ShortList is supported by you, our amazing readers. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Learn more

Judd Apatow's funniest moments

Laughter lies beneath

Judd Apatow's funniest moments
23 April 2012

If you've laughed at least one film in the past eight years then chances are it bore the fingerprints of Judd Apatow. The writer/director/producer has managed to consistently provide an astounding amount of humour ever since his directorial debut The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

As his winning streak continues with the upcoming comedy This Is 40, we take a look back at his finest and funniest moments.

(Images: Rex Features, All Star)

The 40-Year-Old Virgin - Chest Waxing

In Steve Carell's attempt to lose his virginity, he undergoes one of the most painful experiences a man can ever have. So we hear. Yes, he gets his chest waxed. His reaction to the unfathomable pain is pretty much exactly the reaction we'd have. We imagine. Not sure if we'd be shouting about Kelly Clarkson though.

Bridesmaids - Duelling speeches

Judd Apatow's most commercially successful film was a collection of increasingly humiliating sequences of comedy and nothing showcases this more than this engagement party nightmare. Kristin Wiig's insecure best friend finds herself in an escalating game of one-upmanship with the icy Rose Byrne leading to this almost unwatchably awkward array of absurd speeches.

Knocked Up - Double Date

Apatow's second film as director focused on one of his most common and most effective themes: growing up. Seth Rogen's man-child is forced into adulthood after impregnating Katherine Heigl and as they attempt an unlikely relationship, they buddy up with Heigl's sister, played by Leslie Mann and her husband, played by Paul Rudd. This scene showcases the budding friendship between Rogen and Rudd, much to the dismay of their partners...

Forgetting Sarah Marshall - The Sex Off

There's nothing quite like showing an ex just how much happier you are than them. In Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Jason Segel regrettably bumps into his ex Kristen Bell who's holidaying with her new boyfriend Russell Brand. The awkwardness is somewhat lessened after he meets sexy receptionist Mila Kunis. The two couples are then pitted against each other in a sex off. Witness the destruction below.

Funny People - Doctor's Accent

In his third movie as director, Judd Apatow aimed for a mix of comedy and drama with the story of a comic, played by Adam Sandler, who discovers he has cancer. In this scene, a potentially grim situation (Sandler gets informed that his disease isn't improving) is lightened by, well, making fun of the doctor's thick accent. Works for us..

Pineapple Express - Car Chase

Ever wondered what happens when you take a stoner and his dealer and put them in the middle of a high-octane car chase? Well, here you go. Taking a familiar action movie situation and showing us how two novices would cope, it's a manic and genuinely funny sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Step Brothers - Sweet Child O' Mine

As hilarious as Will Ferrell and John C Reilly's petty squabbling is, the funniest scene in Step Brothers doesn't actually feature either of them. Playing Will Ferrell's smug biological brother, Adam Scott and his obnoxious family deliver a sickening rendition of the Guns N' Roses classic which shows that being an actual grown-up can be just as annoying as being an overgrown child.

Superbad - I Am McLovin'

Effortlessly movie-stealing from his very first scene, Christoper Mintz-Plasse's turn as Fogell gave him instant recognition and roles in Fright Night and Role Models. It all comes down to this genius scene as he showcases his new ID to a suitably unimpressed Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. Best fake name ever. "It was between that and Mohammad"...

Get Him To The Greek - Ring Round

This hilariously suggestive music video from Rose Byrne's risqué British singer is undoubtedly the funniest and most well-observed scene in the Jonah Hill/Russell Brand comedy. Satirising the overt sexuality of today's female pop stars and showcasing Byrne's hilariously clichéd English accent, it has definite rewatchability. This is also helped massively by Rose Byrne's revealing attire.

Anchorman - Afternoon Delight

Now, picking just one scene from the Will Ferrell classic is pretty much the hardest thing we've ever had to do. Yes, we might have had it easy up until this point. But when it comes to pure quotability, this earnest performance of Afternoon Delight is right up there. Everyone ready in three?

Anchorman - Afternoon DelightThe most amazing home videos are here