The Hangover." The tone of humor amidst personal crises, the bonds of friendship strained through a series of comic mishaps, and the backdrop of pre-wedding chaos make "Bridesmaids" a spiritual cousin to the raucous Las Vegas bachelor party.
CAST
Kristen Wiig
Maya Rudolph
Rose Byrne
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Ellie Kemper
Melissa McCarthy
Chris O'Dowd
Jon Hamm
Jill Clayburgh
Rebel Wilson
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Steve Carell stars in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" as Andy, a middle-aged electronics store worker with a secret: he's never had sex. After his colleagues discover his virgin status, they embark on a mission to help him gain sexual experience. This quest leads Andy through a series of cringeworthy yet endearing encounters. Similar to "The Hangover," the film delves into adult themes with a mixture of sweetness and raunchiness. It's a comedy about late bloomers and the bonds that form when friends unite over a peculiar challenge, filled with heart and the humor of awkward human experiences.
CAST
Steve Carell
Catherine Keener
Paul Rudd
Romany Malco
Seth Rogen
Elizabeth Banks
Leslie Mann
Jane Lynch
Gerry Bednob
Shelley Malil
Wedding Crashers (2005)
"Wedding Crashers" stars Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as a pair of charming, rule-bending bachelors who sneak into weddings to take advantage of the romantic atmosphere. Their free-spirited escapades take a turn when they crash the biggest wedding of the season and meet a pair of sisters (played by Rachel McAdams and Isla Fisher) who give them a run for their money. Like "The Hangover," the film is a cocktail of humor, romance, and the unexpected consequences of living on the edge. It's a story about love, friendship, and the realization that in the game of love and life, sometimes you have to play by the rules.
CAST
Owen Wilson
Vince Vaughn
Christopher Walken
Rachel McAdams
Isla Fisher
Jane Seymour
Ellen Albertini Dow
Keir O'Donnell
Bradley Cooper
Ron Canada
2 degrees of seperation (similar to Wedding Crashers)
Old School (2003)
"Old School" is the tale of three disillusioned men who seek to relive their glory days when Mitch (Luke Wilson), Frank (Will Ferrell), and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) establish their own off-campus fraternity. This comedy captures the essence of middle-aged men rebelling against the monotony of their lives by throwing outrageous parties and engaging in fraternity shenanigans. Echoing "The Hangover," it features grown men in over-the-top situations, the trials of friendship, and the humorous fallout of trying to recapture youth. With its blend of slapstick, situational comedy, and a touch of nostalgia, "Old School" becomes a hilarious examination of life's second chances.
CAST
Luke Wilson
Will Ferrell
Vince Vaughn
Jeremy Piven
Ellen Pompeo
Juliette Lewis
Leah Remini
Perrey Reeves
Craig Kilborn
Elisha Cuthbert
Knocked Up (2007)
In "Knocked Up," Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) and Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) experience a one-night stand that unexpectedly results in pregnancy, catapulting them into a whirlwind of personal growth and responsibilities. This comedy deals with adult themes and the ensuing chaos when life throws a curveball, akin to the way "The Hangover" deals with the aftermath of a night of poor decisions. While it delves into deeper relational themes, it maintains a comedic lens on the complexities of embracing adulthood, resonating with the balance of crude humor and heartfelt moments found in "The Hangover."
CAST
Seth Rogen
Katherine Heigl
Paul Rudd
Leslie Mann
Jason Segel
Jay Baruchel
Jonah Hill
Martin Starr
Charlyne Yi
Iris Apatow
Neighbors (2014)
"Neighbors" pits new parents Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) against a fraternity led by Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) that moves in next door. As the quiet suburbs turn into party central, the Radners embark on an escalating war of pranks and schemes to oust the frat boys. Reflecting "The Hangover" in its exploration of the clash between revelry and responsibility, "Neighbors" offers a comedic look at the chaos of balancing adulthood with the desire for fun. The film is rife with party scenes that spiral out of control, misfit friendships, and the lengths to which one will go for a sense of normalcy, all hallmarks of the "The Hangover" series.
