National Lampoon's Vacation
Warner Bros. | Release Date: July 29, 1983
7.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 75 Ratings
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59
Mixed:
14
Negative:
2
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6
Compi24Apr 30, 2020
An inarguable classic that I've probably already seen in its entirety four or five times over (only out of order, however) "National Lampoon's Vacation" features what could be the quintessential Chevy Chase performance -- charismatic,An inarguable classic that I've probably already seen in its entirety four or five times over (only out of order, however) "National Lampoon's Vacation" features what could be the quintessential Chevy Chase performance -- charismatic, charming, but with equal doses of both desperate and crazy. There's a lot to like here, namely the film's second half, which really amps up the crazy, ultimately culminating in a truly enjoyable finish. The road getting there, though, can be much like the Griswold's own road trip -- bumpy, especially from a timelessness standpoint. Look, not every movie's going to age well. And "Vacation" certainly ages better than a lot of other films from its era of comedy. Still doesn't change the fact that there were simply some gags and bits in this that I probably would've found funnier in the year 1983. Not that I was "offended" or anything. Some jokes felt a little "been there done that" to me. Still, it's an absolute must-watch for fans of the road trip genre and comedies altogether.… Expand
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8
Rox22Apr 21, 2015
If you've been on a family vacation, then I can guarantee this movie will relate to you in some way.

Granted the setting and styles are a bit dated, but the humor and theme of the movie are timeless. One thing that I enjoy about thisIf you've been on a family vacation, then I can guarantee this movie will relate to you in some way.

Granted the setting and styles are a bit dated, but the humor and theme of the movie are timeless.

One thing that I enjoy about this movie (European and Christmas Vacation as well) is the light hearted and fun humor, which isn't as common place today as it was in the 80s.

Overall:
National Lampoon's Vacation is one of those timeless comedies you will always get the urge to watch once in a while.… Expand
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9
survivorfan989Aug 10, 2013
So I grew up watching this movie as it is my Dad's favourite, and no matter how many times I watch it I still find it hilarious! There are a few films in the series but this one is easily the best and the original where it all began! It won'tSo I grew up watching this movie as it is my Dad's favourite, and no matter how many times I watch it I still find it hilarious! There are a few films in the series but this one is easily the best and the original where it all began! It won't please everyone as some just don't like that slapstick type of Comedy, but because I saw it from a young age I have grown to love it and really appreciate it as a film and would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a good laugh!… Expand
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7
lukechristianscJul 31, 2015
National Lampoon's Vacation is a joyful,funny adventure taking a one-hour thirty-eight minute ride with the charming, squeaky clean family The Griswalds. Director Harold Ramis (Groundhog day) keeps the jokes and the slap stick fast andNational Lampoon's Vacation is a joyful,funny adventure taking a one-hour thirty-eight minute ride with the charming, squeaky clean family The Griswalds. Director Harold Ramis (Groundhog day) keeps the jokes and the slap stick fast and furious pace, while screenwriter John Hughes (Uncle Buck and She's Having A Baby) gives the film heart and makes this tip top family believe able on screen also making this enjoyable trip through familiar comedy landscapes. Chevy Chase proves he has comedic talent also charming as the dumb-witted goofy father while he sparks chemistry with his on screen wife the talented and stunning Beverly D'Angelo. Accompanied with their children Rusty (Anthony Michael Hall) and Audrey (Dana Barron), Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his wife Ellen (played by the lovey broad Beverly D'Angelo) are driving Illinois to a California. As Clark increasingly fixates on a beautiful woman driving a sports car, the Griswolds deal with their car problems and the death of a family problem. They reach Los Angeles, but, Clark worries that the trip is being derailed again, he acts impulsively to get his family to the park. This film will boost up Anthony Michael and Dana Barron's career, but the characters they play are so annoying not mention the film wants us to care for Clark but sometimes he can be prick with out no heart, but the film boost up the character's like ability and charm. Grade B+… Expand
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10
TheDude-Aug 23, 2015
National Lampoons vacation is a fantastic comedy film with jokes and situations written with such hilarious quality that you split your sides every time you watch. A comedy classic.
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8
Bartholomew123Jul 8, 2015
Chevy Chase makes everything better. He made Community funnier, and he made this movie gold. Its a family film which nobody should watch with their family. Crude, funny, and clever.
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10
Duke_NukemOct 9, 2015
Classic roadtrip comedy from the 80's with a hilarious Chevy Chase as the goofy father Clark Griswold and the beautiful Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen Griswold.

Clark realises that he don't spend enough time with his kids and they areClassic roadtrip comedy from the 80's with a hilarious Chevy Chase as the goofy father Clark Griswold and the beautiful Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen Griswold.

Clark realises that he don't spend enough time with his kids and they are growing up so fast, so he decides to 'force' them to join him on a family trip to Walley's World. And why travel by airplane if you can enjoy the scenery much better going by car?

This funny movie brings back memories of summer holidays and annoying family members. The 1980's delivered some of the nicest comedy movies and this is one of my favorites. It's innocent fun, whenever I feel a bit down or sad I put on this movie and immediately feel a whole lot better!… Expand
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7
DeathXonSep 27, 2015
National Lampoon's Vacation is an all-time 80's classic roadtrip comedy. If you haven't seen it, you need to. Even if you end up not liking it for it's dated comedy. This movie holds a special spot in my heart even if it isn't the best movieNational Lampoon's Vacation is an all-time 80's classic roadtrip comedy. If you haven't seen it, you need to. Even if you end up not liking it for it's dated comedy. This movie holds a special spot in my heart even if it isn't the best movie ever. I guess you could say that that's what makes it so charming is it's cheesy, dated jokes. So take it from me, watch it and judge it for yourself, but keep in mind this movie is over 30 years old.… Expand
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10
Snitz157Apr 12, 2017
Just a fantastic movie, it never gets old, it's a timeless movie and I think it gets more hate than it should, it has to be in my top 10 favourite 80's movies
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021
This is a film partly about being judged by your local community and forging your own way, I suppose. Its also about claustrophobia, self doubt and frustration. There are some fairly intense scenes with the couple arguing and it struck meThis is a film partly about being judged by your local community and forging your own way, I suppose. Its also about claustrophobia, self doubt and frustration. There are some fairly intense scenes with the couple arguing and it struck me that it would perhaps make more sense if viewed as a play, rather than a film as such perhaps. I thought the incidental (background) music was quite good - its a fairly atmospheric watch at times. Its also quite raw and unsettling as well. It makes you question whats going on behind what you see, i.e. the facade. This isn't the most fast paced, exciting type watch, if your into action films and the like but for a film of this type, about a couples clashing over what their future holds and whats best for them, this is quite a decent film and overall I would recommend it, yes.… Expand
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9
geewahJan 12, 2021
One of the great comedies of the 1980's.
While nothing original, it has laugh out loud moments and the casting of Chase as Clark Griswold is perfect.
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6
royalguy07Sep 8, 2023
Having seen Christmas Vacation probably at least a few dozen times this was a little bit of a letdown. But not enough for me to be totally out on it. The pop culture riffs and spoofs are not that great but the base energy and humor is good.
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8
DFCOLOMBINIJun 6, 2023
Filme de Humor dos anos 80, trata-se de um clássico do humor... Não tem como não dar muitas risadas relembrando esse filme.
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