The Great Outdoors 1988
"This is no holiday… this is war!"
Chet Ripley, an easygoing Chicago dad, looks forward to a peaceful lakeside getaway in Wisconsin with his family—until his wife's high-strung brother, Roman Craig, arrives with his own brood in tow.
Director: Howard Deutch
Cast
Dan Aykroyd
Roman Craig
John Candy
Chet Ripley
Stephanie Faracy
Connie Ripley
Annette Bening
Kate Craig
Chris Young
Buck Ripley
Lucy Deakins
Cammie
Robert Prosky
Wally
Ian Giatti
Ben Ripley
Hilary Gordon
Cara Craig
Rebecca Gordon
Mara Craig
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Great Outdoors (1988) about?
*The Great Outdoors* follows the Ripley family's weekend escape to a Wisconsin cabin, which takes a chaotic turn when the Craigs—Connie's stuffy relatives—show up uninvited. What starts as a serene fishing trip devolves into a clash of lifestyles, as the outdoorsy Ripleys butt heads with the uptight Craigs over everything from meals to cabin etiquette.
Who directed The Great Outdoors?
Howard Deutch directed *The Great Outdoors*, infusing the film with his signature blend of slapstick and sharp comedic timing.
Who stars in The Great Outdoors?
Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy, Annette Bening, and Chris Young headline the cast of this 1988 comedy.
Is The Great Outdoors (1988) worth watching?
For fans of classic '80s comedies, *The Great Outdoors* delivers plenty of laughs with its relatable premise and standout performances. While not a cinematic masterpiece, its mix of family chaos and physical humor makes it a nostalgic pick for a lighthearted movie night.
How long is The Great Outdoors?
The Great Outdoors has a runtime of 91 minutes, perfect for a quick, entertaining escape.
🎥 Trailer
About The Great Outdoors (1988) — A hilarious '80s comedy of family feuds and lakeside chaos
Chet Ripley, an easygoing Chicago dad, looks forward to a peaceful lakeside getaway in Wisconsin with his family—until his wife's high-strung brother, Roman Craig, arrives with his own brood in tow. What begins as a tranquil fishing trip quickly spirals into a full-blown battle of personalities, as the laid-back Ripley household clashes with the uptight Craig clan. Directed by Howard Deutch, *The Great Outdoors (1988)* delivers a relentlessly funny clash of cultures, pitting outdoor-loving simplicity against suburban pretension. With sharp dialogue, physical comedy, and a vacation setting that amplifies every awkward moment, this 1980s gem turns a lakeside cabin into a battleground of sibling rivalry and family chaos.
Dan Aykroyd and John Candy headline the ensemble, their contrasting comedic styles colliding in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. While Aykroyd's Roman brings a veneer of sophistication that cracks under pressure, Candy's Chet embodies the spine of the family, holding everything together amid the madness. The film's humor thrives on the absurdity of forced cohabitation, where every shared meal and fishing excursion becomes a minefield of passive-aggressive jabs. Underneath the laughs, *The Great Outdoors* captures the bittersweet truth that even the most well-intentioned family trips can turn into a survival challenge.
