Year: 1995
Runtime: 91 mins
Language: English
Director: Kelly Makin
During detention, a ragtag group of misfits and slackers are tasked with drafting a letter to the President that outlines the flaws of the American education system. The catch? The President is oddly supportive of the very problems they criticize. Determined to confront him, they embark on a chaotic road‑trip to Washington, hoping to meet the “Main Man” himself and deliver their message.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen National Lampoon’s Senior Trip 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of National Lampoon’s Senior Trip (1995), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
At Fairmount High School in Ohio, a suburb of Dayton, a group of teenagers kick off the day with an assembly by a band called “High on Life.” Mark ‘Dags’ D’Agastino Jeremy Renner and Reggie Rob Moore Barry decide to sabotage the act by exposing that the band lip-syncs. The moment turns sour when a typing-class teacher suffers a heart attack and dies, and the seniors slip away from class to throw a party at Principal Moss’s house. Moss, played by Matt Frewer, learns about the gathering from student body president Steve Nisser Sergio Di Zio and administers detention, forcing the students to write a letter to the President outlining what’s wrong with the education system.
The next day, news vans flood the campus with reports that the President enjoyed their letter and has invited them to Washington, D.C. to discuss it. In truth, the invitation is a scheme crafted by corrupt Senator Lerman Lawrence Dane to humiliate the President George R. Robertson. The trip kicks off, but the bus makes a stop at a convenience store where Dags and Reggie trap Moss in a flooded washroom and swipe alcohol. They are tailed by Travis Kevin McDonald, a deranged Star Trek devotee and crossing guard who even hops a ride with an Asian family. Moss falls into a deep sleep after taking pills handed to him by the bus driver Red Tommy Chong. With Moss unconscious, Carla Morgan Tara Strong applies makeup to him while the students throw a party aboard the vehicle.
The following day, the chase intensifies as Travis closes in and the bus is pursued by police; Red dies from an apparent overdose, and the bus nearly veers into a lake. Dags manages to brake just in time, but the pursuers’ car ends up in the water, and Travis escapes. Upon reaching Washington, the group checks into a hotel and plans a class photo at a cemetery. Miosky Eric Edwards lights a humorous flame on J. Edgar Hoover’s emblem to distract Travis. That night, the seniors secretly lace a box of chocolates with tequila and offer them to the chaperone Miss Milford Valerie Mahaffey. Under the influence, Milford seduces Moss, and the students take the opportunity to crash a party in the adjacent hotel.
Tensions rise as Steve Nisser threatens to blow the whistle, and Dags tells Miosky to “take care of him.” Meanwhile, Lisa Perkins Fiona Loewi escorts Dags to the rooftop, where she seduces him. The next day, she learns of the broader plot to use the students to embarrass the President and undermine the visit.
Back in the political fray, Senator Lerman confronts Moss and Milford and the students regroup, only to discover that Miosky has been kidnapped and separated from the group. The senator whisks Miosky to the White House, with the others closing in. At the White House, Moss unexpectedly defends the students against Lerman’s jabs, and the senator’s scheme is exposed. The teens return home, and the film closes with a montage showing where each character ends up in later life.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:07
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Misfit teens hit the road in a chaotic vehicle for political and personal rebellion.If you liked the chaotic journey and underdog spirit of National Lampoon’s Senior Trip, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar comedies where misfit teens and slackers hit the road, causing mischief and challenging the system with lighthearted, rebellious energy.
The narrative typically starts with a group of discontented teens or slackers facing an oppressive system. A catalyst event prompts them to escape their mundane lives via a road trip, where the journey itself—filled with mishaps, pranks, and encounters with authority—becomes the central plot, leading to a triumphant, if chaotic, conclusion.
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on youthful rebellion expressed through a physical journey. They mix a fast-paced, energetic plot with a light tone, using satire and slapstick humor to critique authority while celebrating the anarchy of the underdog.
Irreverent teen comedies where misfits expose the absurdity of the system.Fans of National Lampoon’s Senior Trip will love these similar movies featuring clever, rebellious teens. Discover comedies where underdog students use satire and humor to expose corruption and challenge authority, all with a fast-paced, lighthearted, and mischievous vibe.
The pattern involves a group of high school outsiders identifying a flaw or corruption within their educational or social system. They devise an elaborate, often chaotic plan to expose it, leading to a series of humorous set pieces and pranks that ultimately result in their victory and the system's comeuppance.
These films share a specific blend of teen comedy and satire. They are united by a light, energetic tone, a focus on underdog characters, and a narrative that uses humor as a weapon against authority, resulting in a consistently fast-paced and happy viewing experience.
Don't stop at just watching — explore National Lampoon’s Senior Trip 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 National Lampoon’s Senior Trip is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of National Lampoon’s Senior Trip with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape National Lampoon’s Senior Trip. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of National Lampoon’s Senior Trip that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about National Lampoon’s Senior Trip: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like National Lampoon’s Senior Trip that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
National Lampoon’s Senior Trip (1995) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
National Lampoon’s Senior Trip (1995) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
National Lampoon’s Senior Trip (1995) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like National Lampoon’s Senior Trip – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Bad Trip (2021) Full Summary & Key Details
College Road Trip (2008) Complete Plot Breakdown
National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) Story Summary & Characters
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Movie Recap & Themes
National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002) Story Summary & Characters
National Lampoon Presents Dorm Daze (2003) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
National Lampoon’s TV: The Movie (2006) Complete Plot Breakdown
National Lampoon’s Movie Madness (1982) Full Movie Breakdown
Senior Trip (1981) Movie Recap & Themes
Fandango (1985) Detailed Story Recap
College (1927) Detailed Story Recap
National Lampoon Presents: Endless Bummer (2009) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
National Lampoon’s Last Resort (1994) Full Summary & Key Details
The Freshman (1925) Story Summary & Characters
Assassination of a High School President (2008) Full Movie Breakdown