If you loved the hilarious and heartwarming family comedy 'The Great Outdoors' (1988), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same blend of outdoor adventures, family bonding, and laugh-out-loud humor. Whether you're a fan of John Candy's charm or just looking for your next feel-good watch, these picks will keep you entertained and nostalgic.
Mr. Mom (1983)
Description: A family comedy about role reversal, sharing the humorous take on family life and dynamics, much like the comedic family interactions in 'The Great Outdoors'.
Fact: Michael Keaton's breakout role. Written by John Hughes. The term 'Mr. Mom' entered popular culture after this film.
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National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
Description: Similar to 'The Great Outdoors' in its family vacation theme, comedic mishaps, and the portrayal of a chaotic yet heartwarming family dynamic. Both films feature a family trying to enjoy a getaway that doesn't go as planned, leading to humorous situations.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by John Hughes. It's the first in the 'Vacation' series. The iconic station wagon was a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire.
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Summer Rental (1985)
Description: Another family vacation comedy starring John Candy, similar in tone and humor to 'The Great Outdoors'. Both films feature Candy in a lead role, dealing with vacation mishaps.
Fact: John Candy's first leading role. Filmed in Florida. The boat scenes were challenging due to weather.
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Dirty Dancing (1987)
Description: Both films are set in a vacation resort and involve family dynamics and romantic subplots. 'Dirty Dancing' focuses more on romance, but shares the summer getaway setting with 'The Great Outdoors'.
Fact: Patrick Swayze sang the film's theme song. The famous lift was improvised. Set in 1963 but filmed in
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Overboard (1987)
Description: A comedy about a wealthy woman who loses her memory and is convinced she's part of a working-class family, sharing the theme of family and comedic situations in a vacation-like setting.
Fact: Inspired by a real-life story. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's first film together. Filmed in Oregon.
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The 'Burbs (1989)
Description: A dark comedy about suburban life and neighborly suspicions, sharing the comedic tone and ensemble cast dynamics similar to 'The Great Outdoors'.
Fact: Tom Hanks improvised many lines. Directed by Joe Dante. The neighborhood set was built from scratch.
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Uncle Buck (1989)
Description: Shares the John Hughes connection and the theme of family bonding through comedic situations. Both films feature a mix of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments.
Fact: John Candy's character was written for him. The pancake scene was improvised. Macaulay Culkin's breakout role.
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What About Bob? (1991)
Description: A comedy about a family's summer vacation disrupted by an uninvited guest, mirroring the comedic intrusion theme in 'The Great Outdoors'. Both films blend humor with family dynamics.
Fact: Bill Murray ad-libbed many scenes. Filmed in Virginia. The lake house was a real family's vacation home.
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The Parent Trap (1998)
Description: While not a vacation film, it shares the lighthearted family comedy genre and themes of family bonding and reconciliation, similar to the heartwarming aspects of 'The Great Outdoors'.
Fact: Lindsay Lohan's debut film. A remake of the 1961 film. Filmed in California and London.
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RV (2006)
Description: Shares the theme of a family road trip filled with comedic disasters, much like 'The Great Outdoors'. Both films explore the challenges and bonding experiences of family vacations in the great outdoors.
Fact: Robin Williams improvised many of his lines. The film was shot in British Columbia. The RV used was a 2005 Fleetwood Southwind.
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