Police Academy Movies In Order: The Complete Guide

Hey there, movie buffs! Ever wondered about the correct order to watch the Police Academy movies? You're not alone! This hilarious franchise has tickled our funny bones for years, and keeping track of the films can be a bit of a challenge. So, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the world of inept but lovable cops. Get ready to discover the chronological order of the Police Academy series and relive the laughs!

The Hilarious Journey Begins: Police Academy (1984)

Police Academy, released in 1984, is where it all began. Picture this: a newly elected mayor declares that the city's police department must accept all willing recruits. Chaos ensues, naturally! A group of societal misfits and complete oddballs enroll, much to the dismay of the academy's instructors. Leading the charge is Carey Mahoney, played by the ever-charming Steve Guttenberg. Mahoney is given a choice: either join the police academy or face jail time. Naturally, he chooses the academy, but he is determined to get himself kicked out.

His plans are continuously foiled, and along the way, he makes friends and even manages to become a pretty decent cop. The humor is slapstick, the characters are unforgettable, and the plot is delightfully absurd. The supporting cast, including Bubba Smith as Hightower, Michael Winslow as Larvell Jones, and David Graf as Tackleberry, are all comedic gold. This movie set the tone for the entire franchise: light-hearted, goofy, and full of memorable moments. It's a classic for a reason, guys, and it's the perfect starting point for your Police Academy marathon. Police Academy isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon that launched a series of films, a TV show, and even an animated series. Its success lies in its ability to poke fun at authority while celebrating the underdog. The film’s humor resonates with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless comedy. If you've never seen it, now is the time to start!

Embracing the Chaos: Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

Hot on the heels of the original, Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985) sees our favorite graduates hitting the streets. Mahoney and his crew are assigned to the 16th precinct, one of the worst in the city, which is being terrorized by a gang led by the menacing Zed, played by Bobcat Goldthwait. This installment amps up the chaos and introduces new characters while maintaining the same light-hearted humor that made the first movie a hit. The newly minted officers are tasked with cleaning up the streets, but their unconventional methods often lead to more mayhem.

Captain Pete Lassard, played by Howard Hesseman, is in charge of the precinct and struggles to maintain order with his new, eccentric team. Meanwhile, Commandant Lassard is still trying to keep everything under control at the academy, but his methods are as quirky as ever. The film’s humor relies heavily on physical comedy and the contrast between the bumbling officers and the serious situations they find themselves in. Police Academy 2 is a worthy sequel that delivers more of what fans loved about the original. It reinforces the themes of teamwork and overcoming adversity, even in the most ridiculous circumstances. This movie solidified the franchise's popularity and paved the way for future installments. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to continue their Police Academy journey.

Continuing the Fun: Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

In Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986), the academy is under threat of closure due to budget cuts. To prove their worth, Commandant Lassard decides to put his recruits through a series of rigorous exercises to demonstrate their capabilities. However, a rival academy, led by the scheming Commandant Mauser, is determined to see Lassard's academy fail. Mahoney and his friends return as instructors to train a new batch of recruits, leading to even more hilarious situations. The movie introduces new characters who add to the comedic mix, and the rivalry between the two academies provides a central conflict that drives the plot forward.

The humor in Police Academy 3 is just as silly and over-the-top as in the previous films, with plenty of slapstick and physical gags. The recruits are just as inept and eccentric as ever, and their training sessions are filled with mishaps and mayhem. As the original crew train a new batch of misfit recruits, the laughs keep rolling. This installment keeps the franchise's spirit alive and well. The focus shifts slightly to the training of new recruits, allowing for fresh comedic scenarios and character interactions. Police Academy 3 is a fun and entertaining addition to the series, solidifying the franchise's status as a comedy classic.

Miami Mayhem: Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988)

Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988) takes the gang to sunny Florida. Commandant Lassard is forced to retire, but before he can, he travels to Miami Beach to accept an award. Unbeknownst to him, a group of jewel thieves plans to kidnap him, and it's up to Mahoney and the gang to save the day. This installment offers a change of scenery and introduces new characters, while still delivering the same brand of humor that fans have come to expect. The change of scenery to Miami Beach adds a new dimension to the humor, with plenty of opportunities for beach-themed gags and sight jokes. The jewel thieves provide a clear antagonist for the police officers to contend with, and the plot revolves around their attempts to thwart the criminals' plans.

While some consider this entry to be a bit weaker than the earlier films, it still has its moments. Police Academy 5 offers a fun and light-hearted adventure that showcases the enduring appeal of the franchise. The movie emphasizes the importance of teamwork and loyalty, as the officers band together to protect their beloved Commandant Lassard. Despite some criticisms, Police Academy 5 remains a popular entry in the series, offering a fun and entertaining escape for fans of the franchise.

Russian Antics: Police Academy 7: Mission to Moscow (1994)

After a brief hiatus, the gang is back in Police Academy 7: Mission to Moscow (1994). This time, the Moscow police department needs help dealing with the Russian Mafia. Commandant Lassard sends his best (or at least, his most available) officers to assist. This installment is arguably the weakest in the series, but it still offers some laughs. The change of location to Moscow provides a unique backdrop for the humor, with plenty of opportunities for cultural misunderstandings and fish-out-of-water scenarios. The Russian Mafia serves as the main antagonist, and the plot revolves around the officers' attempts to bring them down.

Most of the original cast members are missing, but some familiar faces return. While Police Academy 7 may not be the strongest entry in the franchise, it still has its moments of humor and charm. The movie highlights the importance of cross-cultural cooperation and understanding, as the American police officers learn to work with their Russian counterparts. Despite its flaws, Police Academy 7 offers a nostalgic trip back to the world of the Police Academy, providing fans with one last opportunity to see their favorite characters in action. It’s a quirky conclusion to a beloved series, even if it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the originals. This is the last in the Police Academy movie series, so soak it in, guys!

Police Academy Movies in Order of Release:

To make it super clear, here's the Police Academy movie list in order of release:

1. Police Academy (1984)
2. Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)
3. Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)
4. Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)
5. Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988)
6. Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)
7. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)

Why Watch the Police Academy Movies in Order?

While each Police Academy movie is generally self-contained, watching them in order allows you to appreciate the character development and running gags that carry through the series. You get to see how the relationships between the characters evolve and understand the inside jokes that reappear throughout the films. Plus, it's just more fun to follow the timeline of events as they unfold. Each film builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive and entertaining narrative. By watching the movies in order, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of the Police Academy and experience all the laughs and memorable moments in their intended sequence. Trust me, it enhances the experience!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! The complete guide to watching the Police Academy movies in order. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, this list will help you navigate the hilarious world of Mahoney, Hightower, and the rest of the gang. Get ready for some serious laughs and enjoy the ride! Grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a Police Academy marathon. You won't regret it! And remember, sometimes the best way to fight crime is with a healthy dose of laughter. Now go forth and enjoy the comedic brilliance of the Police Academy series!