11. March 2026
Thanksgiving? Time To Watch Planes, Trains, And Automobiles
Introduction
Back in 1987, John Hughes stepped away from his teen comedies and gave us something different—a holiday road trip story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Planes, Trains and Automobiles stars Steve Martin and John Candy as two strangers thrown together by bad luck, trying to make it home for Thanksgiving. What sounds like a simple travel misadventure turns into a warm, funny, and surprisingly emotional ride that still resonates today.
The Story
Neal Page (Martin) is a high-strung advertising exec who just wants to get home to his family. Enter Del Griffith (Candy), a chatty shower curtain ring salesman with a knack for turning every situation into chaos. A snowstorm derails Neal’s flight, and suddenly these two opposites are stuck navigating canceled flights, broken-down trains, and even a car that literally catches fire. Beneath all the mishaps is something universal: the desperate need to get home—and the unexpected friendships that happen along the way.
The Characters
This movie works because of Neal and Del. They’re polar opposites:
Neal: Polished, impatient, and obsessed with control. He’s the guy checking his watch every five minutes.
Del: Warm, talkative, and a little messy. He’s the guy who’ll chat with anyone and make the best of a bad situation.
At first, Neal sees Del as a walking disaster. Del thinks Neal is cold and judgmental. But as the trip drags on, cracks appear in their armor. Del’s heartbreaking confession about his loneliness is a turning point—it’s the moment you realize this isn’t just a comedy. By the end, Neal’s icy exterior melts, and he invites Del to Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a beautiful payoff that feels earned.
Why It Hits Different
Sure, the movie has laugh-out-loud moments—the rental car scene alone makes it a classic by itself , the fiery car scene—but it’s the heart that makes it timeless. Hughes doesn’t just give us jokes; he gives us empathy. Both men are flawed but human. Neal’s impatience comes from wanting to be with his family. Del’s cheer hides a deep sense of isolation. That’s why this story sticks—it’s about kindness in the middle of chaos.
The Craft
Hughes’ writing is sharp and warm, and the pacing keeps things moving. Fun fact: the original cut was over three hours long, packed with subplots that never made it to the final version. What we got is lean, funny, and full of heart.
Reception and Legacy
Critics loved it then, and audiences still love it now. Roger Ebert praised its empathy-driven storytelling, and today it holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Every November, it pops up on streaming charts because it’s not just a movie—it’s a Thanksgiving tradition.
Pros
Martin and Candy are perfect together
Comedy with real emotional depth
Relatable holiday travel chaos
Cons
A few slow spots early on
Del Griffith's horrible hair