Counting the Chuckles- A Comprehensive List of National Lampoon’s Vacation Movie Installments

How many National Lampoon’s Vacation movies are there? This question often arises among fans of the iconic American comedy series. National Lampoon’s Vacation, originally released in 1983, has become a beloved classic, spawning several sequels over the years. Let’s take a closer look at the entire Vacation movie franchise and explore the number of films that have been produced.

The first film, National Lampoon’s Vacation, directed by Harold Ramis, introduced audiences to the Griswold family and their misadventures during a cross-country road trip. Starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, the movie became an instant hit and paved the way for a franchise that would span three more films.

After the success of the original, National Lampoon’s Vacation Part II was released in 1989. This sequel followed the Griswold family as they embarked on a trip to Europe, facing a series of comical mishaps along the way. The film was directed by John Landis and continued the tradition of humor and slapstick comedy that made the first movie a hit.

In 1995, the third installment, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, was released. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, this film focused on the Griswolds’ attempts to create the perfect Christmas, with Clark once again leading the family through a series of humorous missteps. This film is often considered the best in the series and has become a staple for holiday viewing.

Two more films were released in the Vacation franchise, bringing the total number of movies to five. National Lampoon’s Vacation Home Alone, released in 1990, was a spin-off that featured the mischievous Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, on his own adventures during the holidays. While not a direct continuation of the Vacation series, it is still considered part of the National Lampoon’s brand.

The final film in the Vacation series, National Lampoon’s VACATION, was released in 2006. Directed by John Forte, this film marked the return of the Griswold family for another road trip adventure. Although the film received mixed reviews, it brought the Vacation legacy to a close, with the original cast reuniting for one last hurrah.

In conclusion, there are a total of five National Lampoon’s Vacation movies, including the original, its three sequels, and the spin-off. The franchise has left an indelible mark on American comedy and continues to be a source of entertainment for fans around the world.