If you’re planning to dive into the hilarious world of the Griswold family, you might wonder about the best viewing order for the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies. Watching the movies in release order gives you the authentic feel of their comedic evolution, starting with the original 1983 classic, “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” and working your way through the franchise ending with the 2015 reboot.
The series, based on a story by John Hughes, is a cult favorite that captures the chaotic and humorous adventures of the Griswold family. Following the release order not only keeps the storyline clear, but it also helps in appreciating the changes in cast and crew over the years. With spins and sequels like “Vegas Vacation” and “European Vacation,” each film offers a unique twist on the family’s escapades.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, watching the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies presents a memorable journey filled with laughs and unforgettable moments. From misadventures in Europe to mishaps in Vegas, the Griswolds never fail to entertain.
All Films of Vacation
The “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series follows the Griswold family on various comedic adventures. Each film provides a unique setting and a new set of challenges for the family, led by the unforgettable Clark Griswold.
1. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
In this first installment, you meet the Griswold family as they embark on a road trip to Walley World, a fictional amusement park. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is determined to give his family a perfect vacation, but everything goes hilariously wrong. From dodgy hotels to a trip detour through disastrous events, your laughter is guaranteed. Look out for the famous scene with the “family truckster,” a symbol of their chaotic journey.
IMDb Rating 7.3/10
2. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
Fresh off winning a family trip in a game show, the Griswolds take on Europe. This movie shows you the family’s attempt at conquering the continent, with Clark’s overconfidence leading to one cultural mishap after another. You’ll see them struggling with language barriers and causing chaos across multiple countries. It humorously captures the challenges of international travel, with scenes that highlight the cultural differences between Americans and Europeans.
IMDb Rating 6.2/10
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
This film has a special place in holiday movie lineups. Here, the Griswolds stay home to celebrate Christmas. Clark is determined to host the perfect holiday celebration, but everything spirals out of control. The movie brilliantly captures holiday stress while maintaining humor. Memorable moments include Clark’s elaborate house decorations and the unpredictable family dynamics, making it relatable for anyone who’s hosted family gatherings.
IMDb Rating 7.5/10
4. Vegas Vacation (1997)
Unlike the previous films, this vacation takes you to Las Vegas. Clark hopes for family bonding in the entertainment capital, yet ends up with gambling mishaps and other Vegas-styled adventures. The film cleverly introduces you to different facets of Vegas life, from casinos to shows. Witness Clark’s unwavering optimism challenged by Vegas temptations, while the family finds their own paths in the vibrant city.
IMDb Rating 5.9/10
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2 (2003)
This sequel shifts focus to Eddie, the cousin character from the previous films. Eddie wins a free vacation to an island, giving you a different perspective on family holidays. The film shows Eddie’s family dealing with unexpected challenges, blending tropical scenery with slapstick humor. Though not as iconic as its predecessor, it still offers moments of laughter and showcases the Griswold spirit in a new setting.
IMDb Rating 2.7/10
6. Hotel Hell Vacation (2010)
As a short film, this entry reunites you with Clark and Ellen Griswold. They set off for a romantic getaway before meeting their family for a vacation. This brief film still packs humor as they face absurd situations at a nightmarish hotel. Despite its short runtime, it manages to capture the classic Griswold chaos you would expect, making it a quick and fun watch.
IMDb Rating 5.6/10
7. Vacation (2015)
This reboot centers around Rusty Griswold, the son of Clark, now grown up and with a family of his own. Rusty aims to recreate his childhood road trip to Walley World. The movie follows the familiar formula while adding new comedic twists for contemporary audiences. As Rusty encounters numerous setbacks, you get a fresh take on the Griswold legacy with nods to the original film.
IMDb Rating 6.2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct sequence to watch the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies?
To watch the movies in the order they were released, start with “National Lampoon’s Vacation” from 1983. Follow that with “European Vacation,” “Christmas Vacation,” “Vegas Vacation,” “Christmas Vacation 2,” and the 2015 reboot simply titled “Vacation.”
How many movies are there in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series?
There are six movies in total. This includes the original movie, its sequels, a spin-off, and a reboot. The series began in 1983, with the latest film released in 2015.
Can you list the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies by their release dates?
Here are the movies by their release dates: “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), “European Vacation” (1985), “Christmas Vacation” (1989), “Vegas Vacation” (1997), “Christmas Vacation 2” (2003), and the reboot “Vacation” (2015).
Who are the members of the Griswold family cast throughout the Vacation series?
The Griswold family is led by Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold and Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold. The children, Rusty and Audrey, have been played by different actors across the movies, including Anthony Michael Hall and Juliette Lewis.
In what order do the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies chronologically take place?
Chronologically, the events in the films take place in the order they were released. This means starting from their first family trip to Wally World in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and ending with the 2015 “Vacation,” which revisits the Griswold family through the eyes of Rusty Griswold.
Which of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies features Chevy Chase?
Chevy Chase stars in all the main Griswold family movies, appearing in “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “European Vacation,” “Christmas Vacation,” “Vegas Vacation,” and has a brief cameo in the 2015 “Vacation.”