Three years after the success of 40-Year-Old Virgin, Apatow wrote, produced and directed the fabulous Knocked Up. There's not a lot in it between the two, but this 2008 classic, which has grossed over $200m, just has the edge. Having only really played supporting roles until this point, this film made Rogen a huge star. The film sees him play Ben Stone, a young, work-shy layabout who lives with his equally worthless friends and spends his days smoking weed, drinking beer and watching pornography. He lives off compensation he received from an injury years earlier, and him and his pals are attempting to start up a celebrity porn website. On a random night out, Ben has a one-night stand with the successful, attractive Alison Scott, who later realises she is pregnant. The movie deals with Ben and Alison's attempt at a relationship and preparation for parenthood, while others around them stick their noses in, making makes for a riotous 129 minutes of cinema. The likes of Jonah Hill, Jason Segel and Jay Baruchel are terrific as Ben's slacker friends, while Leslie Mann and Rudd are brilliant as Alison's sister and brother-in-law, respectively. Such was the film's success that a sequel, This Is 40, was made in 2012, looking at Mann and Rudd's faltering marriage as they hit, surprise, 40 years of age. Knocked Up is brilliantly crude in some places and heart-warming in others, and remains Apatow's finest effort to date.
