Seth Rogen has been in several memorable films throughout his career. There is no doubt that he is a master of comedy, but he has also shown us with films, such as Steve Jobs, that he can pull off dramatic roles just as well. Not only is Rogen a talented actor, he is also a prominent writer, delivering the screenplays for films such as Superbad and Pineapple Express. He also has several producing credits under his belt, proving that he is a major contender in Hollywood. It was recently announced that Rogen will be one of the stars of Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film, The Fabelmans.
Rogen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and was interested in comedy writing from a very young age. Rogen made his acting debut in Judd Apatow’s television series Freaks and Geeks. Although the series only lasted one season, it has since become a cult classic. Rogen continued to work with Apatow on the series Undeclared and eventually began taking film roles starting with Donnie Darko and Anchorman. Since then, Rogen has become an A-list actor, while also writing and producing iconic comedy films. He has shown through more dramatic movies that he has a great emotional range when it comes to acting. Let’s take a look at Seth Rogen’s best dramatic movies, ranked.
6 Like Father
Netflix
Lauren Miller Rogen wrote and directed this Netflix film following Rachel (Kristen Bell), an ad executive who unexpectedly reconnects with her father on a cruise after she is left at the altar. Rogen plays a divorced man named Jeff who ends up connecting with Rachel on the cruise. It is an endearing story that features terrific performances from Bell and Kelsey Grammar. Although there are some comedic moments, it is a film filled with drama while focusing on the importance of love and relationships.
5 Donnie Darko
Image via Pandora Cinema
Donnie Darko was Seth Rogen’s first feature film of his career. Jake Gyllenhaal takes the leading role of Donnie Darko and Rogen plays a bully named Ricky Danforth, who is very dark and tormented. Although it is a smaller role, Rogen does deliver a good dramatic performance. While the film was not a huge success upon its release, it has since become a cult classic with a big following. It is a dark story that touches on several interesting topics, such as mental illness, time travel, and wormholes.
4 Funny People
Universal Pictures
Judd Apatow’s Funny People dives into the world of aspiring actors and comedians. Seth Rogen plays a struggling comedian who befriends A-list actor George Simmons (Adam Sandler). At the same time, Rogen helps Simmons through his cancer diagnosis. Although it is a film about comedians, the story is quite dramatic due to its subject matter. It is a great film about trying to make it in show business that features terrific performances. The cast also includes Jason Schwartzman, Leslie Mann, and Jonah Hill.
3 Take This Waltz
Mongrel Media
Sarah Polley wrote and directed Take This Waltz, which follows a married woman, played by Michelle Williams, who falls in love with someone else. Seth Rogen plays her husband and delivers a terrific dramatic performance. It is an endearing film that focuses on how complicated relationships can be. The chemistry between Williams and Rogen is great from beginning to end. The film’s cast also includes Sarah Silverman and Aaron Abrams.
2 50/50
Summit Entertainment
50/50 is a touching story about a young man named Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who finds out that he has cancer. Rogen plays his supportive, pot-smoking friend Kyle who helps him along his journey. Rogen does a great job playing a character who brings some positive light to the situation. Although there are comedic moments, the film as a whole is very dramatic and endearing. It is not the typical story of cancer, showing that the dreadful disease affects young healthy individuals as well. The film features a great cast that also includes Bryce Dallas Howard and Anna Kendrick.
1 Steve Jobs
Seth Rogen gives a fantastic dramatic performance as the brilliant tech pioneer, Steve Wozniak, in Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs. The film follows the career of Jobs (Michael Fassbender) at three significant moments of his life. The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, giving us intense dialogue and several memorable scenes. The story focuses on the unique personality of Jobs, as well as how ruthless he was when it comes to business. At the same time, the film shows Job’s inability to maintain personal relationships. It is a brilliant showcase of the life of one of the most significant innovators in history. The cast also includes Kate Winslet, Jeff Daniels, and Michael Stuhlbarg.