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Few topics are as popular in Hollywood as celebrations and parties. Especially in the 1990s and early 2000s, a variety of films have come out about the party culture of teenagers around the world. But even today, movies are still being produced along these lines.
The concepts are usually similar: actually, only a simple party is planned, and in the end, the events escalate and pull the protagonists deep into an existential crisis. Since most films of this type come from the comedy genre, many of them are diverting and fun entertainment.
The following list is meant to list the best 37 movies from this genre – and give you a great selection of movies to party along to.
1. Superbad
The absolute classic among modern party movies was made back in 2007 and was the Kickstarter for Jonah Hill’s career. It’s a classic story: three friends, all of whom tend to be outsiders at their school, promise a little too much. The attempt here, of course, is to get laid. On their way to the planned party, they also promised to bring the necessary alcohol with them. But the night turns out completely different than expected and ends in total chaos for the protagonists in this film.
With its twists and turns, cameos, and many scenes that still have meme potential today, Superbad is definitely one of those party movies you should have seen at least once. Not for nothing is the party movie still considered the non-plus ultra in this area.
2. The Hangover (2009)
The classic and first film in the Hangover series is an absolute masterpiece of the genre. The story of the Las Vegas bachelor party that completely escalates with the help of drugs and alcohol has sparked an entire franchise. It is no wonder that it is an absolute must-see in the genre of party movies.
Not only the actors – especially Zach Galifianakis – are convincing in the film. The absurdity behind the plots also provides many laughs. The deeper the four guys delve into the Vegas party scene, the more it becomes apparent what mistakes they made the night before. Just the right movie if you want to party a little yourself on the side!
3. American Pie (1999)
Probably the best-known franchise of teen movies, it shaped an entire generation at the end of the 1990s and in the new millennium. In the meantime, there are five official films and a number of spin-offs about the stories of the teenagers who grew up in the later films.
Especially the first film became cult. In an attempt to lose their virginity, the four boys plunge into the strangest of adventures. Mostly it’s Jim who experiences one humiliation after another. In the end, most of them are successful, and the later films are about how the resulting relationships work out. Until then, however, American Pie is an absolute classic of party movies.
4. Project X (2012)
The film actually became known only through Netflix, although it was already shot in 2012. The story follows three boys who, with a party and the help of alcohol, finally want to become a bit more famous at their school. The occasion of a birthday party should help with that. First, as almost always, only a few people should be invited. In the end, the situation escalates.
The trouble with the neighbors is only one factor – after all, the police have to come later to stop a spree killer with a flamethrower looking for his drugs. So you see – this is a really good movie for partying and for a good laugh or two.
5. Old School
A few years older and therefore a classic party movie: Old School. Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, and Will Ferrell provide a trio of stars for a party movie.
The story revolves around one of the friends who has just separated from his wife and is now moving into a house on the local campus. The men see this as an opportunity to make up for their lost youth once again finally.
However, a welcome party with a guest appearance by Snoop Dog sets off the local university, which thinks nothing of a fraternity of “losers” forming in its front yard. So the fight begins – parties, alcohol, sex, and drugs included.
6. Animal House (1978)
Animal House virtually became the founding myth of the later frat and party films. The film was released as early as 1978 and, by its own account, has influenced a number of today’s directors and actors.
The war between two fraternities and a toga party that has gone down in history are just two reasons why you should have seen this classic among movies. Even those who don’t know much about the genre will get their money’s worth out of the gags and timeless humor.
7. Clueless (1995)
Another timeless classic of the Klamauk and party genre. Here began the career of many a later successful actor. The story about the chic society at a local high school takes the characters and the viewer to a wide variety of parties. The daughter of a good family suddenly has to prove herself at a ghetto party, and many a protagonist loses more than just his hair in the course of the film.
Above all, it is the various characters that have achieved cult status among many viewers of the time that make the film so worth watching. You can overlook some bumpy gags and clichés for once.
Actors are, among others, Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, and Donald Faison.
8. Mean Girls (2004)
Talking about the classics of party movies, of course, we can’t forget Mean Girls. It was the highlight of Lindsay Lohan’s career, the start of famous actress Rachel McAdams’ career, and the birth of dozens of memes that continue to this day.
There are two epic parties in this film, but they are only incidental to it. Especially the quarrel between the hostile but friendly groups of girls is in focus – the trouble with the boys is, of course, always a sideshow.
Good music and a funny story make the film perfect for your own evening out.
9. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
When it comes to alcohol, don’t forget the epic parties celebrated in Will Ferrell’s “Anchorman.” The flamboyant news anchor, who faces off against his younger and distinctly blonder competition throughout the film, is the second role in this listing played by Will.
Many stars appear in this work; even if it is not a typical party movie, great humor and a great cast make up for it.
10. The Great Gatsby (2012)
Another party movie that is a bit out of line. However, the life of Jay Gatsby, played by Leo DiCaprio, is one party anyway. Its celebrations in the heart of America are famous worldwide and show this city’s unique life.
This movie is less about the parties themselves and more about the great story behind an interesting story that has been mentioned several times in Arts and Culture.
11. Wayne’s World (1992)
The movie with Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey is still a cult movie, even though it was released 20 years ago. The story of Wayne and Garth, who have a T.V. show in Illinois, escalates quite fast.
The big party in the movie is just one example of how much fun you have following the two chaotic protagonists who aren’t the brightest candles on the cake. You will be surprised how many elements can be found in this film that has been reused in later party movies.
12. 21 Jump Street (2012)
Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as undercover cops at a high school – what could go wrong? The two delve deep into the party life of the high school, being reminded of their own school days and yet wondering about the many changes teenagers have experienced in the past decade.
In search of a new fashion drug, they themselves become victims of the effects of just that – and of interesting interpersonal relationships between the former loser who can now become the head at an old high school.
13. 22 Jump Street (2014)
It’s hard to say if the first part of the series or the second part is better. The fact is that the second part is even more of a party movie than the original. At least this time, it takes the two cops to Tijuana – the party center of America’s youth during spring break. For Spring Break, after already cleaning up the university, they have to arrest a mafia gang. Not so easy when alcohol and other distractions are waiting for you at every turn.
14. Hangover 2 (2011)
You would think that the actors from the first part would be smart enough to stay away from any form of alcohol. This time the second friend gets married – in Thailand, more precisely near Bangkok. And again, drugs are involved when they wake up the next morning in the Thai capital and find that they can’t remember anything. This time the CIA also plays a role.
The second part is not as strong and original as Hangover 1 but still offers classic humor and funny interludes.
15. Road Trip
At the time, Road Trip got a little lost in the hype of American Pie. The story is good: a sex tape was made “by mistake” and then got into the mail. So driving all over the country and intercepting the package before it ends up at the girlfriend’s house. In the process, one finds both oneself and one or the other fraternity, theft, and hard drugs.
Rejoining the cast is an acquaintance from the American Pie role, Seann William Scott – but otherwise, there are some original changes in this early 2000s teen movie.
16. The Social Network (2010)
Maybe the story of Marc Zuckerberg tells you something. Facebook’s founder wasn’t always an influential billionaire. On the way to success, he had to overcome many a hurdle at his university in Harvard – and a Caribbean party with a fake waterfall.
The parties in this film reflect the life of the time well; even if they are not the film’s focus, it is worth following the exciting story around the largest social network in the world.
17. Legally Blonde Official (2001)
The “Naturally Blonde” movie series around Reese Witherspoon is another proof of how popular these movies were at the beginning of the 2000s. The story around the clichéd blonde who suddenly wants to become a lawyer naturally takes viewers to one party or another.
It is especially the protagonist’s very own and so honest charm that gives this film its own touch among the multitude of party movies. You should have seen this movie, even on a rainy Sunday.
18. 21 and Over (2013)
The 21. In the U.S., a 30th birthday is the official entry into adulthood and is usually celebrated in style. But what if you have the most important job interview of your life the next day? Then, of course, you get picked up by your friends, bottled up, and suddenly find yourself in a mess. The job interview? Unimportant. First, you have to explain to your father that you’ve been drunkenly ranting to him on his voicemail. Or why you find yourself in the middle of a dorm of girls.
21 and Over is not original, but the film has a fast pace and great parties.
19. Eurotrip
You’ve met the perfect woman, but unfortunately, she lives in Germany, while you’re stuck in the middle of the USA. No problem, Europe is tiny after all, so you start the journey in London. It’s stupid when you have to pick up about every cliché about Europeans along the way.
The journey of a group of American teenagers through Europe is wonderfully silly and features a great party or two. But above all, the gags are to the point and will hopefully make you laugh, too Laugh.
20. Bad Neighbors
That Seth Rogen is a guarantor for funny party movies is well-known now. But it also meets Zac Efron and James Franco, and good cinema is almost guaranteed.
In Neighbors, the protagonist actually wants to be a responsible man – if it weren’t for the seductions of his best friends. Or through the fraternity on the other side of the street, which just doesn’t want to give him a quiet life.
