The 50 Best Party Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- 1Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper, Jonathan Daniel Brown
Project X dives headfirst into the chaos of high school escapism through an epic party nobody could forget—if they could remember it, that is. Directed by Nima Nourizadeh and produced by Todd Phillips, the film follows three friends, played by Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper, and Jonathan Daniel Brown, as they attempt to gain popularity by throwing the ultimate birthday bash. Things quickly spiral out of control, turning every teen's dream party into a frenzied, larger-than-life spectacle that captures the wild side of youthful exuberance.
In the pantheon of best party movies, Project X stands out for its raw, found-footage style that immerses viewers in the heart of the commotion, making it feel like an authentic, no-holds-barred teenage revelry. With its pulse on the juvenile thirst for notoriety and a soundtrack that's as memorable as the chaos it scores, Project X secures its status among classics by depicting a rager that not only defines a generation but also sets a new benchmark for onscreen debauchery.
More Project X
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- 2Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan
American Pie hit the cinematic scene as the quintessential teen comedy that boils down the high school experience into a raucous blend of sex, laughs, and coming-of-age drama. Directed by Paul Weitz, the 1999 film became an instant cultural landmark with a cast that features Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, and Seann William Scott among others. It follows a group of friends on a quest to lose their virginity by prom night, leading to a series of outlandish and often embarrassing escapades.
Within the realm of the best party movies, American Pie earns its stripes through its relatable portrayal of teenage awkwardness, raucous party scenes, and the infamous house party that's as disastrously hilarious as it is wildly nostalgic. Over the years, it has carved out a legacy for its no-filter humor and heartfelt moments, resonating with audiences who find a piece of their own high school selves amid the chaos, firmly planting itself as a timeless staple in party movie history.
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- 3Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Superbad is a 2007 American coming-of-age comedy directed by Greg Mottola and produced by Judd Apatow. The film features Jonah Hill and Michael Cera as high school buddies Seth and Evan, who embark on a mission to lose their virginity before they go off to college. Their journey to an epic end-of-high-school party proves to be full of hilarious, and ridiculously disastrous moments.
In the realm of quintessential party movies, Superbad firmly holds its place. With its unforgettable characters, the movie is filled with riotous party scenes and high-energy teen hijinks that encapsulate the quintessential high school experience. Furthermore, it delivers with both laugh-out-loud moments and sentimental reflections on friendship, ensuring it's both a raucously entertaining and emotionally resonant film. Among party movies, Superbad is a standout that captures the hilarity, absurdity, and nostalgia of the end of an era, solidifying its spot in the pantheon of the genre.
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- 4Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
The Hangover is a riotous journey through the aftermath of a Las Vegas bachelor party gone terribly awry. Directed by Todd Phillips, this 2009 comedy hit follows a trio of groomsmen, played by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, as they wake up from a night of excessive partying with no memory of the previous evening and the groom nowhere to be found. A tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet, and a series of misadventures set the stage for a wild quest to piece together their lost night and locate their missing friend before his wedding.
Among the echelons of party-centric cinema, The Hangover stands as a benchmark for its clever spin on the genre, flipping the script by focusing on the consequences rather than the party itself. Its sharp humor, unforgettable moments, and mystery-driven plot elevate it above traditional party fare, offering a comedic odyssey that captures the chaotic spirit of a night out gone completely off the rails. Its success and influence have secured its place not just as a box office hit, but as a party movie icon that continues to entertain audiences with its unbridled escapades.
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- 5Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon
21 and Over is a coming-of-age comedy that captures the wild escapades and reckless abandon of the quintessential American rite of passage: a 21st birthday celebration. The film chronicles the chaotic night of Jeff Chang, skillfully played by Justin Chon, who is taken out by his two best friends, portrayed by Skylar Astin and Miles Teller, for a night on the town. Faced with an important medical school interview the next morning, Jeff's plans for a restrained evening quickly unravel, launching the trio into an evening filled with alcohol-fueled hijinks and unexpected consequences.
