Top 10 Hilarious John Candy Moments

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the funniest, most iconic, and endlessly rewatchable moments from beloved comedy legend John Candy.

#10: Polka King of the Midwest

“Home Alone” (1990)

Even with just a few minutes of screen time, John Candy had an unmatched ability to steal scenes — and that talent is on full display as Gus Polinski, the “Polka King of the Midwest,” in Chris Columbus’ classic “Home Alone.” When he offers Catherine O’Hara’s frantic mom a ride to Chicago with the Kenosha Kickers polka band, every line lands as pure comedic gold. Between awkwardly bragging about his polka hits and later trying to comfort her with unintentional horrifying stories about forgetting his own kid, Candy’s performance is heartfelt and unforgettable. What can we say, Gus’ good-natured but clueless charm is pure Candy magic.

#9: Beach Chaos

“Summer Rental” (1985)

In Carl Reiner’s almost-cult classic “Summer Rental,” John Candy stars as Jack Chester, an overworked air-traffic controller just trying to enjoy a peaceful family vacation. That plan goes hilariously sideways in the now-iconic beach scene. You see, trying to find a spot on the crowded sand, Jack ends up stepping on sunbathers, destroying snacks, and sploshing a guy with sunscreen. The ensuing mess is a masterclass in physical comedy, with every clumsy move escalating into bigger chaos. Candy’s blend of frustration and well-meaning bumbling perfectly captures every dad’s summer nightmare - all while making us laugh till it hurts.

#8: Harry Crumb’s Wild Disguises

“Who’s Harry Crumb?” (1989)

As the bumbling private eye named Harry Crumb, John Candy gets to unleash his full arsenal of absurd disguises — and it’s quite something to behold. Whether he’s pretending to be Deszu Djizlas from Budapest or a flamboyant woman, the funnyman’s transformations are as ridiculous as they are hilarious. Each persona is an excuse for physical gags, wild accents, and exaggerated swagger. And while we’ll be the first to admit that not every one has aged the best, the film does let Candy play multiple comedic archetypes in one go — and he gleefully delivers on all of them.

#7: The Loud-Mouthed Brother

“Splash” (1984)

In this endearing Ron Howard romantic comedy, Candy plays Freddie Bauer - Tom Hanks’ unapologetically crude, womanizing brother. Freddie’s over-the-top antics, from having a beer and a cigarette during a racquetball game to trying to hit on women at a wedding, deliver some of the film’s biggest laughs. But his comic timing in scenes opposite Hanks - like when he gives terrible romantic advice or cluelessly exposes secrets - is where Candy shines. He brings a lovable goofiness to an otherwise obnoxious character, turning what could’ve been a one-note supporting role into a true fan favorite. It all adds up to pitch-perfect buddy comedy delights.

#6: Costumed Interrogation

“Armed and Dangerous” (1986)

In “Armed and Dangerous,” John Candy plays a framed ex-cop-turned-security-guard who stumbles from one absurd mishap to the next. But no moment tops the hilarity of the movie’s integration scene inside an adult entertainment store - where Candy is paired with fellow Canuck comedy legend Eugene Levy. When security guards Frank and Norman are interrogated by a cop while in cheeky costumes, what starts as routine questioning quickly spirals into chaos. The scene perfectly highlights Candy and Levy’s effortless chemistry — their timing and reactions build the absurdity with every line. It’s a hilarious clash of styles that shows exactly why these two Second City veterans made such a brilliant comedic duo.

#5: The SCTV Spotlight

“SCTV” (1976–1984)

Before Hollywood came calling with leading film roles, John Candy was already a comedy powerhouse on “Second City Television” - a Canadian sketch comedy show about a fictional television station. Candy’s roster of characters - from the crass Johnny LaRue to the over-the-top talk personality William B. Williams - showcased his unmatched range. He could go from lovable doofus to biting satire in a heartbeat. And whether he was taking part in a soap opera parody or playing a washed-up celebrity, John Candy’s timing and warmth made him the heart of “SCTV.” Yep, Candy’s chemistry with fellow castmates like Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Rick Moranis helped define sketch comedy for generations to come.

#4: As Barf the Mog

“Spaceballs” (1987)

In Mel Brooks’ seminal comedy “Spaceballs,” John Candy plays Barf. He’s a Mog: half-man, half-dog. And while the silly “Star Wars” parody film has no dearth of laugh-out-loud moments, Candy’s commitment to Barf’s loyal yet mischievous personality makes all of his lines pop. Whether he’s chowing down on food or cracking wise in the middle of chaos, Candy balances the absurd with genuine warmth. His playful banter with Bill Pullman’s Lone Starr turns what could’ve been just a gag character into one of sci-fi comedy’s most iconic sidekicks. Yep, “Spaceballs” simply wouldn’t be the same without Barf.

#3: Bear Attack

“The Great Outdoors” (1988)

As Chicago family man Chet Ripley, Candy delivers one of his most relatable and funniest performances alongside fellow comedy heavyweight Dan Aykroyd. There’s the hilarious dinner scene where Chet demolishes “The Old 96er” steak challenge. There’s also the out-of-control jet ski ride. The movie’s crown jewel? Why, that would be the outrageous bear scene. Candy’s mounting panic as he discovers he’s accidentally wrangled a bear is hilarious. The whole scene turns into pure terror as the bear chases him back to the cabin. It’s pure John Candy: big laughs, big heart, and big chaos.

#2: Uncle Buck vs. Assistant Principal

“Uncle Buck” (1989)

If there’s one role that defines John Candy’s career, it’s the unfiltered, big-hearted Uncle Buck. The late-80s John Hughes classic features countless laughs: Buck intimidating a teenage boy with a power drill, flipping pancakes the size of a table, and punching a hungover birthday clown – just to name a few. The highlight, however, comes when Buck pays a visit to his niece Maizy's uptight assistant school principal. What follows is pure comedy gold - a perfectly delivered rant that ends with Buck hilariously mocking her ridiculous mole (yeah, we said it). It really is the stuff of cinematic comedy gold.

#1: The Highway Scene

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)

No one, and we mean no one, could mix laughter and heartache like John Candy - and “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” is perhaps his career masterpiece. As the lovable but infuriating Del Griffith, Candy delivers multiple all-timer scenes opposite the one and only Steve Martin. “Those aren’t pillows!” anyone? There’s also the “Mess Around” car scene, where Candy joyfully rocks out while Martin naps beside him. This, of course, leads to the unforgettable “You’re going the wrong way!” highway scene - which ends with both men narrowly surviving a harrowing near-collision between two trucks. Candy’s combination of cluelessness, charm, and sincerity makes this the perfect distillation of physical comedy and emotional depth.

Which John Candy moment cracks you up the most? Did we miss one of your favorites?

Let us know in the comments below.