How Many National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies Did They Make?

By Michael Ferguson

National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise is a classic American comedy film series that has entertained audiences for decades. The films follow the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on various vacations, encountering a myriad of mishaps and hilarious situations.

But how many National Lampoon’s Vacation movies are there? Let’s find out!

1. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

The first movie in the series was released in 1983 and directed by Harold Ramis.

It starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as his wife Ellen, and Anthony Michael Hall as their son Rusty. The movie follows the Griswold family as they go on a cross-country road trip to reach Walley World theme park.

2. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

Two years after the success of the first film, National Lampoon’s European Vacation was released in 1985, with Amy Heckerling as the director. The sequel saw the Griswold family traveling across Europe, making stops in England, France, Germany, and Italy.

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

The third installment of the franchise was released in 1989 and directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. This time around, Clark is determined to have a perfect family Christmas at home with his extended family visiting from all over.

4. Vegas Vacation (1997)

Eight years after Christmas Vacation, Vegas Vacation hit theaters in 1997 with Stephen Kessler directing. This time around, Clark and his family head to Las Vegas for a vacation filled with gambling and other high-stakes adventures.

5. Hotel Hell Vacation (2010)

In 2010, a short film called Hotel Hell Vacation was released online as part of a promotional campaign for a travel website, with Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprising their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold. The film follows the couple as they visit a hotel that turns out to be less than satisfactory.

Conclusion

In total, there are five National Lampoon’s Vacation movies, spanning nearly three decades. Each installment of the franchise has its own unique charm and comedic style, making it a beloved classic among fans of comedy films. Whether it’s the original road trip to Walley World or the chaotic Christmas celebration, the Griswold family continues to entertain audiences to this day.