CAST
Seth Rogen
Rose Byrne
Zac Efron
Dave Franco
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Jerrod Carmichael
Ike Barinholtz
Carla Gallo
Halston Sage
Craig Roberts
Step Brothers (2008)
"Step Brothers" stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as Brennan and Dale, two middle-aged, lazy, and contentious men who become step-siblings after their single parents marry each other. Forced to live together, they initially clash in over-the-top and juvenile ways but eventually bond over shared interests. The film delves into the absurdity of adult children living at home and the hilarity that ensues when they attempt to integrate into society. Much like "The Hangover," it captures the spontaneous and often ill-advised antics that grown men are prone to, with a heartfelt undercurrent about family and friendship.
CAST
Will Ferrell
John C. Reilly
Mary Steenburgen
Richard Jenkins
Adam Scott
Kathryn Hahn
Andrea Savage
Lurie Poston
Elizabeth Yozamp
Logan Manus
Horrible Bosses (2011)
"Horrible Bosses" features a trio of friends who, fed up with their overbearing and abusive employers, concoct a convoluted plan to rid themselves of their respective bosses. The dark comedy narrative and the camaraderie among the main characters draw a parallel to "The Hangover," where a group's dynamic is central to the unfolding of increasingly wild events. This film takes the workplace comedy to new extremes, blending a sense of camaraderie with criminal capers that are as hilarious as they are misguided.
CAST
Jason Bateman
Charlie Day
Jason Sudeikis
Kevin Spacey
Jennifer Aniston
Colin Farrell
Jamie Foxx
Donald Sutherland
P.J. Byrne
Julie Bowen
Pineapple Express (2008)
"Pineapple Express" combines the stoner comedy genre with action, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco as a process server and his marijuana dealer who get tangled up with violent drug dealers after witnessing a murder. With its blend of over-the-top violence, raucous humor, and an unlikely friendship, the film shares the "bromance" element and the unexpected adventure seen in "The Hangover." The chaotic chase and continuous string of bad decisions resonate with the out-of-control situations that the protagonists in "The Hangover" find themselves in, making for a similarly wild comedic ride.
CAST
Seth Rogen
James Franco
Gary Cole
Danny McBride
Rosie Perez
Kevin Corrigan
Craig Robinson
Amber Heard
Ed Begley Jr.
Nora Dunn
This Is the End (2013)
"This Is the End" brings a unique twist to comedy by having actors play fictional versions of themselves facing the apocalypse during a massive party at James Franco's house. As the end of the world creates a chaotic backdrop, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, and a host of other stars find themselves facing not only surreal and supernatural challenges but also the strain on their friendships. The tone is very much in line with "The Hangover" in its embrace of over-the-top scenarios, coupled with the dynamics of a group of friends trying to navigate the unexpected. It's a blend of raucous humor, celebrity satire, and the occasional touch of horror, making for a truly original comedic experience.
CAST
James Franco
Jonah Hill
Seth Rogen
Jay Baruchel
Danny McBride
Craig Robinson
Michael Cera
Emma Watson
Mindy Kaling
David Krumholtz
We're the Millers (2013)
In "We're the Millers," small-time pot dealer David Clark (Jason Sudeikis) must create a fake family in order to smuggle a large shipment of marijuana from Mexico into the U.S. to settle his debts. Enlisting a stripper (Jennifer Aniston), a runaway (Emma Roberts), and a naive teenager (Will Poulter), they form the "Millers." What ensues is a road trip filled with comically awkward situations and the kind of mishaps that echo the unpredictability and humorous calamity of "The Hangover." The film captures the same irreverent humor and spirit of camaraderie as it examines what it means to be a family in the most unconventional way.
CAST
Jennifer Aniston
Jason Sudeikis
Emma Roberts
Will Poulter
Kathryn Hahn
Nick Offerman
Ed Helms
Molly C. Quinn
Tomer Sisley
Matthew Willig
2 degrees of seperation (similar to We're the Millers)
Road Trip (2000)
"Road Trip" is the quintessential college comedy that follows a group of friends as they embark on an 1,800-mile journey to retrieve an incriminating videotape mistakenly mailed to a girlfriend. The film encapsulates the youthful spirit of adventure and the mishaps that inevitably occur when college students hit the road. Along the way, they encounter a series of bizarre characters and outrageous situations that could fit seamlessly into the universe of "The Hangover." It's a story about the bonds that form through shared misadventures, featuring the same brand of irreverent humor and the chaotic quest that audiences loved in "The Hangover," only with a collegiate twist.
