Multi-generations of comedy lovers grew up laughing at some of the most hilarious films involving legendary comedian John Candy. When he tragically passed away in 1994, the entertainment world lost a gentle giant, a wonderfully talented Canadian actor best remembered for his considerable contributions to some of the greatest comedies of all time.
From his rise to prominence on the popular Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV to his major starring roles in amusing hits such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Spaceballs, and Uncle Buck, Candy amassed an impressive and hilarious acting career during his lifetime. Users on Letterboxd certainly agree, since most of his filmography has been highly praised on this popular movie-focused platform. Candy's immense presence in some of the greatest movies ever made has cemented his place as a legend in Hollywood and is a bold testament to his status as an icon.
15 'Splash' (1984)
Letterboxd Rating 3.0
After almost drowning in Cape Cod as a boy, Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks) is saved by a mermaid but doesn't believe what he saw. Twenty years later, after a terrible breakup, Bauer returns to Cape Cod and falls unconscious after a boating accident. He is saved again by the mermaid, which then sparks a movie of twists, turns, and romance as Allen Bauer must protect his girlfriend's secret life as a mermaid. John Candy plays Freddie Bauer, Hank's older brother, who supports his brother's strange love affair.
The movie was given positive reviews, sitting as the tenth highest-grossing film of 1984, and was said to be a highlight of Ron Howard's directorial career. Critics on Letterboxd were not as generous, with most finding the movie to be full of genre tropes. One critic on Letterboxd said, "With sprinkled comedy that keeps the story upbeat, along with clever edits to make the film flow strongly, this is a well made, but flat film."
Splash
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Director Ron Howard Release Date March 9, 1984 Cast Channing Tatum , Jillian Bell Runtime 111 14 'The Great Outdoors' (1988)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.1/5
Dan Aykroyd stars as Chet Ripley in this comedy movie about a man set to go on vacation in the great outdoors, only to have his weekend crashed by his wife's brother-in-law Roman Craig (John Candy) and his stuffy family. This is one of John Hughes' lesser-known movies that he wrote and produced. While the movie was panned by critics, viewers thought the opposite, with a 71% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The viewers on Letterboxd also thought somewhat highly of the film, giving it three and a half stars with one user saying, "What an absolutely charming, and hilarious treat to throw on for the summer. ‘The Great Outdoors’ (1988) is not a particularly complex film with a whole bunch of bells and whistles, but it is effective in its effortless storytelling and comedic timing."
The Great Outdoors
PGComedy Release Date June 17, 1988 Director Howard Deutch Cast Dan Aykroyd , John Candy Runtime 90 Minutes13 'Brewster's Millions' (1985)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.2/5
CloseAn aging minor league baseball player, Monty Brewster (Richard Pryor), is about to inherit 300 million dollars. However, to get the money he must spend 30 million dollars in 30 days without telling anyone what he's doing. The movie did fairly well at the box office, earning $45,833,132 against its $30,000,000 budget.
Critics did not love the movie saying the movie wasn't geared toward Richard Pryor's comic talents and that for a screwball comedy, neither Pryor nor Candy were acting very screwy. One critic on Letterboxd said, "'Brewster’s Millions' is a comedy that lacks in punchlines, but makes a recurring joke out of the biggest gag of all: wealth management."
12 'Only the Lonely' (1991)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.1
John Candy stars as Danny Muldoon, a Chicago cop who still lives with his mom. After falling in love with a girl from the funeral parlor, he must prove to his overbearing mom that he is ready for a relationship with someone else other than her. It's a straightforward movie with no twists or turns, but Candy gives an excellent performance. The majority of the film was shot in Chicago with many local spots being used as sets.
Directed by Christopher Columbus, who also worked with Candy in Home Alone, it was given average to mostly positive reviews, with most saying that it didn't take any risks, but was a feel-good movie that anyone could find something to enjoy. A Letterboxd critic who gave it four stars said, "It is the kind of film that won't set the world alight and will probably not be that well known today, however, it is worthy of being watched.
