When one thinks of classic Christmas holiday movies, there are plenty that come to mind, but National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation shines through like the Christmas Star. It's often regarded as one of the best holiday films to this day, and almost certainly one of the funniest.
But just how does it compare to the originator of this Vacation series? It's a tough one to measure - as they excel in different ways, and the preference among fans seems nearly split down the middle. Christmas Vacation brings its own wholesome charm and makes for the perfect go-to laugher around the holidays.
At the same time, the original film is still regarded by many as one of the best comedies of all time. It just begs the question: which of these Griswold family escapades makes for the funniest and overall best movie?
Original: The Sense Of Adventure
It's true that a gripping plot isn't exactly the hallmark of a great comedy - but it definitely doesn't hurt. Vacation certainly delivers when it comes to its entertaining narrative. Well before they reach Walley World, the film takes the Griswolds - and by association, the viewer - on a wild ride full of hilarious hijinks and unexpected turns. The wackiness escalates as the naïve Clark (Chevy Chase) and his family get farther from home, yielding more funny moments as things spiral out of control.
This sets the stage for more comedic bouts, though it also creates a discernable goal or "holy grail," making it more engaging for the viewer. By the final act, we want to see the hyped Walley World as much as the Griswolds.
Christmas Vacation: More Relatable
Christmas Vacation is a film representation of family holiday shenanigans, clichés, and headaches - bumped up to the nth degree. Of course, most likely haven't experienced explosive sewer gas or SWAT-team stick-ups during the holidays, but the general vibes and quirks related to family Christmas shindigs are captured nicely.
Most can somewhat relate to bickering, abrasive, or quirky relatives - or the stressful, frantic nature of hosting a holiday get-together. It's an exaggeration, though it's also a bit more grounded in reality than its Vacation originator.
It's that recognizable, "has this ever happened to you?" quality that makes the humor more dynamic and strong.
Original: Variety Of Fun Settings
Given the amount of traveling involved in the Griswolds' trip, it makes sense that there are a variety of neat and diverse locales explored in Vacation. Rather than the bulk of the film residing in a single household, Vacation feels more like a cross-country tour of the US circa 1983. Everything from city skylines and historic landmarks to the more subdued Great Plains and deserts are shown.
This makes for a fun visual spectacle, though it also sets things up for many comedic moments.
Christmas Vacation: Adult And Family-Friendly Humor
Of course, there's plenty of raunchier, more adult-themed humor in Christmas Vacation - Clark's sexual faux pas to a mall employee and Eddie's RV waste disposal come to mind. At the same time, there are enough relatively wholesome family moments and kid-friendly humor that give the film a wider appeal. It's hard to imagine a family of all ages sitting down and fully enjoying the original Vacation, which is heavier on the adult comedy.
But with its holiday-themed counterpart, there are plenty of gags to go around for younger viewers; at least for the "PG-13" and above crowd.
Original: Higher Stakes
It can be argued that story elements of comedies tend to take a backseat to humorous zingers and gags. Still, a more dynamic and interesting story doesn't hurt - and can often enhance a comedy. Such is the case in Vacation, which sees Clark and company in a more precarious spot during much of the film.
Given that they're driving hundreds of miles, it's crucial that they see their Walley World pilgrimage through, or it's countless dollars and time wasted. When the family goes all the way to Walley World only to find it closed, Clark snaps, setting up one of the more amusing final acts in comedy films. The high stakes - and the brutal comedown - push Clark to the brink, leading to a wacky hostage situation inside the park.
One can sense Clark's passion and yearning to pull off a great family holiday in Christmas Vacation - but there's not nearly as much to lose.
Christmas Vacation: Clark And Eddie At The Top Of Their Comedic Game
For a great many, both Clark and his goofier brother-in-law Eddie are the source of much of the humor in the Vacation series.
Not only do we get more of the zany cousin in Christmas Vacation, but Randy Quaid also manages to take his goofiness up a notch. It's a little cartoony, but it also makes for some funnier moments compared to the more subdued version of Eddie in the first film.
Then there's Clark, who finds himself in more slapstick moments and generally has more to do than driving a car for several days. There's also the iconic rant aimed at his boss in Christmas Vacation, which arguably outshines his outburst late in the original Vacation.
Original: The Family Truckster And Other More Iconic Imagery
Symbols and imagery may seem subtle, but they can go along way in adding that memorable quality to a film and give it some character. Like a brand logo, they can leave an imprint on the mind and add some artistic flair to a subject. In the original Vacation, there are a number of these symbols that have since become iconic staples of the film.
You've got the colorful logo of Walley World along with its lovable mascot, Marty Moose. Then of course, there's the classic Family Truckster; a car that's been immortalized despite its dated, bland design.
Christmas Vacation: More Timeless With Its Appealing Christmas Themes
Comedies can be susceptible to aging, given the nature of topical humor and some subjects that may be considered controversial today. And while it wouldn't be quite fair to make that claim regarding Vacation, its holiday-themed successor truly transcends with its unifying themes of family and holiday spirit.
For many, Christmas Vacation has become that go-to film families watch during the holiday season. Its delightful Christmas themes - coupled with some hilarious gags - make this a classic that will never die in the eyes of many fans.
Original: Abundance Of Funnier, More Memorable Moments
Christmas Vacation goes above and beyond with delivering some goofy gags and crazy hijinks, to be sure. For many, though, the original provides more funny bouts that stick with viewers.
Who can forget the first meetup with Eddie and his family? The unfortunate mishap with Aunt Edna, or Clark's urine-covered sandwich dance? And of course, the grand finale which sees Clark hold a Walley World employee hostage? These hilarious "remember when?" scenes tend to be more prominent compared to the more sitcom-esque Christmas Vacation.
These moments mark the main reason Vacation is still viewed as a National Lampoon classic.
Christmas Vacation: An Extended Family Of Funny, Likable Characters
What's a great comedy without a slew of comedic characters? Both films have no shortage of them, though it's amusing to see the colorful cast of the Griswolds' extended family in much of Christmas Vacation. In fairness, the original features the always-funny Aunt Edna, along with some other characters that come and go.
Still, it's tough to beat the prominently-featured Eddie and his family, along with the grumpy, wisecracking Art, and the zany Lewis and Bethany.