In the pantheon of best party movies, 21 and Over finds its groove with a blend of youthful energy and the kind of outrageous set-pieces that define the genre. While it may not have the cult status of some of its contemporaries, the film captures the spirit of spontaneity and the unfiltered joy of celebrating legal drinking age. It celebrates the bonding that comes from shared wild experiences, cementing its place as a worthy entry that encapsulates the humor and chaos of navigating adulthood through one unforgettable night.
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- 6Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson
Dazed and Confused is a 1993 American coming-of-age comedy film directed by Richard Linklater. Set on the last day of school in 1976, the film features an ensemble cast including Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, and Parker Posey, among others. It follows various groups of Texas teenagers as they celebrate the beginning of summer, navigating parties, local hangouts, and hazing rituals.
Hailed for its authentic depiction of teenage life in the '70s, Dazed and Confused is quintessential in the genre of party films, known for its classic rock soundtrack and unforgettable lines ("Alright, alright, alright"). Its portrayal of the hedonistic merriment mixed with the relatable anxieties and trials of adolescence has influenced many subsequent party movies. Balancing raucous humor with poignant nostalgia, Dazed and Confused is considered not only a cult classic but also a pivotal film within the canon of the best party movies of all time.
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- 7Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne
Neighbors is a boisterous comedy clash pitting the raucous world of a college fraternity against the tranquil domestic life of new parents. Directed by Nicholas Stoller, the 2014 film stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as Mac and Kelly Radner, a couple who face the ultimate test when a fraternity, led by the charismatic Teddy Sanders played by Zac Efron, moves in next door. As the frat's wild parties disrupt the Radner's peaceful life, an all-out war of schemes and pranks ensues, leading to an uproarious battle of wits and wills.
In the landscape of the best party films, Neighbors stands out for its unique take on cross-generational conflict fueled by the party scene's chaos. It deftly balances outrageous humor with the relatable challenges of adulthood, securing its spot among party movie aficionados for its memorable characters and the hilariously exaggerated representation of college debauchery versus suburban dreariness. Neighbors is not just another college party flick; it's a comedy that cleverly captures the reality of settling down without settling for less fun.
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- 8Scott Mechlowicz, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jacob Pitts
Eurotrip embarks on an overseas comedy adventure, following Scott Thomas (Scott Mechlowicz) who, after a humiliating breakup, discovers his German pen pal is a gorgeous girl and not the male friend he imagined. Prompted by this revelation, Scott and his friends Cooper (Jacob Pitts), Jenny (Michelle Trachtenberg), and Jamie (Travis Wester), set off on a chaotic journey across Europe in search of his newfound love interest. Along the way, they encounter a myriad of cultural oddities, outlandish characters, and riotous situations, making for an unforgettable expedition.
In comparison to other best party movies, Eurotrip carves its niche with its vivid portrayal of youthful spontaneity and the often comedic mishaps of travel. Though not about a singular party, the entire film plays like a rolling celebration of freedom, friendship, and the uninhibited backpacker lifestyle that's synonymous with the Eurotrip experience. Its catchy soundtrack, memorable cameos, and the outlandish escapades have etched Eurotrip into the memories of audiences seeking a hearty dose of humor mixed with the spirit of adventure, ensuring its place in the annals of classic party cinema.
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- 9Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn
Old School is a raucous comedy that harkens back to the glory days of college life, but with a twist—the party animals are actually disillusioned adults. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film stars Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, and Will Ferrell as a trio of friends who, grappling with their mundane lives, decide to recapture their youth by starting a fraternity near their alma mater. As they open their doors to a motley crew of pledges, their attempt at unfettered collegiate fun soon draws the ire of the university dean and escalates into an all-out battle for the right to party.
Against the backdrop of fraternity comedies, Old School earns its status as a modern classic by blending visceral party scenes with the comedic exploration of a mid-life crisis. It delivers a potent mix of nostalgia and irreverent humor, featuring some of the most iconic party sequences—including Will Ferrell's legendary streaking escapade. A film that's as much about friendship as it is about partying, Old School finds its rightful place among the best party movies, resonating with audiences who long for one more wild night from their carefree college years.
