Thanksgiving 2025 means three things: good food, time with family, and a viewing of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Released in 1987 and directed by John Hughes, the classic comedy pairs Steve Martin and the late great John Candy, and is full of unforgettable one-liners on a road trip like no other. Ever since the movie debuted almost 40 years ago, Planes, Trains and Automobiles captures the chaos, feuding, and heartwarming joy that is Thanksgiving, making it a firm favorite of families across the nation every year.

Unsurprisingly, ahead of this year’s festivities, Planes, Trains and Automobiles has once again climbed up the streaming charts. At the time of writing, the comedy is one of the ten most-streamed movies on Pluto. With a “certified fresh” 93% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is not just a fan favorite but also a huge hit with critics, regularly cited as one of the best comedies of the 1980s. The critics’ consensus on the site reads, “Thanks to the impeccable chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy, as well as a deft mix of humor and heart, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a hilarious, heartfelt holiday classic.” A synopsis for the movie reads:

“Easily excitable Neal Page (Steve Martin) is somewhat of a control freak. Trying to get home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his wife (Laila Robins) and kids, his flight is rerouted to a distant city in Kansas because of a freak snowstorm, and his sanity begins to fray. Worse yet, he is forced to bunk up with talkative Del Griffith (John Candy), whom he finds extremely annoying. Together they must overcome the insanity of holiday travel to reach their intended destination.”

What Else Is Popular on Pluto?

Despite its huge popularity at this time of year, Planes, Trains and Automobiles surprisingly isn’t the most-watched movie on Pluto at the time of writing. That title goes to Twilight, but what else is currently in the top ten? At #10 is the comedy sequel Rush Hour 2, with 1991’s Hook at #9, and the absurdly brilliant Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby at #8. The Twilight Saga: New Moon is at #7, with the musical classic Grease at #6, and Mrs. Doubtfire at #5. Adam Sandler‘s Just Go With It is at #4, with Planes, Trains and Automobiles at #3, and the top ten rounded off by Rush Hour at #2.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is streaming now on Pluto.

Release Date

November 25, 1987

Runtime

93minutes

Director

John Hughes

Writers

John Hughes