Holiday movies often make us think of Christmas, and for good reason – festive content fills the airwaves and streaming services during December. But as the days get shorter, it’s important to remember other holidays too. Thanksgiving is just around the corner for many, and while there aren’t as many Thanksgiving movies, a truly classic one premiered nearly 40 years ago.
Today marks the 38th anniversary of the release of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, which came out on November 25, 1987 – the day before Thanksgiving that year. This beloved comedy was written and directed by John Hughes and stars Steve Martin and John Candy. Martin plays Neal Page, a stressed-out businessman, and Candy is Del Griffith, a cheerful but exasperating salesman. After their flight is rerouted right before Thanksgiving, the two find themselves unexpectedly traveling together, embarking on a chaotic journey to get Neal home to Chicago for the holiday. The film is not only hilarious but has become a timeless and heartwarming Thanksgiving classic, unmatched by any other movie.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Perfectly Encapsulates the Complexities of the Holidays
What makes Planes, Trains, and Automobiles such a great Thanksgiving (and holiday) movie isn’t one specific thing, but rather its ability to capture all the ups and downs of the season. It doesn’t shy away from the sadness or difficulties that often come with this time of year. The movie follows Neal’s frustrating journey home, starting with trouble getting a taxi and escalating to flight delays, a downgrade to coach, and a weather-related diversion. These setbacks repeatedly put him together with the outgoing and friendly Del. After even more complications, they end up traveling together, but it’s a stressful trip filled with arguments before they finally connect and reach Chicago.
The premise alone offers a great story and lots of laughs, making it a solid movie on its own. But the film goes deeper, exploring the genuine feelings of both main characters. We see Neal slowly learn to express his emotions – he starts out very closed off, which causes him to be irritable. And for Del, we discover he’s secretly coping with sadness and loss, a difficult experience many face during the holidays, but which is rarely addressed meaningfully in holiday movies.
As a huge fan, I think what makes Planes, Trains, and Automobiles so special is how real it feels. It’s genuinely funny – I mean, I’m always laughing until I cry – but it also captures the actual stress and emotional weight the holidays can bring. It’s that perfect mix of hilarious and heartfelt, and it’s what makes the ending so powerful. It’s not a neatly tied-up happy ending; when Neal finally gets home, things are still a little uncertain. But it’s beautiful because he invites Del – who’s completely alone after losing his wife – to spend the holidays with his family. It’s a really touching way to show gratitude, and honestly, that’s why it’s become a true holiday classic for me – and easily one of the best movies ever made, Thanksgiving-themed or not.
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2025-11-26 03:12