During my TBT review of Sixteen Candles, I suggested that having the film as your favourite John Hughes movie probably said a lot about you as a person. The film is great, as I say in my review, and was a solid debut for him as a director. It was also a great breakout role of Molly Ringwald. The problem is, it’s quite rapey and kind of racist. I know it’s an 80s thing but watching it now makes me uncomfortable. To be fair though, most of them do. But I decided that it would be fun to decide which my favourite movies were by him as either a writer, director or both. So, here are mine. What is your favourite John Hughes film?

Home Alone (1990)

Probably the first time I experienced John Hughes as a child and a definite Christmas favourite. It’s a classic John Hughes story that sees a simple premise really come to life thanks to the characters we meet along the way. It’s funny, it’s silly, and it really works with Chris Columbus taking control. It’s lighter and sillier than John Hughes but with all of his trademarks. A great film.

Uncle Buck (1989)

I loved Uncle Buck from the first time I saw it. I know it’s not one of his super popular and well-recieved films but I don’t care. It’s a great story that is really carried by John Candy. It established John Hughes as a really funny director and gave Candy every chance to be as outrageous as possible. It’s got everything you need.

Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

I like Some Kind of Wonderful because it takes the boring and overdone love triangle but makes it work. This film has a lot to say about High School and class. It also rights the wrongs of Pretty and Pink and gives us an ending we can celebrate. It is more than just another teen film.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Yes, the ending of this film might be disappointing and obvious. Test audiences decided on the wrong one and we’ll never be able to change that. However, this is still a great film. Hughes understood school hierarchies and used them to say a lot about society as a whole. Molly Ringwald is as charming as always and you can’t help but love her. No matter how ugly the dress she makes ends up being… even by 80s standards.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

I’m sure it’s impossible to dislike this film. Matthew Broderick is perfect in the title role but this is a film all about his Cameron, played by Alan Ruck. This film has a lot more about it than it might seem at first and says a lot about being a teenager. Plus, you can’t watch the parade scene without smiling. Oh yeah, chik chicka chicka.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

It’s most people’s favourites and I can see why. This film is a classic but, again, it’s full of super dodgy stuff. Still, it’s a great cast of actors and there are so many great moments. Molly Ringwald may get most of the attention but Ally Sheedy gets most of my love. That lovable weirdo is everything.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

What happens when you take a simple premise, include some craziness, and two fantastic comic actors? One of the greatest comedy films to come out of the 80s. It showed the world that Hughes could do more than just teen angst. He was funny. Steve Martin and John Candy were both at the top of their game and they create some amazing moments. This film was such a big hit and it’s clear to see why.