Verdict:National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.2/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Comedy genre.
Answer: Yes, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1989, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on It's Christmastime, and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration. Under the direction of Jeremiah S. Chechik, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
As of January 2026, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
With an audience rating of 7.2/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Comedy, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $27,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $74,542,088 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The estimated production budget for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is $27,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy movies.
Yes, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy cinema.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a Comedy movie that It's Christmastime, and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration. But things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen, and th...
'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation', unlike predecessor 'National Lampoon’s European Vacation', is more akin to the original. A good watch it is, if still off from the first flick. The festive vibes are there, it's perhaps a bit too mean-spirited at times but overall works. The cast are the cast, I don't think anyone stands out as being a great performer but they are all satisfactory. Chevy Chase is the obvious lead, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't rank his performance as anything overly higher than his co-stars. Interesting to see Julia Louis-Dreyfus appear, by the way. All in all, there's enough there to entertain. The ending is suitably watchable, which is something I did feel was missing from the previous film.
