Skyler Gisondo has a knack for being effortlessly funny and charming, a quality that's made him a scene-stealer in shows like Santa Clarita Diet and The Righteous Gemstones. It's no surprise he was cast as Jimmy Olsen in James Gunn's 2025 Superman reboot. But before he joined the DC Universe, Gisondo starred in a 2015 comedy that critics hated—and now, over a decade later, that same film is a streaming phenomenon.
The movie in question is Vacation, a legacy sequel to the classic National Lampoon's Vacation franchise. Upon release, it scored a dismal 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it a nostalgia-driven retread that missed the original's charm. Yet it was a commercial hit, grossing $107 million on a $31 million budget. Now, in July 2026, it's the #1 movie on Paramount+ in the US, according to FlixPatrol, and streaming on Netflix internationally.
A New Generation Discovers 'Vacation'
So why is this raunchy comedy suddenly a hit? The key is a younger audience that has no attachment to the Chevy Chase originals. They're judging Vacation on its own merits—and they're finding it hilarious. The film follows Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms), now a grown man with a family, as he drags his wife Debbie (Christina Applegate) and their two sons on a disastrous cross-country trip to Walley World. Gisondo plays James, the teenage son, while Steele Stebbins steals scenes as his foul-mouthed younger brother Kevin.
The toxic sibling dynamic between James and Kevin has become a viral sensation. Stebbins' performance as the relentlessly cruel Kevin has spawned countless fan edits on social media, with fans dubbing the trend 'Kevin-core.' The film's unapologetic vulgarity and chaotic set pieces are resonating with viewers who crave over-the-top comedy without the weight of franchise expectations.
Streaming Success in July 2026
Vacation's rise to #1 on Paramount+ is a testament to the power of streaming to give overlooked films a second life. It's not the only older title finding new audiences—Dennis Quaid's 'Frequency' Hits Tubi's Top 5 in July 2026—26 Years Later shows a similar trend. For Gisondo, this streaming success comes as he's enjoying a career high after his Superman casting, proving that even a so-called flop can become a beloved classic with the right audience.
If you haven't seen Vacation yet, now's the time. Stream it on Paramount+ in the US and see why a new generation is embracing this chaotic comedy. For more on the best streaming picks, check out Tight & Terrific: 6 Perfect Movies Under 80 Minutes.
