The 40-Year-Old Virgin Turns 20 with 4K Re-Release and Theatrical Comeback
Steve Carell’s breakout comedy returns in stunning 4K and a limited theatrical run, giving fans a fresh chance to experience a modern classic.
Universal Pictures is celebrating the 20th anniversary of The 40-Year-Old Virgin with a fully remastered 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital edition, arriving August 12, 2025. This special release includes both the theatrical and unrated cuts, plus over two hours of new bonus content, highlighted by a fresh reunion discussion with director Judd Apatow and members of the cast.
For one week only, from August 22 to August 28, the film will also return to approximately 800 theaters across the United States. This limited engagement offers longtime fans the chance to relive the R-rated comedy on the big screen, while introducing a new generation to the movie’s unique blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt storytelling.
Released originally on August 19, 2005, The 40-Year-Old Virgin was a critical and commercial hit, earning over $177 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. It was praised for balancing outrageous comedy with genuine emotion, securing a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Comedy in 2006 and a place on numerous “Best of 2005” lists.
The movie marked a major turning point for Steve Carell, who co-wrote the script with Apatow and took on his first leading role in a feature film. That same year, Carell began his iconic run as Michael Scott in The Office, cementing 2005 as his breakout moment. He later built a career spanning box office comedies like Get Smart and Despicable Me as well as acclaimed dramas such as Foxcatcher.
For Judd Apatow, the film was his feature directorial debut, laying the foundation for a distinct comedic style that fused improvisation, sharp R-rated humor, and an undercurrent of sincerity. Apatow went on to direct hits like Knocked Up and Trainwreck, while producing films that launched the careers of stars including Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd.
The anniversary is also sparking nostalgic reflections from the cast. At a special May 2025 screening, Seth Rogen and others shared behind-the-scenes stories about improvisation on set, the camaraderie among the cast, and the unexpected cultural impact of the movie’s most quoted moments.
With its anniversary edition and theatrical run, The 40-Year-Old Virgin is set to remind audiences why it remains a landmark in modern comedy, equal parts outrageous and sincere, and still as funny as the day it premiered.
