Introduction
How many national lampoon movies are there: the number of films in the National Lampoon series is a question that many people have asked over the years. To answer this question, there are currently six National Lampoon movies, all of which were produced between the late 1970s and early 2000s. These movies are classic comedies that have become cult favorites over time.
The first film in the series was “Animal House,” released in 1978 and directed by John Landis. This raunchy comedy was a huge hit and launched the National Lampoon brand into mainstream media consciousness. Since then, there have been other popular films like “Vacation,” “Christmas Vacation,” and “Loaded Weapon 1.” Each movie has its own unique take on the National Lampoon style of humor.
It’s worth noting that while many people associate National Lampoon with movies, it started as a satire magazine in the 1970s and has had various multimedia offshoots over the years. Nonetheless, for those who enjoy irreverent comedies with a touch of social commentary, checking out these six movies is definitely worth your time.
According to IMDb, Animal House (1978) has an overall rating of 7.5/10 with over 117K votes.
Get ready to laugh ’til it hurts with the National Lampoon franchise, where every movie is a hilarious disaster waiting to happen.
National Lampoon Franchise Overview
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the National Lampoon franchise, delve into the history of National Lampoon, as well as the impact and legacy of the National Lampoon magazine. These two sub-sections will offer an in-depth look at the origins and evolution of the popular movie series.
History of National Lampoon
National Lampoon is a famous satirical media company that initially gained recognition through its magazine. The franchise became popular for its humorous multimedia productions featuring spoofs and parodies of contemporary life. The company was in operation from the 1970s with Douglas Kenney serving as the initial editor-in-chief. In the early years of production, various comedians such as John Belushi and Bill Murray played significant roles in National Lampoon productions.
Moreover, it expanded into movies in the late 1970s, where it produced blockbuster hits such as ‘Animal House’ and ‘Vacation.’ The success of these movies proved that National Lampoon could venture into other sectors besides magazines and still be successful. However, by mid-1980s, financial constraints led to bankruptcy, leading to different ownership changes.
Interestingly, throughout different ownership changes over the years and despite limited resources nowadays, National Lampoon has survived until today due to its loyal fanbase and iconic productions. Considering this history of resilience, budding businesses should learn that brand loyalty can help weather financial obstacles.
Pro Tip: Continuous identification of new business strategies can ensure a long-lasting success story like National Lampoon’s trajectory.
Get ready to laugh out loud and cringe at the same time with the outrageous content of National Lampoon Magazine.
National Lampoon Magazine
The iconic magazine that shaped American comedy and satire landscape in the 70s is the center of attention for this franchise overview. Known for pushing boundaries, National Lampoon was a cultural touchstone that employed some of the most successful comedians and writers today, including John Hughes and Bill Murray. Its influence in film production was reignited with “National Lampoon’s Animal House” in 1978, which inspired countless films thereafter. The legacy of the publication has seen various shifts but persists through print and digital mediums to date.
National Lampoon changed hands several times over its existence before relaunching as a licensing company under J2 Global in 2017. Under new ownership, National Lampoon expanded its portfolio to include video content, podcasts, and merchandise production while further establishing itself in the film industry with “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” released on Netflix in 2018.
As a pop culture trailblazer, National Lampoon continues to reflect on society’s idiosyncrasies and teach audiences how to laugh at even the darkest realities. One true story from its past showcases their satirical prowess as they published an issue called “Buy This Magazine or We’ll Kill This Dog,” featuring an image of a cute dog held up at gunpoint. In true National Lampoon fashion, hilarity ensued as enthusiasts flocked to purchase copies of the magazine.
National Lampoon movies: Where family vacations, college parties, and Christmas celebrations all go hilariously wrong.
National Lampoon Movies
To explore the National Lampoon Movies with their many titles, including National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978), National Lampoon’s Class Reunion (1982), and the National Lampoon’s Vacation Series (1983-2015), among others, we’ll examine the legacy of the National Lampoon brand. Understanding its impact on comedy can help us better appreciate the humor found within each film.
