Police Academy Movies: The Complete Order For Binge-Watching

Hey there, movie buffs! Ready for a hilarious trip down memory lane? Let’s dive into the riotous world of the Police Academy movies. From the original misfit recruits to their wacky adventures, these films have given us some unforgettable comedic moments. If you’re looking to binge-watch the entire series, you've come to the right place. Buckle up, because we’re about to explore the Police Academy movies in order!

1. Police Academy (1984)

The one that started it all! Police Academy burst onto the scene in 1984, introducing us to a group of the most unlikely police recruits ever. When a new mayor announces a policy that the police academy must accept all willing applicants, regardless of their qualifications, chaos ensues. The film revolves around a motley crew of misfits who join the academy, much to the dismay of the stuffy and uptight instructors. At the heart of the group is Carey Mahoney, a charming rogue who is forced to join the academy as an alternative to jail. Alongside him are a memorable cast of characters, each with their unique quirks and comedic talents.

The success of Police Academy lies in its perfect blend of slapstick humor, witty writing, and endearing characters. The film cleverly satirizes the concept of law enforcement while also celebrating the underdogs. The ensemble cast works incredibly well together, creating a dynamic and chemistry that is both hilarious and heartwarming. From the iconic sound effects to the memorable one-liners, Police Academy is a comedic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It's not just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon that launched a franchise and made stars out of its cast members. Watching it today, you can still appreciate the freshness and originality that made it such a hit. The comedic timing, the physical gags, and the character interactions are all brilliantly executed, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves a good laugh. Beyond the humor, the film also touches on themes of acceptance, teamwork, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. It reminds us that sometimes the most unlikely individuals can come together to achieve great things. So, if you're looking for a film that will lift your spirits and leave you in stitches, Police Academy is the perfect choice. It's a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences of all ages. This is where the madness begins, setting the stage for all the sequels to come.

2. Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

Just a year after the original, Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment hit theaters in 1985. Fresh out of the academy, our favorite graduates – Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the gang – are assigned to a precinct plagued by a gang of unruly criminals. Captain Pete Lassard, brother of Commandant Eric Lassard, is struggling to maintain order, and it’s up to the new recruits to help clean up the streets. This sequel brings back the same brand of slapstick humor and over-the-top antics that made the first film a success.

Police Academy 2 expands on the established characters and introduces new faces, both on the side of law enforcement and the criminals. The humor is more outrageous, with elaborate pranks and physical comedy taking center stage. While it may not have the same freshness as the original, it delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. One of the highlights of the film is the dynamic between the rookie cops and the seasoned officers, creating comedic friction and camaraderie. The gang members, led by a particularly eccentric villain, provide ample opportunities for the Police Academy crew to showcase their unique skills and methods of crime-fighting. From high-speed chases to undercover operations gone awry, Police Academy 2 keeps the energy high and the jokes coming. It’s a fun, albeit predictable, continuation of the series that solidifies the characters' roles and sets the stage for future adventures. For fans of the first film, Police Academy 2 offers more of what they loved, with a few new twists and turns to keep things interesting. It’s a lighthearted and entertaining romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a perfect choice for a casual movie night. Although some critics found it to be repetitive, audiences appreciated the familiar humor and the chance to see their favorite characters back in action. Police Academy 2 is a testament to the franchise's ability to deliver consistent entertainment and solidify its place in the comedy genre.

3. Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

In Police Academy 3: Back in Training, released in 1986, the state government decides to close down one of the two police academies due to budget cuts. Commandant Lassard, determined to save his academy, enlists the help of his former graduates – Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and Hooks – to train a new batch of recruits and prove that his academy is worth saving. Meanwhile, Commandant Mauser, from the rival academy, is determined to see Lassard’s academy fail.

This installment brings back the competitive spirit of the first film, as the two academies vie for survival. The humor is once again centered around slapstick and physical comedy, with the added element of inter-academy rivalry. Police Academy 3 introduces a new set of quirky recruits, each with their own unique challenges and comedic potential. The return of familiar faces provides a sense of continuity, while the new characters add fresh dynamics to the group. One of the highlights of the film is the contrast between the seasoned graduates and the inexperienced recruits, leading to plenty of humorous training scenarios. The competition between Lassard and Mauser escalates throughout the film, culminating in a final showdown that puts both academies to the test. Police Academy 3 maintains the franchise's lighthearted tone, delivering a fun and entertaining experience for fans. While it may not break new ground, it offers a satisfying continuation of the series, with plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The film's success lies in its ability to balance familiar elements with new additions, keeping the formula fresh and engaging. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Police Academy concept, with its blend of slapstick humor, endearing characters, and lighthearted satire. Police Academy 3 is a must-watch for fans of the series, offering a chance to revisit the beloved characters and enjoy another round of comedic chaos.

4. Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, released in 1987, takes a slightly different approach. In an effort to improve community relations, the police department launches a “Citizens on Patrol” program, where civilians are trained to assist the police in non-violent situations. Of course, Commandant Lassard and his crew are in charge of training these eager, but often inept, volunteers. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and Hooks are back to teach the citizens the ropes, leading to plenty of chaotic and humorous situations.

