7.3
Where can I stream National Lampoon's Vacation legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
National Lampoon's Vacation
1983·Movie
National Lampoon's Vacation fingerprint
Very funny, high energy.
Energy
Fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Fast Pace8
- Spectacle6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Hopeful and nostalgic
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Hopefulness8
- Nostalgia7
Humor
Plenty of situational comedy and slapstick
- Situational Comedy10
- Physical Comedy9
- Absurdist Humor8
World
Family and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Rewatchability9
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout performances
- Acting9
- Direction7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
HighFast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
National Lampoon's Vacation is fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
MediumHopeful and nostalgic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's hopeful and nostalgic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos3Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy1Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
Very highPlenty of situational comedy and slapstick
Expect plenty of situational comedy and slapstick.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy10Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy9Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor8Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor7Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure Escapism
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Every summer Chevy Chase takes his family on a little trip. This year he went too far.
Clark Griswold is on a quest to take his family to the Walley World theme park for a vacation, but things don't go exactly as planned.
Classic ComedyRoad Trip MisadventureFamily Farce80s HumorChaoticSitcom-esqueChevy Chase VehicleCult ClassicIrreverent
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about National Lampoon's Vacation
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is National Lampoon's Vacation worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 55). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is National Lampoon's Vacation rated?
RStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is National Lampoon's Vacation?
1 h 39 min
National Lampoon's Vacation runs 1 h 39 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on National Lampoon's Vacation?
Critics75
Audiences78
Yes. Critics average 75 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see National Lampoon's Vacation much the same way.
Was National Lampoon's Vacation a box office hit?
Budget$15 million
Box office$61 million
Yes. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $61 million worldwide, 4.1 times its budget.
What language is National Lampoon's Vacation in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch National Lampoon's Vacation?
79
+65
+65GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for National Lampoon's Vacation in 79 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does National Lampoon's Vacation use?
Butt-MonkeyIrony"Psycho" Shower Murder ParodyAnalogy BackfireRoad Trip PlotAM/FM CharacterizationContinuity NodImprobable Parking SkillsLeg ClingDeath GlareRage Breaking PointMs. Fanserviceand 67 more
TV Tropes lists 79 storytelling tropes for National Lampoon's Vacation, including Butt-Monkey, Irony, "Psycho" Shower Murder Parody.