Animal House

"National Lampoon's Animal House," a comedy film directed by John Landis and released in 1978, is a seminal piece of American cinema that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of comedy films. Set in a 1960s college fraternity house, the film's raucous depiction of college life and its irreverent humor have made it a cult classic.

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"Animal House" is a riotous romp through the antics of the fictional Delta Tau Chi fraternity at Faber College, offering an exaggerated but affectionate portrayal of fraternity life, complete with raucous parties, rebellious pranks, and memorable characters. It starred comedy legends like John Belushi in his breakout film role and was the first significant project of the National Lampoon comedy brand, setting the tone for the brand's future productions.

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The cultural influence of "Animal House" cannot be overstated. It was a game-changer for the comedy genre, introducing a style of raucous, often outrageous humor that has since become a staple of American comedy films. It also popularized the college comedy subgenre, inspiring a slew of films like "Revenge of the Nerds," "Old School," and "Van Wilder." Its influence is not limited to film, either – countless television shows and even real-life college fraternities have taken inspiration from its depiction of fraternity life. Catchphrases from the film, like Belushi's "Toga! Toga!" chant, have entered the cultural lexicon. Even more than forty years after its release, "Animal House" continues to resonate with audiences, its humor and spirit of rebellious fun proving to be timeless.