10 Best John Candy Movies That You Should Watching Update 03/2024

Best John Candy Movies

Some of John Candy’s most memorable roles have been in serious films, while others have been in humorous ones. What are the most popular ones on IMDb?

John Candy, an SCTV alum, was one of the most beloved and iconic comedians of the 1970s and 1980s. The impact of Candy’s 20-year career was evident almost immediately. After working on a number of serious films in his final years, the great comic also had a talent for dramatic work.

John, like many great artists, departed away far too soon, yet he left behind a lasting legacy for future generations. IMDb lists these as the greatest of Candy’s approximately 200 film roles.

1. The Great Outdoors (1988) 6.6

The Great Outdoors (1988)

Disgruntled fathers who wish to bond with their families while on vacation are a common plot device in family films. During the late 1980s hit, The Great Outdoors, Candy nailed her role. Candy plays Chet Ripley, a family guy who longs to take his children camping. Chet’s brother-in-law Roman Craig (played by Dan Aykroyd) invites Chet and his family to join him on a fishing trip. At his best, John has a wonderful rapport with Aykroyd that propels the film to the level of classic status.

2. The Rescuers Down Under (1990) 6.9

Candy offers his voice as Wilbur in The Rescuers Down Under, a Disney sequel, in one of his few animated performances. Wilbur, the albatross buddy of the titular Rescuers and the film’s main source of humor, is a dimwitted yet charming character. In addition to the fact that it was the first film to be made entirely digitally, Toy Story was also the first computer-generated film. A lot of people didn’t like the movie at first, but with time they’ve grown to like it. Even having Medusa, the original film’s iconic villain, some people prefer this version to the original.

3. Cool Runnings (1993) 7.0

Cool Runnings (1993)

SinceRescuers Down Under, Candy has appeared in a Disney film three times. This was a live-action film based on a true story of an underdog. A discredited coach named Irv (John Candy) is recruited to help form the first Jamaican Bobsled team, and he is played by John Candy. In a similar vein to Rocky, the squad triumphs against adversity and encourages others. According to many who knew Candy, he had a heartwarming quality in real life. While John isn’t the film’s main character, he plays an important role in the film’s narrative, and Candy is perfectly suited for the role.

4. Uncle Buck (1989) 7.0

John Hughes collaborated with Candy on Uncle Buck, one of numerous films he made with the actor. As a single man, Buck Russell’s life is about to be flipped upside down when he is asked to babysit his brother’s children.

Candy’s performance and John Hughes’ masterful writing help the film shine out above its simple and clichéd plot at its core. There is something magical about Buck and the kids, which tugs at the heartstrings. Culkin, a year before his breakout role in a Hughes film, is also in the audience at this time.

5. Spaceballs (1986) 7.1

Spaceballs (1986)

It was at its peak in late ’80s Star Wars mania. Only logical that Mel Brooks, the maestro of parody, would put his own twisted twist on the subject As a bonus, John Candy was there to join in the fun. Chewbacca imitation Barf is played by Candy. With an all-star cast around him, Candy still manages to make an impression. As one of Mel Brooks’ most well-known films, it’s only fitting that Candy is one of the film’s stars.

6. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) 7.4

John appeared just in the third act of the first Hughes/Candy movie. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is informed that Wally World is closed for redevelopment by Lasky, a security guard played by John. Griswolds are let into the park, and Clark even pushes Lasky to ride the roller coasters with them. Even though Candy had a minor role, her performance is just as memorable as Chevy Chase’s, which is a genuine credit to Candy’s performance.

7. Home Alone (1990) 7.6

Home Alone (1990)

To be fair, Candy only had a little part in John Hughes’ most well-known picture.

After his family mistakenly boarded a flight without him, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is left behind at home. In order to reach her son, Kevin’s mother Kate (Catherine O’Hara) will do anything to get a ride from the Polka band led by Candy.

Candy’s involvement is brief, yet she leaves a lasting impression. Fan theories about Candy’s character even stem from a line of Kate’s before he formally introduces himself. It doesn’t matter if it means selling my soul to the Devil.

8. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) 7.6

The character of Del Griffith from the film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is considered by many to be Candy’s finest performance. Neal Page (Steve Martin) reluctantly accepts the shower ring salesman’s company as he makes his way home to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. As Neal’s straight man, Del is presented as a distraction. A deeper understanding of Del’s character is revealed throughout the course of the film’s runtime, making for a heartwarming experience for everyone in attendance. The movie is a Thanksgiving tradition for many people, and it’s right up there with all of the other holiday favorites.

9. The Blues Brothers (1980) 7.9

The Blues Brothers (1980)

One of the first and most popular films based on a segment from Saturday Night Live was The Blues Brothers. Even though Candy was never a cast member of SNL, he had a good rapport with the show’s comedians, despite the fact that his role in the film is minor.

Candy has the role of an agent entrusted with tracking Jake and Elwood down, and she spends the entire movie in hot pursuit of them. Candy, despite his lack of prominence in the picture, is a memorable and frequently quotable character. Candy is almost as synonymous with the movie as Belushi and Aykroyd are among its devotees.

10. JFK (1991) 8.0

Oliver Stone’s JFK may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of a comedian, but one of the best does make an appearance. Even though John has a minor role in the film, his dramatic performance is so strong that it is one of the most unforgettable moments. When Candy comes on TV, he is a southern lawyer who steals the show. John clearly possessed acting talent, but he was never able to use it to its full potential. Candy’s Oscar-worthy performance was snatched from him despite his obvious skill, as evidenced by this short yet impressive showing of his abilities.