Police Academy Movies In Order: The Complete Guide

Hey there, movie buffs and comedy fans! Ever wondered about the correct order to watch the Police Academy movies? You're in the right place! This hilarious series, packed with slapstick humor and unforgettable characters, has been entertaining audiences for decades. Let's dive into the chronological order of these comedic masterpieces, ensuring you don't miss a single laugh. From the groundbreaking original to the later sequels, we'll cover every film in the Police Academy franchise. Whether you're a longtime fan looking to revisit the series or a newcomer eager to experience the madness for the first time, this guide will provide you with all the information you need. Get ready for a wild ride filled with quotable lines, over-the-top characters, and plenty of comedic mayhem. The Police Academy movies are not just comedies; they are a cultural phenomenon that has influenced countless other films and television shows. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to embark on a journey through the ranks of the most unconventional police force ever assembled. We'll explore the origins of the series, highlight some of the most memorable moments, and discuss the legacy of these iconic films. By the end of this guide, you'll be a Police Academy expert, ready to impress your friends with your knowledge of Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the gang. Let's get started and discover the uproarious world of the Police Academy movies in their proper order!

1. Police Academy (1984)

The movie that started it all! Police Academy, released in 1984, introduces us to a group of misfit recruits joining the police force due to a new policy that removes entry requirements. This sets the stage for hilarious chaos and unforgettable characters. The original Police Academy movie is a comedic masterpiece that cleverly satirizes law enforcement while delivering non-stop laughs. From the very first scene, you're introduced to a world where anything can happen, and often does. The humor is broad, the characters are larger than life, and the situations are utterly absurd. But beneath the surface, there's a genuine heart and a message about accepting people for who they are. The film's success lies in its ability to balance the outrageous with the relatable. We laugh at the antics of the recruits, but we also root for them as they overcome their challenges and prove their worth. Mahoney, played by Steve Guttenberg, is the charismatic leader of the group, constantly finding himself in trouble but always managing to charm his way out of it. Hightower, portrayed by Bubba Smith, is the gentle giant with incredible strength, while Tackleberry, played by David Graf, is the gun-obsessed maniac who takes his role a little too seriously. These are just a few of the memorable characters that make Police Academy such a beloved film. The supporting cast is equally strong, with characters like Commandant Lassard, the clueless but well-meaning leader, and Captain Harris, the uptight and perpetually frustrated antagonist. The film's humor is timeless, and the jokes still land today, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys classic comedies. Police Academy not only launched a successful film franchise but also cemented its place in pop culture history. It's a film that you can watch again and again, always discovering new jokes and appreciating the brilliant comedic timing of the cast. So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh out loud and leave you feeling good, look no further than the original Police Academy.

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

One year later, in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, the misfit graduates are unleashed onto the streets, where they must prove their worth and tackle a gang of unruly criminals. This sequel amps up the chaos and introduces new challenges for our favorite officers. Police Academy 2 picks up where the first film left off, with the graduates now facing the realities of police work. However, they quickly discover that the streets are even more chaotic than they anticipated. A new gang, led by the menacing Zed (Bobcat Goldthwait), is terrorizing the city, and it's up to Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the gang to stop them. This installment introduces new characters, including the overzealous Officer Vinnie Schtulman (Peter Van Norden) and the sassy Officer Sweetchuck (Tim Kazurinsky), who add even more comedic flavor to the mix. The film's humor is just as outrageous as the original, with plenty of slapstick, physical comedy, and witty one-liners. The situations are even more absurd, pushing the boundaries of what's considered acceptable in a police force. But despite the chaos, the film maintains its heart, showing the camaraderie and loyalty between the officers as they work together to protect their city. Police Academy 2 also explores the theme of adapting to new environments and overcoming challenges. The graduates must learn to navigate the complexities of police work while dealing with their own personal struggles. Mahoney continues to be the prankster, but he also shows a growing sense of responsibility. Hightower uses his strength to protect the innocent, and Tackleberry embraces his love of weapons in a responsible way. The film's success lies in its ability to build upon the foundation of the original while adding new elements that keep the story fresh and engaging. It's a sequel that delivers just as many laughs as the first film, making it a worthy addition to the Police Academy franchise. So, if you enjoyed the original, be sure to check out Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment for another dose of comedic mayhem.

