Vacation Friends movies in order
Vacation Friends Marathon

Vacation Friends (2021)

This film is exactly what you need when you're in the mood for a wedding comedy that goes completely off the rails. In this explosive intro, Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji), a classic straight-laced couple, take a well-deserved break in Mexico, ready for a romantic and peaceful stay at a luxury resort. Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hagner), the couple that loves to party, show up unannounced and shake things up. What starts as a weird meet-and-greet turns into a week of tequila, stunts, and a friendship that no one saw coming. From the scene where they're proposing underwater to the moment where you're left wondering how they even became friends, this is pure vacation chaos. Even with all the over-the-top party humor, there's a surprisingly warm heart in this comedy of opposites. Ron and Kyla are a bit unpredictable, but they're also really genuine. Marcus and Emily learn to let go, although not always on their own volition. Clay Tarver's film perfectly balances adult humor, beach resort vibes, and a buddy comedy with a heart. This friendship dynamic is wild. You've got to see it to believe it.

Vacation Friends 2 (2023)

You thought it couldn't get crazier? Think again. This sequel takes everything you loved about the first film, the bromance story arc, the comedic misadventures, Ron and Kyla's disruptive behavior, and elevates it to an even more absurd level. We're further along in the timeline, but the core remains the same: Marcus and Emily want peace, while Ron and Kyla bring complete chaos. This time, it's in the Caribbean. The sequel honeymoon adventure is about a destination wedding disaster that turns into an unexpected criminal subplot. Then, with the introduction of Reese (Steve Buscemi), Ron's mysterious father with a dark edge, a dangerous element is suddenly added to this wild couple comedy. Ron and Marcus's friendship is put to the test, and Kyla and Emily try to keep things together, but they end up making things worse by accident. The comedy of opposites formula works like a charm once again. The sequel lets the characters grow more without losing that over-the-top party humor. You can feel the history between the characters, and it only works because you've already seen the previous film. Vacation Friends 2 references the first movie quite a bit, so if you don't watch them in order, you might miss those inside jokes. And then there's the Caribbean crime subplot, which you wouldn't expect in a wedding comedy, but actually works pretty well. The stakes are higher, the action scenes are sharper, and the comedic confrontation scenes are next level. The film is a buddy comedy through and through, but it's got just enough thriller stuff to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Watching the Vacation Friends movies in order is the only way to get the full emotional payoff of the chaotic friendship dynamic between all four main characters. You can see how Marcus slowly starts to chill, how Emily learns to deal with the unpredictable, and how Ron and Kyla go from being total party animals to surprisingly loyal friends. They're still pretty unpredictable, but they've got a heart of gold. And let's be real: the sequel is way more fun when you know where all the inside jokes come from. Those awkward glances and strange references to a Mexico resort trip all make sense when you know the first film. Also, you'll miss the build-up to the bigger themes in the second movie, like trust, loyalty, and letting go of control, if you jump in directly. Grab some snacks, invite your friends, and enjoy a buddy comedy marathon that feels like a tropical drink with an unexpected shot of adrenaline.

Pro tip for your binge night

Make sure you have all your snacks and drinks ready before you start, because trust us, you don't want to pause in the middle of an out-of-control in-laws moment. And if you really want to go all out, wear a tropical shirt, play beach sounds in the background, and make it a themed night. Bonus points if you serve a cocktail as intense as an evening with Ron and Kyla. Oh, and if you're in the mood for more buddy comedy films with a hint of action and romance, check out our other binge guides for similar franchises. But start here, because this messed-up vacation is just the kind of chaos your movie night needs.