Only the Lonely
Release Date May 24, 1991 Director Chris Columbus Actors John Candy, Maureen O'Hara, Ally Sheedy, Kevin Dunn, Anthony Quinn, James Belushi Run Time 104 minutes11 'Stripes' (1981)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.2
A sad man, played by Bill Murray, in his 30s has no hope left after he loses his job and his girlfriend, so he impulsively joins the U.S. military, but, he isn't quite cut out for army life. John Candy plays Dewey "Ox" Oxberger, another enlistee looking to better his life. Dan Goldberg a producer and writer for Stripes, knew Candy as they both grew up in Toronto, Canada. Most of the film was improvised due to Murray and Harold Ramis having an established relationship, it was easy for them to riff off one another.
The movie was a commercial success and was met with positive reviews. One Letterbox critic wrote, "With Stripes, what we essentially get is a combination of 'Animal House', and 'Full Metal Jacket' starring Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, John Candy, and Judge Reinhold."
Stripes
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Director Ivan Reitman Release Date June 25, 1981 Cast Bill Murray , Harold Ramis , Warren Oates , P.J. Soles , Sean Young , John Candy Runtime 106 10 'Spaceballs' (1987)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.4/5
Spaceballs is a 1987 satirical comedy co-written and directed by the king of parody films, Mel Brooks. With big-named comedy stars attached, including Brooks, Rick Moranis, and John Candy, it's a hilarious spoof that pokes fun at the critical and commercial success of popular science fiction films at the time, such as Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Planet of the Apes, and primarily George Lucas' iconic Star Wars Saga.
For his part, Candy plays Barf, the lovable half-man, half-dog sidekick to his best friend and co-pilot, Lone Starr (Bill Pullman). This Han Solo and Chewbacca parody duo cruises through the galaxy looking for their next big score while avoiding the clutches of their evil archnemesis, Dark Helmet (Moranis). However, when the sinister Helmet captures the beautiful princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) for ransom, it's up to Lone Starr and his loyal companion to go on a hilarious adventure to rescue the princess and save the day. Many Letterboxed users agree that it's simply a joy to see Candy on screen, along with other comedic titans such as Rick Moranis and Mel Brooks. "More fun in a nostalgic way; it's pretty groan-inducing with its gags," reviewer Mike Allen said, giving it three stars. "Still, it's a joy to see Candy, Moranis, and Brooks." We couldn't agree more.
Spaceballs
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Release Date June 24, 1987 Director Mel Brooks Cast Mel Brooks , John Candy , Rick Moranis , Bill Pullman , Daphne Zuniga , Dick Van Patten Runtime 969 'Uncle Buck' (1989)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.4/5
Uncle Buck is a heartwarming 1989 cult classic comedy directed and written by the late John Hughes, one of seven films he has made alongside his frequent star and close friend, John Candy. Though it initially received mixed to average reactions, the film still made an impressive $79.2 million at the box office and is now regarded as a cult comedy classic.
The story follows Buck Russell (Candy), an unreliable, fun-loving slob who's counted on to care for his brother's three children while he and his wife are away. While the two youngest kids, Miles (Macaulay Culkin) and Maizy (Gaby Hoffman), quickly warm up to their bumbling uncle, he's not given much respect by his rebellious teenage niece Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly), who wants him out of her life. However, as they slowly learn from each other, they eventually form an unexpected and touching father-daughter bond. Candy's portrayal of Buck is John at his comedic best, and while it may not be among his highest-acclaimed roles, it's still fun to watch Buck Russell's freewheeling ways clash with those of his suburban, uptight family.
Uncle Buck
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Release Date August 16, 1989 Director John Hughes Cast John Candy , Jean Louisa Kelly , Gaby Hoffmann , Macaulay Culkin , Amy Madigan , Elaine Bromka Runtime 100 minutes8 'Cool Runnings' (1993)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.5/5
Cool Runnings is a lighthearted 1993 sports comedy directed by Jon Turteltaub. Loosely based on the 1988 Winter Olympics debut of the first-ever Jamaican national bobsledding team, it follows four aspiring young Jamaicans trying to prove themselves and represent their country. Although the events portrayed in the film are mostly inaccurate, it's still an inspiring and fun story that became the highest-grossing live-action Disney film up to that point.
