The world of Christmas movies is a complex one, yet it’s undeniably thriving. While not everyone is a fan of the Hallmark brand of holiday cheer, streaming platforms have stepped in to fill the gap left by traditional studios, offering a variety of star-studded comedies and dramas throughout the festive season. However, it’s important to note that not all holiday films are created equal. Some viewers are in search of a genuine cinematic experience, even if it has a seasonal theme. Unfortunately, many contemporary Christmas films seem to bring big-name actors down to a more basic level instead of elevating holiday storytelling to meet their talents.

Seth Rogen might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about elevating cinema. That’s not to criticize him—he would likely admit that his style is more about authentic comedy rather than artistic pretension. His films have hit the mark with audiences in cases like Superbad and Neighbors, though not always, as seen with The Guilt Trip and An American Pickle. Interestingly, his more successful movies often see greater popularity. However, this wasn’t the case with The Night Before, a comedy that reunited Rogen with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Despite its potential, it didn’t become the holiday classic it was poised to be since its 2015 release.

Why Should You Consider Watching The Night Before?

Rogen’s films are known for their unapologetic embrace of wild, party-centric antics. His breakout roles in Judd Apatow films like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up often revolve around men navigating their extended adolescence. The Night Before, directed by Jonathan Levine, provides a fresh twist on the familiar theme of adults behaving like overgrown teenagers by making it a part of a coping mechanism.

The movie focuses on Ethan, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who lost his parents in a tragic car accident during his childhood. His closest friends, Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie), dedicated themselves to spending every Christmas Eve with him to help ease his sorrow with a mix of Rogen-esque, semi-hipster festivities. Fast forward nearly fifteen years, and their annual tradition is on the verge of ending. Isaac is about to become a father, Chris has ascended to sports fame, and Ethan finds himself clinging to his youth, fearing he may have missed his chance with his love interest, Diana (Lizzy Caplan).

A lot of what ensues is pretty standard bro-comedy-with-heart stuff: Friendships are tested and eventually reaffirmed. Funny women are alienated, then won back, without ever getting quite as much to do as you’d prefer. Cameos abound, both in character (Michael Shannon is priceless as a mysterious drug dealer) and with celebs playing themselves (Miley Cyrus, in what may be her best movie by default). But it turns out that Christmas could really use an injection of the post-Apatow Rogen formula; the match between holiday sentimentality and wacky antics turns out to be just the right mint-and-chocolate combination. Levine captures the excitement, magic, and, yes, seediness of spending the holidays in New York City, and Rogen’s particular drug-induced panic about becoming a parent are especially funny.

Gordon-Levitt is unfortunately stuck in more of the moping straight-man zone; he’s done two movies with Rogen in this mode (the other is the affecting cancer dramedy 50/50), and while they have chemistry regardless, it would be nice to see him allowed to get a little sillier. Still, he and Mackie are hugely likable, and this is one of those movies where everywhere you turn there’s someone fun to watch, from the central trio to Caplan and Bell to Mindy Kaling, Randall Park, and Jason Mantzoukas, among many others.

That chumminess is key to the movie’s success. So many holiday movies, especially comedies, focus on either spending time with family, or finding love. There’s a little bit of the latter in The Night Before, but the movie feels uncommonly lived-in for a broad comedy, especially in conveying the vital importance of close friendships as we age into families of our own. It’s the rare contemporary holiday movie that feels like it really should resonate throughout the year.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (At least, that’s what Andy Williams promised.) The holidays are a time to celebrate with family, friends, food, and, let’s not forget, fun things to watch. Whether you’re huddled up with the whole family in your living room or cozying up under the covers with your tablet, let Decider be your guide to all things festive this holiday season.

Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) is a writer living in Brooklyn. He’s a regular contributor to The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week, among others. He podcasts at www.sportsalcohol.com, too.

Watch The Night Before on Peacock