The National Lampoon, a humor magazine renowned for its irreverent and often satirical take on American life, spawned a surprisingly influential film franchise. While opinions may vary on what constitutes a “true” National Lampoon movie, the generally accepted answer is that there are eight films directly bearing the “National Lampoon” title. However, the legacy extends beyond these official entries, with several films considered spiritual successors or heavily influenced by the Lampoon’s comedic style.
The Core Eight: National Lampoon’s Officially Billed Films
This section details the eight films universally recognized as official National Lampoon movies, highlighting their significance and impact on comedy.
A Comedic Legacy
The National Lampoon’s influence on comedy is undeniable. From its magazine origins to its groundbreaking radio shows and stage productions, the Lampoon consistently pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. This comedic spirit carried over into its film endeavors, creating a distinct brand of humor that resonated with audiences and influenced generations of comedians.
The Definitive List
Here’s a chronological listing of the eight films that carry the official “National Lampoon” title:
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National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978): Arguably the most iconic and successful of the bunch, Animal House is a quintessential college comedy that set the standard for the genre.
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National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983): Introducing the Griswold family, Vacation chronicles their disastrous cross-country road trip and established a popular franchise.
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National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985): The Griswolds embark on another ill-fated adventure, this time across Europe.
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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): Considered by many to be the best sequel in the Vacation franchise, Christmas Vacation perfectly captures the chaos and humor of the holiday season.
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National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (1993): A parody of buddy cop action movies, starring Emilio Estevez and Samuel L. Jackson.
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National Lampoon’s Senior Trip (1995): A group of high school seniors goes on a wild and crazy trip to Washington D.C.
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National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation (1997): The Griswolds head to Las Vegas, where Clark’s gambling addiction leads to more misadventures.
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National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002): Although technically Van Wilder was the character in a National Lampoon’s book, and the movie poster says National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, the DVD version of the movie does not contain National Lampoon’s name and that is the version most people consider the official version.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the National Lampoon Filmography
This section answers frequently asked questions about the National Lampoon movies, clarifying details and providing further context.
FAQ 1: What is considered the most successful National Lampoon movie?
National Lampoon’s Animal House is undoubtedly the most successful and critically acclaimed of the National Lampoon films. Its impact on comedy and popular culture is immense, and it continues to be a beloved classic.
FAQ 2: Are there any more Vacation movies beyond the ones listed?
Yes, there have been additional Vacation sequels and spin-offs, including National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (a TV movie) and the theatrical release Vacation (2015), starring Ed Helms as Rusty Griswold. While related, these are often considered outside the core “National Lampoon” branded films.
FAQ 3: Did National Lampoon produce other media besides movies?
Absolutely. National Lampoon started as a magazine and expanded into radio shows, stage productions, books, and television shows. Their influence extends far beyond just the movies.
FAQ 4: Who were some of the key writers and performers associated with National Lampoon?
The National Lampoon was a breeding ground for comedic talent. Key figures include John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Harold Ramis, Christopher Guest, and Michael O’Donoghue, among many others.
FAQ 5: What made the National Lampoon’s humor so unique?
The National Lampoon’s humor was characterized by its satire, irreverence, and willingness to tackle taboo subjects. They weren’t afraid to push boundaries and challenge societal norms, often using shock value and dark humor to make their point.
FAQ 6: Is there a specific reason why the National Lampoon film series seemed to fade out?
Several factors contributed to the decline. Creative differences, declining quality in later films, and changes in comedic sensibilities all played a role. Additionally, the original team behind the National Lampoon gradually dispersed, leading to a loss of the unique comedic voice.
FAQ 7: Are there any National Lampoon movies considered flops?
Yes, several of the later National Lampoon films were critical and commercial failures. National Lampoon’s Senior Trip and some of the later straight-to-video releases are often cited as examples.
FAQ 8: How did Animal House influence college comedies that followed?
Animal House essentially created the modern college comedy genre. Its formula of outrageous pranks, excessive partying, and rebellious characters became the blueprint for countless films that followed.
FAQ 9: Was the National Lampoon style of humor controversial at the time?
Definitely. The National Lampoon‘s humor was often controversial due to its edgy nature and willingness to satirize sensitive topics. Some found it offensive, while others appreciated its fearless approach.
FAQ 10: Is there any connection between Saturday Night Live and the National Lampoon?
Yes, there’s a strong connection. Many of the original cast members and writers of Saturday Night Live came from the National Lampoon, including John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Gilda Radner. The National Lampoon served as a training ground and incubator for comedic talent that went on to shape SNL.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch National Lampoon movies?
Most of the National Lampoon movies are available for streaming on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Apple TV. They are also readily available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.
FAQ 12: What’s the best way to understand the National Lampoon‘s overall impact on comedy?
To truly understand the National Lampoon‘s impact, it’s best to explore their various media, including their magazine, radio shows, and films. Examining the careers of the comedians who came from the National Lampoon and observing their influence on subsequent generations of comedians also provides valuable insight. It’s a look into a time of outrageousness and a fearless approach to making people laugh, whatever it took.