Canadian-born comedy legend, John Candy, left his mark on Hollywood in a profound way before his untimely passing in 1994 from a heart attack. Candy rose through the comedy ranks in the Toronto chapter of Second City alongside the likes of Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara. Throughout his twenty-two-year career, Candy was beloved by fans and costars alike, even earning a day declared in his honor in his hometown of Toronto. He may have been born in Canada, but he was America’s Uncle. Whether he was the star of the show or playing a cameo, Candy was sure to leave audiences laughing. Let’s take a look at John Candy’s funniest roles.
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9 1941(1979)
Universal Pictures
One of Candy’s first mainstream appearances was in Steven Spielberg’s epic war film; no, not that one, we’re talking about 1941, Spielberg’s comedic take on the war story. Appearing alongside comedy greats like, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and Michael McKean, Candy stands out as someone destined to have a long and hilarious career ahead of them.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
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8 Brewster’s Millions (1985)
John Candy and Richard Pryor, say no more; the duo star in the 1985 comedy Brewster’s Millions. This oft remade movie tells the story of a minor-league baseball player played by Pryor, who must spend $30 million in thirty days if he wants to inherit $300 million, with some hilarious conditions thrown in, including not being able to tell anyone what he is doing. Along for the ride is his best friend and teammate, played by Candy. The over-the-top Candy goes toe to toe with the legend, Richard Pryor for one of his funniest roles.
7 Splash (1984)
Buena Vista Distribution
Splash is not only one of John Candy’s funniest roles, but may contain the funniest scene in any of his movies, as his epic racquetball game with Tom Hanks in the movie is pure comedy gold. As Tom Hanks is falling in love with a mermaid, Candy is along for the ride delivering comedy gold. While the film as a whole might not hold up to some of Candy’s others, along with the racquetball, it is one of Candy’s funniest.
6 National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Warner Bros.
National Lampoon’s Vacation is not a John Candy movie. In fact, his appearance does not come until late in the third act, but the comedy brilliance of the actor lands the role on this list. It takes a great comedic talent to leave a lasting impact with such little screen time. Playing the hapless security guard turned hostage at Walley World, Candy remains a standout in this classic comedy.
5 The Great Outdoors (1988)
John Candy is at his best when he has a straight man to play against. A prime example of this is the 1988 comedy, The Great Outdoors, alongside fellow Second City alumni Dan Aykroyd. The duo is able to flex the comedy muscles that they both honed at the Canadian-based sketch comedy troop. A rivalry between two families fueled by Aykroyd and Candy makes for one hilarious movie and one of Candy’s funniest roles.
4 Home Alone (1990)
20th Century Fox
Although his appearance in this Christmas classic does not last very long, whenever you think about the Polka King of the Midwest, you think of John Candy’s hilarious cameo in Home Alone. Paired up with another Second City alum, Candy’s musical troop in the movie helps Catherine O’Hara’s character to desperately get back to her song Kevin, who has been left at home all alone during Christmas. When Candy teamed up with John Hughes, hilarious magic ensued.
3 Spaceballs (1987)
MGM/UA Communications Co.
John Candy’s career includes working with not one but two of the most prolific comedy directors of all time, John Hughes and Mel Brooks. The latter having directed Candy as Barf in the classic sci-fi movie, Spaceballs. Barf acts as the Chewbecca parody character in Brooks’s spoof on Star Wars. It was a bold move by Brooks to parody one of the most celebrated franchises in history, but with a stellar cast and talent the likes of Candy, the movie was sure to be a success. It is Candy’s most “out there” role and without a doubt one of his funniest.
2 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Great Oaks Productions
John Candy not only has the claim of starring in one of the best road trip movies of all time, but one of the few Thanksgiving holiday movies. The chemistry between Candy and Steve Martin in incredible and helps to elevate the comedy in the film to a new level. Again, playing the over-the-top character against his straight man co-star, the big-hearted, often times antagonistic travel companion is some of Candy’s best comedy.
1 Uncle Buck (1989)
Universal Pictures
Uncle Buck is the defining movie of John Candy’s career. The movie is extremely quotable, chocked full of laughs, full of heart, and remains one of the best family movies of all time. Some comedic actors have performances funnier than other roles that might stand out as more successful. In Candy’s case, Uncle Buck is both his funniest role and best movie. They don’t make films like Uncle Buck anymore, and it would be hard to find someone to replicate the heart and comedy given by John Candy.
