Counting the Comedy- The Comprehensive List of National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies
How many National Lampoon’s Vacations are there? This question has intrigued fans and film enthusiasts alike for years. National Lampoon’s Vacation, a classic American comedy film, has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, each adding its own unique twist to the original storyline. But just how many films in this franchise exist, and what are they all about? Let’s dive into the world of National Lampoon’s Vacations and find out.
National Lampoon’s Vacation, originally released in 1983, follows the adventures of Clark Griswold, a suburban family man determined to take his family on the perfect Christmas vacation. The film’s success led to the creation of several sequels, starting with National Lampoon’s European Vacation in 1985. This film follows the Griswold family as they embark on a trip to Europe, encountering a series of hilarious mishaps along the way.
Following the European Vacation, the franchise continued with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation in 1989. This film is a prequel to the original Vacation and focuses on the Griswold family’s Christmas celebrations at home. It explores the challenges of maintaining the perfect Christmas while dealing with the family’s quirks and Clark’s desire for a white Christmas.
The third installment, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Part II, was released in 2003. This film takes place after the events of the first two movies and follows the Griswold family as they prepare for their annual Christmas celebration. The film features a new generation of the family and introduces new characters, while still maintaining the humor and charm of the original series.
While the main focus of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise has been on the Griswold family’s Christmas adventures, the franchise has also expanded to include other films and TV shows. One notable example is Vacation, a 2015 film that serves as a reboot of the series. This film introduces a new generation of the Griswold family and follows them on a road trip to Walley World. Although it is not a direct sequel to the original Vacation, it shares the same spirit and humor of the franchise.
In addition to the films, the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise has also produced a TV series called “The Griswold Chronicles.” This animated series, which aired from 1997 to 1999, follows the adventures of the Griswold family in a more fantastical setting. While it is not a continuation of the films, it does offer a fun and creative take on the iconic family.
In total, there are five main films in the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise: Vacation (1983), European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989), Christmas Vacation Part II (2003), and Vacation (2015). Additionally, the franchise has expanded into other media, including a TV series and various other projects. While the number of films may not be as extensive as some other franchises, the National Lampoon’s Vacation series has left an indelible mark on American comedy and continues to be a beloved classic for fans around the world.
So, how many National Lampoon’s Vacations are there? The answer is five films, each with its own unique charm and humor. Whether you’re a fan of the original Vacation or a new viewer discovering the franchise, there’s something for everyone in this delightful collection of comedic adventures.
