Ernest Movies: Release Order
The Ernest film series features Jim Varney as the rubber-faced, well-meaning but bumbling Ernest P. Worrell, a character who originated in television commercials in the 1980s and became a cultural phenomenon. Each film places Ernest in a different occupation and scenario - from camp counselor to taxi driver to bank janitor - with no continuity between entries.
The first five films received theatrical releases and were produced on modest budgets, with Ernest Goes to Camp becoming a surprise box office hit. The final four films went direct-to-video as the series wound down. Jim Varney's physical comedy and his iconic catchphrase "KnowhutImean?" defined a generation of family entertainment, though the quality varied considerably across the nine films.
There is 1 other watch order available - see the link up above.
Ernest Goes to Camp
Ernest, a well-meaning handyman at a summer camp, dreams of becoming a guidance counselor and must inspire a group of troubled kids while protecting the camp from a mining company threat.
Ernest Saves Christmas
When Santa Claus decides to retire, he enlists the help of the well-meaning but bumbling Ernest P. Worrell to find and convince his replacement. Ernest must help Santa persuade a skeptical children's television host to take over the important role of Father Christmas.
Ernest Goes to Jail
Bumbling janitor Ernest P. Worrell gets mistaken for a dangerous crime boss and must find a way to clear his name and escape from jail.
Ernest Scared Stupid
Well-intentioned but bumbling Ernest P. Worrell accidentally releases an evil demon from its tomb and must overcome a 200-year-old curse to save his town from destruction. This family-friendly horror comedy features Ernest's signature slapstick humor as he battles supernatural forces.
Ernest Rides Again
Buffoonish Ernest and his dimwitted pal Abner stumble upon a legendary cannon that may contain the crown jewels of England, leading to their typical misadventures.
Ernest Goes to School
Jim Varney's lovable dim-witted character Ernest P. Worrell works as a school janitor while attempting to earn his high school diploma.
Slam Dunk Ernest
Ernest P. Worrell receives magical sneakers from an angel who looks like basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, transforming him into an unlikely basketball star.
Ernest Goes to Africa
When Ernest accidentally turns stolen diamonds into a yo-yo and gives it to his girlfriend Rene, criminals kidnap her to get them back. Ernest must travel to Africa to rescue her and prove he's the man of action she always wanted.
Ernest in the Army
Ernest P. Worrell joins the military and finds himself investigating a dangerous dictator while also protecting a lost boy until the child can be reunited with his father.
Other Film Series
Bad Boys
An action-comedy franchise following Miami narcotics detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett as they take on high-stakes cases while navigating their evolving partnership.
Home Alone
A series of holiday comedy films about kids left to defend their homes against bumbling criminals, beginning with Kevin McCallister's iconic adventures.
In the Line of Duty
A landmark Hong Kong action franchise featuring female police officers in intense martial arts and stunt-heavy adventures.
Ocean's
A heist franchise spanning from the Rat Pack era to modern ensemble capers.
Police Academy
A comedy franchise following a group of misfit police recruits through their training and various adventures, known for slapstick humor and memorable recurring characters.
St. Trinian's
A British comedy franchise about an anarchic girls' school, spanning from the 1950s-60s classics through a forgotten 1980 entry to a successful 2000s reboot series.