Year: 1988
Runtime: 91 min
Language: English
Director: Howard Deutch
A stressed-out advertising executive, Chet Ripley, seeks a relaxing vacation with his family at a remote lakeside cabin. Their plans for peace and quiet are disrupted when Chet's wife's eccentric brother, Roman, unexpectedly arrives with his own family. The clash between the two families leads to a series of comical misunderstandings and chaotic situations as they navigate differing lifestyles and endure a series of wacky misadventures in the great outdoors.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Great Outdoors 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!
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Great Outdoors (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:01
Meet the key characters of The Great Outdoors (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:01
Explore the central themes of The Great Outdoors (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:01
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Great Outdoors 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 The Great Outdoors is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Great Outdoors, 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.
Track the full timeline of The Great Outdoors with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like The Great Outdoors 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.
The Great Outdoors (1988) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
The Great Outdoors (1988) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Great Outdoors (1988) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Great Outdoors – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Vacation (2015) Movie Recap & Themes
Summer Rental (1985) Detailed Story Recap
Mountain Men (2016) Movie Recap & Themes
Awful Nice (2014) Full Movie Breakdown
Out Cold (2001) Movie Recap & Themes
Out to Sea (1997) Movie Recap & Themes
Couples Retreat (2009) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Nature Calls (2012) Full Movie Breakdown
In Our Nature (2012) Full Summary & Key Details
Big Bear (2017) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
City Slickers (1991) Film Overview & Timeline
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) Movie Recap & Themes
RV (2006) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Out of Towners (1970) Detailed Story Recap
Family Camp (2022) Story Summary & Characters