Why Is National Lampoon Vacation Rated R?

By Anna Duncan

National Lampoon Vacation is a classic American comedy movie that has been entertaining audiences since its release in 1983. The movie follows the Griswold family on their cross-country trip to the amusement park Wally World.

With an all-star cast including Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid, it’s hard not to love this comedy classic. However, many viewers may be wondering why National Lampoon Vacation is rated R. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the movie’s rating.

What Does An R-Rating Mean?

Before we dive into why National Lampoon Vacation is rated R, let’s first discuss what an R-rating means. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) assigns ratings to movies based on their content. An R-rating means that the movie contains adult material that may not be suitable for children under 17 years of age without a parent or guardian present.

Why Is National Lampoon Vacation Rated R?

National Lampoon Vacation is rated R for several reasons. The most prominent reason is language.

The movie contains frequent profanity and vulgar language throughout its runtime. This includes several uses of the F-word and other strong language that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Another reason for the movie’s rating is sexual content. National Lampoon Vacation features several scenes with sexual themes and references, including a scene in which Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) fantasizes about a beautiful woman in a red Ferrari.

Finally, National Lampoon Vacation also contains drug use and references to drug use. In one scene, Clark Griswold smokes marijuana with his brother-in-law Eddie (Randy Quaid).

Should You Watch It?

Despite its R-rating, National Lampoon Vacation remains a beloved comedy classic that has stood the test of time. While it may not be suitable for all audiences, adult viewers who appreciate raunchy humor and classic slapstick comedy will likely enjoy the movie.

So, there you have it – the reasons why National Lampoon Vacation is rated R. While the movie may not be appropriate for younger viewers, it remains a hilarious and iconic comedy that is sure to entertain audiences for generations to come.