Is National Lampoon’s Vacation Rated R?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning on watching National Lampoon’s Vacation with your family but wondering if it’s appropriate for all ages? Well, the answer to whether or not this classic comedy is rated R may surprise you.

What is National Lampoon’s Vacation?

National Lampoon’s Vacation is a 1983 American comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Imogene Coca, and Randy Quaid. The movie follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to the fictional Walley World theme park in California.

Is National Lampoon’s Vacation Rated R?

No, National Lampoon’s Vacation is not rated R. In fact, the movie is rated PG-13 for “some sexual references, crude humor, and brief drug references.” The film was released in 1983 when the PG-13 rating was relatively new. It was created as a middle ground between PG and R-rated movies.

While some scenes may be inappropriate for young children, overall the movie is suitable for teenagers and adults. It has become a cult classic over the years and continues to be enjoyed by many families.

What kind of content can you expect from National Lampoon’s Vacation?

National Lampoon’s Vacation includes some sexual references such as when Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) fantasizes about a woman he sees driving next to him. There are also some scenes with mild nudity such as when Clark sees his neighbor sunbathing nude and when he accidentally spies on his cousin-in-law showering.

The movie also has its fair share of crude humor such as when Aunt Edna (Imogene Coca) dies during the trip and her body is tied to the roof of their car. Additionally, there are brief drug references when Clark smokes marijuana with his brother-in-law during their trip.

Conclusion

National Lampoon’s Vacation is not rated R but rather is rated PG-13 for “some sexual references, crude humor, and brief drug references.” While it may not be appropriate for young children, it can be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. So go ahead and plan that family movie night with National Lampoon’s Vacation as the feature film.