Police Academy Movies: The Complete Chronological Order

Hey guys! Ever found yourself scrolling through streaming services, craving a dose of classic comedy, and thinking, "Man, I really want to watch some Police Academy movies"? You're not alone! The Police Academy franchise, with its hilarious characters and over-the-top scenarios, is a timeless gem. But let's be honest, keeping track of all the sequels and spin-offs can get a little tricky. Don't sweat it, though, because we've got your back! This guide will break down the entire Police Academy movie series in the order you need to watch them to catch all the jokes, follow the character arcs (as much as there are any!), and truly appreciate the evolution of Commandant Lassard's misfit cadets. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a deep dive into the world of Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, and the rest of the gang. We're talking about a full-blown Police Academy movie marathon, and we're going to make sure you're watching in the perfect sequence.

The Original Gang's All Here: Police Academy (1984)

Alright, let's kick things off with the movie that started it all: Police Academy, released in 1984. This is where we meet our core group of unlikely heroes. The premise is simple yet brilliant: the city's new mayor decides to let anyone into the police academy, regardless of their physical or mental fitness. Cue the chaos! We're introduced to the smart-aleck Carey Mahoney, the towering Moses Hightower, the gun-toting Eugene Tackleberry, the squeaky-voiced Larvell Jones, the sweet but determined Karen Thompson, the shy George Martin, and the incredibly awkward Laverne Hooks. And, of course, we can't forget the perpetually confused Commandant Eric Lassard and the sneering Lieutenant Thaddeus Harris. This film sets the stage perfectly, introducing the characters and their unique (and often hilarious) struggles to make it through the academy. You'll see Mahoney constantly getting into trouble, Hightower showing his surprising strength and gentle nature, and Tackleberry's… well, Tackleberry-ness. The film is packed with iconic scenes and memorable quotes that have become part of comedy movie history. It's the foundation upon which all subsequent films are built, so watching it first is absolutely crucial. It establishes the tone, the humor, and the central conflict: these cadets are the outcasts, the ones nobody expected to succeed, but they're determined to prove everyone wrong. The camaraderie that slowly develops between these disparate individuals is a key element, and you really get to see the beginnings of the bonds that will be tested in future installments. Don't skip this one, guys; it's the bedrock of the entire franchise and an absolute riot from start to finish. Prepare to laugh your socks off as you witness the birth of the most unconventional police force the world has ever seen. This movie is a masterclass in ensemble comedy, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its clever writing and fantastic cast.

The Cadets Are Back: Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

Following up the massive success of the first film, Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment hit theaters in 1985. In this installment, our beloved cadets have officially graduated! They're now out on the streets, ready to put their training (or lack thereof) to the test. However, their first assignment isn't exactly glamorous. They're assigned to a rough precinct in a crime-ridden neighborhood, facing off against a notorious gang led by a guy named Fackler. The dynamics shift a bit here, as the focus moves from surviving the academy to dealing with real-world police work, albeit in the series' signature comedic style. We see Mahoney, Hightower, and the others trying to make a difference, often with disastrously funny results. New characters are introduced, including the tough-as-nails Sergeant Kathleen Kirkland, who has a bit of a history with Mahoney. The film continues to lean into the slapstick and character-driven humor that made the first movie a hit. You'll get more of Tackleberry's obsession with weapons, Jones's uncanny ability to mimic sounds, and Hooks's nervous but effective contributions. The gang’s approach to law enforcement is, shall we say, unconventional, leading to plenty of misunderstandings and chaotic situations. It’s a great continuation of the established universe, showing the characters navigating their new roles and facing new challenges. This movie really cements the idea that even though they are a bit clumsy, these graduates have heart and are genuinely trying to do good. The humor might feel a little broader than the first, but it’s still very much in the spirit of Police Academy. It’s essential viewing to see how the characters adapt to life after graduation and to witness the escalating stakes of their (mis)adventures. Plus, seeing them try to be serious cops while still being their quirky selves is comedy gold.

