National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster. The comic misadventures of the beleaguered Griswold family continue in this latest "Vacation" outing, the third and most successful of the series. (Over $71,000,000!) This time America's most dedicated dad (Chevy Chase) is determined to stay at home to create "the most fun-filled old fashioned family Christmas ever" -- but life has a particular way of throwing wet logs on Clark Griswold's fire. Look for Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus (TV's "Seinfeld") in a supporting role. Written by John Hughes ("Home Alone" series). Hapless Clark Griswold, his exasperated wife, Ellen, and their kids gear up for Christmas in this Vacation installment that became a holiday classic.