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

In Police Academy 3: Back in Training, the academy is threatened with closure due to budget cuts, so the lovable misfits become instructors to train a new batch of recruits and prove the academy's worth. This installment brings a fresh twist to the formula and introduces even more hilarious situations. Police Academy 3 takes a different approach to the story, focusing on the graduates becoming instructors rather than being the recruits themselves. This allows for new comedic opportunities and challenges for the characters. The film's plot revolves around the state government's decision to close one of the two police academies due to budget cuts. Commandant Lassard is determined to save his academy, so he enlists the help of Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the gang to train a new group of recruits and prove that his academy is the best. The film introduces a new cast of characters, including the uptight and by-the-book Commandant Mauser (Art Metrano) from the rival academy, who is determined to see Lassard's academy fail. The competition between the two academies leads to a series of hilarious pranks and sabotages, as each side tries to outdo the other. The film's humor is just as outrageous as the previous installments, with plenty of slapstick, physical comedy, and witty one-liners. The situations are even more absurd, pushing the boundaries of what's considered acceptable in a training environment. But despite the chaos, the film maintains its heart, showing the camaraderie and loyalty between the officers as they work together to save their academy. Police Academy 3 also explores the theme of leadership and mentorship. The graduates must learn to guide and inspire their recruits while dealing with their own personal challenges. Mahoney continues to be the prankster, but he also shows a growing sense of responsibility as he takes on the role of instructor. Hightower uses his strength to help his recruits overcome their fears, and Tackleberry embraces his love of weapons in a safe and responsible way. The film's success lies in its ability to reinvent the formula while maintaining the core elements that made the franchise so popular. It's a sequel that delivers just as many laughs as the previous installments, making it a worthy addition to the Police Academy series. So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh out loud and leave you feeling good, be sure to check out Police Academy 3: Back in Training.

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

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol sees the academy implementing a new program where citizens volunteer to help the police force. Of course, chaos ensues as these well-meaning but inexperienced volunteers try to keep the peace. Police Academy 4 introduces the concept of the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program, where ordinary citizens volunteer to assist the police force. This leads to a whole new level of chaos and comedic situations. Commandant Lassard comes up with the idea as a way to improve community relations and reduce crime. However, the program quickly becomes a source of headaches for Captain Harris and his sidekick Proctor, who are constantly trying to sabotage the academy's efforts. The film introduces a new cast of characters, including the enthusiastic but clumsy Arnie (David Spade) and the skateboarding fanatic Kyle (Shaun Weiss). These volunteers bring their own unique skills and personalities to the program, but they also create plenty of trouble along the way. The film's humor is just as outrageous as the previous installments, with plenty of slapstick, physical comedy, and witty one-liners. The situations are even more absurd, as the volunteers try to navigate the complexities of police work. But despite the chaos, the film maintains its heart, showing the camaraderie and loyalty between the officers and the citizens as they work together to protect their community. Police Academy 4 also explores the theme of community involvement and the importance of working together. The citizens learn to appreciate the challenges that police officers face, while the officers learn to trust and rely on the citizens. Mahoney continues to be the prankster, but he also shows a growing sense of responsibility as he takes on the role of mentor to the volunteers. Hightower uses his strength to help the citizens overcome their fears, and Tackleberry embraces his love of weapons in a safe and responsible way. The film's success lies in its ability to introduce new elements while maintaining the core elements that made the franchise so popular. It's a sequel that delivers just as many laughs as the previous installments, making it a worthy addition to the Police Academy series. So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh out loud and leave you feeling good, be sure to check out Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol.

