Zac Efron is riding high on the critical success of Sean Durkin’s biographical sports drama The Iron Claw. But, on Netflix, an old Efron comedy film is having its moment in the spotlight.
Neighbors has claimed the eighth spot on the top ten films list on Netflix US with an impressive 7.6million hours viewed. Directed by Nicholas Stoller, this raunchy comedy has entertained audiences for almost a decade now; Neighbors was released in May 2014.
Stoller, known for his work on comedies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, skillfully helmed Neighbors, infusing it with his signature blend of humour and madcap energy. The film was written by Andrew J. Cohen and Brendan O’Brien, who penned a clever script that perfectly complemented the comedic prowess of the cast.
At the centre of the hilarity was none other than High School Musical heartthrob Zac Efron, who starred alongside Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. Efron’s portrayal of Teddy Sanders, a fraternity president, was a departure from his usual roles at this point in his career trajectory, highlighting his versatility as an actor. This isn’t the only Zac Efron raunchy comedy that has taken Netflix by storm. The chemistry between Rogen, Byrne, and Efron drives the plot, as a young couple with a newborn baby lives next door to a rowdy fraternity, leading to a hilarious clash of lifestyles.
Critics lauded Neighbors for its sharp wit, clever writing, and the charismatic performances of its cast. The film’s exploration of generational conflicts and the challenges of adulthood struck a chord with audiences, making it more than just a typical frat house comedy.
Speaking to TIME, Rogen had delved into the reason for making a film like Neighbors, “I’ve been the star of almost every movie I’ve had some hand in creating, and because of that, I’ve always made movies that focused on people [my] age. Now, I’m 32, I’m married, and a lot of my friends have kids or are having kids. So it only seemed natural to make a movie that embraced that.”
The success of Neighbors paved the way for a sequel, aptly titled Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, which continued the comedic saga with a fresh and feminist twist. Directed by Stoller once again, the sequel featured Rogen, Byrne, and Efron reprising their roles alongside Chloe Grace Moretz.
You can watch Neighbors on Netflix and catch the trailer here:
