Angie Ambos
John Candy was a beloved comedic actor who starred in some of the most iconic films throughout his career. His natural charisma and charm endeared him to fans everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. Here is our list of the Top 10 John Candy movies you need to watch again (or for the first time!)
1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
In this classic comedy from director John Hughes, Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (Candy) must find their way back home for Thanksgiving by any means necessary. Together, they find themselves on a wild and often hilarious journey cross-country as they encounter various obstacles and characters. It’s one of Candy’s most well-known films, and it’s sure to make you laugh out loud.
Candy plays Chet Ripley, who takes his family on vacation to spend time at a lakeside resort they own in Wisconsin but finds himself in an ongoing feud with an obnoxious neighbor, Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd). With its combination of physical comedy and memorable one-liners, this classic John Candy film will keep you laughing.
In this classic John Hughes comedy, Candy plays the title role of Buck Russell, an eccentric and irresponsible bachelor entrusted to look after his brother’s three kids while they are away. It’s a heartwarming story full of family values and wacky hijinks that will keep you smiling long after the credits roll.
This iconic holiday film wouldn’t be complete without Candy as Gus Polinski, the leader of a traveling band of polka players. His brief but memorable role adds an extra dose of comedy to this already hilarious film.
In this touching story from director Chris Columbus, Candy plays Danny Muldoon, an Irish cop still living with his overbearing mother and trying to find love in Chicago’s dating scene. With its combination of drama and humor, it’s no wonder that this film is often cited as one of Candy’s best performances.
In this family-friendly sports comedy, Candy plays the role of Irv Blitzer, a disgraced former Olympic bobsledder recruited to coach a Jamaican sledding team that dreams of competing in the Olympics. It’s an inspiring film full of humor and heart that will keep you cheering until the end.
7. JFK (1991)
Candy had a small but memorable role as David Ferrie in Oliver Stone’s epic drama about President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. It’s a gripping and riveting film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Candy stars as Michael Moore, an amiable sheriff in Niagara Falls who finds himself at the center of an escalating international conflict between the United States and Canada when he is tasked with arresting a Canadian citizen for espionage. It’s an offbeat comedy full of witty dialogue and unexpected twists that will leave you chuckling long after the credits roll.
In this comedy from director Peter Markle, Candy plays the role of Sam McTeague, a former wagon master hired to take a group of settlers back east despite their grievances with the lawless West. It’s a lighthearted and often hilarious film that will have you laughing out loud.
10. Stripes (1981)
This classic military comedy stars Bill Murray and John Candy as two slackers who enlist in the Army for a chance at an easy life but find themselves during a full-scale war instead. From its wacky hijinks to Candy’s deadpan delivery, this is a classic John Candy movie you won’t want to miss.
No matter what your favorite John Candy film may be, there’s no denying the sheer joy and laughter he brings to every role he plays. We hope this listicle has given you some ideas for which movies to watch next! Have fun and happy streaming!
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