Police Academy Movies In Order: The Complete Guide

Hey there, movie buffs! Ever find yourself in the mood for some laugh-out-loud, slapstick comedy? Then you've probably stumbled upon the Police Academy series. These films, with their quirky characters and over-the-top antics, have cemented themselves as classics in the comedy genre. But with so many sequels, keeping track of the correct viewing order can be a bit of a challenge. Don't worry, guys! I've got you covered. Let's dive into the complete guide to watching the Police Academy movies in order, ensuring you don't miss a single hilarious moment.

1. Police Academy (1984)

Let's kick things off with the film that started it all: Police Academy, released in 1984. This is where the craziness begins, introducing us to a ragtag group of misfits who join the police academy after a new policy removes height and intelligence restrictions. Think of it as the origin story of some of the most iconic comedic characters in cinema history.

Why is it important to start here? Because it lays the foundation for all the running jokes, character dynamics, and absurd situations that define the series. You'll meet Carey Mahoney, the charming troublemaker, and a host of other unforgettable recruits like the sound-effects wizard Larvell Jones, the gentle giant Moses Hightower, and the gun-obsessed Eugene Tackleberry. Seeing their initial struggles and triumphs at the academy makes their subsequent adventures even more enjoyable.

The plot revolves around the inept Commandant Lassard trying to whip these underdogs into shape, while the disgruntled Lieutenant Harris does everything he can to see them fail. The humor is broad, physical, and often politically incorrect – a product of its time. But it's this very outrageousness that has made it a beloved comedy classic. Without understanding the context set in this first film, the later sequels won't pack quite the same punch. So, buckle up and prepare for some serious laughs as you witness the birth of the Police Academy legend!

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

Next up is Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, hitting screens in 1985. Fresh out of the academy, our favorite graduates are assigned to the 16th Precinct, one of the worst areas in the city. The precinct is led by Captain Pete Lassard, brother to Commandant Lassard, who is struggling to keep order amidst a wave of crime. This sequel amps up the chaos and introduces new characters who add to the comedic mayhem.

What makes this sequel essential viewing? It continues the character development of the original cast while throwing them into a new environment filled with fresh challenges. Mahoney, Hightower, Jones, and Tackleberry must now apply their unconventional training to real-world policing. Expect even more slapstick, ridiculous schemes, and over-the-top action as they try to clean up the streets. We also get introduced to Zed McGlunk, the leader of a local gang, who becomes a recurring foil for our heroes. His bizarre antics and unique brand of craziness provide plenty of comedic fodder.

This installment also further develops the rivalry between our lovable goofballs and the ever-frustrated Lieutenant Harris, whose attempts to undermine them always backfire spectacularly. The humor is very much in the same vein as the first film, relying on physical comedy, absurd situations, and the sheer ineptitude of its characters. If you enjoyed the original, you're almost guaranteed to find Police Academy 2 equally hilarious and entertaining. It solidifies the formula that would define the rest of the series, making it a crucial entry in the Police Academy saga.

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

In Police Academy 3: Back in Training, released in 1986, the state governor decides that only one of the two police academies should remain open due to budget cuts. Commandant Lassard's academy must compete against the more serious-minded Spenser's Academy to prove its worth. Lassard, of course, calls on his most famous graduates – Mahoney, Hightower, Jones, Tackleberry, and others – to return as instructors and help whip the new recruits into shape. What could possibly go wrong?

Why should you watch this one? Because it flips the script, putting our beloved characters in the role of teachers. Watching them try to impart their unique (and often completely absurd) wisdom onto a new generation of cadets is comedy gold. The film also introduces a fresh batch of recruits, each with their own quirks and personalities, who add to the overall chaos. Expect plenty of training montages, practical jokes, and over-the-top competitions as the two academies battle it out for survival.

Lieutenant Harris is back, of course, this time as an instructor at Spenser's Academy, doing everything in his power to sabotage Lassard's efforts. The rivalry between the two academies provides the central conflict, leading to a series of increasingly ridiculous challenges. Police Academy 3 maintains the same broad, slapstick humor as its predecessors, offering plenty of laughs for fans of the series. It's a fun and lighthearted romp that showcases the camaraderie and comedic talents of the core cast.

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

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol arrived in 1987, introducing a new initiative called