In Memory of John Hughes

Unfortunately, a wonderful writer has passed away far too young in New York. John Hughes, one of the biggest writing/directing forces in the 1980s, has died recently, leaving behind a career that was at its peak in the 80s before totally dying away in the 90s. But during his successful days as a writer and director, he crafted some of the better high school movies in the history of filmmaking. He also delivered one of the biggest box office success stories of all time by writing Home Alone; a now-Christmas staple. While we look back at his career, we will count down his absolute best work, the top movies from him that every individual should see at least once.


#7: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Written by John

Back when Chevy Chase was funny (yes, this used to happen) he starred in the second sequel in the National Lampoon series. Unlike most third installments, this one almost tops the original and surpasses the second installment in many many ways. With a crisp blend of hilarious moments and a few touching moments, Christmas Vacation is one of three holiday staples from John Hughes. Easily the best moments include the Christmas lights failing to work and Chase’s memorable rant about his boss.


#6: Sixteen Candles
Written and Directed by John

While this wasn’t as successful as his later work, it was the beginning of a new wave of high school films and different form of high school storytelling. The movie was raw, edgy, angry, and hit all the right notes for teenagers everywhere. Molly Ringwald becomes a household name, and Anthony Michael Hall begins his career of a lovable nerd that spans seemingly forever. Excellent dialogue, wonderful humor, and a lovely dosage of heart in the third act makes this an 80s classic.


#5: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Written and Directed by John

Easily one of the coolest high school films you’ll ever see, Ferris skips school and spends a perfect day with his best friend and girlfriend—while seeing pretty much every aspect of his plan work perfectly. This film oozes character, as there’s a lot of hilarious running gags, funny one-liners, quirky moments, and coming-of-age catharsis. Backed by a nasty villain in the form of a determined principal and a killer 80s soundtrack, this movie is one of the best high school films of all-time. We all wish we could be as lucky and quick-minded as Ferris.


#4: Home Alone
Written by John

So the movie doesn’t exactly hold the same critical appeal as previous entries on this list. Nonetheless, it jump-started an entire wave of movies about little kids (and sometimes animals) overcoming odds to defeat the taller, older, but more dim-witted adults. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern were perfectly cast as villains, and Culkin became a pop culture phenomenon with this flick. Earning over 500 million at the box office, we have John Hughes and his then-original script that perfectly blends humor and the warm Christmas spirit. And the soundtrack, my goodness, they nabbed every good Christmas song in existence.


#3: National Lampoon’s Vacation
Written by John

Whether it’s the silly hero’s journey for a perfect vacation, the lovable yet obvious jabs at Disney World, or the sheer amount of absurd situations thrown in the mix, National Lampoon’s Vacation is one of the funniest movies of all-time and Chevy Chase at his absolute best. While it was well-acted and well-directed, we definitely should give Hughes credit for writing a fantastic story with a lack of predictability and no remorse for the viewer. That poor dog.


#2: The Breakfast Club
Written and Directed by John

The greatest high school movie of all-time. Best movie of all-time, best comedy of all-time, best drama of all-time---these have all been much disputed (and still disputable) categories that draw up dozens of different answers. However, with the best in high school angst, comedy, and character development, Breakfast Club shines above them all in every way possible. Unlike most high school movies, this one stands true today and ages like fine wine. The directing, the acting, the music, the writing is Hughes at his absolute best in the high school genre, and it would take years before he made anything even close as good as this instant classic.



#1: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles


Written and Directed by John

This is easily the best Thanksgiving movie of all-time and one of the best holiday movies ever. While Home Alone and Christmas Vacation are more well-known to the mainstream, Planes Trains, and Automobiles is the one holiday staple that contains more heart and humor than the average holiday fare. John Candy and Steve Martin were at their best here; comedic-wise and dramatic-wise. The ending is spectacular and the build-up leading to the eye-watering final five minutes is full of classic material as well. While Hughes bounced back from other movies in this list; he was never able to duplicate the incredible magic of this film. After reaching the quality peak here, it was all downhill; even if Home Alone and Beethoven were successful in the 90s. If there is only one movie you are allowed to see from Hughes, this is the one that will feed the soul and tickle the funnybones best.


So there you have it, the best from the recently-deceased John Hughes. Rest In Peace Mr. Hughes, you have given the world a wonderful assortment of work, and dozens of memories that will never leave us.