CAST
Breckin Meyer
Seann William Scott
Paulo Costanzo
DJ Qualls
Amy Smart
Tom Green
Rachel Blanchard
Anthony Rapp
Andy Dick
Fred Ward
The Night Before (2015)
"The Night Before" is the holiday-flavored story of three lifelong friends, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anthony Mackie, who embark on a Christmas Eve quest to find the Holy Grail of Christmas parties in New York City. The film weaves together the humor of debauched holiday antics with the warmth of seasonal spirit, as the trio encounters a series of bizarre and comedic misadventures. Much like "The Hangover," it highlights the wild shenanigans that ensue when old friends get together and let loose, laced with a dash of nostalgia and the reality of growing up. It's a festive rollercoaster ride of comedy that balances slapstick humor with a touch of heart.
CAST
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Seth Rogen
Anthony Mackie
Lizzy Caplan
Jillian Bell
Mindy Kaling
Michael Shannon
Lorraine Toussaint
Randall Park
Ilana Glazer
Dude, Where's My Car? (2000)
"Dude, Where’s My Car?" follows the misadventures of Jesse (Ashton Kutcher) and Chester (Seann William Scott), two stoners who wake up after a night of partying and cannot remember where they parked their car. As they retrace their steps, they encounter a series of increasingly surreal and ridiculous obstacles, including alien cultists, angry girlfriends, and a missing suitcase filled with money. Like "The Hangover," this film plays on the theme of amnesia following a wild night out, focusing on the humorous lengths to which the protagonists must go to piece together the events of the previous evening. The movie serves up a dose of early 2000s nostalgia with its brand of stoner comedy and wacky plot twists.
CAST
Ashton Kutcher
Seann William Scott
Jennifer Garner
Marla Sokoloff
Kristy Swanson
David Herman
Hal Sparks
Charlie O'Connell
John Toles-Bey
Christian Middelthon
Project X (2012)
"Project X" turns the party dial up to an extreme, following three high school friends who throw a birthday bash to make a name for themselves. The party quickly spirals out of control, transforming into a massive, anarchic free-for-all that the neighborhood will never forget. The film is shot in a found-footage style, giving it a raw and immersive quality. Like "The Hangover," "Project X" revolves around a chaotic, one-night event filled with outrageous moments, but with a younger set of characters. It captures the wild, out-of-control party scene with a level of energy and exuberance that is both thrilling and alarming, painting a vivid picture of youthful indiscretion and the quest for social standing gone awry.
CAST
Thomas Mann
Oliver Cooper
Jonathan Daniel Brown
Dax Flame
Kirby Bliss Blanton
Brady Hender
Nick Nervies
Alexis Knapp
Miles Teller
Peter MacKenzie
2 degrees of seperation (similar to Project X)
More Hidden Gems Like 'The Hangover'
Dive into the hidden gems of comedy with our "Underrated Movies" section, a treasure trove of laughter that deserves a spotlight.
These lesser-known flicks echo the hilarity of "The Hangover" with their zany antics and unheralded genius, offering a fresh roster of laughs ripe for discovery by true aficionados.
Role Models (2008)
In "Role Models," Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) are energy drink salesmen who find themselves in legal trouble after a series of ill-advised decisions. To avoid jail time, they're sentenced to community service in a mentoring program. As they're paired with two challenging kids, they're thrust into the world of LARPing (Live Action Role Play) and forced to navigate their own issues. Like "The Hangover," "Role Models" uses humor to explore themes of friendship and the unexpected bonds that form when diverse personalities clash and ultimately come together. It’s a story about growing up and taking responsibility, all while not taking itself too seriously, much like the bachelor party gone wrong in "The Hangover."
CAST
Seann William Scott
Paul Rudd
Elizabeth Banks
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Bobb'e J. Thompson
Jane Lynch
Ken Jeong
Ken Marino
Kerri Kenney
A.D. Miles
Beerfest (2006)
"Beerfest" from the comedy troupe Broken Lizard, follows two brothers who travel to Germany for Oktoberfest only to stumble upon a secret, centuries-old beer games competition. They return to the U.S. vowing to assemble a team to win the competition and defend their family's honor. This quest leads to outrageous drinking games and personal debacles. It shares "The Hangover's" penchant for inebriated exploits, with a cast of characters who find themselves in over their heads, bonding through a series of comedic trials. It's the tale of the underdog with a healthy pour of slapstick, camaraderie, and the pursuit of a peculiar sort of glory, echoing the chaotic and humorous vein of "The Hangover."
