McHale's Navy Collection
The basic plot revolves around McHale's crew's wacky schemes to make money, get girls, and have a ball, and the efforts of Captain Binghamton (McHale's superior) to rid himself of the PT-73 crew for good, either by transfer or court martial. Although they are forever getting into trouble, they (almost always unwittingly) get out of trouble. Despite their scheming, conniving, and often lazy and unmilitary ways, McHale's crew is always successful in combat in the end. The entire show is based on only two locations, one in the South Pacific at a fictional base called Taratupa (the inferred location is in the Solomon Islands) and an equally fictional town in Italy called Voltafiore.
McHale's Navy Collection Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview
The McHale's Navy Collection franchise spans roughly 33 years, featuring 3 interconnected films that build a shared narrative universe.
From its earliest installment to the most recent release, the series has expanded its world-building while introducing new characters and story arcs. Notable entries such as McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force demonstrate the franchise’s ability to maintain audience interest over time.
Franchise Quality Benchmark
Across all entries, the series holds an average audience rating of 5.0. While many long-running franchises experience declining reception, this series continues to deliver memorable cinematic moments.
Viewing Order Strategy
Most viewers prefer watching the films in release order, which reflects how audiences originally experienced the evolving story.
However, a chronological viewing order can provide deeper insight into the timeline of events within the McHale's Navy Collection universe.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the McHale's Navy Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
McHale's Navy
The crew of PT-73 get into trouble when they back the wrong horse in a race. Now they have to come up with a way to raise the money to pay off the winners....
McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force
The crew of PT-73 are in trouble again when Ensign Parker is mistaken for a pilot and gets shanghied into the Air Force....
McHale's Navy
Retired Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale spends his days puttering around the Caribbean in the old PT-73 selling homebrew, ice cream, and swimsuit calendars....
Common Questions about McHale's Navy Collection
How many movies are in the McHale's Navy Collection?
There are currently 3 movies in the McHale's Navy Collection, starting from McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force to the latest release, McHale's Navy.
What is the best order to watch the McHale's Navy Collection?
The best way to watch the McHale's Navy Collection is usually in release order: starting with McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force and ending with McHale's Navy. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the McHale's Navy Collection?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force in this franchise.