Top 10: Chevy Chase Movies

With his recent reappearance on the NBC series Community, it’s interesting to remember that there was once a time when Chevy Chase was a movie star. With the string of unsuccessful films that Chase put out in the 90s, it’s hard to recall that he was one of the bigger comedic actors of the 80s. But, it’s well worth revisiting his comedic canon to remind us why he’s Chevy Chase and we’re not.

10. Fletch Lives

This follow-up to his hit film Fletch wasn’t as popular as the original, but was successful enough for another sequel to be contemplated. Plus, you have to love any movie poster that has Chevy Chase looking like he’s in Gone With The Wind.

9. Funny Farm

This was the final film of George Roy Hill (director of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), written by the writer that wrote Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and scored by legendary composer Elmer Bernstein. That much talent plus Chevy Chase can’t make a bad movie. They didn’t.

8. National Lampoon’s European Vacation

Probably the least popular of the “Vacation” films (at least until Vegas Vacation came along), this film still succeeds because of the way Chase embodies the clueless, but eternally driven family man Clark Griswold.

7. Spies Like Us

Reunited with fellow SNL alumnus Dan Ackroyd, this spy spoof, directed by John Landis, delivers a now-dated look at the Cold War. But, it still delivers the laughs and there’s nothing that’s ever dated about a title song sung by Paul McCartney.

6. Foul Play

It’s said that Chase turned down Animal House to act in this, his film breakthrough after his success on SNL. While a regrettable missed opportunity, this film, a comedic tribute to the thrillers of Alfred Hitchcock, wasn’t a bad way to start his film career either, earning him a Golden Globe nomination.

5. Three Amigos

Back with John Landis again, Chevy Chase manages to create chemistry with his co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short. Too bad he didn’t maintain the chemistry off-set, as feuding on the set caused Martin and Chase to fall out with each other for well over a decade after this film. Still, this inspired melding of Hollywood reality and real reality has grown into a classic of 80’s comedy.

4. Fletch

Chevy Chase was born to play a smart aleck, so playing Gregory McDonald’s Fletch wasn’t exactly difficult. Considered one of the best films set in L.A. and a cult classic, Chase managed to add another character that is etched in his cinematic legacy.

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

One of the more unlikely Christmas classics, Chase perfected his “jerk with a heart of gold” characterization of Clark Griswold here. Perhaps it’s an odd choice for Christmastime, but maybe, in a time filled with manufactured cheer, the Griswold’s merry chaos is a refreshing change.

2. National Lampoon’s Vacation

The first, the funniest, and most successful of the Vacation movies, the inspired lunacy and an all-star comedy cast drive this vacation into comic history. We’re still mourning Aunt Edna though.

1. Caddyshack

Even if you haven’t seen Caddyshack, you’ve seen Caddyshack; that’s how immersed in popular culture it has become. One of the greatest sports movies, golf movies, and comedies, Caddyshack is the crowning achievement in Chevy Chase’s career that he’s never been able to top. If he ever did, it would be a Cinderella story, outta nowhere.

Chevy Chase may have broken through on television, but his work in movies is what drives us to remember him, even if we sometimes have to be reminded that we should. It gives us reason to hope that, with his return to TV prominence, his triumphant theatrical return might be around the corner. We can dream at least.