There are five theatrically released films officially considered part of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. While spin-offs exist and thematic connections might be drawn to other films, these five form the core canon of the Griswold family’s disastrous holiday adventures.
The Griswold Saga: A Cinematic Roadmap
The National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, a cornerstone of American comedy, has etched its place in pop culture history. From ill-fated cross-country road trips to disastrous European escapades and holiday mishaps, the Griswold family’s misadventures have provided generations with enduring laughs. Understanding the scope of the series, however, requires careful navigation through sequels, spin-offs, and the sometimes-tenuous link to the National Lampoon brand. This article clarifies the official count and delves into the key aspects of each film.
The Core Five: Defining the Canon
The five films universally recognized as being part of the core National Lampoon’s Vacation series are:
- National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983): The quintessential road trip comedy, directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes, introduces the Griswolds and their chaotic journey to Wally World.
- National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985): The Griswolds win a trip to Europe, leading to a series of hilarious cultural clashes and misunderstandings.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): The most beloved film in the series, this holiday classic captures the Griswolds’ attempt at a perfect Christmas celebration, which inevitably descends into chaos.
- Vegas Vacation (1997): The Griswolds head to Las Vegas, where Clark’s gambling addiction and Audrey’s romantic misadventures provide ample comedic fodder.
- Vacation (2015): A sequel/reboot featuring Rusty Griswold, now grown up, taking his own family on a disastrous road trip to Wally World. It acknowledges and references the original films.
Beyond the Main Line: Spin-offs and Related Media
While the five films listed above constitute the primary Vacation canon, the National Lampoon name has been attached to numerous other projects, some more closely related than others. For example, National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) is a classic comedy, but it isn’t part of the Vacation storyline. Similarly, Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003) is a made-for-TV movie featuring a Vacation character, Cousin Eddie, but it is generally considered a spin-off and not part of the core series. Distinguishing between these related, but separate, entries is crucial to accurately assessing the Vacation film count.
The TV Movie: A Case Study
Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure exemplifies the blurry lines. While featuring a beloved character and sharing thematic elements with Christmas Vacation, its lower production value, made-for-TV format, and lack of central Griswold family members generally exclude it from the official count. Most fans and critics consider it a standalone spin-off.
Why the Confusion? The “National Lampoon” Legacy
The “National Lampoon” name adds a layer of complexity. The National Lampoon magazine and its affiliated productions spawned a wide range of comedic works, many unrelated to the Griswolds. Movies like National Lampoon’s Class Reunion (1982) share the brand but not the characters or storyline of the Vacation series. Therefore, focusing solely on films carrying the “National Lampoon” title will not accurately identify the Vacation series entries. The key lies in recognizing the continuity of the Griswold family and their recurring misadventures.
Understanding the Brand vs. the Narrative
The key difference lies in separating the brand (National Lampoon) from the narrative (the Griswold family’s vacation mishaps). While some might argue for a broader interpretation of the series, the general consensus within film communities and among fans points to the five films identified earlier as the core Vacation canon. These are the films that consistently feature Clark, Ellen, Audrey, and Rusty (or their older, rebooted counterparts) navigating various vacation disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 FAQ 1: What is the best National Lampoon’s Vacation movie?
This is subjective, but National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is often considered the best due to its enduring humor, relatable family dynamics, and holiday themes. National Lampoon’s Vacation (the original) is a close second, praised for its sharp writing and iconic scenes.
H3 FAQ 2: Are there any plans for another Vacation movie?
Currently, there are no confirmed plans for a new Vacation movie. However, Hollywood is known for revisiting successful franchises, so the possibility of a future installment remains open. News outlets and fan communities often speculate on potential revivals.
H3 FAQ 3: Who played Clark Griswold in all the Vacation movies?
Chevy Chase famously played Clark Griswold in all five of the core Vacation films. His comedic timing and portrayal of the well-meaning but inept patriarch are central to the series’ success.
H3 FAQ 4: Who played Ellen Griswold in the Vacation movies?
Beverly D’Angelo played Ellen Griswold in all five core films.
H3 FAQ 5: Why were Audrey and Rusty Griswold played by different actors in different movies?
The roles of Audrey and Rusty Griswold were notoriously recast throughout the series. This was likely due to a combination of factors, including child actors aging out of the roles, scheduling conflicts, and creative decisions. Many different actors portrayed these characters, adding to the series’ quirky charm.
H3 FAQ 6: Is Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure part of the official Vacation series?
While it features Cousin Eddie and shares thematic elements with the Vacation films, Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure is generally not considered part of the official Vacation series. It’s more accurately described as a spin-off.
H3 FAQ 7: What order should I watch the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies in?
The best viewing order is chronological by release date:
- National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
- National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
- Vegas Vacation (1997)
- Vacation (2015)
H3 FAQ 8: Is the 2015 Vacation movie a reboot or a sequel?
The 2015 Vacation movie is best described as a sequel/reboot. It acknowledges the original films by featuring Rusty Griswold as the protagonist, now taking his own family on a similar disastrous road trip. It also features cameos from Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo.
H3 FAQ 9: Were any of the Vacation movies based on a book?
The original National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) was based on a short story called “Vacation ’58” by John Hughes, which appeared in National Lampoon magazine.
H3 FAQ 10: Where were the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies filmed?
Filming locations varied depending on the specific film. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) was filmed primarily in California, Arizona, and Colorado. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985) was filmed in several European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy. Other films in the series utilized locations in Nevada, Illinois, and other parts of the United States.
H3 FAQ 11: Are the Vacation movies family-friendly?
While the Vacation movies are comedies, they often contain mature themes, including some sexual innuendo, language, and situations that may not be suitable for all audiences. Parental guidance is advised. The original film, in particular, contains elements that are considered more risque by modern standards.
H3 FAQ 12: Where can I stream or buy the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies?
The availability of the Vacation movies for streaming and purchase varies depending on your region and the platform. They are often available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and YouTube. Physical copies (Blu-ray and DVD) are also widely available.