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
Set in 1978, a classic college comedy, Animal House showcases the outrageous antics of Delta Tau Chi. For example, their attempt to throw the ultimate toga party while fighting against the stuffy Dean Wormer and his rival fraternity Omega Theta Pi. Starring John Belushi and produced by National Lampoon, it paved a new genre for comedic films. Its success led to several sequels and established itself as an iconic film of its time.
The creators of Animal House were inspired by Chris Miller’s experiences at Alpha Delta Phi frat house at Dartmouth College and Second City’s comedy troupe philosophy. With its humor ranging from slapstick to satirical, this movie embodies college hedonism that still resonates with audiences today. The soundtrack filled with rock classics further fuels nostalgia for the era.
Animal House was critically acclaimed for breaking barriers in censorship standards and encouraging discussion about freedom of speech. It challenged traditional values associated with higher education institutions and remains pertinent even after four decades since its release.
One can appreciate the success of this masterpiece by following some suggestions: watching with a group of friends or attending college-themed parties, dressing up as characters wins extra points, getting involved in Greek life or supporting hometown fraternities/sororities. Enjoying Animal House provides shared laughter, memories, and cultural perspectives that transcend generations.
National Lampoon’s Class Reunion – where the punch is spiked and the memories are forgotten.
National Lampoon’s Class Reunion (1982)
This 1982 film by National Lampoon follows a group of high school classmates who reunite after ten years for their class reunion. As they reminisce about their days in school, old secrets are revealed and long-standing grudges come to the surface. The movie is a hilarious take on high school drama that keeps you entertained from beginning to end.
The plot revolves around the eccentric group of classmates and their individual stories, adding an element of suspense to the comedy. With talented actors like Gerrit Graham and Michael Lerner, the film is a must-watch for fans of classic comedy.
What sets this film apart is its ability to poke fun at common high school stereotypes without resorting to cheap laughs or offensive humor. It’s an entertaining ride full of witty one-liners and brilliant comedic timing that you don’t want to miss.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a good laugh, National Lampoon’s Class Reunion (1982) is definitely worth watching. With its hilarious portrayal of high school life, it’s sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.
National Lampoon’s Vacation series: proof that a family road trip can both make you laugh and never want to leave the house again.
National Lampoon’s Vacation Series (1983-2015)
This comedy film series explores the misadventures of the Griswold family’s vacations over a span of three decades. The films were produced by National Lampoon and focused on the characters’ hilarious experiences while travelling.
The first movie, ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation,’ released in 1983, was directed by Harold Ramis and became an instant hit. Over time, several sequels followed namely ‘European Vacation,‘ ‘Christmas Vacation,‘ ‘Vegas Vacation,‘ and ‘Vacation.‘ Later, in 2015, a reboot of the same name ‘Vacation‘ was released featuring Rusty Griswold (son) all grown up.
The series portrays various vacation destinations that are filled with shenanigans from getting lost to spending a night in jail. Additionally, there is always an underlying theme that shows how important it is to bond with one’s family regardless of any hurdles or disappointments faced during the trip.
If anyone plans to watch this movie series for pure entertainment and laughter purposes, they will undoubtedly have a great time watching it with their friends or family. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a film series that portrays complex character development or storyline twists and turns, this may not be suitable.
Who needs a tour guide when you’ve got the Griswolds showing you the best of Europe’s cultural misunderstandings and automotive disasters in ‘National Lampoon’s European Vacation’?
National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
This film follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a European adventure. As they travel through London, Paris and Germany, the Griswolds face various challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. With hilarious comedic moments and unexpected twists, National Lampoon’s European expedition is a must-watch for anyone in search of a good laugh.
Moreover, this film features an all-star cast, including Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, who reprise their roles as the devoted and quirky Griswold couple. Directed by Amy Heckerling, National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985) has become a cult classic and remains a staple of the National Lampoon franchise.
