If you're trying to figure out the perfect order to watch those goofy Ernest films starring Jim Varney, you're not alone. I remember digging through old VHS tapes at flea markets trying to piece together the sequence – what a mess that was! This guide fixes all that confusion by laying out every Ernest movie in chronological order, with streaming details and deep cuts you won't find elsewhere.
Why Watch Ernest Films Chronologically?
Seeing the Ernest movies in order actually matters more than you'd think. The running gags build over time – like Ernest's weird relationship with Bobby the snake or Vern's endless frustration. Skip around and you'll miss inside jokes that started three films back. Plus Jim Varney's physical comedy evolves noticeably from the campy 80s stuff to the 90s TV movies.
Benefits of Proper Viewing Order:
- Character development (yes, even Ernest has some!)
- Running jokes that span multiple films
- Spotting cameos from recurring side characters
- Seeing practical effects improve (or get cheesier)
Risks of Watching Randomly:
- Missing crucial Vern meltdowns
- Not understanding Ernest's job-hopping chaos
- Confusion about Bobby the snake's aging process
- Zero emotional payoff for Ernest's growth
Complete Ernest Movies in Release Order
Here's the definitive list of ernest movies in order from first to last. I've included where you can actually stream these today – some are surprisingly hard to find. Fair warning: quality dips hard after the first four films.
| Release Year | Movie Title | Runtime | Director | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Ernest Goes to Camp | 92 min | John R. Cherry III | Amazon Prime (rental), Vudu |
| 1988 | Ernest Saves Christmas | 91 min | John R. Cherry III | Disney+, YouTube Movies |
| 1990 | Ernest Goes to Jail | 81 min | John R. Cherry III | Hoopla, Tubi (free) |
| 1991 | Ernest Scared Stupid | 91 min | John R. Cherry III | AMC+, Shudder |
| 1993 | Ernest Rides Again | 93 min | John R. Cherry III | DVD only |
| 1994 | Ernest Goes to School | 89 min | Coke Sams | YouTube Movies |
| 1995 | Slam Dunk Ernest | 91 min | John R. Cherry III | Tubi (free) |
| 1997 | Ernest Goes to Africa | 94 min | John R. Cherry III | Amazon Prime (rental) |
| 1998 | Ernest in the Army | 90 min | John R. Cherry III | DVD only |
Honestly? The TV movies (1993 onward) barely resemble the magic of the first four. I forced myself through "Ernest Goes to Africa" for this guide and my eyes haven't fully recovered. Watch those only if you're a completionist!
Deep Dive on Each Ernest Film
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
The one that started it all. Plot: Ernest finally lands his dream job as camp counselor at Kamp Kikakee, but must save the camp from developers. Key characters: Sherman Boorish (the sleazy villain), St. Cloud (the doomed snake). Fun fact: The infamous "Gee I'm Glad It's Raining" song was shot in freezing weather – Jim Varney's shivers were real. Box office: $23.5 million. My take: Still holds up thanks to Varney's physical comedy, though the pacing drags in the second act.
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Plot: Santa recruits Ernest to help find his replacement. Shot in Orlando with cameos from Disney World tourists. Key detail: Features Ernest's disastrous attempt at taxi driving. Box office: $28 million. Reception: Mixed reviews but became a cult holiday film. Where it fits in the ernest movies in order: Introduces Chuck and Bobby as recurring characters.
Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)
Plot: Bank clerk Ernest gets wrongly imprisoned and must foil an electrocution plot. Highlights: Varney plays dual roles as Ernest and villain Nash. Critical note: Rotten Tomatoes score of 38% (way too harsh in my opinion). Practical effects: The lightning transformation scene used real Tesla coils. Personal memory: Scared me senseless as a kid when Nash appeared!
Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
Halloween special with trolls terrorizing kids. Budget: Only $3 million. Notable for: Extremely creepy practical monster effects. Trivia: Original title was "Ernest Goes to Hell" (seriously). Streaming tip: Watch the unedited version – streaming services sometimes cut the troll vomit scene. How it completes the early ernest movies in order: Last great theatrical release.
Where to Watch the Full Ernest Series Today
Finding all Ernest films in one place is impossible – rights are scattered like Ernest's job history. After tracking them down:
- Best option for most films: Tubi (free with ads) has 5 titles including "Slam Dunk" and "Jail"
- Christmas special: Disney+ exclusively has "Ernest Saves Christmas"
- Most frustrating: "Ernest Rides Again" and "Ernest in the Army" are DVD-only through Amazon
- Physical media tip: The "Ernest Complete Collection" box set misses 3 films despite its name
Why Later Ernest Films Flopped
The shift to TV movies killed the franchise's charm. Budgets dropped from $5M to $800K. Production shortcuts became obvious – "Ernest Goes to Africa" reused jungle footage from other films. Jim Varney's health issues (he was secretly battling lung cancer during "Slam Dunk Ernest") affected his energy. The final films feel like cash grabs without heart. Still worth watching? Only for film students studying franchise decay.
Ernest Movies FAQ
What's the best order to watch Ernest movies?
Strict release order is essential – start with "Camp" (1987) and end with "Army" (1998). The timeline jumps around otherwise.
Are any Ernest films connected story-wise?
Loosely. Characters like Vern and Bobby reappear, but no overarching plot. Each film stands alone.
Why wasn't Ernest Goes to Camp 2 made?
Jim Varney hated sequels with identical plots. He pushed for new settings like jail or Christmas instead.
What's the rarest Ernest film?
"Ernest Rides Again" (1993) had limited VHS release. Authentic copies sell for $75+ on eBay.
Did Jim Varney do his own stunts?
About 90% – except the jail electrocution scene. Stuntman Gary Morgan took that zap.
How many Ernest movies exist total?
Nine official films spanning 1987-1998. Avoid the knockoff "Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain" – it's just park footage.
Ernest's Legacy and Cultural Impact
Beyond the ernest movies in order phenomenon, Jim Varney's character influenced comedy in weird ways. The "Know what I mean, Vern?" catchphrase entered pop culture – even Bart Simpson parodied it. Modern physical comedians like Jack Black cite Ernest as inspiration. The cheap practical effects in "Scared Stupid" became film school case studies. And honestly? Ernest's relentless optimism in terrible jobs resonates more now than in the 80s.
Final confession: I tear up every time Ernest sings at campfire in "Camp." Varney brought unexpected heart to that ridiculous character. That's why we still care about getting the ernest movies in order right decades later.
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