More Mayhem, More Laughs: Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

What happens when the academy is in danger of closing down? You bring back the graduates, of course! Police Academy 3: Back in Training, released in 1986, sees Commandant Lassard facing a major crisis. Due to budget cuts, the governor threatens to close down the Police Academy unless they can prove their worth by graduating a new class. To do this, Lassard calls back some of his most… memorable alumni to help train the new recruits. Yes, that means Mahoney, Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, Hooks, and the rest are returning to their alma mater, but this time as instructors! This film brings back a lot of the familiar faces and plays on the idea of the original graduates returning to their roots. The humor here comes from the absurdity of these characters, who barely managed to graduate themselves, now being responsible for training a new batch of misfits. Lieutenant Harris, ever the antagonist, is back and trying to undermine Lassard and the "undesirables" who are leading the training. The introduction of a rival academy, led by the conniving Commandant Murdock, adds another layer of conflict. You'll see Mahoney and his team employing their unique teaching methods, which are, unsurprisingly, far from conventional. It’s a fantastic movie for seeing how far the characters have come, while also highlighting their enduring quirks. The return to the academy setting offers a nice sense of nostalgia and allows for some great callbacks to the original film. Back in Training really emphasizes the idea that these graduates, despite their flaws, are the best the academy has to offer. It’s a strong entry that reiterates the core themes of perseverance and finding your place, all while delivering the signature Police Academy laughs. You get to see the alumni dealing with the pressure of not only training but also saving their beloved academy, making for some high-stakes (and high-comedy) situations. It’s a fan favorite for a reason, guys, and a must-watch to keep the chronological flow going!

Tackleberry Takes the Lead: Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

Get ready for a new initiative in Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, released in 1987. Commandant Lassard, ever the innovator (or perhaps just desperate), decides to launch a new program called "Citizens on Patrol." The idea is to recruit ordinary citizens to help patrol the streets and assist the police force. Naturally, this leads to a whole new level of comedic chaos as the untrained citizens, led by Mahoney and his fellow graduates, try to tackle crime. This film sees Mahoney taking on more of a leadership role, mentoring the civilian recruits. We also get a deeper dive into Tackleberry's life, including his equally intense wife, Lois. The dynamics between the seasoned (and still somewhat green) cadets and the completely clueless civilian volunteers create a wealth of humorous misunderstandings and action-packed, albeit clumsy, attempts at law enforcement. The core cast is mostly back, providing that familiar comfort and comedic chemistry. The "Citizens on Patrol" concept allows for a fresh set of characters to be introduced, bringing new energy and new sources of jokes. You'll see the cadets trying to impart their wisdom (and their madness) onto the general public, with predictably hilarious outcomes. The film balances action sequences with its signature brand of comedy, ensuring that the laughs keep coming. It’s an important chapter because it expands the universe and shows the graduates applying their unique skills in a broader community context. While some might argue it’s a step down from the earlier films, it remains a solid entry that continues the adventures of our favorite blue-suited misfits. Watching this one shows the progression of the characters beyond just being cadets or beat cops, and how they are now involved in shaping community safety, in their own special way. It’s a wild ride, guys, and another essential piece of the Police Academy puzzle.

The French Connection…sort of: Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988)

Pack your bags, because our favorite cadets are heading south for Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach in 1988! Commandant Lassard is attending a police conference in sunny Miami, where he's set to receive a prestigious award. However, things go hilariously wrong when Lassard, in a moment of forgetfulness (classic Lassard!), accidentally swaps his briefcase with that of a jewel thief. Suddenly, the academy's finest find themselves in Miami, trying to recover the stolen jewels and clear Lassard's name. This film marks a slight shift, as Mahoney isn't as central a figure, and Hightower steps up even more. The tropical setting provides a new backdrop for the comedic antics, and the introduction of a villainous plot involving stolen diamonds adds a classic heist-comedy element. We see the gang dealing with heat, sand, and a whole new set of local characters, all while trying to maintain their unique brand of law enforcement. The humor comes from the culture clash, the fish-out-of-water scenarios, and, of course, the characters' inherent clumsiness. Even without Mahoney in the lead, the ensemble cast shines, bringing their individual comedic talents to the forefront. Tackleberry gets some great moments, and the interactions between the cadets and the Miami PD are priceless. Assignment: Miami Beach continues to deliver on the slapstick and situational comedy that fans love. It’s important to watch this one to see the characters outside of their usual environment and to follow the continued, albeit sometimes chaotic, progression of Commandant Lassard’s tenure. It’s a fun, breezy installment that proves the Police Academy crew can bring the laughs wherever they go. You get to see Hightower really step into a more prominent role here, which is a treat for fans who appreciate his character. Don't underestimate the comedic potential of a bunch of cops who are clearly not dressed for the beach!

