My Five Favorite John Candy Movies

I just learned today is the 32nd anniversary of us losing comedy legend John Candy (I honestly didn't realize it had been that long). He was a comedian I grew up watching and one of those actors who could steal the spotlight even in a minor role. So, to honor his memory, here are my five favorite John Candy movies.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

When someone mentions Candy, this is always the first movie that comes to mind. His Del Griffith character is funny, especially when paired up with Steve Martin's Neal Page, but also manages to have a few surprises up his sleeve throughout the film as well.

Spaceballs (1987)

There are a ton of memorable characters in this Mel Brooks film, and I can't wait to see them in the long-awaited sequel, but Candy's half human/half dog character Barf is the one that arguably kicks this up a notch, whether it's from his various one-liners or the physical comedy.

National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

Candy isn't the star of this film and doesn't even appear until toward the very end but his scenes as the security guard turned hostage Lasky are classic. The way he delivers some of those lines with a straight face just shows how talented he was.

Stripes (1981)

Much like National Lampoon's Vacation, he isn't the star in this movie but still manages to have some memorable lines and scenes as Ox. This includes the surprisingly athletic mudwrestling scene.

Cool Runnings (1993)

It was tough to choose just five because he has so many other movies I enjoy but I am going to go with this one as the fifth because his character, Irv, is much more serious than so many of his other roles, despite this movie also being considered a comedy. 

It really makes me wonder what direction his career would have taken had he lived past the age of 43.