What Is the Chronological Order of the Vacation Movies?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of the Vacation movie franchise, you might be wondering what the chronological order of the movies is. With so many sequels and spin-offs, it can be hard to keep track! In this article, we’ll break down the order of the Vacation movies, from the original 1983 film to the most recent installment.

The Original: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

The first movie in the Vacation franchise follows Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) and his family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to visit Walley World amusement park. Along the way, they encounter a series of mishaps and misadventures that threaten to derail their vacation.

Sequel #1: National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

In this sequel, the Griswold family travels to Europe for a sightseeing vacation that quickly goes awry. From getting lost in London to accidentally crashing a royal event in Germany, their trip is full of chaos and hilarity.

Sequel #2: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

This holiday classic sees Clark and his family hosting a chaotic Christmas celebration with their extended relatives. From dealing with a snooty neighbor to suffering through a disastrous turkey dinner, this movie is full of quotable lines and memorable moments.

Spin-Off: Vegas Vacation (1997)

In this spin-off film, Clark takes his family to Las Vegas for a wild vacation filled with gambling and excess. While it’s not technically part of the main Vacation series, it features many of the same characters and has become a beloved entry in its own right.

Sequel #3: Hotel Hell Vacation (2010)

This short film was made as part of an advertising campaign for HomeAway vacation rentals, but it’s still considered an official entry in the Vacation franchise. In it, Clark and his family try out a luxury vacation rental that turns out to be a disaster.

Sequel #4: Vacation (2015)

This soft reboot of the series sees Clark’s now-grown son Rusty (played by Ed Helms) taking his own family on a road trip to Walley World. Along the way, they encounter many of the same pitfalls and setbacks that plagued Clark and his family in the original film.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the chronological order of the Vacation movies! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for some lighthearted comedy, these movies are sure to provide plenty of laughs and entertainment.