Furthermore, this movie subtly addresses important themes such as familial bonding and perseverance in the face of adversity. The creative cinematography showcases stunning visuals of iconic European landmarks while maintaining its trademark humor throughout.
If you haven’t seen National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), don’t miss out on this side-splitting comedic journey!
Christmas with the Griswolds: Where dysfunctional family gatherings and electrocuted cats go hand in hand. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a holiday classic for those who prefer their eggnog spiked with a side of dark comedy.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The 1989 film, part of the National Lampoon franchise, follows Clark Griswold’s attempts to create the perfect Christmas for his family. Chaos and mishaps ensue as he struggles to deal with relatives, in-laws, and out-of-control lights. Starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a beloved holiday classic that still delights audiences today. A must-watch for anyone looking for a laugh during the festive season.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film features a squirrel causing pandemonium by jumping out of a Christmas tree and attacking guests. The small but comedic role was played by real-life animal trainer Mark Forrest, who trained several squirrels for the production.
It’s fascinating to note that comedian John Hughes wrote “Christmas Vacation” in just two weeks while on vacation from another film project. Despite its rushed creation, the movie has become an enduring holiday favorite for families to enjoy together.
National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation: When a family vacation turns into a wild gambling spree, it’s not just the Griswolds who are betting on their luck, it’s the audience hoping this movie pays off.
National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation (1997)
This National Lampoon flick follows the misadventures of Clark Griswold and his family during their wild vacation in Las Vegas. With non-stop hilarity, we see the Griswolds try to win big at the casino and meet interesting characters such as Cousin Eddie. As they face mishaps and mayhem on their trip, they learn what’s truly important: family. This film was a commercial success, and it’s a favorite for fans of slapstick comedy.
In ‘National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation (1997)’, Chevy Chase perfectly embodies his role as Clark Griswold with his signature wit and comedic timing. The movie features classic Vegas attractions such as Hoover Dam, Circus Circus, Mirage, MGM Grand, and many more. It highlights the absurdity of Sin City while also showcasing its fascinating charms. One unique aspect is that it features cameos from famous personalities like Mr. T, Sid Caesar, Wallace Shawn, Wayne Newton and Siegfried & Roy.
The film also delves into topics such as gambling addiction and the pressures of modern-day families to have perfect vacations. A standout scene is when Clark teaches his son Rusty how to cheat at blackjack to win back the money he lost earlier. However, they get carried away with their schemes leading to an unforgettable performance by the iconic Mr.Papa Giorgio.
In similar spirits of this laugh-riot, there is a behind-the-scenes story that Dan Aykroyd was originally meant to play Cousin Eddie in this sequel but later turned down due to creative differences with Chevy Chase; Randy Quaid stepped in seamlessly for him instead and created one of the franchise’s most beloved characters!
Who needs a shovel when you can just watch National Lampoon’s Gold Diggers and witness the art of digging your own financial grave?
National Lampoon’s Gold Diggers (2004)
One of National Lampoon’s comedy films, this movie is titled around the idea that two scheming husbands marry wealthy women to acquire their wealth. However, when they discover their wives have gold-digging tendencies of their own, things quickly spiral out of control. Full of satire and slapstick humor, National Lampoon’s Gold Diggers (2004) gained both acclamation and criticism for its raunchy and bawdy comedy style.
The film stars Will Friedle, Chris Owen, Louise Lasser and Renée Taylor in lead roles. It features absurd situations and crude jokes that are typical of the National Lampoon movies. The story is laced with romance and greed as the protagonists plot to murder their wealthy spouses while simultaneously wooing their desirable counterparts.
National Lampoon’s Gold Diggers (2004) showcases a unique form of dark humor that was controversial upon its release. This film is a part of the popular “Lampoon” franchise, which also includes revered films like Animal House (1978) and Christmas Vacation (1989).