The Hilarious High Seas: Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)

Back on the mainland, the cadets face their toughest challenge yet in Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, released in 1989. The city is plagued by a series of daring robberies orchestrated by a mysterious crime syndicate known as the "Deadly Locksmiths." With the city in chaos and the police department baffled, Commandant Lassard and his team are called in to crack the case. This film ups the ante with a more intricate (for a Police Academy movie, anyway) crime plot. The humor is still very much present, but there's a slightly greater emphasis on the mystery and the gang's attempts to go undercover and investigate the syndicate. We see the familiar faces working together, using their unique skills to gather clues and foil the criminals' plans. Tackleberry, Jones, Hooks, and the rest of the crew are all back, bringing their signature brand of comedic ineptitude and surprising effectiveness. The film explores themes of teamwork and perseverance as the cadets try to outsmart a sophisticated criminal organization. Lieutenant Harris makes another appearance, as do some new faces who add to the comedic ensemble. City Under Siege is a solid continuation of the franchise, offering more of the beloved characters and their chaotic approach to solving crimes. It’s essential for understanding the full arc of the series and seeing how the graduates continue to tackle increasingly complex (and comical) situations. The dynamic between the cadets trying to be serious detectives while still being themselves is a constant source of amusement. This movie really highlights the collaborative nature of the team and how their combined, albeit unconventional, efforts are what make them successful. It’s a great example of them working as a unit, proving that even a group of misfits can save the day. So, get ready for more car chases, more disguises, and more laughs as the Police Academy crew takes on the city's worst.

The Final Chapter (For Now?): Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)

Our journey through the Police Academy universe concludes (for now!) with Police Academy: Mission to Moscow, released in 1994. In this international installment, Commandant Lassard is called to Moscow to help train the Russian police force. However, things quickly get complicated when a powerful Russian crime boss, Konstantin Konali, escapes from prison and begins wreaking havoc. It turns out Konali has a grudge against Lassard, dating back to their academy days. So, once again, it's up to Lassard's most trusted graduates – including Hightower, Tackleberry, Jones, and Hooks – to travel to Moscow and help apprehend the villain. This film takes the franchise to a whole new level of international absurdity. The humor comes from the cultural misunderstandings, the language barriers, and the classic Police Academy brand of slapstick set against a foreign backdrop. While it might not have the same charm as the earlier films, it serves as a fitting (or at least, concluding) chapter for the original run of movies. It brings back many of the beloved characters for one last hurrah, allowing them to use their unique talents in a global arena. Mission to Moscow is important for completing the chronological order of the films and seeing how the characters fare in an international setting. It’s a final opportunity to enjoy the chemistry between the main cast and witness their continued, albeit often bumbling, commitment to justice. It might be a bit of a departure from the original formula, but it’s still packed with the signature gags and character moments that fans have come to expect. This movie wraps up the story of these characters, providing a sense of closure for their adventures. It's a fun, if slightly bizarre, ending to a beloved franchise, guys, and definitely worth watching to complete the series.

What's Next?

So there you have it, guys! The complete Police Academy movie series, laid out in the order you should watch them for maximum comedic impact and chronological sense. From their humble beginnings as misfits at the academy to their international escapades, these movies have given us countless laughs. While there have been talks of reboots and new installments over the years, this list covers the original and most beloved run of films. Happy watching, and may the laughs be with you!