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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

  • 19891989
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
184K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,298
71
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, and John Randolph in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Home Video Trailer from Warner Home Video
Play trailer2:19
3 Videos
99+ Photos
Comedy

The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

IMDb RATING
7.6/10
184K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,298
71
  • Director
    • Jeremiah S. Chechik
  • Writer
    • John Hughes
  • Stars
    • Chevy Chase
    • Beverly D'Angelo
    • Juliette Lewis
Top credits
  • Director
    • Jeremiah S. Chechik
  • Writer
    • John Hughes
  • Stars
    • Chevy Chase
    • Beverly D'Angelo
    • Juliette Lewis
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 412User reviews
    • 107Critic reviews
    • 49Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro

    • Videos3

    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
    Trailer 2:19
    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
    The Worst Gifts in Our Favorite Holiday Films
    Clip 2:37
    The Worst Gifts in Our Favorite Holiday Films
    What's Your Favorite Scene From a Holiday Movie?
    Video 3:33
    What's Your Favorite Scene From a Holiday Movie?

    Photos148

    Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, and Johnny Galecki in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase and William Hickey in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Diane Ladd, Doris Roberts, E.G. Marshall, and John Randolph in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Doris Roberts at an event for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Chevy Chase
    Chevy Chase
    • Clarkas Clark
    Beverly D'Angelo
    Beverly D'Angelo
    • Ellenas Ellen
    Juliette Lewis
    Juliette Lewis
    • Audreyas Audrey
    Johnny Galecki
    Johnny Galecki
    • Rustyas Rusty
    John Randolph
    John Randolph
    • Clark, Sr.as Clark, Sr.
    Diane Ladd
    Diane Ladd
    • Noraas Nora
    E.G. Marshall
    E.G. Marshall
    • Artas Art
    Doris Roberts
    Doris Roberts
    • Francisas Francis
    Randy Quaid
    Randy Quaid
    • Cousin Eddie Johnsonas Cousin Eddie Johnson
    Miriam Flynn
    Miriam Flynn
    • Cousin Catherine Johnsonas Cousin Catherine Johnson
    Cody Burger
    Cody Burger
    • Rockyas Rocky
    Ellen Latzen
    Ellen Latzen
    • Ruby Sueas Ruby Sue
    • (as Ellen Hamilton Latzen)
    William Hickey
    William Hickey
    • Lewisas Lewis
    Mae Questel
    Mae Questel
    • Bethanyas Bethany
    Sam McMurray
    Sam McMurray
    • Billas Bill
    Nicholas Guest
    Nicholas Guest
    • Todd Chesteras Todd Chester
    Julia Louis-Dreyfus
    Julia Louis-Dreyfus
    • Margo Chesteras Margo Chester
    Nicolette Scorsese
    Nicolette Scorsese
    • Maryas Mary
    • Director
      • Jeremiah S. Chechik
    • Writer
      • John Hughes
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit
    It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. —Rob Hartill
    christmassequelholidaychristmas gatheringsexy woman239 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • Yule crack up!
    • Genre
      • Comedy
    • Certificate
      • PG-13
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      After failing to get the Christmas lights to work one last time, Clark Griswold takes his frustration out on the plastic decorations in the front yard. Chevy Chase actually broke his pinky finger while punching Santa Claus. He resorts to kicking and clubbing the decorations after that. The film kept rolling, and the take was used.
    • Goofs
      At one point when Snot the Dog is chasing the squirrel through the house, they run over the top of the dining table, and the food, plates, and silverware get demolished. A moment later, Clark is walking past the hallway leading to the kitchen with the table visible in the background. The tablecloth and setting are in pristine condition.
    • Quotes

      Eddie: You surprised?

      Clark: Surprised, Eddie? If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now.

    • Crazy credits
      The opening credits feature a cartoon of Santa delivering the Griswold family's Christmas presents while also getting electrocuted, hit by bricks, setting his pants on fire, falling into the snow and being chased by a rolling snowman head
    • Alternate versions
      To receive a PG certificate in the UK all cinema and video versions were cut by 2 secs to remove the swearing from 'We're gonna have the happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye.'
    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation/Roger & Me/Triumph of the Spirit/Mystery Train/Thelonius Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1989)
    • Soundtracks
      Christmas Vacation
      Written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann
      Performed by Mavis Staples
      Courtesy of Paisley Park Records

    User reviews412

    Review
    Top review
    I cried from laughter!
    Since the holidays are approaching, I feel I should comment on this Christmas classic. Chevy Chase is hilarious once again as Clark, and this is the funniest Vacation next to the original when they go to Wally World. Some of the funniest lines too: "Gonna burn some dust here, eat my rubber." "It is a bit nipply out, I mean nippy out!". A Christmas movie to own , and if you don't, worthy of a rent at the holidays. Randy Quaid has some great moments as Eddie, and don't miss Chase's run down the hill in the sled!
    helpful•40
    14
    • Adriane
    • Nov 26, 1999

    FAQ13

    • What kind of dog is Snots?
    • Is this movie a family movie?
    • What's the name of the woman who plays the "pool fantasy" woman?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 1, 1989 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Christmas Vacation
    • Filming locations
      • Marshall Field & Co. Department Store - 111 N. State Street, The Loop, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA
    • Production companies
      • Warner Bros.
      • Hughes Entertainment
      • National Lampoon
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $27,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $73,576,146
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $11,750,203
      • Dec 3, 1989
    • Gross worldwide
      • $73,594,646
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 37 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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