How Many Police Academy Movies Are There? A Complete Guide to All 7 Comedies

The Police Academy franchise consists of seven movies released between 1984 and 1994. This hilarious series of comedic films took the 1980s by storm, delivering laughs and memorable characters that still resonate with audiences today. From the original hit to its numerous sequels, let’s explore the world of misfit recruits and their zany adventures in law enforcement.

The Birth of a Comedy Phenomenon

The Original Police Academy (1984)

It all started in 1984 when director Hugh Wilson brought us the first Police Academy movie. The premise was simple yet brilliant: a new policy allows anyone to join the police force, regardless of their qualifications. This opens the floodgates for a motley crew of unlikely cadets to try their hand at becoming officers of the law.

The film introduced us to Carey Mahoney, played by Steve Guttenberg, a charming troublemaker forced to enroll in the academy as an alternative to jail time. Alongside him, we met a cast of colorful characters, each with their own quirks and talents.

Unexpected Success and Cultural Impact

No one could have predicted the massive success of Police Academy. Despite mixed critical reviews, the movie resonated with audiences, raking in over $81 million at the domestic box office. Its blend of slapstick humor, underdog story, and lovable misfits struck a chord with viewers, setting the stage for a franchise that would define 1980s comedy.

The Police Academy Sequels: A Rundown

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

Hot on the heels of the original’s success, Police Academy 2 hit theaters just a year later. Our newly graduated officers face their first real challenge: cleaning up a crime-ridden precinct. The sequel brought back many fan-favorite characters while introducing new faces to keep the formula fresh.

Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

The third installment saw our heroes return to the academy, this time as instructors. With the threat of budget cuts looming, they must prove their worth by training a new batch of recruits. This film cemented many of the recurring gags and character dynamics that fans had come to love.

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

In a twist on the formula, Police Academy 4 introduced a program where civilians train alongside police officers. This fresh angle allowed for even more outrageous scenarios and new characters to join the fun.

Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988)

The fifth movie took our lovable misfits out of their usual stomping grounds and into the sun-soaked streets of Miami. This change of scenery provided new opportunities for comedy and action, keeping the series feeling energized.

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)

Returning to their home turf, the officers face off against a gang of jewel thieves in the sixth installment. While the formula was starting to show signs of wear, loyal fans still turned out to see their favorite characters in action.

Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)

The seventh and final theatrical release in the series took an unexpected turn, sending our heroes to Russia to help combat the Russian mafia. This international adventure marked the end of the original run of Police Academy films.

The Cast and Characters of Police Academy

Recurring Stars Throughout the Series

One of the keys to Police Academy’s success was its ensemble cast. While some actors came and went, a core group appeared in most or all of the films:

• Steve Guttenberg as Carey Mahoney (films 1-4)
• Michael Winslow as Larvell Jones
• David Graf as Eugene Tackleberry
• Bubba Smith as Moses Hightower
• George Gaynes as Commandant Eric Lassard

These actors brought consistency to the series, allowing fans to grow attached to their characters over time.

Notable Character Arcs and Fan Favorites

While the Police Academy movies weren’t known for deep character development, some characters did show growth throughout the series. Mahoney evolved from a reluctant recruit to a capable officer, while others like Tackleberry and Hightower became more fleshed out with each appearance.

Fan favorites often included:

• Larvell Jones, known for his incredible sound effects
• Commandant Lassard, with his absent-minded yet endearing leadership
• Debbie Callahan, the tough-as-nails female officer who broke stereotypes

Box Office Performance of the Police Academy Films

Financial Success Despite Critical Reception

Despite often receiving harsh reviews from critics, the Police Academy movies were consistently profitable. The original film was a massive hit, and while the sequels saw diminishing returns, they still performed well enough to justify continuing the series.

Comparing the Movies’ Earnings

Here’s a quick breakdown of the domestic box office earnings for each film:

1. Police Academy (1984): $81,198,894
2. Police Academy 2 (1985): $55,600,000
3. Police Academy 3 (1986): $43,579,163
4. Police Academy 4 (1987): $28,061,343
5. Police Academy 5 (1988): $19,510,371
6. Police Academy 6 (1989): $11,567,217
7. Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994): $126,247

The sharp decline in earnings for the final movie likely contributed to the end of the theatrical releases.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Reviews and Ratings Across the Franchise

Critics were rarely kind to the Police Academy movies. The first film received mixed reviews, with some praising its lowbrow humor while others found it crass and uninspired. Subsequent entries fared even worse, with many sequels receiving extremely low ratings on review aggregator sites.