This installment introduces a new dynamic with the addition of civilian recruits, creating a fresh set of comedic scenarios. The humor in Police Academy 4 is broader, with more emphasis on physical comedy and slapstick. While the film retains the lighthearted tone of the previous installments, it also explores themes of community involvement and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and citizens. The civilian recruits bring a new level of absurdity to the Police Academy universe, as they struggle to adapt to police training and procedures. From disastrous patrol missions to comical misunderstandings, the citizens provide ample opportunities for laughs. The returning cast members shine in their roles as trainers, showcasing their comedic timing and improvisational skills. Police Academy 4 may not be the strongest entry in the series, but it offers a fun and entertaining experience for fans, with plenty of memorable moments and quotable lines. The film's success lies in its ability to adapt the Police Academy formula to new scenarios, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the characters and the concept, with its blend of slapstick humor, endearing personalities, and lighthearted satire. Police Academy 4 is a worthwhile addition to the series, offering a chance to revisit the beloved characters and enjoy another round of comedic chaos.

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

In Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach, released in 1988, Commandant Lassard is forced to retire, and a special ceremony is planned for him in Miami Beach. Of course, the whole gang – Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and Hooks – comes along for the trip. However, things take a turn when a gang of jewel thieves attempts to kidnap Lassard, and it’s up to his loyal officers to save the day.

This installment takes the Police Academy crew out of their familiar setting and places them in the sunny and vibrant backdrop of Miami Beach. The humor in Police Academy 5 is more situational, with the characters navigating the unfamiliar environment and encountering a new set of challenges. While the film retains the lighthearted tone of the previous installments, it also incorporates elements of action and adventure, as the officers pursue the jewel thieves. The change of scenery adds a fresh dynamic to the Police Academy universe, with the characters interacting with new faces and exploring new locations. From high-speed boat chases to undercover operations on the beach, the film offers plenty of excitement and comedic moments. The returning cast members shine in their roles, showcasing their comedic timing and improvisational skills. Police Academy 5 may not be the strongest entry in the series, but it offers a fun and entertaining experience for fans, with plenty of memorable moments and quotable lines. The film's success lies in its ability to adapt the Police Academy formula to new settings, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the characters and the concept, with its blend of slapstick humor, endearing personalities, and lighthearted satire. Police Academy 5 is a worthwhile addition to the series, offering a chance to revisit the beloved characters and enjoy another round of comedic chaos in a new and exciting environment.

6. Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, released in 1989, sees the return of the familiar cast as they face a new threat: a mysterious crime syndicate that is terrorizing the city. When a series of robberies plague the metropolis, it's up to Commandant Lassard and his bumbling but well-meaning officers to crack the case. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and Hooks must once again put their unique skills to the test to restore order and bring the criminals to justice.

In this installment, the humor leans towards action-comedy, with the officers engaging in various slapstick-filled pursuits and confrontations with the criminal gang. The film brings back familiar faces and introduces new characters to shake things up. Police Academy 6 focuses on teamwork and camaraderie as the officers work together to solve the mystery and protect the city. With its blend of physical comedy, witty banter, and lighthearted antics, the film delivers plenty of laughs for fans of the series. While it may not reach the heights of the earlier installments, it still provides a fun and entertaining viewing experience for those looking for some lighthearted police-themed comedy. The film's success lies in its ability to stick to the established formula while adding new elements to keep things fresh. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the characters and the concept, with its blend of slapstick humor, endearing personalities, and lighthearted satire. Police Academy 6 is a worthy addition to the series, offering a chance to revisit the beloved characters and enjoy another round of comedic chaos in a new and exciting environment.

7. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)

Finally, we arrive at Police Academy: Mission to Moscow, released in 1994. In this installment, the Moscow police department requests the assistance of Commandant Lassard and his team to help catch a notorious Russian mafia boss. Our favorite officers – Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and company – find themselves in a completely new environment, navigating the unfamiliar streets of Moscow and dealing with a different kind of criminal.

This film offers a fresh twist to the Police Academy formula by transplanting the characters to a foreign setting. The humor in Mission to Moscow is derived from cultural differences and the officers' attempts to adapt to their new surroundings. While the film retains the lighthearted tone of the previous installments, it also incorporates elements of international intrigue and action. The change of scenery adds a new dynamic to the Police Academy universe, with the characters interacting with new faces and exploring new locations. From comical misunderstandings to daring undercover operations, the film offers plenty of excitement and comedic moments. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow may not be the strongest entry in the series, but it offers a fun and entertaining experience for fans, with plenty of memorable moments and quotable lines. The film's success lies in its ability to adapt the Police Academy formula to new settings, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the characters and the concept, with its blend of slapstick humor, endearing personalities, and lighthearted satire. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow is a worthwhile addition to the series, offering a chance to revisit the beloved characters and enjoy another round of comedic chaos in a new and exciting environment.

So there you have it, guys! The complete Police Academy movie series in order. Get ready for some serious laughs and enjoy the hilarious antics of Mahoney and the gang!