Verdict:Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.2/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Comedy genre.
Answer: Yes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1987, Planes, Trains and Automobiles enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meaning but overbearing shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith. Under the direction of John Hughes, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, Planes, Trains and Automobiles offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, Planes, Trains and Automobiles resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of January 2026, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of Planes, Trains and Automobiles centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meaning but overbearing shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1987 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of Planes, Trains and Automobiles has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Planes, Trains and Automobiles sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): with an audience rating of 7.2/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Comedy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $49,500,000 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The estimated production budget for Planes, Trains and Automobiles is $15,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Planes, Trains and Automobiles stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy movies.
Yes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy cinema.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a Comedy movie that An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meani...
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy movies.
Yes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy cinema.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a Comedy movie that An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meani...
Yes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Comedy genre.
You can find streaming options and availability for Planes, Trains and Automobiles on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of Planes, Trains and Automobiles are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
How about those Bears? Planes, Trains and Automobiles is written, produced and directed by John Hughes. It stars Steve Martin and John Candy. Music is by Ira Newborn and cinematography by Donald Peterman. Marketing man Neal Page (Martin) is in a last ditch dash to get from New York to Chicago in time for the family Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately obstacles halt his every advancement, the biggest of which is the man who fate has decreed is his companion for the trip; Del Griffith (Candy), a larger than life shower ring salesman whose outlook on life is considerably different to Neal's. If you haven't seen it yet? Then what is your excuse? You owe it to yourself to let this wonderful film into your life. John Hughes pitches two of America's then biggest comedy stars together and puts them on a trip where everything that can go wrong, does! Cue chaos with the methods of transport in the title. Yet as funny as the mishaps are, and they are, with a number of events being things many of us can associate with, they would be nothing without the expert characterisations. Both as performed by a never better Martin and Candy, but also as written by Hughes. Neal Page is anal retentive, snobbish and cynicism in a suit, Del Griffith appears oafish, over talkative and comes bedecked in cheapo winter wear. As time, options and sanity start to ebb away, desperation takes a hold and a surprising co-dependency starts to form. Something that beautifully sets us up for a finale that is as touching as it is genuinely surprising. It has mature comedy characterisations for the grown ups and chaotic actions for the younger crowd. Perfect and it should be prescribed at least once a year for a pick me up. 9/10
Entertaining 1987 flick from John Hughes. 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' is an enjoyable watch, pure and simple. The pairing of Steve Martin and John Candy is a great one, with both holding their own and bringing a lot of humour to events. Away from those two, you also have interesting bit part roles for Kevin Bacon and Michael McKean. The plot is one that could've got repetitive, but the film keeps it interesting for the whole 93 minutes. I will say, not that it's an all that noteworthy thing, that it has more (overly?) dramatic moments than I was anticipating, especially at the end. I was expecting a flat-out comedy, but the additional heart fits in well enough. It's a film 100% worth watching, if only for the humour of the two leads; there are some funny gags in there.