National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

PG-13

1989

1h 37m

Holiday

Comedy

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Tomatometer

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

Aug 12, 2020

4/5

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

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Time Out Staff

Time Out

Aug 12, 2020

4/5

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.

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Steve Simels

Entertainment Weekly

Aug 12, 2020

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

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Alan French

Sunshine State Cineplex

Dec 15, 2025

9/10

With a cast that has (mostly) aged well and some truly unhinged humor, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has earned its legendary status.

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Dec 22, 2024

B-

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

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Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

Dec 7, 2024

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

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Dustin W

Jan 1, 2026

one of the best Christmas movies ever

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Jennifer M

Dec 26, 2025

We watch it every year, classic!

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Grace G

Dec 26, 2025

Classic, solid, family fun. Cheers to when Hollywood was original and a global powerhouse.

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tom and Jared

Dec 25, 2025

Way better on the big screen.

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Joshua H

Dec 16, 2025

A John Hughes classic.

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Todd

Dec 11, 2025

This is a treasured holiday movie that has to be seen in the theater atleast once. Bingo!

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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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Mixed Nuts

17%

48%

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Home for the Holidays

64%

71%

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Surviving Christmas

8%

31%

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National Lampoon's European Vacation

37%

49%

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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
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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