The Hangover movies in order
The Hangover Marathon

The Hangover (2009)

We start in Las Vegas, where things go really wrong. The Hangover came out in 2009 and was a surprisingly brilliant mix of blackout comedy, mystery, and road trip chaos. Four friends, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug (Justin Bartha), head to Vegas for a bachelor party. The next morning, Doug is nowhere to be found, the hotel room is a total mess (yes, including a tiger in the bathroom), and no one has any memory of what happened. This film sets the tone for the whole trilogy with flashbacks, clues, and a quest full of weird detours, all with R-rated humor. What makes this film so great is not just the craziness of the story, but also how it's a detective comedy. You're along for the ride with the characters as they try to figure out what went down during their wild night. And let's not forget baby Carlos, Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong), and that iconic rooftop scene at Caesar's Palace. This isn't just a comedy; it's a blueprint for how to completely mess up a bachelor party.

The Hangover Part II (2011)

If you thought one night of total madness was enough, think again. The Hangover Part II moves the chaos to Bangkok, and it only gets crazier. This sequel picks up right where the first film left off, with the Wolfpack reunited for another wedding, this time for Stu. And yes, it goes disastrously wrong again. This installment is pretty well known for its wild takes on the original formula: an unknown night, a missing person, and a slow unraveling of bizarre memories. The Bangkok chaos of Hangover 2 is darker and grittier in tone, which matches the setting and the feeling the creators want to convey: you're lost in unfamiliar territory, both literally and figuratively. The movie uses the flashback structure in a clever way, adding new layers to the characters, especially Alan, who gradually becomes the focus. And that tattoo on Stu's face? It's a great Mike Tyson parody that immediately became a cult hit. The Hangover Part II might be more of the same, but it's also more in every sense: more intense, dirtier, and still hilarious.

The Hangover Part III

The finale that takes a different approach. There won't be a missing groom this time, but we've got a direct mission: Alan needs help, and Mr. Chow has escaped from prison. The film ditches the typical blackout formula, opting for an action-comedy road trip with a clear storyline that surprisingly answers previous mysteries. This is where the circle closes and the story really ends. Tijuana is the colorful backdrop for this final ride, where the Wolfpack trio (Doug is barely involved) confronts their past and their friendship. The film's got a gold heist, a rivalry between Alan and Chow that gets pretty intense, and some awesome callbacks to the first movie. Fans will enjoy how everything comes together, including a subtle nod to the original chaos of Las Vegas in the after-credit bonus. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, this film definitely deserves a spot in your marathon if only for the closure (and the chickens).

Why You Should Watch The Hangover Marathon in This Order

The strength of The Hangover trilogy lies in its progression. Watching the films in order as they were released lets you see how the characters change, how the running gags get better, and how the tone subtly changes from pure chaos to a more mature ending. The way the clues and flashbacks are set up works best when you use the first film as a foundation, notice the repetition in the second, and then be surprised by the different pace of the third.

Also, the trilogy is full of small callbacks, inside jokes, and character moments that you can only really appreciate if you watch them in order. Think of Alan's obsession with the Wolfpack, the increasingly insane situations involving Mr. Chow, or how each hotel bed looks worse than the last. If you're looking for a true binge where you can pause every few minutes to laugh or say, "That's the scene from earlier!" here's the order to follow.

Tips for Your Ultimate The Hangover Movie Marathon

Want to experience this blackout adventure comedy at its best? Here are a few tips:

• 1. Start your marathon in the evening. The movies take place at night, so it's important to capture that vibe.
• 2. Serve snacks that pay homage to the movies: mini bottles of Jägermeister, fortune cookies, gummy bears... and maybe a plastic baby you name Carlos.
• 3. Take short breaks between movies with the soundtrack playing. The music, from Kanye to Phil Collins, is a key part of the vibe.
• 4. Watch it with friends. These movies are perfect for a group watch.

Alan's quotes are even more entertaining when you repeat them together. And don't forget the after-credit scene of the third film. It's a mini-ode to where it all began, and it's perfect as a final wink.

Conclusion: The Hangover Trilogy is the ultimate binge-watch

The Hangover isn't just a series of comedies about a bachelor party gone wrong. It's a smart, well-timed, and surprisingly consistent trilogy that continues to surprise. Todd Phillips' strong direction, the chemistry between Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, and the unforgettable supporting roles of Ken Jeong and Mike Tyson have come together to create an iconic trilogy.

So, rearrange your schedule, get that popcorn ready, and dive headfirst into the world of the Wolfpack. Watching the films in order is the best way to enjoy them. You'll have a fun evening (or night) of laughter, amazement, and "how did that happen?!" moments. And whatever happens during your own movie night, it's definitely going to be less wild than what these guys go through. I think so.