National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

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2:13

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

PG-13

Released Dec 1, 1989

1h 37m

Holiday

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

57 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.

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Critics Consensus

While Christmas Vacation may not be the most disciplined comedy, it's got enough laughs and good cheer to make for a solid seasonal treat.

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William Thomas

Empire Magazine

If it doesn't make you at least giggle, then you clearly don't understand the true meaning of the festive season.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 12, 2020

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Time Out Staff

Time Out

Sure, it's crude, episodic and half the jokes don't work, but 'Christmas Vacation' may be the only modern Christmas comedy which really stands up to repeat viewings.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 12, 2020

Full Review

Steve Simels

Entertainment Weekly

Chase's befuddled Dad remains a genuinely amusing creation, and the sight gags are impeccably timed.

Aug 12, 2020

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A goofy satire of the middle-class WASP suburban holiday scene.

Rated: B-

Dec 22, 2024

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Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

It really delivers on the laughs. One of the best holiday comedies ever made

Dec 7, 2024

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Cassondra Feltus

Black Girl Nerds

From the wacky mishaps to oddly endearing characters, Christmas Vacation remains an uproarious, feel-good, oft-quoted holiday classic. Over 35 years, the film has become an annual must-watch for a fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.

Rated: 4.5/5

Dec 2, 2024

Full Review

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Robert S

Funniest Christmas movie ever!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/24/24

Full Review

Ryan

Great on the big screen

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

Full Review

Randy

one of the best christmas all time classics!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

Full Review

Tyler T

An absolute classic! The movie honestly gets better every time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/22/24

Full Review

Chris E

Absolute classic! loved seeing this in the theater for the first time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/21/24

Full Review

Andrew B

The best Christmas Movie ever! So fun to watch it on the big screen again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

Full Review

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Jeremiah S. Chechik

Director

Chevy Chase

Clark Wilhelm Griswold, Jr.

Beverly D'Angelo

Ellen Griswold

Randy Quaid

Cousin Eddie Johnson

Diane Ladd

Nora Griswold

John Randolph

Clark Wilhelm Griswold, Sr.

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10%

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Mixed Nuts

16%

47%

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Home for the Holidays

63%

72%

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Surviving Christmas

8%

30%

Surviving Christmas

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National Lampoon's European Vacation

37%

49%

National Lampoon's European Vacation

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Trailer 1

2:13

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Synopsis

As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.

Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Producer: John Hughes, Tom Jacobson
Screenwriter: John Hughes
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Hughes Entertainment
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Holiday, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 1, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 22, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $70.0M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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