In one of his last starring roles before his untimely death, Candy co-stars as the Jamaican team's reluctant but mentorly coach, Irving 'Irv' Blitzer, a disgraced former bobsledding champion and gold medalist who lost his medals and reputation due to a cheating scandal. Though initially hesitant about helping the team at first, he slowly begins to realize their full potential and strives to help them succeed. Despite unfortunately losing in the end, Irv and the team find pride in what they've accomplished and are ultimately admired by everyone for their bravery. Even in a more toned-down comedic role, Candy brought a lot of personality and laughter to the role of Coach Blitzer, and his comedic timing with his surrounding co-stars makes Cool Runnings the underrated gem that it is today.
Cool Runnings
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Release Date October 1, 1993 Director Jon Turteltaub Cast Leon , Doug E. Doug , Rawle D. Lewis , Malik Yoba , John Candy , Raymond J. Barry Runtime 98 minutes7 'National Lampoon's Vacation' (1983)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.5/5
CloseThe first installment of the much-loved National Lampoon's Vacation series kicked off a hilarious franchise with three mostly successful sequels, including a highly popular Christmas classic. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid, it follows the comedic cross-country road trip of the Griswold family as they drive to see the world-famous Wally World theme park.
Candy gives a brief but memorable performance as the timid and likable Wally World security guard, Lasky, a man who finds himself becoming a hostage after the Griswold family patriarch Clark (Chase) becomes upset once he realizes the park is closed for renovations. Despite being held at gunpoint with a BB gun, Lasky oddly enjoys his day of riding the many attractions around the park with the Griswolds. Although their day ends with the SWAT teams arriving to arrest Clark, at least Lasky had a fun experience. Landing this role just two years after his breakout performance as "Ox" in Stripes, Vacation's ending wouldn't have been the same without the hilarious interaction between Candy and Chase.
6 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' (1987)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.8/5
There's no better way to enjoy the holidays than to put on John Hughes' 1987 holiday classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Starring Candy and fellow comedy icon Steve Martin, it shows the two in their comedic prime, brilliantly playing off each other's strengths and delivering a laugh-out-loud hilarious and quite touching film.
All Neal Page (Martin) wants to do is have a smooth and quick journey home for the holidays to be with his family. Unfortunately, he's accompanied along the way by Del Griffith (Candy), a friendly but obnoxious shower curtain ring salesman who unintentionally makes their trek all the more difficult. But despite the many bizarre situations they encounter and the friction they share at first, Neal and Del eventually learn to understand each other. By the film's end, they've happily grown an unexpected friendship. While Candy certainly brought the comedic charm, Planes, Trains and Automobiles was one of the first movies in which audiences got to see a more serious side to him, especially during the iconic "You Wanna Hurt Me?" monologue that would move people to tears. That, and the ending scene, showed that Candy had a lot more range as an actor than most people may have realized at the time.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
RComedyDrama Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date November 26, 1987 Director John Hughes Cast Steve Martin , John Candy , Laila Robins , Michael McKean , Kevin Bacon , Dylan Baker Runtime 935 'The Silent Partner' (1978)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.8/5
CloseThe Silent Partner is a 1978 Canadian-produced suspenseful comedy thriller starring acclaimed actors Elliott Gould and Academy Award winner Christopher Plummer as two men, one an intelligent bank teller and the other a sadistic robber, who face off against each other in a deadly game of cat and mouse to retrieve $50,000. It's a brilliantly written and acted nail-biter that pays wonderful homage to its suspenseful predecessors, including the works of Sir Alfred Hitchcock.
One notable aspect of the film was none other than John Candy in one of his first major big-screen roles. He portrays Simonsen as a happy-go-lucky bank employee, blissfully unaware that he has an unfaithful girlfriend and is working at a job that's under the constant threat of being burglarized. Despite having limited screen time and little significance to the overall story, this small role slowly helped jump-start Candy's later film career. It proved that he could also work well in other genres outside of comedy, and he wasn't just a one-genre actor.
4 'Home Alone' (1990)
Letteboxd Rating: 3.8/5
Home Alone is often regarded as one of the quintessential Christmas movies of all time. Grossing over $476.7 million worldwide, it was a monster hit that dominated the 1990 box office and catapulted the career of its leading child star, Macaulay Culkin. It follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, a boy left behind on his family's Christmas vacation who must defend his luxurious home from robbers.
