Police Academy Movies In Order: The Ultimate Guide

Hey there, movie buffs! Ever wondered about the correct order to watch the Police Academy movies? You're in the right place! This guide will walk you through the hilarious journey of the Police Academy franchise, ensuring you don't miss a single laugh. From the original misfit recruits to their wacky adventures, get ready for a trip down memory lane. Let's dive in!

1. Police Academy (1984)

Police Academy, the movie that started it all, hit theaters in 1984 and quickly became a comedy classic. The premise is simple yet brilliant: a new mayor declares that the police academy must accept all applicants, regardless of physical or mental aptitude. This opens the door for a ragtag group of misfits to join the force, much to the dismay of the uptight instructors. Leading this group of lovable goofballs is Carey Mahoney, played by Steve Guttenberg, a charming rogue who joins the academy as an alternative to jail time. From day one, Mahoney clashes with Lieutenant Harris, a stern and by-the-book officer who sees Mahoney as a threat to the academy's standards. The supporting cast is equally memorable, featuring characters like the gentle giant Moses Hightower, the sound effects wizard Larvell Jones, and the trigger-happy Eugene Tackleberry. The humor in Police Academy is broad and often slapstick, relying on physical comedy and outrageous situations. Whether it's the recruits accidentally destroying property or engaging in elaborate pranks, the film never takes itself too seriously. But beneath the surface, there's a heartwarming story about acceptance, teamwork, and finding your place in the world. Police Academy was a massive box office success, grossing over $149 million worldwide on a budget of just $4.5 million. Its popularity spawned numerous sequels, a television series, and an animated show, cementing its place in pop culture history. If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy with memorable characters and quotable lines, Police Academy is the perfect place to start.

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

Just a year after the original's success, Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment arrived in 1985, reuniting most of the original cast. This time, the newly graduated recruits are assigned to a precinct plagued by a gang of unruly criminals. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the gang are tasked with cleaning up the streets, much to the chagrin of Captain Pete Lassard, the brother of Commandant Lassard from the first film. Captain Lassard is constantly undermined by his ambitious and conniving subordinate, Lieutenant Proctor, who hopes to take over his job. The main antagonist of the film is Zed, the leader of the punk gang, played with manic energy by Bobcat Goldthwait. Zed and his gang cause chaos throughout the city, engaging in vandalism, theft, and general mayhem. The Police Academy crew uses their unorthodox methods to combat Zed and his gang, leading to a series of hilarious confrontations. One of the standout moments in the film involves Hightower using his immense strength to subdue the gang members, while Tackleberry's love for weapons leads to some over-the-top and destructive scenarios. Mahoney, as always, is the ringleader of the group, using his wit and charm to outsmart both the criminals and his superiors. While Police Academy 2 doesn't quite reach the comedic heights of the original, it still delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The film reinforces the themes of teamwork and camaraderie, as the recruits learn to rely on each other to overcome challenges. Police Academy 2 was another box office success, proving that audiences were eager for more of the gang's antics. It solidified the franchise's popularity and paved the way for future sequels.

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

In 1986, Police Academy 3: Back in Training hit theaters, bringing back the beloved characters for another round of comedic chaos. This time, the state government decides to close one of the two police academies due to budget cuts. Commandant Lassard's academy is chosen as one of the potential closures, forcing him to devise a plan to save it. He decides to bring back his most successful graduates – Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and Hooks – to train a new batch of recruits and prove the academy's worth. The rival academy, led by the stern and humorless Commandant Mauser, employs similar tactics, bringing in his own group of graduates to train their recruits. Mauser, along with his hapless assistant Proctor, constantly tries to sabotage Lassard's academy, leading to a series of hilarious pranks and mishaps. The competition between the two academies escalates throughout the film, culminating in a final evaluation where the recruits must demonstrate their skills in a series of challenges. Police Academy 3 introduces several new characters, including the clumsy and accident-prone Sweetchuck and the shy and timid Zed, who has reformed and joined the police academy. The film explores themes of redemption and second chances, as Zed tries to prove that he can be a valuable member of society. While Police Academy 3 may not be as fresh as the original, it still offers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The rivalry between Lassard and Mauser provides a comedic through-line, and the antics of the recruits are as outrageous as ever. The film was another box office success, further solidifying the franchise's popularity.

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

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, released in 1987, takes a slightly different approach by focusing on a new initiative called