Picture this: You’re packed into a station wagon the size of a small battleship, the luggage is tied with hope and twine, your kids are fighting in the back seat, and your wife is questioning every life choice that led to this moment. Welcome to the world of the Griswolds — America’s most disastrously lovable family.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfect vacation only for everything to hilariously implode, you’re not alone. The National Lampoon’s Vacation series has been delivering side-splitting family comedy since 1983. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer searching for “National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies in Order”, this guide has you covered.
In this ultimate breakdown of the Vacation movies in order, we’ll walk through every film in the National Lampoon Vacation series chronologically, complete with cast details, iconic moments, fun facts, and everything you need for the perfect binge. Buckle up — it’s going to be a bumpy, hilarious ride.
The Complete Order of National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies
Here is the definitive Vacation film series chronological order (by release date):
| # | Movie Title | Year | Director | Main Cast | Runtime | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Lampoon’s Vacation | 1983 | Harold Ramis | Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid | 98 min | 7.3 |
| 2 | National Lampoon’s European Vacation | 1985 | Amy Heckerling | Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo | 95 min | 6.2 |
| 3 | National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | 1989 | Jeremiah S. Chechik | Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid | 97 min | 7.5 |
| 4 | Vegas Vacation | 1997 | Stephen Kessler | Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid | 93 min | 6.0 |
| 5 | Christmas Vacation 2 | 2003 | Nick Marck | Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn | 83 min | 3.8 |
| 6 | Vacation | 2015 | John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein | Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Chevy Chase | 99 min | 6.1 |
Note: Hotel Hell Vacation (2010) is a short web film starring Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid that fits between Vegas and the 2015 reboot.
1. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), directed by Harold Ramis, introduced the world to the lovably optimistic Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his long-suffering family. Determined to create the perfect summer getaway, Clark loads the clan into the garish Family Truckster and embarks on a cross-country road trip to the mythical Walley World theme park. Along the way, they encounter dead-end detours, a visit to eccentric Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), and one disaster after another. This iconic comedy perfectly captures the chaos of family travel with sharp humor, memorable one-liners, and heartwarming moments. It remains the blueprint for the entire National Lampoon Vacation series, blending slapstick with relatable family struggles.
2. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
In National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), the Griswolds win a European tour on a game show and immediately turn the continent upside down. Directed by Amy Heckerling, the film follows Clark, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), and the kids as they bumble through London, Paris, Germany, and Rome, leaving a trail of comedic destruction. From crashing into the Arc de Triomphe to cultural misunderstandings and family squabbles, the movie delivers non-stop laughs. It expands the franchise’s scope internationally while maintaining the core charm of well-intentioned chaos. This sequel solidified the Griswolds as comedy legends and remains a fan favorite for its witty travel satire.
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the series. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, it sees Clark Griswold going to extreme lengths to create the perfect family Christmas. What unfolds is a hilarious avalanche of holiday disasters involving dysfunctional relatives, exploding lights, and a surprise visit from Cousin Eddie. Beverly D’Angelo and Chevy Chase deliver career-highlight performances, while Randy Quaid steals scenes as the unforgettable Cousin Eddie. Packed with quotable lines and timeless slapstick, this film has become a holiday tradition for millions. Its perfect blend of heart, humor, and chaos makes it essential viewing every December.
4. Vegas Vacation (1997)
Vegas Vacation (1997) takes the Griswold family to Sin City for what Clark hopes will be a luxurious and memorable trip. Directed by Stephen Kessler, the film showcases Clark’s gambling luck, Rusty’s teenage rebellion, Audrey’s wild side, and Ellen’s growing frustration. Randy Quaid returns as Cousin Eddie, adding more outrageous comedy. Highlights include the Hoover Dam visit, Wayne Newton’s cameo, and Clark’s over-the-top Vegas fantasies. While slightly more adult-oriented than previous entries, it retains the franchise’s signature heart and humor. This installment perfectly captures the extravagant chaos of a family vacation in Las Vegas.
5. Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003)
Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003) shifts focus to the lovable redneck Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his family. In this made-for-TV movie, Eddie wins a tropical vacation but ends up stranded on a remote island with his quirky clan. While it lacks Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, it delivers plenty of slapstick humor and absurd situations true to the Griswold spirit. The film serves as a fun, lighthearted extension of the franchise, emphasizing Eddie’s unforgettable character. Though lower-budget, it provides nostalgic laughs for dedicated fans of the National Lampoon Vacation series.
6. Vacation (2015)
The 2015 reboot Vacation brings the franchise into the modern era with Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) now all grown up and determined to create perfect memories for his own family by taking them to Walley World. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, the film features fresh humor while paying homage to the originals, including cameos from Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo. From water parks to national landmarks, the new Griswolds face their own brand of hilarious disasters. It successfully updates the classic formula with contemporary jokes and visuals while honoring the chaotic legacy of the beloved series.
Where to Watch the Vacation Movies Today (2026)
Availability changes frequently, but as of 2026 the original films often stream on:
- Max (HBO)
- Netflix (rotates)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Pluto TV or Tubi (free with ads)
Pro tip: Search “how to watch Vacation movies” on JustWatch.com for the latest options in your region. Physical 4K/Blu-ray collections are excellent for true fans.
Best Vacation Movies Ranked (Subjective Fan Ranking)
- Christmas Vacation (1989) — Peak Griswold chaos and holiday perfection.
- National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) — The original that defined the franchise.
- European Vacation (1985) — Underrated international mayhem.
- Vegas Vacation (1997) — Wild and nostalgic.
- Vacation (2015) — Solid reboot with great cameos.
- Christmas Vacation 2 — For completionists only.
The Griswold Family Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Griswold family movies have influenced generations of comedy. Clark Griswold became the ultimate symbol of the optimistic American dad. The films popularized the “disastrous family vacation” trope seen in everything from Are We There Yet? to modern hits.
Their cultural footprint includes endless quotes (“Shitter’s full!”), holiday traditions, and even car design nods to the Family Truckster.
How many Vacation Movies are there?
There are 6 main National Lampoon’s Vacation movies in the series: the original 1983 film, European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, Vegas Vacation, Christmas Vacation 2, and the 2015 reboot.
National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of National Lampoon’s Vacation films in order, they were released.
1. National Lampoon’s Vacation — July 29, 1983
2. National Lampoon’s European Vacation — July 26, 1985
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation — December 1, 1989
4. Vegas Vacation — February 14, 1997
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2 — December 20, 2003
6. Vacation — July 29, 2015
Tips for the Ultimate Vacation Movie Marathon
- Watch in release order for the best experience.
- Prepare snacks — you’ll need them during the long road scenes.
- Play “spot the John Hughes cameo/writing influence.”
- Include Hotel Hell Vacation (2010) as a bonus short.
- End with Christmas Vacation during the holidays for maximum cheer.
Original Series vs. 2015 Reboot Comparison
The originals thrive on Chevy Chase’s physical comedy and 80s/90s sincerity. The 2015 reboot brings modern pacing, edgier jokes, and beautiful cinematography while still honoring the source material. Both have their charms — the originals feel like classic comfort food, while the reboot is a fun update.
FAQ – National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies in Order
Q: Do I need to watch them in order? A: Yes, release order is best for character progression and callbacks.
Q: Is Vegas Vacation part of the National Lampoon series? A: Yes, though it dropped the full “National Lampoon’s” branding in the title.
Q: Which is the best Christmas Vacation movie? A: The 1989 original is widely considered the gold standard.
Q: Are there more Vacation movies planned? A: As of 2026, nothing is officially confirmed, but fans remain hopeful.
Conclusion
There you have it — the complete National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies in Order. From the original cross-country disaster to European mishaps, the ultimate Christmas lights showdown, Vegas debauchery, and the modern reboot, the Griswold family continues to deliver laughs decades later.
So grab the popcorn, pile the family into the metaphorical Family Truckster, and start your Vacation movies in order marathon today. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you’ll definitely relate.
What’s your favorite Griswold moment? Drop it in the comments below! Share this guide with fellow fans, and don’t forget to check out our other posts on Best Chevy Chase Movies and 80s Comedy Classics.
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