How Many Chevy Chase Vacation Movies Are There
Okay, let's talk about the Griswolds. Specifically, how many times did Clark, Ellen, Audrey, and Rusty (or whoever was playing them at the time!) pack up the station wagon and head out for family vacation mayhem?
The "Vacation" Count: More Than You Think!
Most people immediately think of the original, the one that started it all. The iconic National Lampoon's Vacation, released in 1983. That's definitely the granddaddy of all Griswoldian adventures.
But the Griswold family's travel tribulations didn't stop there. They kept going, bless their clumsy, optimistic hearts.
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The Core Four: Theatrical Releases
Here's where it gets interesting. The officially recognized "Vacation" movie count, the ones released in theaters, sits at four. Four glorious, disaster-filled family trips.
First, as mentioned, you have the original National Lampoon's Vacation. Then came National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985), where the Griswolds terrorized the continent.
Next is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). Arguably the most beloved of the bunch, it features exploding squirrels and a whole lot of Christmas lights.
Finally, Vegas Vacation (1997) saw the family gamble their way through Sin City. This one might be the most debated in terms of quality, but it's still part of the official canon.
But Wait, There's More! Television's Turn
Did you know the Griswolds also graced the small screen? They did! Twice, actually.
There was National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure (2003). Yes, Cousin Eddie got his own vacation movie. It's... something.
Then, a made-for-TV movie called Hotel Hell Vacation (2010) aired as part of an Old Navy advertising campaign. So, technically, it exists.
The Reboot/Sequel/Whatever-You-Want-To-Call-It
In 2015, we got Vacation, starring Ed Helms as a grown-up Rusty Griswold. He decides to recreate the original trip with his own family. It’s more of a legacy sequel than a straight-up reboot.
This one is tricky. It's part of the same universe and features appearances from Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo, but focuses on a new generation. So, does it count? That's up to you!
The Verdict: It's Complicated (Like a Griswold Road Trip)
So, how many Chevy Chase Vacation movies are there, really? If you're talking about the theatrical releases starring the original family, it's four. If you include the TV movies and the reboot, it's seven.
But truthfully, it's more than just a number. It's about the enduring appeal of a family who, despite their constant mishaps, always manage to stick together. That's a trip worth taking, any day.
"We're gonna have the hap-hap- happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye." - Clark Griswold
