The night descends into chaos when Isaac’s wife gifts him a box of various drugs, leading to a series of surreal and hilarious misadventures across the city. Release Date: November 20, 2015 (USA). Director: Jonathan Levine . Key Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Ethan. Seth Rogen as Isaac. Anthony Mackie as Chris.
It holds a "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes , with viewers praising its blend of heart and absurdity. Viewing Options
is a 2015 R-rated holiday comedy directed by Jonathan Levine. The film follows three lifelong best friends—Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen), and Chris (Anthony Mackie)—as they reunite for one final, drug-fueled Christmas Eve tradition in New York City. Plot Summary The Night Before (2015)
as Mr. Green (their mysterious weed dealer). Lizzy Caplan as Diana (Ethan's ex-girlfriend). Cameos: Includes Miley Cyrus and James Franco. Critical & Audience Reception
As of April 2026, the film is available to stream or rent on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix . The night descends into chaos when Isaac’s wife
Critics and fans often highlight Michael Shannon's performance and Seth Rogen’s intense "drug trip" scenes, particularly one involving a church service.
The story centers on a 14-year tradition established after Ethan’s parents passed away just before Christmas. To ensure he was never alone, his friends Isaac and Chris dedicated every Christmas Eve to debauchery and a quest for the "Nutcracker Ball," a legendary secret party. As adulthood sets in—with Isaac expecting his first child and Chris finding fame as a pro athlete—the trio decides to make this their final "big night". Key Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Ethan
Some reviewers noted that while funny, it doesn't quite reach the iconic status of Rogen’s previous hits like This Is The End .
