Top 10 Greatest John Hughes Movies
Top 10 John Hughes Movies
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Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 John Hughes Movies. For this list, we’ll be looking at films that were directed and/or written by the late John Hughes. What’s your favorite John Hughes movie? Let us know in the comments.
#10: “Some Kind of Wonderful” (1987)
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It’s funny to think that Eric Stoltz almost played Lea Thompson’s time-traveling son in “Back to the Future.” Coincidentally, Michael J. Fox nearly co-starred with Thompson again in “Some Kind of Wonderful.” When Fox turned the lead role down, however, Stoltz stepped in and delivered one of his career-defining performances. The romantic drama was directed by Howard Deutch and written by Hughes, with Stoltz playing Keith Nelson, an average teenager torn between the most desirable girl in school and his best friend. Love triangles can be tricky, but few writers tackled them with more wit, charm, and intellect than Hughes. His script respects all three characters, showing that whichever side of the track you’re from, teenagers are often more intricate than they appear. It’s some kind of wonderful indeed.
#9: “Pretty in Pink” (1986)
Released one year earlier, “Pretty in Pink” is something of a companion piece to “Some Kind of Wonderful.” Both were written by Hughes, directed by Deutch, and center on a teenage love triangle, although their final destinations differ. Hughes wrote “Some Kind of Wonderful” because he wasn’t satisfied with the theatrical ending to “Pretty in Pink.” Whether you think Andie should’ve ended up with her bestie Duckie or cool kid Blane, we can all agree that the film belongs to Molly Ringwald. A testament to why she was one of the decade’s most iconic young actresses, Ringwald brims with charisma while also bringing out the insecurity of being a teenager. It didn’t hurt that Ringwald had a strong supporting cast and screenplay to work with.
#8: “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)
“National Lampoon’s Vacation” wasn’t necessarily the first family road trip comedy, but it popularized the formula as we know it today. Over 35 years later, it’s still the genre’s best outing thanks to Hughes’ edgy screenplay, Harold Ramis’ uproarious direction, and a lead performance that captures Chevy Chase at his best. Chase plays a father who wants to give his family the perfection vacation… to the point that it drives him over the edge. Chase strikes the ideal balance as a nice guy who could crack at any moment. It accumulates to one of the funniest freakouts ever when the Griswolds finally make it to Walley World. Just as its predecessor never gets old, rewatching “Christmas Vacation” has become a holiday tradition for numerous households.
#7: “Uncle Buck” (1989)
The invaluable John Candy was a regular player in John Hughes productions and he took center stage in this comedy. Candy is perhaps the only comedian who could hit just the right note as the titular Uncle Buck. Some of us grew up with a fun uncle, others had a protective uncle, and a few had a completely unpredictable uncle. Buck Russell is all of the above, but Candy makes the character feel consistent from beginning to end. Candy also shares natural chemistry with his younger co-stars, including a then-unknown child actor named Macaulay Culkin. Revisiting the film, we’re reminded how we lost both Candy and Hughes far too soon. Through films like “Uncle Buck,” however, they’re still making us laugh to this day.
#6: “Weird Science” (1985)
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“Weird Science” lives up to its title, standing out as one of the most bizarre comedies in Hughes’ filmography. That might explain why the critical reception was mixed upon release, but also why it was destined for cult status. The film came out around the same time that personal computers were becoming more commonplace in households. Two young nerds use their computer skills to create a woman. The setup is reminiscent of “Frankenstein,” but the aesthetic is pure 80s fun. Hughes’ films were known for blending teenage fantasies with reality. “Weird Science” leans more into fantasy, embracing the wackier side of Hughes’ humor. At the same time, the film manages to be smarter and more meaningful than its surreal premise might lead one to believe.
#5: “Sixteen Candles” (1984)
On the heels of writing several successful screenplays, Hughes made his directorial debut with “Sixteen Candles.” The film also marked his first collaboration with a couple of Brat Pack members, most notably Molly Ringwald. Most significantly, this was Hughes’ first film told from a teenager’s perspective. Although he was 34 when it came out, Hughes understood the teenage mindset like few others did in the 80s. Along with several other voices who emerged during this decade, Hughes showed that there can be more to teen movies than crude jokes. They could be smart, heartfelt, and centered on complex characters. “Sixteen Candles” did all of this while still bringing the laughs. It was the first in a long line of Hughes productions that defined a generation.
#4: “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
Although Hughes is best remembered for writing layered teenage characters, he also wrote great dialogue for adults. In “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” he took a break from teen comedies to shine the spotlight on two comedy legends: Steve Martin and John Candy, who’ve both singled out this as their favorite movie in their respective filmographies. As is the case with any odd-couple comedy, the success of this film boils down to the chemistry between its stars. Martin and Candy not only make for wonderful comedic foils, but the unlikely friendship that develops between them is a surprisingly touching one. While the journey offers one giant laugh after another, the final stop will catch you off guard with its emotional impact.
#3: “Home Alone” (1990)
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Just as “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” became a Thanksgiving classic, no Christmas would be complete without “Home Alone.” One year after “Uncle Buck,” Hughes wrote Macaulay Culkin the role of a lifetime. There wasn’t a 90s kid who couldn’t identify with Kevin McCallister, who’s accidentally left by himself days before Christmas. While this sets the stage for plenty of inventive slapstick, “Home Alone” is also a poignant film about family, forgiveness, and maturity. Where Hughes’ script gave it an edge, Chris Columbus’s direction brought a genuine warmth to the film that’ll fill you with the holiday spirit. In addition to being the highest-grossing movie in Hughes’ filmography, “Home Alone” was also his first to pick up two Oscar nominations for Best Original Score and Song.
#2: “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
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If “Sixteen Candles” wasn’t enough proof already, “The Breakfast Club” solidified Hughes’ status as the voice of a generation. The film’s premise is simple, assembling five distinctly different teenagers for one Saturday detention. As the day goes on, however, the five find that they have more in common than they assumed. Although high school cliques still exist, the line is much blurrier now, and “The Breakfast Club” may be partially responsible for this. The film broke down social barriers, showing that many teenagers share the same insecurities and aspirations, no matter how you’d label them. With an honest screenplay, an unforgettable soundtrack, and an ensemble that would define the Brat Pack, Hughes set a new standard for teen movies that’s still inspiring filmmakers today. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “She’s Having a Baby” (1988) Kevin Smith’s Favorite John Hughes Movie “The Great Outdoors” (1988) Bringing Together Two Canandian Comedy Legends “Mr. Mom” (1983) A Reminder Why Michael Keaton Needs to Do More Comedies “Beethoven” (1992) If You Grew Up in the ‘90s, You Probably Know More About the Dog Than the Composer “Flubber” (1997) For the Robin Williams Nostalgia
#1: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)
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It’s hard to think of another filmmaker who handled magical realism better than John Hughes. Many of us played hooky during our teenage years, but Ferris Bueller’s day off is the stuff of legend. Although the story is a teenage fantasy, the characters come off as so real. That was always the key to Hughes’ best work, making our wildest dreams feel as if they were only a joyride away. Of all Hughes’ films, “Ferris Bueller” arguably did the best job at balancing reality, fantasy, comedy, and drama. It was also his best showcase for the city of Chicago, capturing the Windy City at its most enticing. With classic one-liners, pitch-perfect music, and iconic imagery, how could we pick anything else for our top spot?
