The 5 Best John Hughes Movies

I've been on a John Hughes kick lately. I find that when you watch one of his movies, the others just fall in line behind them. You get swept up by his dialogue and characters, and it's nice to be in such a simple and beautiful world. Today, I went through a crazy struggle to rank his films. I picked my top five, which were all written and directed by him. Let's dive in. 1. The Breakfast ClubI really love this movie. It taps into something that every generation since it came out has responded to. Written and directed by Hughes, it's widely regarded as a defining film of the 1980s and perhaps Hughes' most iconic work.It's a movie that I think everyone should watch in their lifetime. It masterfully explores teenage angst, stereotypes, and the discovery of common ground among a diverse group forced together in detention.(Also, did you know there's a 4-hour version of The Breakfast Club floating around out there somewhere?)2. Sixteen CandlesLook, I know a lot of the jokes in this movie are not PC by today's standards, but the rawness of being a teenager has never been more poignant.This movie was Hughes's directorial debut, and this film helped establish the template for the modern teen comedy and launched Molly Ringwald as a quintessential 80s star. Every time it's my birthday, I think about this movie.3. Ferris Bueller's Day OffI remember the first time I saw this movie, it hit right in the chest. And then you spend the rest of your life quoting it and skipping work or school to feel the rush. Matthew Broderick's charismatic performance as the titular character, the inventive plot, and its celebration of Chicago make it a perennial favorite. There's so much wish fulfillment here that also makes it carry as a story that many generations respond to and embrace. 4. Planes, Trains, and AutomobilesHughes was known for his coming-of-age movies, but I almost put this as number one. The older I get, the more this movie resonates. It's easily one of the best Thanksgiving movies ever made. It pairs Steve Martin and John Candy in masterful comedic (and surprisingly touching) performances as mismatched travelers trying to get home for the holiday.Somehow, while laughing every single second, Hughes still found time to make you cry with just a photo and a footlocker. 5. Uncle BuckI just showed this movie to my wife for the first time, and she was blown away. It's another laugh riot about a guy with no kids suddenly being forced into taking care of his nieces and nephew for an extended period of time. John Candy is amazing in this movie. He's like actively making us laugh and making us annoyed at him. But the one who steals the movie is Macaulay Culkin, and this was prior to his breakout role in Home Alone. The legend is that the scene where Culkin's character Miles interrogates Chanice through the mail slot inspired John Hughes to write Home Alone.Summing Up The 5 Best John Hughes Movies There are few directors and writers out there as good as John Hughes. The guy had massive talent and was so good at getting us to believe in his stories and to hook into them for years. He made some classics not listed here, and these being his top five is a testament to just how great his oeuvre is — he's a giant of cinema. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Apr 17, 2025 - 23:50

I've been on a John Hughes kick lately. I find that when you watch one of his movies, the others just fall in line behind them.

You get swept up by his dialogue and characters, and it's nice to be in such a simple and beautiful world.

Today, I went through a crazy struggle to rank his films. I picked my top five, which were all written and directed by him.

Let's dive in.

1. The Breakfast Club

I really love this movie. It taps into something that every generation since it came out has responded to. Written and directed by Hughes, it's widely regarded as a defining film of the 1980s and perhaps Hughes' most iconic work.

It's a movie that I think everyone should watch in their lifetime. It masterfully explores teenage angst, stereotypes, and the discovery of common ground among a diverse group forced together in detention.

(Also, did you know there's a 4-hour version of The Breakfast Club floating around out there somewhere?)

2. Sixteen Candles

Look, I know a lot of the jokes in this movie are not PC by today's standards, but the rawness of being a teenager has never been more poignant.

This movie was Hughes's directorial debut, and this film helped establish the template for the modern teen comedy and launched Molly Ringwald as a quintessential 80s star.

Every time it's my birthday, I think about this movie.

3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

I remember the first time I saw this movie, it hit right in the chest. And then you spend the rest of your life quoting it and skipping work or school to feel the rush.

Matthew Broderick's charismatic performance as the titular character, the inventive plot, and its celebration of Chicago make it a perennial favorite.

There's so much wish fulfillment here that also makes it carry as a story that many generations respond to and embrace.

4. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Hughes was known for his coming-of-age movies, but I almost put this as number one. The older I get, the more this movie resonates.

It's easily one of the best Thanksgiving movies ever made. It pairs Steve Martin and John Candy in masterful comedic (and surprisingly touching) performances as mismatched travelers trying to get home for the holiday.

Somehow, while laughing every single second, Hughes still found time to make you cry with just a photo and a footlocker.

5. Uncle Buck

I just showed this movie to my wife for the first time, and she was blown away. It's another laugh riot about a guy with no kids suddenly being forced into taking care of his nieces and nephew for an extended period of time.

John Candy is amazing in this movie. He's like actively making us laugh and making us annoyed at him. But the one who steals the movie is Macaulay Culkin, and this was prior to his breakout role in Home Alone.

The legend is that the scene where Culkin's character Miles interrogates Chanice through the mail slot inspired John Hughes to write Home Alone.

Summing Up The 5 Best John Hughes Movies

There are few directors and writers out there as good as John Hughes. The guy had massive talent and was so good at getting us to believe in his stories and to hook into them for years.

He made some classics not listed here, and these being his top five is a testament to just how great his oeuvre is — he's a giant of cinema.

Let me know what you think in the comments.