In another one of his memorable supporting roles, Candy plays the "Polka King of the Midwest," Gus Polinski, a cheerful small-time musician who gladly gives Kevin's mother, Kate (Catherine O'Hara), a ride home to be with her son. Along the way, the two oddly share a tender moment as they bond over their past mistakes as parents. It's an underrated scene highlighting Candy's comedic and dramatic talents. It also showcases his improvisational skills, as most of his dialog was made up on the spot.
Home Alone
PGComedyFamily Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date November 16, 1990 Director Chris Columbus Cast Macaulay Culkin , Joe Pesci , Daniel Stern , John Heard , Roberts Blossom , Catherine O'Hara Runtime 103 minutes3 'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986)
Letterboxd Rating: 3.8/5
American filmmaker and puppeteer Frank Oz wonderfully brings Howard Ashman's and Alan Menken's hilarious horror musical, Little Shop of Horrors, to the silver screen. With big laughs, a few good scares, and many catchy tunes, it's an entertaining dark comedy that was stacked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry at the time.
Among the many great comedians who appear throughout the film, Candy plays Wink Wilkinson, a popular and energetic radio show host who helps promote florist Seymour Krelborn's (Rick Moranis) strange and fast-growing plant, Audrey II. Though his role is only a brief cameo, Candy was one of those actors who made the most of his screentime, no matter how long or short, which is perfectly illustrated here as his kinetic energy truly shines, making the audience laugh out loud with his trademark entertaining voice and facial expressions.
Little Shop of Horrors
PG-13 HorrorComedyMusical Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date December 19, 1986 Director Frank Oz Cast Rick Moranis , Ellen Greene , Vincent Gardenia , Levi Stubbs Runtime 94 minutes2 'The Blues Brothers' (1980)
Letterboxd Rating: 4.0/5
Today, The Blues Brothers is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies ever to come out of the 1980s. Directed by John Landis and starring Saturday Night Live icons John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, it tells the comedic adventure of Jake and Elwood Blues, a pair of musician brothers on a mission from God to bring their band back together and raise enough funds to save their childhood orphanage.
This time, Candy plays the determined police detective Burton Mercer, Jake's parole officer, who intends to bring both brothers behind bars. Throughout the film, Burton and the brothers' hilarious game of cat and mouse leads to some genuinely exciting and action-packed moments featuring explosions, car chases, and plenty of property damage. Ultimately, their game leads to an epic finale that sees the brothers being chased by Mercer and his entire army of police. Candy delivered a top-tier performance in a movie that was filled with them, and while his portrayal as the determined Detective Mercer is overlooked at times, his command of the screen whenever he shows up gave the movie that extra push toward iconic status.
The Blues Brothers
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Release Date June 20, 1980 Director John Landis Cast John Belushi , Dan Aykroyd , James Brown , Cab Calloway , ray charles , Aretha Franklin Runtime 133 minutes1 'JFK' (1991)
Letterboxd Rating: 4.0/5
Oliver Stone's Best Picture-nominated three-hour-long epic, JFK, is a tense political biopiccentered on a shocking conspiracy theory related to the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Starring Kevin Costner as district attorney Jim Garrison, the story takes a deep dive into the aftermath and the ensuing investigation of Kennedy's death and the many details surrounding the murder.
In a surprise dramatic performance, Candy plays Dean Andrews, the shady New Orleans attorney convicted of lying on the stand during Garrison's inquiry. Trading his distinct Canadian accent for a Southern one, he brilliantly steps into the role, playing Andrews in a believable and intriguing way. Reportedly, Candy's sweaty look in his first meeting with Kevin Costner's character was genuine, as he was nervous about acting in a dramatic film with so many accomplished actors. All these interesting qualities that Candy brought to the film finally shedded his image as just a comedic actor and helped make JFK one of the best films not only of his career but of all time.
JFK
RDramaHistoryThriller Where to Watch*Availability in US
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New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison discovers there's more to the Kennedy assassination than the official story.
Release Date December 20, 1991 Director Oliver Stone Cast Kevin Costner , Gary Oldman , Jack Lemmon , Walter Matthau , Sally Kirkland , Anthony Ramirez Runtime 189 minutesncG1vNJzZmibn6G5qrDEq2Wcp51kt7C0zWaamqaUrnqjsdKtZKanpp6ytHnLnqutnaKXvLmwjg%3D%3D