One of the most beloved and iconic comedians to come out of the '70s and '80s was SCTV alum, John Candy. Candy was active for over 20 years, and his influence was apparent almost immediately. The legendary funnyman also had a knack for dramatic work, having worked on several dramatic films in his later years.
Like many great artists, John ed away far too early and left behind a legacy for future generations to enjoy. Candy acted in nearly 200 films, and according to IMDb, these are the best of the best.
The Great Outdoors (1988) 6.6
A familiar trope in family films is that of a disgruntled father simply wanting his family to bond over a relaxing vacation that turns out to be anything but. Candy nailed this role in the late '80s hit, The Great Outdoors. Candy plays Chet Ripley, a family man who wants nothing more than to take his family on a camping trip. Everything seems to go to plan until Chet’s brother-in-law Roman Craig (played by Dan Aykroyd) invites him and his family along. John is at his peak here, and he has fantastic chemistry with Aykroyd that carries the movie all the way to classic status
The Rescuers Down Under (1990) 6.9
In one of Candy's few animated roles, he lends his voice to Wilbur in the Disney sequel, The Rescuers Down Under. Wilbur is a dimwitted yet lovable albatross who serves as a companion to the titular Rescuers, as well as the main source of comic relief. The movie is notable for being the first film made completely digitally, which is no surprise considering Disney was also behind the first fully computer-generated film, Toy Story, as well. The movie was not very well received initially, but as time went on fans have become receptive to it. Some even prefer it to the first film, even with the original's classic villain, Medusa.
Cool Runnings (1993) 7.0
Three years after Rescuers Down Under Candy starred in another Disney movie. This time, the film was live-action and based on a true underdog story. John Candy plays Irv, a disgraced coach who is recruited to help start the first Jamaican Bobsled team. In the same vein as Rocky, the team overcomes all odds and inspires hundreds in the process. Candy is heartwarming in the role, a trait Candy had in real life as well according to those close to him. While John isn't the main focus, his character is key to the heart of the film, a role Candy fits in perfectly.
Uncle Buck (1989) 7.0
In one of several collaborations with John Hughes, Candy portrays the titular character in Uncle Buck. Buck Russell is a bachelor who wants to live life his own way, a lifestyle that is turned upside down when he is asked by his brother to watch over his children.
At its core, the film's plot seems basic and cliched, but the expert writing by John Hughes and the fantastic performance from Candy makes the film stand out in the best of ways. Buck and the children have expert chemistry that tugs at the heartstrings. A young Macaulay Culkin is also present, a year before his breakthrough performance in another film written by Hughes.
Spaceballs (1986) 7.1
In the late eighties, Star Wars mania was at an all-time high. It only made sense that the hilarious master of parody, Mel Brooks would put his own twisted spin on it. Lucky for comedy fans, he brought John Candy along for the ride. Candy plays Barf, a Chewbacca spoof that is half man, half dog. Candy is surrounded by an all-star cast, yet he still manages to stand out and make an impact. The film is arguably Mel Brooks' most famous film, and it is perfectly fitting that an icon such as Candy is one of the star players.
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) 7.4
In the first Hughes/Candy collaboration, John's role was very minor, showing up in the third act. John plays a security guard named Lasky who has the unfortunate task of informing Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) that Wally World is closed for renovations. Clark does not take this news lightly and forces Lasky to let the Griswold family in the park, and even makes him ride the rides with them. Candy's role was minor and was even part of a re-shoot, yet the performance is still as iconic as Chevy Chase's which is a true testament to Candy.
Home Alone (1990) 7.6
It makes all the sense in the world that John Hughes' most famous film features Candy, albeit in a smaller role. Home Alone sees Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) trapped at home when his family mistakingly gets on their flight without him. Kevin's mother Kate (Catherine O'Hara) is willing to go to extreme lengths to get to her son, even getting a ride from a Polka band led by Candy.
Candy's role is very short but leaves an impact. Candy's character even has a sinister fan theory, stemming from Kate's line right before he introduces himself. "Even if I have to sell my soul to the Devil himself."
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) 7.6
Of all of Candy's roles, Del Griffith from Planes, Trains & Automobiles is the one most fans point to as his best. The slightly irritating shower ring salesman s a reluctant Neal Page (Steve Martin) as the latter tries to get home for Thanksgiving. Del is introduced as a nuisance to Neal's straight-man routine. As the film progresses, Del's layers are peeled back, melting viewer's hearts and cementing Candy as a comedic legend who knows how to turn in an emotional performance as well. The film is one that many fans enjoy watching around Thanksgiving, and it fits right in with the other holiday classics enjoyed around the holidays.
The Blues Brothers (1980) 7.9
The Blues Brothers was one of the first and most successful films based on a Saturday Night Live sketch. While Candy was never a cast member on SNL, he feels right at home with the comedians of the show, even though his role is far from the biggest of the film.
Candy plays an agent tasked with teaching down Jake and Elwood, following them one step behind for the entire film. Even though he is not at the forefront, Candy is still memorable and very quotable in the film. Fans of the film think of Candy almost as much as they think of Belushi and Aykroyd when the film is brought up.
JFK (1991) 8.0
A comedian is probably the last thing that comes to mind for the Oliver Stone hit, JFK, yet one of the greats still makes an appearance. John's role is very small, practically a cameo, yet his rare dramatic performance is so good, it is one of the most memorable parts of the film. Candy plays a southern lawyer and completely steals the show when he is on screen. John had clear acting chops but unfortunately was never able to stretch them as far as he could. This small performance shows just how talented he was, and the world very well could have been robbed of a possible Oscar-winning performance, one that Candy no doubt would have more than deserved.
