The Best Holiday Comedy of All Time Isn’t Even Set at Christmas (And It Just Returned to Paramount+)

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Now that November is here, the holiday season is officially underway. As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, everyone starts thinking about the winter holidays—and that includes streaming services. They’re adding lots of holiday movies and shows, but surprisingly, the funniest holiday movie isn’t about Christmas at all—and it’s now available to stream on Paramount+.

Released in 1987 and directed by John Hughes, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy, has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition. Unlike many holiday movies focused on Christmas, this film follows Neal Page (Martin), a stressed-out businessman, and Del Griffith (Candy), a cheerful but irritating salesman. After their flight is cancelled right before Thanksgiving, they’re forced to travel together, leading to a hilarious and chaotic three-day adventure as they race to Chicago for Neal’s family dinner. For many, watching this movie has become an essential part of their Thanksgiving celebration, and it’s now available on Paramount+ as of November 1st.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Is a Perfect Holiday Movie

Although most holiday movies focus on Christmas, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles shows that Thanksgiving can be just as heartwarming and funny. It’s a fantastic comedy on its own, and the Thanksgiving setting actually makes it even better. At its heart, it’s a road trip movie about two very different guys who are forced to travel together. Their clashing personalities turn the usual frustrations of travel into hilarious chaos, and watching them interact is a highlight. The Thanksgiving theme adds an extra layer of meaning, too. Because Thanksgiving is about being grateful, the movie has a touching side. Without giving away any spoilers, the story shows how both main characters learn the importance of gratitude and the true spirit of the holiday.

What makes Planes, Trains, and Automobiles so special is its surprisingly moving ending. After all the hilarious chaos, the film lands on a genuinely heartfelt note. It expertly blends comedy and sadness, adding a touch of humanity to the holiday season that acknowledges both the joys and the difficulties many people experience. The holidays can be a complicated time, filled with both love and loss, and this movie captures that perfectly. Be prepared to laugh and cry – it’s a Thanksgiving classic you shouldn’t miss.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is now streaming on Paramount+.

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2025-11-02 02:10