The Interview [1] is coming out this weekend, and while it may or may not be responsible for that massive Sony hack [2], we are psyched to see James Franco [3] and Seth Rogen [4] together again on screen. They have appeared in many, many films together since they were on Freaks and Geeks together [5], and if the both of them aren't in a project together, chances are, a member of their gang is. You know this gang; the guys Judd Apatow first brought together that's expanded to include a select few, like Jonah Hill [6] and Jay Baruchel. Take a look at the history of their overlapping résumés on both the big and small screens.
— Additional reporting by Becky Kirsch
Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)
A lot of the following movies may have never happened if not for the short-lived series Freaks and Geeks. The cult favorite only lasted one season, but it marks the first major roles for Seth Rogen [7] and James Franco [8]. The show is referenced many times throughout the film, and costars Jason Segel [9] and Martin Starr make cameo appearances.
Undeclared (2001-2002)
Like Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared is an underrated (and short-lived) TV show that was brought to us by Judd Apatow. It doesn't have the same following as Freaks and Geeks, but it does feature the same caliber of now-famous stars, like Jay Baruchel, Jason Segel [10], and Seth Rogen [11] (bonus: Charlie Hunnam [12] also starred!).
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Judd Apatow made his directorial debut with The 40 Year Old Virgin, and naturally, he cast some of his favorite actors. Seth Rogen [13] appears as a douche-y co-worker of Steve Carell [14]'s titular character, and Jonah Hill [15] makes a small but memorable cameo as a quirky guy trying to score a pair of funky shoes. Paul Rudd [16] also stars (and makes a cameo in This Is the End).
Knocked Up (2007)
This comedy classic boasts the most of This Is the End's costars all in one place: Seth Rogen [17] is the lead, while Jonah Hill [18], Jay Baruchel, Jason Segel [19], and Martin Starr play his BFFs. In addition, Craig Robinson pops up as a surly bouncer, while James Franco [20] got a head start on playing himself when he shows up to do an interview with Katherine Heigl [21]'s character.
Superbad (2007)
Superbad marks the first feature-film screenplay that came from The Interview and This Is the End cowriters Seth Rogen [22] and Evan Goldberg. The longtime BFFs wrote the film about their own high school experiences, with Jonah Hill [23] and Michael Cera [24] starring as Seth and Evan.
Pineapple Express (2008)
The Interview stars James Franco [25] and Seth Rogen [26] play potheads on the run from a drug lord in this comedy, also penned by Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Not only do Franco and Rogen play stoner buddies, but also, another pair from This Is the End pops up together here: Danny McBride and Craig Robinson, as the drug lord's henchmen. This collaboration, more than any other, gets some seriously hilarious recognition in This Is the End.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Before Danny McBride and Jay Baruchel were trapped in a house together during the apocalypse in This Is the End, they were trapped together in the jungle in Tropic Thunder.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
Seth Rogen [27] leaves a lot of his standard costars behind in the raunchy comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno — except for Craig Robinson, who plays Zack's co-worker and producer of the titular porno.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)
Michael Cera [28] and Jay Baruchel both attend James Franco [29]'s party in This Is the End, but they've been on the big screen before: they fight for the same girl in the 2008 romantic comedy Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.
Funny People (2009)
Another one from director Judd Apatow, Funny People stars Seth Rogen [30] as a struggling stand-up comedian, with Jonah Hill [31] playing his roommate. Aziz Ansari also appears as an obnoxious fellow comedian and has a pretty grisly scene in This Is the End.
Eastbound & Down (2009-2012)
Craig Robinson has appeared in a handful of episodes of Danny McBride's HBO comedy — playing a baseball player and rocking an eye patch, no less.
Your Highness (2011)
Danny McBride cowrote this medieval comedy, which showcases him and James Franco [32] as brothers on a quest to save a princess. The movie was a flop, but the guys are able to poke fun at it in This Is the End.
As I Lay Dying (2013)
For his feature-film directorial debut, James Franco [33] called on his friend Danny McBride to take on some more serious material in As I Lay Dying.
This Is the End (2013)
For their directorial debut, cowriters Seth Rogen [34] and Evan Goldberg gathered up some of their closest friends to star in This Is the End. They don't all have huge roles (Jason Segel [35] is literally only in one scene), but you can't help but feel like you're watching a big family reunion. Where people die.
The Sound and the Fury (2014)
Franco directed and starred in the William Faulkner adaption and even found a small role for Rogen.
The Interview
Rogen and Franco are the leads in this movie, just like in Pineapple Express, though this time they play an interviewer (Franco) and a producer (Rogen) sent to assassinate North Korea's dictator.