We know what you’re thinking — “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” isn’t really a Christmas movie. After all, it takes place during Thanksgiving… but technically, doesn’t that make it a Holiday movie? And for those who hate Christmas movies, what’s better than a movie that has the feel-good vibes of the holiday without the holiday itself? The truth is, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” is an absolute gem of a comedy that deserves to be a part of any cinephile’s Christmas movie marathon, even if it doesn’t actually feature Christmas. That’s because it’s filled with heart, positivity, and rich performances from Steve Martin and the late John Candy.
Directed by John Hughes, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” follows an uptight Martin who is forced to travel with Candy’s jovial and eager character to make it back home in time for Thanksgiving. At odds with one another, the duo tries their best to get from point A to point B, regardless of what method of transportation they need to take. Widely considered one of the best comedies from the ’80s, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” is the perfect anti-Christmas comedy film to have in a marathon alongside “Trading Places” and “A Bad Moms Christmas.”
The film no doubt leans into the sappiness of holiday-centric films, but this is an excellent film that proves that the magic of kindness and empathy can exist in all seasons, not just Christmas. “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” is a fan-favorite, with a Letterboxd fan rating of 3.8 stars.