CAST
Erik Stolhanske
Steve Lemme
M.C. Gainey
Cloris Leachman
Jürgen Prochnow
Will Forte
Allan Graf
Kevin Heffernan
Go (1999)
"Go" is an ensemble film that weaves together three different stories unfolding over one chaotic night in Los Angeles, kicking off at a supermarket with a drug deal gone awry. It’s a kinetic and vibrant comedy that explores the intersecting lives of young people looking for thrills and a big score. Each narrative twist in "Go" takes the characters on an unexpected adventure, mirroring "The Hangover's" structure of a night's worth of decisions spiraling into mayhem. The film captures the late-90s rave culture and the wild unpredictability of youth, delivering a movie experience with a pulsing soundtrack and a dark comedic edge. It showcases a mosaic of misadventures, much like the disconnected memories the protagonists of "The Hangover" must piece together.
CAST
Sarah Polley
Timothy Olyphant
Katie Holmes
Desmond Askew
Jay Mohr
Scott Wolf
Taye Diggs
William Fichtner
Nathan Bexton
Breckin Meyer
Cedar Rapids (2011)
In "Cedar Rapids," Tim Lippe (played by Ed Helms, a familiar face from "The Hangover") is the quintessential small-town guy who gets his first taste of urban life at a chaotic insurance convention. Naïve and honest to a fault, Tim finds himself under the wing of three convention veterans who introduce him to the not-so-professional side of their industry. The movie is a journey of self-discovery for Tim as he navigates through sex, lies, and debauchery, shedding his innocence along the way. The film shares the spirit of "The Hangover" with its central theme of a fish-out-of-water thrust into a wild environment, making it a comedic exploration of personal boundaries and friendship.
CAST
Ed Helms
John C. Reilly
Anne Heche
Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Stephen Root
Kurtwood Smith
Alia Shawkat
Thomas Lennon
Rob Corddry
Mike O'Malley
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009)
"The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" stars Jeremy Piven as Don Ready, a fast-talking, hard-selling mercenary hired to turn around a struggling car dealership during a patriotic holiday sale. The film is an irreverent comedy that showcases the lengths to which Ready and his eccentric crew will go to make a sale, often leading to outrageous and morally ambiguous situations. The movie resonates with "The Hangover's" penchant for adult humor and over-the-top scenarios, spotlighting a team of anti-heroes who are as charming as they are inappropriate. It's a wild ride that mirrors the misadventures and the unexpected bonding experiences that define "The Hangover."
CAST
Jeremy Piven
Ving Rhames
James Brolin
David Koechner
Kathryn Hahn
Ed Helms
Jordana Spiro
Tony Hale
Ken Jeong
Rob Riggle
Out Cold (2001)
"Out Cold" serves up a cocktail of humor with a slice of 90s culture, set against the serene backdrop of the Alaskan slopes. The film follows a group of snowboarders who live for the thrill of the sport and the camaraderie it brings. When a businessman plans to take over their mountain resort, turning it into a commercial nightmare, the gang schemes to preserve their snowboarding haven. The camaraderie and comedic mishaps echo "The Hangover's" dynamic of a tight-knit group facing outrageous obstacles, albeit with colder weather and fewer hangovers. It's a battle of wits, wills, and snowboards that will resonate with fans looking for that blend of humor and heart.
CAST
Jason London
Lee Majors
Zach Galifianakis
Victoria Silvstedt
David Koechner
Willie Garson
A.J. Cook
Caroline Dhavernas
Flex Alexander
Derek Hamilton
Dirty Work (1998)
Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange star as Mitch and Sam in "Dirty Work," a comedy that channels a revenge-fantasy storyline with a distinctly 90s comedic flair. After finding out that Sam's father needs heart surgery they can't afford, they embark on their entrepreneurial venture of revenge, inadvertently getting tangled up with shady characters. As they orchestrate their hilariously petty retributions, they learn about life, love, and loyalty. While "Dirty Work" might not have the same raucous party scenes as "The Hangover," it shares the film's irreverence and off-the-cuff comedic style, along with the theme of friends navigating a series of unfortunate yet funny events.
CAST
Norm Macdonald
Artie Lange
Jack Warden
Traylor Howard
Christopher McDonald
Chevy Chase
Don Rickles
Polly Shannon
David Koechner
Rebecca Romijn