Vacation Movies in Order: the 6 Classic Comedy Series (2023)

Are you looking forward to an exciting and memorable adventure? Check no further than the well-loved Vacation film series! From the hilarious adventures of the Griswold family to their epic cross-country adventures, the films have become a standard in comedy. In this piece, we’ll take you on an adventure through Vacation films in order and explore their distinctive charm and timeless appeal. So sit, grab some popcorn and prepare to blast until your sides hurt!

The 6 National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies in Order

• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
• National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
• Vegas Vacation (1997)
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2 (2003)
• Vacation (2015)

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Introduction: The Griswold Family’s Hilarious Escapades

The Vacation film series is based on the mishaps of the charming and mischievous Griswold family. The series is led by the well-meaning but ignorant Clark Griswold, played by the legendary Chevy Chase. Movies follow the family’s efforts to plan the perfect holiday, which are comical mistakes.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983): The Road Trip Begins

The adventure started with the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” Clark Griswold plans a cross-country journey to the fictional theme park Walley World with his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and their two children, Rusty (Anthony Michael Hall) and Audrey (Dana Barron). This hilarious movie will introduce us to the Griswold family’s legendary kind of chaos and sets the scene for the many adventures to be to.

John Hughes wrote the screenplay based on his “Vacation ’58” short story.

Critical and commercial success was realized, grossing over $61 Million at the box office.

National Lampoon’s Vacation is widely considered one of the funniest comedies ever made, frequently making lists of “Top Ten Hilarious Comedies of All Time.”

Here are some of the memorable scenes in the film:

• The Griswold family’s station wagon breaks down on the highway.
• Clark attempted to pass another car on the highway, only to crash into a semi-trailer to do so.
• Clark has an altercation with Eddie (Randy Quaid) over parking space issues.
• Clark attempts to win Audrey a stuffed bear at Wally World.

This film is full of hilarious and unforgettable moments, making it certain to enthrall audiences of all ages. A classic comedy that stands best of the time.

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985): Across the Pond

In the show “National Lampoon’s European Vacation,” the Griswold family takes their antics to the world. As the contest winners, the Griswolds go on a wild tour across Europe and encounter cultural misunderstandings, language barriers, and more hilarious moments throughout the journey. Starting from London to Rome, the film will keep the laughter flowing as the Griswolds leave their mark across the continent.

John Hughes wrote this film, and its release was intended as a sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation from 1983.

National Lampoon’s European Vacation was an enormous financial success, grossing over $49.3 million at the box office.

Here are some of the memorable scenes in the film:

• The Griswold family’s car breaks down unexpectedly in the French countryside.
• Clark attempted to speak French but failed.
• Clark attempts to scale the Matterhorn.

The National Nightmares Christmas Vacation (1989): Deck the Halls with a Laugh

Every festive time is not complete without “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” This holiday film follows the Griswold family trying to make the perfect Christmas; however, everything goes horribly wrong. With outrageous decorations, quirky relatives, and a few surprises, this film has become a Christmas classic for many people, providing yearly laughter.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was critically and commercially successful, grossing $70.9 million at the box office.

This film is considered an iconic Christmas comedy and frequently ranks among the funniest holiday films ever released.

Here are some of the key moments from the film:

• Clark attempted to put up a Christmas tree.
• Clark was in dispute with Eddie over an extension cord for Christmas lights.
• Clark was shocked and horrified when the turkey burst open.
• Clark’s declaration of “this being the worst Christmas ever!”.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an entertaining and heartfelt film sure to delight audiences of all ages, becoming a classic holiday comedy in its own right over time.

Here are a few reasons why so many love National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation:

• “This is a major award!” and “Don’t call me Shirley.” are among many memorable dialogue lines in this film.
• This film boasts an outstanding cast, including Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Juliette Lewis.
• Physical humor abounds throughout this film, such as when Clark attempts to put up a Christmas tree himself or when he gets into an argument with Cousin Eddie.
• This film not only captures the chaos and absurdity of Christmas but also delivers a heartwarming message about family love.

Vegas Vacation (1997): High Rollers and High Jinks

In the story of “Vegas Vacation,” the Griswold family travels to the light in Las Vegas. Clark gets obsessed with the chance to win big, Ellen falls for a gambling addict, and the children find their selves in their crazy adventures. This film continues the Griswold adventures through Sin City, providing plenty of laughter and hilarious moments.

