As a movie critic, I’m getting a lot of buzz about the Christmas classics currently doing incredibly well on HBO Max – everyone’s been loving titles like Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, and A Christmas Story. But here’s the thing: if you’re planning a cozy Christmas movie marathon with those titles, you need to hurry! One of those beloved films only has two weeks left on the platform before it disappears from HBO Max. So, grab the popcorn and settle in – time is running out!
The holiday favorite National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation arrived on HBO Max November 1st, but will leave the service on December 31st. The film, directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes, follows Clark Griswold’s hilarious attempts to create a perfect Christmas for his family and has been a big hit with viewers. Currently, it’s the No. 3 most-streamed movie on HBO Max, behind only Christmas with the Kranks and Elf, and ahead of other popular holiday films like A Christmas Story, Bad Santa, and The Polar Express.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Is a Definitive Christmas Classic
Released in 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation quickly became a Christmas favorite and continues to be a holiday tradition for many. The movie hilariously captures the often chaotic and imperfect reality of family gatherings – from the stress of trying to create the perfect holiday to the mishaps and mayhem that inevitably happen. Filled with memorable scenes and funny quotes – like the exploding septic tank and those pesky squirrels – it’s a guaranteed laugh-out-loud experience, and a heartwarming reminder of the enduring bonds of family.
As a huge fan, I can tell you this movie just feels like Christmas. Yes, it’s hilariously chaotic, but at its heart, it’s all about the warmth of the season and how much family means – it really shows you that love and connection are way more important than any present. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic – Rotten Tomatoes proves it with a 72% from critics and an amazing 86% from audiences! It’s right up there with movies like A Christmas Story and Home Alone, so I was really bummed to hear it’s leaving HBO Max. Thankfully, we can still enjoy it during the holidays before it goes!
Where to Stream National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation After It Leaves HBO Max?
With National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation remaining a holiday favorite, its removal from HBO Max is disappointing for many viewers. Fortunately, the movie won’t disappear completely! You can still stream it on Disney+, Hulu, and Philo, or rent or buy it from various online stores.
While National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of six films based on the story “Vacation ’58,” it’s the easiest to find streaming. The other movies—including National Lampoon’s Vacation, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2, and the newest film, Vacation—aren’t currently available on streaming services; you can only rent or buy them. However, you can stream National Lampoon’s European Vacation and Vegas Vacation on Philo.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- The Most Jaw-Dropping Pop Culture Moments of 2025 Revealed
- 3 PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for December 2025 Leaked Early
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- TikToker Madeleine White Marries Andrew Fedyk: See Her Wedding Dress
- Where Winds Meet: Best Weapon Combinations
- Jim Ward, Voice of Ratchet & Clank’s Captain Qwark, Has Passed Away
- Kylie Jenner Makes Acting Debut in Charli XCX’s The Moment Trailer
- Superman’s Breakout Star Is Part of Another Major Superhero Franchise
2025-12-15 19:11