According to sources, the film faced numerous issues during production including budgetary constraints and script rejections by production houses before finding a small-scale distributor who released it directly to DVD in 2004.
National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie: proving that even the dirtiest jokes can still fall flat.
National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie (2011)
A raunchy comedy released in 2011, this film follows a struggling independent filmmaker who is given an opportunity to direct a movie for National Lampoon. The catch? The film must be the dirtiest movie ever made. With crude humor and witty writing, National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie will leave audiences in stitches.
Throughout the movie, viewers are taken on a wild ride as the filmmakers attempt to satisfy the demands of their eccentric boss at National Lampoon. Full of risqué humor and outrageous scenes, this film stays true to the style that National Lampoon has become known for over the years.
One unique aspect of this film is the clever use of parodies. The filmmakers create montages reminiscent of classic films while adding their own raunchy twists. Fans of classic Hollywood cinema will enjoy seeing these familiar scenes turned on their head.
Interestingly, National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie was actually inspired by a failed attempt to produce another movie featuring similar material. This unsuccessful project left many involved feeling frustrated and disappointed, leading them to channel those feelings into creating a successful film that ultimately became National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie.
National Lampoon may have dominated the comedy scene in the 70s, but their other movies are like the forgotten second cousin at a family reunion.
Other National Lampoon movies
National Lampoon, a leading American humor magazine, has inspired several movies that feature comedy. These movies have garnered widespread popularity and are deemed as cult classics. Here are some other National Lampoon movies worth watching:
- Caddyshack
- Animal House
- Vacation
- Loaded Weapon 1
- Senior Trip
Caddyshack is a classic comedy movie released in 1980 and directed by Harold Ramis. Animal House is another popular movie directed by John Landis featuring late John Belushi. Rusty Griswold’s wacky journeys with his family in the Vacation series of films are worth watching. Loaded Weapon 1 is a satirical action-comedy film directed by Gene Quintano and stars Emilio Estevez and Samuel L. Jackson. Senior Trip follows a group of high school students on a journey to Washington DC.
Notably, National Lampoon’s movies adopt slapstick humor characterized by a simple story-line laced with some funny moments and witty dialogue. For those looking to enjoy high-spirited comedies, we suggest investing time viewing these National Lampoon movies to laugh your heart out! These films provide light-hearted entertainment catering to all ages and genders. Additionally, they will help you relieve stress while enjoying hours of hilarious fun-filled entertainment.
National Lampoon movies may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for a good laugh and some questionable life lessons, they’re definitely worth a watch.
Conclusion and Summary
National Lampoon has been a prominent brand in the world of comedy movies for decades. These movies have a huge fan base all over the world. The article aims to shed light on how many National Lampoon movies are there to date and provide an overview of each movie.
– There are approximately 40 National Lampoon movies produced to date, including theatrical releases and direct-to-video films.
– The first-ever National Lampoon movie was Animal House (1978), which became a box office sensation and set the tone for future productions.
– Some other famous National Lampoon movies that followed include Vacation (1983), Christmas Vacation (1989), Van Wilder (2002), and Dorm Daze (2003).
– Despite their humor, some National Lampoon movies received negative reviews from critics, yet audiences still loved them for their mindless entertainment value.
– Many of these comedies had ensemble casts featuring actors who later rose to stardom, such as Eddie Murphy, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and John Belushi.
– In recent years, some National Lampoon titles that have emerged include Dirty Movie (2011) and Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon (2015).
It is worth noting that several spin-offs or remakes attempt to capture the essence of classic National Lampoon productions. Still, they often fail to replicate the original’s success. However, most loyal fans view all of them with fondness.
For those interested in watching or revisiting these classic comedies, checking out popular streaming sites like Amazon Prime or Netflix could be an excellent idea. So sit back with your popcorn and enjoy these movies with your loved ones!
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