National Lampoon’s Vacation is a beloved comedy franchise that has spanned over three decades. The films follow the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on various vacations that always seem to go awry.
But which of these movies is the best? Let’s take a closer look.
1. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
The original film, directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes, is a classic comedy that paved the way for many of the raunchy comedies that followed in its wake. Starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the film follows the family as they journey from Chicago to California’s Walley World theme park. Along the way, they encounter all manner of obstacles, from car trouble to run-ins with a menacing truck driver.
This film set the standard for all future entries in the series with its mix of slapstick humor and heartwarming family moments. It also introduced us to some iconic characters, such as Aunt Edna and Cousin Eddie.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Christmas Vacation sees the Griswolds attempting to have a perfect family Christmas, but as usual, things don’t go according to plan. The film features some hilarious set pieces, including an exploding turkey and a disastrous visit from Cousin Eddie.
What makes this movie stand out is its heart. Underneath all the chaos and shenanigans is a story about the importance of family and togetherness during the holiday season.
3. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
The second entry in the series sees the Griswolds traveling across Europe after winning a game show prize. While this movie has its fair share of laughs (the scene where Clark accidentally insults Hitler at a German parade is particularly funny), it lacks the heart of the first film and feels a bit disjointed at times.
4. Vegas Vacation (1997)
Vegas Vacation is widely regarded as the weakest entry in the series. The film sees the Griswolds traveling to Las Vegas, where they get into all sorts of trouble. While there are some funny moments, such as Wayne Newton’s cameo, the movie feels like a tired retread of previous entries in the series.
Conclusion
So which is the best National Lampoon’s Vacation? It’s a tough call, but in my opinion, it has to be the original film.
National Lampoon’s Vacation set the standard for all future comedies and introduced us to some unforgettable characters. While Christmas Vacation comes close with its heartwarming story and hilarious gags, nothing beats the original for sheer comedy gold.