National Lampoon's European Vacation
Seen it?1985 | 95 min | Adventure, Comedy
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It's still drawing plenty of interest, but middling reviews (37% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and adventure fans.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
The Griswolds win a vacation to Europe on a game show, and so pack their bags for the continent. They do their best to catch the flavor of Europe, but they just don't know how to be be good tourists. Besides, they have trouble taking holidays in countries where they CAN speak the language.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
37% on Rotten Tomatoes, 47 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.2 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$49 million worldwide on a $17 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 189K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Amy Heckerling
- Chevy ChaseClark Griswold
- Beverly D'AngeloEllen Griswold
- Dana HillAudrey Griswold
- Jason LivelyRusty Griswold
- Victor LanouxThief
- Eric IdleThe Bike Rider
- John AstinKent
- Paul BartelMr. Froeger
- Maureen LipmanLady in the Bed
- Willy MillowitschFritz Spritz