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 experience all the slapstick humor and lovable characters in the right sequence. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's dive into the hilarious world of Police Academy!

The Correct Order to Watch the Police Academy Movies

To fully appreciate the evolution of the characters and the recurring gags, watching the Police Academy movies in chronological order is the way to go. Here’s the complete list:

1. Police Academy (1984)
2. Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)
3. Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)
4. Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)
5. Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988)
6. Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)
7. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)

Police Academy (1984)

Police Academy, the movie that started it all, hit theaters in 1984 and immediately struck a chord with audiences due to its unique blend of slapstick comedy and lovable characters. The premise is simple yet hilarious: a new mayor announces that the police academy will accept all willing recruits, regardless of their physical attributes or backgrounds. This leads to a motley crew of misfits joining the force, much to the dismay of the old guard, particularly the stern and by-the-book Lieutenant Harris. At its heart, Police Academy is a celebration of the underdog. The main protagonist, Carey Mahoney, played brilliantly by Steve Guttenberg, is a charming rogue who is forced to join the academy as an alternative to jail. Mahoney, along with his fellow cadets such as the gentle giant Moses Hightower, the sound effects wizard Larvell Jones, and the timid Eugene Tackleberry, bring a fresh and chaotic energy to the institution. These characters, initially seen as incapable and disruptive, band together to challenge the rigid system and prove their worth.

What makes Police Academy so enduring is its ability to balance broad, physical comedy with genuine character development. Each cadet has their own quirks and struggles, and the film takes the time to explore their individual journeys. Hightower, for instance, overcomes his shyness and discovers his incredible strength, while Tackleberry finds an outlet for his obsession with law enforcement. The humor in Police Academy is often over-the-top, featuring pratfalls, absurd situations, and memorable catchphrases. From Mahoney's constant pranks to Jones' uncanny ability to mimic sounds, the film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. However, beneath the surface, there's a subtle commentary on the changing landscape of law enforcement and the importance of embracing diversity. The success of Police Academy can also be attributed to its talented cast. In addition to Steve Guttenberg, the film features standout performances from Kim Cattrall as the no-nonsense cadet Karen Thompson, G.W. Bailey as the perpetually frustrated Lieutenant Harris, and Bubba Smith as the towering Moses Hightower. Their chemistry and comedic timing elevate the material, making each scene memorable. The film's impact on popular culture is undeniable. It spawned numerous sequels, a television series, and an animated show, cementing its place as a comedy classic. Even today, audiences continue to discover and enjoy Police Academy, drawn to its timeless humor and endearing characters. For those looking to revisit this iconic film, it’s available on various streaming platforms and for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. So, grab your friends, settle in, and get ready to laugh along with the original class of Police Academy!

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, released in 1985, picks up where the original left off, throwing our favorite graduates into the chaotic world of real police work. The film sees Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and the rest of the gang assigned to the 16th precinct, one of the worst in the city, led by the beleaguered Captain Pete Lassard, brother of Commandant Eric Lassard. Their mission? To clean up the streets and prove that the Police Academy graduates are more than just a bunch of misfits. The main antagonist in this installment is a gang of unruly punks led by the menacing Zed McGlunk, played with manic energy by Bob Goldthwait. Zed and his crew are wreaking havoc throughout the city, and it's up to the Police Academy graduates to restore order. However, their unorthodox methods often lead to more chaos, much to the chagrin of the perpetually angry Lieutenant Harris, who is determined to see them fail. Police Academy 2 continues the tradition of slapstick comedy and over-the-top humor that made the original so popular. From car chases to food fights, the film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. One of the highlights is the dynamic between Mahoney and Zed, with their constant clashes providing some of the film's funniest scenes.

While Police Academy 2 doesn't quite reach the heights of the original, it still delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The introduction of Zed as a recurring character adds a new dynamic to the series, and the film does a good job of expanding on the personalities of the existing cadets. Hightower's incredible strength is once again on display, Tackleberry's obsession with weapons reaches new levels, and Jones continues to impress with his amazing sound effects. The film also introduces some new characters, including the timid Officer Vinnie Schtulman, played by Peter Van Norden, who becomes an unlikely ally to the Police Academy graduates. Despite its comedic tone, Police Academy 2 touches on themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of believing in yourself. The graduates face numerous challenges, but they work together to overcome them, proving that even the most unlikely individuals can make a difference. The success of Police Academy 2 solidified the franchise's popularity, paving the way for numerous sequels and spin-offs. While it may not be considered a cinematic masterpiece, it remains a beloved comedy that continues to entertain audiences of all ages. For fans of the Police Academy series, Their First Assignment is a must-watch, offering more of the same slapstick humor and lovable characters that made the original so popular. So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh, grab a copy of Police Academy 2 and get ready for another hilarious adventure with Mahoney and the gang!

Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

Police Academy 3: Back in Training, released in 1986, brings a fresh twist to the series by focusing on the Police Academy graduates becoming instructors themselves. Due to budget cuts, the state government has decided to close down one of the two Police Academies in the city: Lassard's or Mauser's. Naturally, Commandant Lassard is determined to keep his academy open, so he enlists the help of Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and the rest of the gang to train a new batch of recruits and prove that his academy is the superior choice. The main competition comes from Commandant Mauser, played with smarmy perfection by Art Metrano, who is determined to sabotage Lassard's efforts and ensure that his academy remains open. Mauser is assisted by his bumbling sidekicks Proctor and Fackler, who are always on hand to create chaos and comedic mishaps. Back in Training continues the tradition of slapstick humor and over-the-top antics that fans of the series have come to expect. From training exercises gone wrong to sabotage attempts backfiring, the film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. One of the highlights is the rivalry between the two Police Academies, with each side trying to outdo the other in increasingly ridiculous ways.

While Police Academy 3 may not be as strong as the original, it still offers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The film introduces a new cast of recruits, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. There's the klutzy and accident-prone Karen Adams, the overly enthusiastic Bud Kirkland, and the tough-as-nails Sgt. Nogata from the Japanese Police Academy, who brings a different cultural perspective to the group. The dynamic between the Police Academy graduates and the new recruits provides plenty of comedic opportunities, as the instructors try to impart their wisdom (or lack thereof) to their eager students. Hightower's gentle giant persona is once again on display, Tackleberry's obsession with weapons reaches new heights, and Jones continues to impress with his incredible sound effects. The film also touches on themes of leadership, teamwork, and the importance of believing in yourself. The Police Academy graduates must learn to work together to train their recruits and prove that their academy is worth saving. Despite its comedic tone, Back in Training offers a heartwarming message about the value of education and the importance of giving everyone a chance to succeed. The success of Police Academy 3 further cemented the franchise's popularity, paving the way for more sequels and spin-offs. For fans of the Police Academy series, Back in Training is a must-watch, offering more of the same slapstick humor and lovable characters that made the series so popular. So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh, grab a copy of Police Academy 3 and get ready for another hilarious adventure with Mahoney and the gang!

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, released in 1987, takes the series in a new direction by introducing the concept of citizen volunteers working alongside the police. Commandant Lassard comes up with the idea to create a Citizens on Patrol program, enlisting ordinary citizens to help fight crime and improve community relations. Naturally, Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and the rest of the gang are tasked with training these volunteers, leading to a whole new set of comedic situations. The main antagonist in this installment is once again the perpetually angry Captain Harris, who is determined to sabotage the Citizens on Patrol program and prove that it's a waste of time and resources. Harris is aided by his bumbling sidekick Proctor, who is always on hand to create chaos and comedic mishaps. Citizens on Patrol continues the tradition of slapstick humor and over-the-top antics that fans of the series have come to expect. From training exercises gone wrong to citizens causing more trouble than they solve, the film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. One of the highlights is the interaction between the Police Academy graduates and the citizen volunteers, as they try to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.

While Police Academy 4 may not be as strong as the earlier films in the series, it still offers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The film introduces a new cast of citizen volunteers, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. There's the overzealous and accident-prone Arnie, the elderly and forgetful Mrs. Feldman, and the street-smart and resourceful Zack. The dynamic between the Police Academy graduates and the citizen volunteers provides plenty of comedic opportunities, as the instructors try to teach them the ropes of law enforcement. Hightower's gentle giant persona is once again on display, Tackleberry's obsession with weapons reaches new heights, and Jones continues to impress with his incredible sound effects. The film also touches on themes of community, cooperation, and the importance of working together to solve problems. The Police Academy graduates must learn to trust the citizen volunteers and work with them to make their community a safer place. Despite its comedic tone, Citizens on Patrol offers a heartwarming message about the value of civic engagement and the importance of giving back to your community. The success of Police Academy 4 further cemented the franchise's popularity, paving the way for more sequels and spin-offs. For fans of the Police Academy series, Citizens on Patrol is a must-watch, offering more of the same slapstick humor and lovable characters that made the series so popular. So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh, grab a copy of Police Academy 4 and get ready for another hilarious adventure with Mahoney and the gang!

Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988)

Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach, released in 1988, takes the Police Academy gang to the sunny shores of Miami for a police convention. However, things quickly go awry when Commandant Lassard is kidnapped by a gang of jewel thieves, and it's up to Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and the rest of the crew to rescue him. The film marks a significant change in scenery, swapping the familiar streets of the city for the beaches and hotels of Miami. Assignment Miami Beach continues the tradition of slapstick humor and over-the-top antics that fans of the series have come to expect. From mistaken identities to chaotic chases, the film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. One of the highlights is the clash between the Police Academy graduates and the Miami criminals, as they try to outsmart each other in a series of comedic encounters.

While Police Academy 5 may not be as strong as the earlier films in the series, it still offers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The change of scenery adds a new dimension to the series, and the film does a good job of incorporating the Miami setting into the humor. Hightower's gentle giant persona is once again on display, Tackleberry's obsession with weapons reaches new heights, and Jones continues to impress with his incredible sound effects. The film also introduces some new characters, including the Miami police officers who are initially skeptical of the Police Academy graduates but eventually come to appreciate their unique skills. Despite its comedic tone, Assignment Miami Beach touches on themes of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what's right. The Police Academy graduates must work together to rescue Commandant Lassard and bring the jewel thieves to justice. The success of Police Academy 5 further cemented the franchise's popularity, paving the way for more sequels and spin-offs. For fans of the Police Academy series, Assignment Miami Beach is a must-watch, offering more of the same slapstick humor and lovable characters that made the series so popular. So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh, grab a copy of Police Academy 5 and get ready for another hilarious adventure with Mahoney and the gang!

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, released in 1989, sees the Police Academy graduates facing a new challenge: a criminal mastermind who is terrorizing the city with a series of elaborate heists. Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and the rest of the crew must work together to uncover the mastermind's identity and bring them to justice. The film returns to the familiar setting of the city, but this time the stakes are higher than ever. City Under Siege continues the tradition of slapstick humor and over-the-top antics that fans of the series have come to expect. From disguises to gadgets, the film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. One of the highlights is the cat-and-mouse game between the Police Academy graduates and the criminal mastermind, as they try to outsmart each other in a series of comedic encounters.

While Police Academy 6 may not be as strong as the earlier films in the series, it still offers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The film features a more complex plot than some of the previous installments, and the criminal mastermind provides a formidable adversary for the Police Academy graduates. Hightower's gentle giant persona is once again on display, Tackleberry's obsession with weapons reaches new heights, and Jones continues to impress with his incredible sound effects. The film also touches on themes of justice, perseverance, and the importance of working together to solve problems. The Police Academy graduates must use all of their skills and resources to bring the criminal mastermind to justice and restore peace to the city. For fans of the Police Academy series, City Under Siege is a must-watch, offering more of the same slapstick humor and lovable characters that made the series so popular. So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh, grab a copy of Police Academy 6 and get ready for another hilarious adventure with Mahoney and the gang!

Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)

Police Academy: Mission to Moscow, released in 1994, takes the Police Academy gang to Russia, where they are tasked with helping the Moscow police capture a notorious computer game developer whose games are wreaking havoc on the city's computer systems. This film marks a significant departure from the previous installments, both in terms of setting and tone. Mission to Moscow continues the tradition of slapstick humor and over-the-top antics that fans of the series have come to expect, but it also incorporates elements of action and espionage. From disguises to gadgets, the film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. One of the highlights is the culture clash between the Police Academy graduates and the Russian police officers, as they try to work together to solve the case.

While Police Academy: Mission to Moscow may not be as strong as the earlier films in the series, it still offers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. The change of scenery adds a new dimension to the series, and the film does a good job of incorporating the Russian setting into the humor. The film also touches on themes of cooperation, cultural understanding, and the importance of working together to solve global problems. The Police Academy graduates must learn to adapt to a new culture and work with their Russian counterparts to bring the computer game developer to justice and prevent further chaos. For fans of the Police Academy series, Mission to Moscow is a must-watch, offering more of the same slapstick humor and lovable characters that made the series so popular. So, if you're in the mood for a good laugh, grab a copy of Police Academy: Mission to Moscow and get ready for another hilarious adventure with Mahoney and the gang!

So there you have it, guys! The complete list of Police Academy movies in order. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, I hope this guide helps you enjoy all the laughter and mayhem that these films have to offer. Happy watching!