Vegas Vacation, written and directed by Elisa Bell, was the fourth installment of National Lampoon’s Vacation film series and became an unprecedented box office hit, grossing over $36.4 million worldwide.

Some memorable scenes in the movie:

• Clark attempts to win a slot machine jackpot.
• Clark fights with a group of Elvis impersonators.
• Finally, Clark meets Wayne Newton for the first time.
• Clark attempts to gain entry to a high roller’s suite, leading him on an entertaining adventure that will delight audiences of all ages.
• Vegas Vacation is an iconic comedy film and stand the test of time!

Here are a few reasons why so many enjoy Vegas Vacation:

• This film boasts an exceptional cast, including Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and Wayne Newton.
• Full of physical comedy, such as Clark’s attempt at winning a slot machine jackpot or his confrontation with Elvis impersonators – these scenes make great viewing fun.
• This film captures the chaotic and absurdist atmosphere of Las Vegas while providing an inspiring message about family and love.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2 (2003)

Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure is a 2003 American made-for-television comedy film directed by Nick Marck, featuring Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989). Their plans take an unexpected turn when they’re shipwrecked.

Critics largely praised Quaid’s performance, while others found the film too similar to its predecessor. Regardless, the film proved commercially successful by grossing over $10 million against its $5 million budget.

The movie starts with Cousin Eddie being fired from his job at a nuclear power plant, prompting his former employer to send them on an exotic island vacation as an act of good faith. Eddie seems eagerly anticipate this trip, while Catherine is less enthusiastic.

Eddie and his family arrive on an island, where they meet Professor Doornitz – their tour guide. Doornitz takes them for a boat ride until their vessel becomes shipwrecked near an island, leaving Eddie and his family to remain until rescue arrives.

While on the island, Eddie and his family face numerous obstacles, including wild animals, poisonous plants and pirates. But they also find help from an unexpected source in the form of friendly natives who prove invaluable allies.

Eddie and his family were rescued and returned home safely, gaining valuable lessons about family and friendship during their ordeal.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2:Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure is an entertaining comedy that should appeal to fans of the original film. Quaid delivers some fantastic physical comedy while his supporting cast also shines brightly, yet this sequel to Christmas Vacation does not match up to its predecessor; its plotline can become predictable quickly, and it does not provide as much humor as before.

Overall, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure is an entertaining film that will appeal to fans of the original film; however, its tone may not resonate as strongly and may not please all audiences.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of watching this film:

Pros:

Randy Quaid excels as Cousin Eddie. Similarly, his supporting cast was great; physical humor provided much-needed comic relief.

Cons:

The plot can become repetitive over time.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2:Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure does not live up to the same high level of humor found in its predecessor; nevertheless, this fun and entertaining film should satisfy fans of the Vacation franchise; but, unlike its predecessor, this sequel may not appeal to everyone.

Vacation (2015): A New Generation of Griswolds

“Vacation” brings a fresh twist to the show by introducing the new era of Griswolds. Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) is now a grown-up with an extended family; his own family sets out to recreate his childhood journey through Walley World. Alongside His wife Debbie (Christina Applegate) and their two sons, Rusty embarks on an adventure full of hilarious incidents and mishaps of the present, all in an effort to bring his family closer.

Goldstein and Daley wrote the screenplay as a standalone sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983).

Vacation was an enormous box office hit, netting more than $104 million worldwide.

Here are some of the memorable scenes in the film:

• Rusty attempts to take his family RV across America on an extended road trip. Rusty encounters his old high school adversary Ethan Tremblay for the first time during this journey.

• Rusty attempts to win a stuffed bear for his daughter Chloe. Rusty’s family meets Eddie as they discover he’s related.

Here are a few reasons why people love Vacations:

• This film boasts an outstanding cast, such as Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Leslie Mann, Skyler Gisondo and Beverly D’Angelo.
• Rusty attempts to drive an RV across the country and comes across his old high school rival, who serves as comic relief throughout. This film is filled with physical humor.
• The film captures the chaos and absurdity of family travel and offers a positive message about love, family, and family bonds.

Conclusion

Vacation films have brought laughter and joy to viewers for a long time. If you’re a fan of the first “National Lampoon’s Vacation” or appreciate the latest version in “Vacation,” these films offer the perfect mix of humor, relatable family dynamics, and unforgettable characters. Each episode adds its distinctive character to Griswold’s holiday adventures, which makes it a must-watch for all comedy lovers of all ages.