Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

  • 94% of critics liked it
    (48 reviews)

  • 81% of users liked it
    (160,990 ratings)

Were it not for its profanity-laden opening scenes, John Hughes' Planes, Trains and Automobiles might have been suitable family entertainment: certainly it's heaps less violent and mean-spirited than Hughes' Home Alone. En route to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his family, easily annoyed… More

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R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By
John Hughes
Genres
Comedy
In Theaters
Nov 25, 1987 Wide
On DVD
Nov 21, 2000
Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

    Pretty dispensable.

  • Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

    It is, of course, always a pleasure to watch Martin's steam-gauge face register his rising internal pressures and to witness his exquisitely expressed blowoffs. But Candy offers even more insinuating delights.

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    Man versus technology has been one of the staples of screen comedy since the earliest silent days, and Hughes makes the most of the format here packing as many of the frustrations of modern life as he can into this calamitous travelog of roadside America.

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    The film does have its scattered moments. But too often, the audience has as much reason as Del and Neal do to wonder where, if anywhere, they are going.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    The script and direction by Hughes ... amount to wobbly passes that Martin and Candy turn into touchdowns anyway.

Read all 17 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Phil H


    Possibly THE best Martin and Candy comedy made, so many classic laughs, classic dialog and some classic scenes which are simply perfect comedy played out by two perfect comedians. On top of that you have the usual excellent soundtrack to really bring home that road trip feel, the… More

  • Alexander D


    John Candy (R.I.P.) is great in PLANES. His character is a reminder of any nuisance we've come across (and we all have); somehow, he does so well that rather than groaning, we are left laughing. I love the scene when he rambles on about people who can't shut up. Steve… More

  • Jeff "


    Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a John Hughes classic. After seeing most of films, you realize how great John Hughes was at crafting a solid comedy film. Planes, Trains and Automobiles has a great cast of talented comedians. The late John Candy is absolutely great in his role, and… More

  • Lady D


    Not exactly what I was expecting from this 80's Comedy Classic and yet it still made for easy watching tv.

  • Fernando Rafael Q


    A bit dated (OK, a lot), but far better than 2010 rip-off Due Date. This is light, funny fare but also very human and unexpectedly touching. Del Griffith (John Candy) plays who has to be the worst travel companion ever in the history of vehicles; he's not specially endearing or… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

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