Animal House

Animal House

Year: 1978

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: John Landis

ComedyRomance

Two misfit freshmen, Larry and Kent, find themselves rejected by the respectable Omega Theta Pi fraternity. Seeking acceptance, they join the infamous Delta Tau Chi house, known for its wild and unruly behavior. However, the Delta Tau Chi house faces closure as the college dean vows to shut them down, leading to escalating pranks and a battle for the future of the fraternity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Animal House yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Animal House (1978)

Trace every key event in Animal House (1978) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Fraternity Aspirations Begin

In the autumn of 1962, freshmen Larry Kroger and Kent Dorfman arrive at Faber College with the goal of pledging a fraternity. They encounter their first setback when they are rejected by the elite Omega Theta Pi house party, but their determination pushes them to seek out other opportunities.

Autumn 1962 Faber College
2

Entering Delta Tau Chi

After being rejected from Omega, Larry and Kent explore the raucous Delta Tau Chi house. Kent's legacy status, due to his brother Fred's previous membership, allows them access to a vibrant party where they meet a colorful cast of characters who warmly welcome them.

Delta Tau Chi house
3

New Brothers Born

Larry and Kent earn their fraternity nicknames, becoming 'Pinto' and 'Flounder.' They quickly adapt to the jubilant lifestyle of the Deltas, joining in on the fun and forming lasting bonds with their new fraternity brothers.

Delta Tau Chi house
4

Dean Wormer's Scheme

Meanwhile, Dean Vernon Wormer plots to disband the Delta fraternity, citing their poor academics and conduct breaches. He seeks assistance from Omega's president, Greg Marmalard, and ROTC Cadet Commander Douglas C. Neidermeyer to take down the Deltas.

Faber College
5

Prank Gone Wrong

The Deltas engage in a retaliatory prank against the Omegas that inadvertently leads to the death of Neidermeyer's horse. This incident escalates tensions and forms the basis for the ongoing feud between the two fraternal factions.

6

Exam Sabotage

In an attempt to maintain their academic standing, Bluto and D-Day steal the answer key for an impending exam. Unfortunately, they fall victim to a switch orchestrated by the Omegas, resulting in dismal grades for the Deltas and further endangering their status.

7

Legendary Toga Party

Despite their academic troubles, the Deltas throw a famous toga party, which becomes the talk of the campus. Pinto's mischievous adventure at a local supermarket to gather supplies introduces him to Clorette, sparking a memorable connection.

Local supermarket and Delta house
8

Unexpected Romance

At the toga party, Otter unwittingly flirts with Dean Wormer's wife, Marion, leading to an outrageous night filled with humorous misunderstandings. Meanwhile, Pinto faces a moral dilemma when Clorette passes out drunk, forcing him to reconsider his choices.

Delta house
9

Kangaroo Court Decision

Amid growing hostility, Dean Wormer conducts a kangaroo court to strip the Deltas of their charter. This unjust ruling fuels the brothers' determination to fight back against the administration and reclaim their fraternity.

Faber College
10

Epic Road Trip

As a final stand against their expulsion, Otter, Boon, Pinto, and Flounder embark on a wild road trip in a borrowed Lincoln. Their adventures include trying to impress girls at an all-girls college, highlighting their humorous mischief and carefree college spirit.

Local all-girls college and bar
11

Internal Conflicts Rise

Tensions within the fraternity escalate as Boon discovers Katy in a compromising position. This revelation leads to fights and deeper divisions among the members as they struggle to maintain their unity and focus on revenging against Wormer.

12

The Deathmobile Plan

Determined to take down Dean Wormer, the Deltas devise a scheme to disrupt the Homecoming parade in a dramatic fashion. They transform Fred's Lincoln into the infamous 'Deathmobile,' which becomes a symbol of their rebellion.

Homecoming parade Faber College
13

Parade Chaos

During the Homecoming parade, the Deathmobile causes chaos by crashing into the reviewing stand, scattering Wormer, Marmalard, and other officials. This audacious act becomes an iconic moment that encapsulates the spirit of rebellion among the Deltas.

Homecoming parade Faber College
14

Aftermath and Consequences

Following the parade disaster, the futures of the fraternity brothers unfold in unexpected ways. While Bluto goes on to become a U.S. senator, the Omegas face the fallout of their actions, showcasing the lasting impact of their antics.

15

The Legacy of Brotherhood

The tumultuous journey through college emphasizes themes of brotherhood, rebellion, and the unpredictable nature of fate. The experiences shape the brothers, leaving a lasting imprint on their lives as they reflect on their time at Faber College.

Faber College

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:38

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Rebellious Comedies like Animal House

Stories where chaotic, freewheeling underdogs triumph over rigid systems.If you liked the chaotic energy of Animal House, this thread features movies where misfit characters challenge authority with wild pranks and irreverent humor. Find other stories about nonconformists triumphing over rigid systems in a similarly raucous and freewheeling style.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on an underdog group or individual who clashes with a repressive authority figure or institution. The conflict escalates through a series of humorous and often chaotic events, leading to a triumphant, if messy, victory for the rebels that validates their free-spirited way of life.

Why These Movies?

They share a core conflict of rebellion against authority, delivered with a light tone, fast pacing, and a focus on comedic escalation rather than heavy drama. The overall feeling is one of cathartic, energetic fun.

Movies with Institutional Chaos like Animal House

Wild antics and escalating mischief within a structured community setting.Looking for more movies like Animal House? This collection features stories set in schools, fraternities, or other communities where chaotic pranks and wild antics drive the plot, creating a raucous and energetic vibe centered on institutional rebellion.

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Narrative Summary

The plot unfolds within a well-defined community or institution, pitting a chaotic, fun-loving group against a more rigid, orderly one. The story is propelled by a back-and-forth of increasingly outrageous pranks and events that test the limits of the institution's rules, often culminating in a public spectacle.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their setting within a specific community and a plot driven by prank warfare and chaotic events. They share a fast pace, a focus on group dynamics, and a lighthearted, albeit mischievous, tone.

Unlock the Full Story of Animal House

Don't stop at just watching — explore Animal House in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Animal House is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Animal House Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Animal House, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Animal House Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Animal House

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Animal House

Animal House Spoiler-Free Summary

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Animal House Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Animal House

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