As Oktoberfest gears up for its September 21st start, it’s time to embrace the spirit of celebration with a cinematic toast to beer, laughs, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned Oktoberfest attendee or just enjoy a good laugh, these movies capture the joy and chaos of beer-filled festivities. Grab a stein and settle in for these Oktoberfest-inspired films that will bring the party to your living room.
Beerfest (2006)
“Beerfest” follows two brothers who, after discovering a secret beer-drinking competition during Oktoberfest in Germany, gather a ragtag group of friends to compete. The film is packed with over-the-top antics, intense drinking challenges, and a hilarious plot as the team trains to reclaim their family’s honor. It’s a slapstick comedy that celebrates the bond of friendship and the sheer fun of beer culture.
Upon its release, “Beerfest” became a cult favorite for its unapologetically raunchy humor and absurd drinking scenes. Though it was not a major box-office hit, it gained a loyal fanbase for its irreverence and portrayal of beer games on a grand scale. The movie continues to be a go-to for those looking for a wild ride into Oktoberfest-inspired comedy and is atop most lists with the German holiday as the theme.
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
In this comedy classic, the bumbling Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) returns to solve another case. This time he finds himself being targeted by his former boss, who’s out for revenge. While the movie isn’t directly about Oktoberfest, it features plenty of madcap European adventures and is riddled with comedic mishaps that allude to the holiday. Its these over-the-top antics that capture the festive spirit associated with the annual celebration.
“The Pink Panther Strikes Again” was a hit both critically and commercially, cementing Peter Sellers’ place as one of the greats of comedic cinema. Its influence can be seen in countless slapstick films, and the character of Inspector Clouseau remains iconic decades later. The film’s light-hearted European setting and farcical humor make it a perfect pick for Oktoberfest season.
Stream The Pink Panther Strikes Again on Max here.
Stream The Pink Panther Strikes Again on Starz here.
Beer League (2006)
Who doesn’t want to go drinking with Artie Lange? “Beer League” centers on Artie, a washed-up softball player whose team faces expulsion from the league if they don’t clean up their act. Filled with crude humor, beer-fueled antics, and over-the-top situations, the film explores male camaraderie and the passion that keeps a group of underachievers coming back to the softball field (and the bar) for more.
Though it didn’t gain much mainstream attention upon its initial release, “Beer League” has garnered a cult following among fans of sports comedies and those who appreciate its unfiltered humor. It remains a go-to for those seeking a nostalgic, beer-centric film with a heartwarming undertone about friendship and loyalty. Depending on your age, you might find yourself muttering how “they don’t make movies like this anymore.”
Stream Beer League on Tubi here.
Stream Beer League on Pluto Freevee here.
Stream Beer League on Roku here.
Beer (1985)
In this satirical comedy, an advertising agency hires three ordinary men as spokespeople to promote a failing beer company. The trio’s unpredictable and often ridiculous behavior turns their campaign into a runaway success, poking fun at the absurdity of marketing and consumer culture. The movie blends corporate satire with an ode to the power of beer to create unexpected heroes. With an aura similar to Hamburger the Movie and other releases from USA’s Up All Night, Beer captures the 80s in a way that few other films can.
“Beer” has remained a hidden gem from the 1980s, with its sharp critique of media manipulation and corporate greed still relevant today. While not a mainstream hit, it holds a unique place in the annals of beer-related comedies, especially for its clever commentary on advertising’s influence over popular culture.
Stream Beer (1985) on Freevee here.
Stream Beer (1985) on Roku here.
Stream Beer (1985) on Paramount+ here.
Stream Beer (1985) on MGM+ here.
National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
Grab your Rusty berets, pig suits, and – oh look, kids…Big Ben, Parliament. In “National Lampoon’s European Vacation,” the Griswold family wins a trip to Europe, where they bumble their way through various countries, causing chaos and hilarity along the way. Although Oktoberfest isn’t a central theme, the film’s spirit of cultural exploration and comedic misadventures fits well with the chaotic atmosphere of the famous beer festival.
The film was a success and contributed to the enduring popularity of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. Its blend of slapstick humor and the fish-out-of-water storyline continues to entertain audiences, and the film has become a touchstone for American comedies set in Europe. The movie’s legacy lives on in the realm of travel comedies, making it a fun watch during Oktoberfest season.