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- 10Seann William Scott, Breckin Meyer, DJ Qualls
Road Trip is a high-speed comedy that puts the pedal to the metal on cross-country chaos. Directed by Todd Phillips, the 2000 film captures the essence of a spontaneous adventure when college student Josh (Breckin Meyer) must retrieve a scandalous videotape mistakenly mailed to his girlfriend. Joined by a ragtag group of friends—E.L. (Seann William Scott), Rubin (Paulo Costanzo), and Kyle (DJ Qualls)—the foursome embarks on a wild journey full of outlandish encounters and unintended consequences, finding the real party is often the one on the open road.
In the universe of celebrated party movies, Road Trip cruises into its own lane with its on-the-go escapade that's a refreshing detour from typical college party scenes. While not confined to a single raucous gathering, it embodies the spirit of youthful abandon and the epic quest for a good time, making it a roadworthy competitor among the best party movies. Its innovative blend of buddy-comedy bonding and on-the-road revelry ensures that Road Trip continues to be remembered for its unrelenting sense of fun and freewheeling spirit.
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- 11John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Donald Sutherland
This classic comedy follows the misadventures of a group of misfits at a fictional college, including their legendary toga party. The film captures the feel of college life in the 1970s and features many memorable party scenes.
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- 12John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson
Four friends travel back to 1986 in a hot tub time machine, where they attend a wild party at a ski resort. The film follows their adventures as they try to navigate their way through the past and return to the present.
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- 13Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
The Wolfpack travels to Thailand for another wild bachelor party, with even crazier consequences. The film follows their efforts to piece together the previous night's events and deal with the aftermath of their partying.
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- 14Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill
In this outrageous comedy, a group of celebrities is trapped in a house together during the end of the world and throw a wild party to pass the time. The film follows their efforts to survive and make it through the apocalypse, all while trying to maintain their party-loving ways.
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- 15Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid, Tim Matheson
This college comedy follows the outrageous partying and hijinks of the titular character, a popular senior who never graduated. The film follows Van's efforts to keep the party going, despite numerous challenges and confrontations with the school administration.
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- 16Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Blake Lively
In this comedy, a group of rejected college applicants create their own fake university and throw wild parties to recruit new students. The film follows their efforts to keep the university running and deal with the challenges of being a phony institution.
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- 17Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold
This coming-of-age movie follows a group of high schoolers navigating the challenges of growing up, including a memorable pool party scene. The film captures the feel of high school life in the 1980s and features several memorable party scenes.
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- 18Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob LoweIn Wayne's World, Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carvey), two music-loving slackers, host a public-access television show in Aurora, Illinois. Their laid-back lifestyle takes an unexpected turn when Benjamin Kane (Rob Lowe), a slick television producer, offers to take their show to the big leagues. As fame and fortune beckon, Wayne's relationship with his rock singer girlfriend Cassandra Wong (Tia Carrere) starts to falter. This comedy film, peppered with iconic 90s rock-n-roll, explores the duo's struggle to maintain authenticity amidst commercialization.More Wayne's World
- 19Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Erik Stolhanske
In this comedy, two brothers travel to Germany to compete in the ultimate beer-drinking competition and encounter wild parties along the way. The film follows their efforts to win the match and deal with the consequences of their partying.
