The 5 Best John Hughes Movies, Ranked From Worst to Best

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Many movie fans have a soft spot for films from the 1980s, and for good reason. It was a transformative time for cinema, impacting all kinds of genres. If you enjoy comedies, you’re likely familiar with John Hughes’ work. He had an incredible knack for understanding teenagers, and wasn’t afraid to portray their lives authentically in his movies. His films really defined the decade, capturing the experience of youth in a way that still resonates with audiences today, making them almost nostalgic for a time they didn’t even live through. Beyond teen comedies, Hughes also demonstrated his talent for more mature comedic stories.

With such a large and important body of work, choosing the best John Hughes movies is tough. However, we’ve put together a list of 5, ranked for you. Just so you know, this list only includes films where he both wrote the script and directed the movie.

5) Weird Science

Weird Science is one of John Hughes’ more unusual films. This sci-fi comedy has a clever premise – two nerdy teenagers, Gary and Wyatt, use a computer to create their ideal woman – but the execution is a little uneven. While the movie is full of fun ideas, some of the jokes haven’t aged well, and it can be hard to really connect with the characters. Ultimately, it’s an enjoyable but flawed film.

While Hall and Mitchell-Smith deliver good performances, this movie focuses more on being quirky than on the heartfelt character development often found in Hughes’ films. Luckily, Weird Science still captures that classic teenage feeling of wanting to belong, with its over-the-top humor and fun fantasy elements. It’s not a movie you’ll instantly think of as a masterpiece because it doesn’t have a lot of emotional depth, but if you’re looking for a silly, lighthearted trip back to the 80s, it’s definitely enjoyable.

4) Sixteen Candles

Many people consider Sixteen Candles the film where John Hughes truly found his voice. It tells the story of Sam Baker (Molly Ringwald) as she approaches her sixteenth birthday, but her family is preoccupied with her sister’s wedding. To make matters worse, she’s navigating the ups and downs of crushes and typical high school awkwardness. The film realistically portrays the messy experience of being a teenager without relying on over-the-top humor. Ringwald delivers a captivating performance, and viewers instantly sympathize with her feeling of being overlooked on her special day.

The movie’s humor comes naturally from the awkward situations, but it also beautifully captures the painful feeling of being overlooked, especially during teenage years. It succeeds because it honestly portrays the messiness, insecurity, and intense emotions that come with being a teen – when even small embarrassments can feel devastating. However, Sixteen Candles hasn’t held up perfectly over time; some of the jokes now seem outdated and raise concerns. While John Hughes fans still love it, it wasn’t one of his most widely popular or groundbreaking films.

3) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

If you haven’t already, you absolutely need to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It’s a truly iconic movie where director John Hughes perfectly captures the teenage experience with a lot of energy and flair. The story is simple – Ferris Bueller (played by Matthew Broderick) decides to ditch school and spends the day having fun in Chicago with his friends, all while trying to avoid the principal. Ferris isn’t just smart; he embodies the carefree spirit of being a teenager, which is why the movie is so beloved and he’s such a memorable character.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic for a reason – it playfully acknowledges the audience, playfully challenges authority, and shows how incredibly fun a rule-breaking day can be. Every moment of the movie is both funny and makes you genuinely care about Ferris. It’s a standout teen comedy because director John Hughes perfectly captures his unique style, transforming everyday situations into something wonderfully infectious. You can’t help but want to be friends with Ferris! It consistently ranks among the top three films simply because it’s pure, joyful escapism, and while that’s not a flaw, Hughes often combined this kind of fun with deeper themes in his other work.

2) The Breakfast Club

Simply put, The Breakfast Club is John Hughes at his best. The story centers around five high school students from very different social groups who are stuck in Saturday detention together. It seems like a simple premise, but throughout the day, they discover they have more in common than they thought, and they open up about their fears, frustrations, and vulnerabilities. What really makes the movie stand out is its incredibly realistic dialogue – it still sounds like actual teenagers talking! Even after all these years, Hughes clearly understood what it was like to be a teenager better than almost any other filmmaker, and he did it without being overly sentimental or preachy.

The reason The Breakfast Club remains so powerful is because every character feels real and relatable. Whether you identified with the brain, the athlete, the popular girl, the outcast, or the quirky one, everyone experiences those awkward, vulnerable moments as a teenager – and the film perfectly captures that feeling. It’s emotionally honest without resorting to tired tropes, genuinely funny, and continues to be a touchstone for stories about high school, self-discovery, and growing up, even today.

1) Planes, Trains and Automobiles

While it might not be as widely known as some other comedies, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is arguably the best on this list. It demonstrates that John Hughes wasn’t just skilled at making teen movies; he could also create hilarious and genuinely funny films for adults. The movie centers around Neal Page (Steve Martin), an advertising executive desperately trying to get home for Thanksgiving, and his unfortunate travel companion, Del Griffith (John Candy), a bothersome salesman. Their incredible on-screen chemistry is the heart of the film and what makes it so memorable.

What makes Planes, Trains and Automobiles so special? It’s a rare comedy that’s genuinely funny and emotionally touching. Think of other great comedies from the 80s that achieve that balance – you’ll often find John Hughes’ influence. The movie’s mishaps are designed to make you laugh, but also to help you connect with the characters. As the story unfolds, we learn about their struggles with frustration, anger, and the desire for connection. It’s one of Hughes’ most hilarious films, but it’s also beautifully balanced and made with a lot of care – a truly complete and satisfying movie experience.

What’s your favorite movie directed by John Hughes? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-14 18:41