National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

PG-13

Released Dec 1, 1989

1 hr. 37 min.

Holiday

Comedy

TRAILER

for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Trailer 1

List

70%

54 Reviews

Tomatometer

86%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Apr 30

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Rent National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Crystina

It's a classic movie, it was nice to experience.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/16/23

Full Review

Sara

We watch this movie every year and our 16 year old son wanted to celebrate his Birthday at the movies because it was playing this year on the big screen. We had everyone dress in themed costumes. It was a blast!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/23

Full Review

Grumpy C

As good as I remembered it. Always better on the big screen. Should do this with more classic films.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

Shawn

Absolute classic Christmas movie. It was great to see it on the big screen again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/12/23

Full Review

Michael E

One of the funniest movies ever in a beautiful, clean, fun and safe theater,

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/11/23

Full Review

adrian

Liked every. Classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

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.

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

10%

42%

Trapped in Paradise

13%

47%

Mixed Nuts

64%

71%

Home for the Holidays

TRAILER

for Home for the Holidays

8%

30%

Surviving Christmas

TRAILER

for Surviving Christmas

37%

49%

National Lampoon's European Vacation

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

National Lampoon’s Best Movies

Five Favorite Films with White Reindeer Director Zach Clark

Five Favorite Films with Warwick Davis

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Trailer 1

2:13

View more videos

View more photos

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

I was prepared to enjoy this and it ended up feeling like a dreadful task I had to complete. This wasn't a good movie and definitely doesn't stand the test of time.

Rated: 1/5

Jan 2, 2023

Full Review

Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

The pacing was rough, Clark Griswold is not a fun protagonist to follow and the comedy was all over the place tonally. Randy Quaid is the best thing in this, which is bonkers to say.

Rated: 1/5

Jan 2, 2023

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...an affable yet thoroughly erratic comedy...

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 28, 2022

Full Review

Read all reviews

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
Executive Producer: Matty Simmons, Daniel Grodnik
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
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

Most Popular at Home Now