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

Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach takes the gang to sunny Miami for Commandant Lassard's retirement party, but naturally, they get caught up in a jewel heist. This installment offers a change of scenery and more comedic adventures. Police Academy 5 takes the action to Miami Beach for Commandant Lassard's retirement party. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when a group of jewel thieves target the party. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the gang must put their vacation on hold and track down the criminals. The film introduces a new cast of characters, including the cunning jewel thief Tony (Rene Auberjonois) and the bumbling detective Murph (Bill Daily). These characters add a new layer of complexity to the story, as the officers try to outsmart the thieves and solve the case. The film's humor is just as outrageous as the previous installments, with plenty of slapstick, physical comedy, and witty one-liners. The situations are even more absurd, as the officers try to navigate the unfamiliar territory of Miami Beach. But despite the chaos, the film maintains its heart, showing the camaraderie and loyalty between the officers as they work together to protect their community. Police Academy 5 also explores the theme of change and the importance of adapting to new situations. The officers must learn to work together in a new environment while dealing with the emotions of Commandant Lassard's retirement. Mahoney continues to be the prankster, but he also shows a growing sense of responsibility as he takes on the role of leader. Hightower uses his strength to help the officers overcome their challenges, and Tackleberry embraces his love of weapons in a safe and responsible way. The film's success lies in its ability to transport the characters to a new setting while maintaining the core elements that made the franchise so popular. It's a sequel that delivers just as many laughs as the previous installments, making it a worthy addition to the Police Academy series. So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh out loud and leave you feeling good, be sure to check out Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach.

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

In Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, a crime wave hits the city, and it's up to the Police Academy gang to stop a mysterious mastermind behind it all. This movie brings back familiar faces and delivers more comedic action. Police Academy 6 sees the city under siege by a mysterious crime boss and his gang. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the crew must team up to uncover the mastermind behind the chaos and restore order. The film brings back many of the familiar faces from previous installments, including Captain Harris, Proctor, and Commandant Lassard. These characters add a sense of continuity to the series, as the officers work together to solve the case. The film's humor is just as outrageous as the previous installments, with plenty of slapstick, physical comedy, and witty one-liners. The situations are even more absurd, as the officers try to navigate the dangerous streets of the city. But despite the chaos, the film maintains its heart, showing the camaraderie and loyalty between the officers as they work together to protect their community. Police Academy 6 also explores the theme of teamwork and the importance of working together to overcome challenges. The officers must learn to trust each other and rely on their individual strengths to solve the case. Mahoney continues to be the prankster, but he also shows a growing sense of responsibility as he takes on the role of leader. Hightower uses his strength to help the officers overcome their challenges, and Tackleberry embraces his love of weapons in a safe and responsible way. The film's success lies in its ability to bring back the familiar characters and create a new and exciting storyline. It's a sequel that delivers just as many laughs as the previous installments, making it a worthy addition to the Police Academy series. So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh out loud and leave you feeling good, be sure to check out Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.

7. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)

The final film in the series, Police Academy: Mission to Moscow, sends our favorite cops to Russia to help capture a dangerous video game programmer. While it may not be the strongest entry, it's still a fun ride for fans of the franchise. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow takes the gang to Russia to help capture a notorious video game programmer who is wreaking havoc in the city. This installment offers a new setting and more comedic adventures. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the crew must team up with the Russian police to track down the criminal and bring him to justice. The film introduces a new cast of characters, including the stern Russian officer Alexandrei Nikolaivich Pushkin (Claire Forlani) and the bumbling translator Konstantin Konali (Ron Perlman). These characters add a new layer of complexity to the story, as the officers try to navigate the unfamiliar territory of Moscow. The film's humor is just as outrageous as the previous installments, with plenty of slapstick, physical comedy, and witty one-liners. The situations are even more absurd, as the officers try to adapt to the cultural differences and language barriers. But despite the chaos, the film maintains its heart, showing the camaraderie and loyalty between the officers as they work together to protect their community. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow also explores the theme of cultural exchange and the importance of understanding different perspectives. The officers must learn to work with their Russian counterparts to achieve their common goal. Mahoney continues to be the prankster, but he also shows a growing sense of responsibility as he takes on the role of leader. Hightower uses his strength to help the officers overcome their challenges, and Tackleberry embraces his love of weapons in a safe and responsible way. While this installment may not be the strongest in the series, it still offers plenty of laughs and a fun adventure for fans of the Police Academy franchise. So, if you're looking for a movie that will transport you to a new and exciting location, be sure to check out Police Academy: Mission to Moscow.

Now you're all set to watch the Police Academy movies in order! Enjoy the laughs and the unforgettable moments from this classic comedy series. Whether you're watching them for the first time or revisiting them, these movies are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready for a hilarious ride through the ranks of the Police Academy!