Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #3 “CHRISTMAS VACATION” (1989)
Coming in at #3 on our countdown of the top 25 Christmas movies of all time is the beloved holiday comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Released in 1989, this film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences, providing endless laughter and relatable holiday chaos, even in 2024. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes, the movie is a must-watch during the festive season.
Plot Summary
The film centers on the Griswold family, led by the eternally optimistic patriarch Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase. Determined to create the perfect “old-fashioned family Christmas,” Clark’s plans quickly spiral into a hilarious series of misadventures. From a catastrophic attempt at hanging Christmas lights to a disastrous family dinner, Clark’s efforts are a relatable reminder of the unpredictability of holiday gatherings.
Clark’s wife, Ellen, portrayed by Beverly D’Angelo, provides a calming counterbalance to her husband’s exuberance, while their children, Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and Audrey (Juliette Lewis), endure the family’s chaotic Christmas. Adding to the hilarity is the arrival of their eccentric relatives, including Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, whose unforgettable antics—like parking his dilapidated RV in the Griswold driveway—have cemented him as one of the most iconic characters in holiday movie history.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
The film is packed with moments that have become holiday staples. Clark’s determination to illuminate his house with an over-the-top display of Christmas lights results in a neighborhood power outage, and his encounter with a rogue squirrel in the Christmas tree remains a side-splitting highlight. The film is also famous for its witty one-liners, like Cousin Eddie’s infamous “Merry Christmas! Shitter was full!” and Clark’s exasperated rant: “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye!”
Why It Still Holds Up in 2024
More than three decades after its release, Christmas Vacation remains a holiday favorite because of its universal themes of family, togetherness, and the inevitable chaos that accompanies the season. The humor is timeless, and the Griswold family’s struggles feel as relatable today as they did in 1989. The film captures the spirit of Christmas in a way that resonates with all generations, blending slapstick comedy with heartfelt moments that remind us what the season is truly about.
In 2024, the movie continues to air on television during the holidays, and its quotes and scenes are endlessly shared on social media, ensuring that Christmas Vacation remains a cultural touchstone for new and old audiences alike.
Whether you’ve seen it a hundred times or are experiencing it for the first time, Christmas Vacation is a quintessential holiday film that guarantees laughter and festive cheer.