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- 20Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards, Ted McGinleyRevenge of the Nerds, a comedy classic from 1984, centers on a group of socially awkward students at Adams College. The protagonists, led by Lewis Skolnick (Robert Carradine) and Gilbert Lowe (Anthony Edwards), form their fraternity, Lambda Lambda Lambda. When they are targeted by Alpha Beta, a jock-centric fraternity headed by Stan Gable (Ted McGinley), they decide to fight back. In this hilarious tale of underdogs rising against oppression, brains battle brawn in an epic struggle for respect and acceptance.More Revenge of the Nerds
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- 21Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Keith GordonThornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) is concerned that his son Jason (Keith Gordon) is unsure whether to go to college, so the uneducated self-made millionaire encourages him by signing up as a student as well. As Jason tries to establish himself among his peers and make the diving team, Thornton falls for a pretty professor (Sally Kellerman) and gets others do his schoolwork for him. When the suspicious dean (Paxton Whitehead) finds out, Thornton needs to show he can get by on his own.More Back to School
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- 22Kelly LeBrock, Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-SmithIn the comedic science fiction film Weird Science, high school geeks Gary Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) decide to take their fate into their own hands. Using a home computer and some old-fashioned teenage ingenuity, they create Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), a stunningly beautiful woman with a mind of her own. However, the boys soon learn that their creation is more than they bargained for, leading to a series of hilarious and unexpected events. This John Hughes-directed movie artfully combines humor and fantasy, providing an entertaining exploration of adolescent dreams gone awry.More Weird Science
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- 23Dan Monahan, Chuck Mitchell, Alex KarrasHigh school friends Pee Wee (Dan Monahan), Tommy (Wyatt Knight), Billy (Mark Herrier) and Mickey (Roger Wilson) want to lose their virginity. But when they're kicked out of a strip club after the owner, Porky (Chuck Mitchell), takes their money, they plot revenge. While they try to get back at him, they deal with other teen troubles, including Pee Wee's worries that his "equipment" is shrinking, their sexually opinionated gym teacher (Kim Cattrall) and a spy hole in the girl's locker room.More Porky's
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- 24Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Stacy KeachAn unemployed pot-smoking slacker and amateur drummer, Anthony Stoner (Tommy Chong) ditches his strict parents and hits the road, eventually meeting kindred spirit Pedro de Pacas (Cheech Marin). While the drug-ingesting duo is soon arrested for possession of marijuana, Anthony and Pedro get released on a technicality, allowing them to continue their many misadventures and ultimately compete in a rock band contest, where they perform the raucous tune "Earache My Eye."
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- 25Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
This biographical black comedy follows the excesses of Wall Street stockbroker Jordan Belfort including his wild parties and lavish lifestyle. The film follows Belfort's rise to success and eventual downfall while living high and throwing great parties.
More The Wolf of Wall Street- Dig Deeper...Behind The Scenes Of 'The Wolf of Wall Street'
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- 26Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T. J. MillerOffice Christmas Party is a 2016 American Christmas comedy film directed by Josh Gordon. When his uptight CEO sister (Jennifer Aniston) threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager (T.J. Miller) throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand.
- 27Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben StillerIn There's Something About Mary, Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller) cherishes a high school crush on the radiant Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz). After a prom night debacle, years pass. Now, finding himself still smitten, Ted hires private investigator Pat Healy (Matt Dillon) to track her down. The comedy unravels when Healy falls for Mary too, weaving a web of deceit to win her heart. A string of comedic misadventures ensues in this Farrelly Brothers' film, blending romance and hilarity in an unforgettable mix that earned Diaz a Golden Globe nomination.
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- 28Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, Michael WinslowPolice Academy is a comedic romp, all about the misadventures of a group of unlikely and eccentric recruits looking to prove themselves in the world of law enforcement. The film stars Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), a repeat offender given a choice between jail or the police academy. He's joined by characters like the sound-effects wiz Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow) and gun-obsessed Eugene Tackleberry (David Graf). As they navigate through their training, these rookies turn the academy upside down with their unconventional methods and hilarious antics. Despite its light-hearted nature, Police Academy offers subtle social commentary on authority and conformity.More Police Academy
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- 29Tom Hanks, Tawny Kitaen, Adrian ZmedOn the eve of his wedding to his longtime girlfriend, Debbie (Tawny Kitaen), unassuming nice guy Rick (Tom Hanks) is dragged out for a night of debauchery by his friends. The gang includes cocky Jay (Adrian Zmed), self-appointed ringleader of the party, and depressed, recently divorced Brad (Bradford Bancroft). Along the way, they run into Debbie's wealthy, disapproving father (George Grizzard) and her ex-boyfriend, Cole (Robert Prescott), who attempt to stop the wedding in an unexpected way.More Bachelor Party
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- 30Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anthony MackieFor the last 10 years, lifelong buddies Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate the holidays with a bang. As Isaac prepares to become a first-time father, the friends realize that their annual tradition is coming to a sad end. To make it as memorable as possible, they plan a night of debauchery and hilarity by searching for the Nutcracka Ball, the Holy Grail of Christmas parties in New York.More The Night Before
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