Police Academy - Watch Order: Essential Films

Other Watch Orders:
1984 - 19863 Films4h 28m3.4 Average

For viewers who want to experience the best of Police Academy without committing to all seven films, this curated selection captures the franchise's essence and funniest moments. The three films represent the series' strongest entries, showcasing the core concept and character development without the diminishing returns of later sequels.

This watch order covers the complete arc from academy training to real-world policing, including the characters' return as instructors. These films contain the most memorable gags and demonstrate why the franchise became a comedy classic, making them a great choice for both newcomers and fans seeking a streamlined experience.

1
Police Academy poster

Police Academy

19841h 37m3.8
Director: Hugh Wilson
Cast: Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, G.W. Bailey, Bubba Smith, Donovan Scott

New rules enforced by the Lady Mayoress mean that sex, weight, height and intelligence need no longer be a factor for joining the Police Force. This opens the floodgates for all and sundry to enter the Police Academy, much to the chagrin of the instructors. Not everyone is there through choice, though. Social misfit Mahoney has been forced to sign up as the only alternative to a jail sentence and it doesn't take long before he falls foul of the boorish Lieutenant Harris. But before long, Mahoney realises that he is enjoying being a police cadet and decides he wants to stay... while Harris decides he wants Mahoney out!

ComedyCrime
2
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment poster

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment

19851h 27m3.3
Director: Jerry Paris
Cast: Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Bruce Mahler

Officer Carey Mahoney and his cohorts have finally graduated from the Police Academy and are about to hit the streets on their first assignment. Question is, are they ready to do battle with a band of graffiti-tagging terrorists? Time will tell, but don't sell short this cheerful band of doltish boys in blue.

ComedyCrime
3
Police Academy 3: Back in Training poster

Police Academy 3: Back in Training

19861h 24m3.1
Director: Jerry Paris
Cast: Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Marion Ramsey

When police funding is cut, the Governor announces he must close one of the academies. To make it fair, the two police academies must compete against each other to stay in operation. Mauser persuades two officers in Lassard's academy to better his odds, but things don't quite turn out as expected...

ComedyCrime