Is Planes, Trains & Automobiles the best Thanksgiving movie of all time? While there are countless great Christmas movies and, of course, plenty of classic horror movies perfect to watch on Halloween, there are not quite as many films set around the major holiday between them. Thus, the 1987 comedy from writer and director John Hughes might just be a shoo-in for the top spot.
The story of Chicago ad executive Neal Page (Steve Martin in one of his best movies) and his struggle to get home with his bumbling travel partner, Del Griffith (John Candy in one of his best movies), is so hilarious and heartwarming, I can’t think of a better movie to watch with the family on Thanksgiving. So, how can you watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles on streaming this Turkey Day? Allow me to point you in the right direction.
Where is Planes, Trains & Automobiles Available Streaming?
Luckily, there are a number of ways that you and your family (except for the little ones, maybe) can enjoy the R-rated Planes, Trains & Automobiles online after finishing your Thanksgiving Day meal. Currently, the comedy is available with a Paramount+ subscription but is also one of the best movies on Pluto TV, which is one of the best streaming services to subscribe to for watching movies without costing you a dime.
How to watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles
- Stream Planes, Trains & Automobiles on Paramount+
- Stream Planes, Trains & Automobiles on Pluto TV
- Rent or buy Planes, Trains & Automobiles on Amazon
- Buy Planes, Trains & Automobiles on Blu-ray on Amazon
As you can see above, Planes, Trains & Automobiles can also be bought or rented digitally on Amazon, which also offers the chance to view it at no extra cost when you purchase a Paramount+ add-on. Of course, if you prefer to consume your movies on physical media, you can easily find a Blu-ray copy of the film on Amazon as well.
Is Planes, Trains & Automobiles On Netflix?
Just about anything and everything has been on Netflix at some time or another. Unfortunately, the streaming giant does not carry Planes, Trains & Automobiles at the moment.
However, fans of the road trip buddy comedy can use their Netflix subscription to watch another classic ‘80s movie described as a road trip buddy comedy, Midnight Run. Plus if you or anyone in your family is in the mood for a Thanksgiving horror movie, you can put on Eli Roth’s aptly titled 2023 slasher, Thanksgiving, which is one of the best horror movies on Netflix at the moment. They may not be quite what you were looking for but is a decent set of alternatives nonetheless, I might say.
If You're A Fan Of Planes, Trains & Automobiles…
If you're a fan of Planes, Trains & Automobiles, we have some articles that may interest you.
For instance, you can read about the Planes, Trains & Automobiles scene that makes Steve Martin cry, a fascinating (but probably unlikely) fan theory suggesting John Candy’s character and his Home Alone role are not only the same person but the Devil incarnate, and check out any updates to the upcoming Will Smith movie that aims to reimagine the comedy with him and Kevin Hart in the lead roles. The last we heard of that proposed remake was in 2023 when Hart told ET Canada (via Today) that the script is in the works.
Of course, I think most would agree that you cannot beat the classics and Planes, Trains & Automobiles most definitely fits under the category. Enjoy it with the whole family this year… just be sure to cover the smaller one’s ears during Steve Martin’s iconic, expletive-filled tirade.