Critic opinions often differed greatly from audience reactions during the series’ peak popularity.

Cultural Impact and Nostalgia Factor

Despite the critical drubbing, Police Academy left an indelible mark on 1980s pop culture. The movies spawned countless quotes, imitations, and even influenced other comedies of the era. Today, they’re often viewed through a lens of nostalgia, remembered fondly by those who grew up with the series.

Beyond the Big Screen: Police Academy Spin-offs

The Animated Series (1988-1989)

The popularity of Police Academy led to an animated spin-off that ran for two seasons. This cartoon version allowed for even more outlandish scenarios and gags, introducing the characters to a younger audience.

Police Academy: The Series (1997-1998)

A live-action TV series attempted to revive the franchise in the late 1990s. While it only lasted one season, it showed that there was still interest in the Police Academy concept years after the last movie.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Trivia

Directors and Writers Across the Franchise

The Police Academy series saw several directors take the helm:

• Hugh Wilson (first film)
• Jerry Paris (films 2 and 3)
• Jim Drake (film 4)
• Alan Myerson (film 5)
• Peter Bonerz (film 6)
• Alan Metter (film 7)

This rotation of directors brought different styles to each entry, while maintaining the core elements that fans expected.

Interesting Facts and Production Stories

• The first film was shot in Toronto, despite being set in an unnamed American city.
• Michael Winslow, known for his sound effects, often improvised his noises on set.
• The famous Police Academy theme song, composed by Robert Folk, became instantly recognizable and was used throughout the series.

The Future of Police Academy

Rumors and Attempts at Reboots

Since the last theatrical release in 1994, there have been numerous rumors about potential reboots or new sequels. In 2003, discussions began about an eighth film, but it never materialized. More recently, there have been talks of a complete reboot, though nothing concrete has emerged.

What Fans Can Expect

While no new Police Academy movies are currently in production, the enduring popularity of the franchise means that future revivals remain a possibility. Fans should keep an eye out for announcements, as Hollywood’s love for reboots and nostalgia properties could one day bring these beloved characters back to the screen.

Why Police Academy Endures: Analyzing Its Appeal

Comedy Style and Character Dynamics

The Police Academy movies succeeded by blending different types of humor:

• Slapstick and physical comedy
• Character-based jokes and running gags
• Situational humor playing on the fish-out-of-water concept

This mix ensured that there was something for everyone, from sophisticated wordplay to simple pratfalls.

Nostalgic Value and Generational Appeal

For many, Police Academy represents a simpler time in comedy filmmaking. The series’ straightforward plots and broad humor offer a form of escapism that still resonates today. Additionally, parents who grew up with the movies can now share them with their children, creating a multigenerational fanbase.

FAQs About the Police Academy Movie Series

Are all Police Academy movies connected?

Yes, they follow a continuous storyline, with recurring characters and references to previous events.

Which Police Academy movie is considered the best?

Opinions vary, but many fans consider the original 1984 film the best in the series.

Did any famous actors appear in Police Academy before becoming stars?

Yes, Kim Cattrall, who later starred in Sex and the City, appeared in the first Police Academy movie.

Clearing Up Misconceptions

• Contrary to popular belief, there are only seven theatrical Police Academy movies, not eight or more.
• While often lumped together, the animated series and live-action TV show are not considered part of the main movie canon.

Conclusion

The Police Academy movies were popular comedies from 1984 to 1994. There were seven films in total. While critics often didn’t like them, many fans enjoyed the funny characters and jokes. The movies were about unlikely people becoming cops, which made for lots of laughs.

These films show how a simple idea can become a big hit. They remind us of 1980s comedy styles. Whether you’ve seen them before or are new to Police Academy, these movies can still make people laugh today. They prove that stories about underdogs can be fun for a long time.