Police Academy Movies In Order: The Complete Guide

Hey there, movie buffs and comedy lovers! Ever wondered about the correct order to watch the Police Academy movies? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through each film in the series, ensuring you don't miss a single laugh or ridiculous shenanigan. Get ready to dive into the hilarious world of Commandant Lassard and his band of misfit cadets. Let's get started!

1. Police Academy (1984)

Okay, guys, let's kick things off with the movie that started it all: Police Academy, released in 1984. This cinematic gem introduces us to a city where the mayor has declared that the police academy must accept all applicants, regardless of their physical or mental aptitude. What could possibly go wrong, right?

The premise alone sets the stage for a riotous comedy, and the film delivers in spades. We meet our main characters, including the mischievous Carey Mahoney (played by Steve Guttenberg), who is forced to join the academy as an alternative to jail time. Then there's the gentle giant Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), the sound-effects wizard Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), and the lovable klutz Eugene Tackleberry (David Graf). Each character brings a unique brand of humor to the ensemble, creating a dynamic that's both hilarious and endearing.

Police Academy thrives on its ensemble cast and their over-the-top antics. From dodging lectures to causing chaos during training exercises, the cadets constantly find themselves in trouble. But beneath the slapstick comedy lies a story about acceptance and teamwork. These misfits, who initially seem like the least likely candidates to become police officers, gradually learn to work together and embrace their differences.

The film's success hinges on its ability to balance broad humor with relatable characters. While the situations are often absurd, the cadets' struggles and triumphs resonate with audiences. We root for them as they overcome obstacles and prove that anyone, regardless of their background, can make a positive contribution. Police Academy set the tone for the rest of the series, establishing the formula of outrageous comedy and heartwarming camaraderie that would become its trademark. It's a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the franchise's enduring appeal, and it remains one of the most iconic comedies of the 1980s. The film’s success was not just in its humor but also in its timing, capturing the zeitgeist of an era known for its irreverent comedies.

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

Alright, buckle up, because next on our list is Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, which hit theaters in 1985. Fresh out of the academy, our favorite group of misfits are assigned to the 16th precinct, one of the worst in the city. Led by the beleaguered Captain Pete Lassard (Howard Hesseman), brother of Commandant Eric Lassard, the precinct is in desperate need of some serious help.

The 16th precinct is plagued by a gang of unruly punks led by the notorious Zed (Bobcat Goldthwait). Zed and his crew are wreaking havoc on the city, and it's up to Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and the rest of the gang to bring them to justice. This film amps up the chaos and introduces new characters, including the no-nonsense Officer Vinnie Schtulman (Peter Van Norden) and the overly enthusiastic Officer Bud Kirkland (Andrew Paris).

The humor in Police Academy 2 is even more over-the-top than in the first film. The cadets find themselves in increasingly ridiculous situations, from accidentally destroying property to engaging in bizarre chases with Zed and his gang. But amidst the chaos, there are moments of genuine camaraderie and heroism. The cadets learn to rely on each other's strengths and work together to overcome the challenges they face. Zed's character is particularly memorable, thanks to Bobcat Goldthwait's unique comedic style. His raspy voice and unpredictable behavior add a layer of absurdity to the film, making him a formidable and hilarious antagonist. The film continues to explore themes of teamwork and perseverance, as the cadets discover that their unconventional methods can be surprisingly effective.

Although Police Academy 2 didn't quite reach the critical acclaim of the original, it was still a box office success, cementing the franchise's popularity. It's a fun, silly romp that delivers plenty of laughs, and it's a worthy addition to the Police Academy canon. If you're looking for a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously and provides pure escapist entertainment, this is the one for you. Plus, it further develops the characters we came to love in the first movie, giving them new opportunities to shine and showcase their comedic talents. And let's be real, who doesn't love seeing Zed get his comeuppance?

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

Alright, let's keep the laughter rolling with Police Academy 3: Back in Training, released in 1986. In this installment, the governor decides to cut funding to one of the state's two police academies due to budget constraints. Of course, Commandant Lassard's academy is on the chopping block, so he decides to call in his former graduates to help whip the current class into shape and prove the academy's worth. This sets the stage for a hilarious battle of wits and training mishaps as Lassard's recruits go head-to-head with the rival academy led by Commandant Mauser (Art Metrano).

Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and the gang return as instructors, bringing their unique (and often disastrous) teaching methods to the new recruits. Among the new cadets are the lovable Sweetchuck (Tim Kazurinsky) and the imposing Zed, who has somehow managed to join the academy after his criminal escapades in the previous film. The clash between the experienced instructors and the green recruits leads to plenty of comedic moments, as the cadets struggle to master the basics of police work while the instructors try to maintain some semblance of order.

Police Academy 3 is all about the rivalry between the two academies. Commandant Mauser is determined to see Lassard's academy fail, and he resorts to all sorts of underhanded tactics to sabotage their efforts. But Lassard and his team are equally determined to succeed, and they use their unconventional methods to outsmart Mauser at every turn. The film features a series of training exercises and competitions between the two academies, each more outrageous than the last. From obstacle courses to mock arrests, the cadets face a variety of challenges that test their skills and their sanity.

While Police Academy 3 may not be as groundbreaking as the original, it still delivers plenty of laughs and continues the franchise's tradition of slapstick comedy and heartwarming camaraderie. The addition of new characters like Sweetchuck and Zed adds fresh comedic dynamics to the mix, and the rivalry between the two academies provides a compelling narrative hook. If you're a fan of the Police Academy formula, this film won't disappoint. It's a fun, lighthearted romp that's sure to leave you smiling.

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

Next up, we have Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, which hit theaters in 1987. In an effort to improve community relations and reduce crime, the police department launches a new initiative called