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Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1987 · 93 min · English
JustWatch #10,442 3
Directed by
John Hughes
Starring
Steve Martin, John Candy

Neal Page’s Thanksgiving plans are thrown into disarray by a severe snowstorm, forcing him to embark on a chaotic cross-country journey. He finds himself reluctantly paired with Del Griffith, an overly friendly shower ring salesman, as they encounter a series of travel mishaps and increasingly absurd situations. Neal struggles to maintain his composure while dealing with Del’s relentless chatter and the frustrations of delayed flights, missed trains, and rental car troubles, ultimately learning valuable lessons about patience and human connection.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (2)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Planes, Trains & Automobiles
  8. 8 Categories
  9. 9 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Where can you watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on YouTube TV, Kanopy and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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2 main characters · contains spoilers

Planes, Trains & Automobiles Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Neal Page (Steve Martin)

    Neal Page is a highly-strung advertising executive whose desire to reach his family for Thanksgiving leads him into a series of chaotic situations. His initial impatience and frustration gradually transform as he learns to adapt to the unpredictable journey he shares with Del. Neal's character arc highlights growth in empathy and understanding.

    • 👔 Executive
    • 🤯 Frustrated
    • 🎈 Determined
  • Del Griffith (John Candy)

    Del Griffith is a jovial, quirky shower curtain ring salesman whose carefree nature often clashes with Neal's uptight demeanor. Despite his troubled past, Del's boundless optimism and kindness shine through, ultimately revealing his vulnerabilities. He represents the unexpected joys of companionship and the depth of human emotion.

    • 💼 Salesman
    • 🤗 Optimistic
    • 🏚️ Vulnerable

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

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Setting

Where and When Does Planes, Trains & Automobiles Take Place?

The setting of Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Modern Day (1980s)

Set during the 1980s, the film captures an era characterized by a booming economy and a growing reliance on travel, which underscores the chaos of the holiday season. This period also reflects a time of evolving social dynamics and the significance of human connection in the face of adversity.

Location

Chicago, New York City, Wichita, Jefferson City, St. Louis

The movie is set across several locations, primarily in bustling New York City and Chicago. Both cities are known for their frenetic energy and iconic skylines. The journey also takes Neal and Del through smaller locales like Wichita and Jefferson City, highlighting the contrast between urban and rural America.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🚆 Travel
  • 🏨 Accommodation

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

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3 major themes

Planes, Trains & Automobiles Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Friendship

    The central theme of the film is the unlikely friendship that develops between two very different men. Through a series of mishaps and trials, Neal and Del find common ground and mutual support, illustrating how shared adversity can foster deep connections.

  • Travel Chaos

    Travel is depicted as a source of both frustration and comedy, as Neal's attempts to return home are thwarted by a series of unfortunate events. The film explores the unpredictability of travel, especially during peak seasons, and the humorous yet poignant experiences that unfold along the way.

  • Compassion

    Compassion emerges as a significant theme, particularly through Neal's evolving perception of Del. The film highlights the importance of kindness and empathy, showcasing how understanding someone's struggles can transform relationships and lead to meaningful connections.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

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Character & theme questions

Planes, Trains & Automobiles Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

What cities does the movie take place in?

The film is set across multiple locations in the United States, primarily New York City and Chicago, with the journey also passing through Wichita, Jefferson City, and St. Louis. These locations highlight the contrast between major urban centers and smaller Midwestern towns.

Foreshadowing: The movie opens in New York City, establishing Neal's high-stress professional life before his travel chaos begins.

  • new york city
  • chicago
  • wichita
  • st louis
  • setting
  • locations
Q2

What time period is the movie set in?

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is set in the 1980s during the Modern Day era. The 1980s setting captures a time of economic boom and increased reliance on air travel, which makes the holiday travel disruptions even more chaotic and relatable.

  • 1980s
  • time period
  • modern day
  • 80s setting
Q3

What is the main theme of the movie?

The central theme is the unlikely friendship that develops between two very different men. Through shared adversity during their chaotic journey, Neal and Del find common ground and mutual support, showing how difficult circumstances can foster deep human connections.

  • friendship
  • theme
  • connection
  • unlikely friendship
Q4

Who is Del Griffith in the movie?

Del Griffith is a jovial, quirky shower curtain ring salesman who becomes Neal's reluctant travel companion. Despite his troubled past, Del's boundless optimism and kindness shine through, representing the unexpected joys of companionship and the depth of human emotion beneath his carefree exterior.

  • del griffith
  • character
  • john candy
  • shower ring salesman
Q5

Who is Neal Page in the story?

Neal Page is a high-strung advertising executive whose desperate attempt to reach his family for Thanksgiving leads him into a series of chaotic situations. His character arc involves growing from impatience and frustration toward empathy and understanding as he learns to adapt to the unpredictable journey.

  • neal page
  • character
  • steve martin
  • advertising executive
Q6

How does the movie portray travel chaos?

Travel is depicted as both frustrating and comedic, with Neal's attempts to return home constantly thwarted by delayed flights, missed trains, rental car troubles, and increasingly absurd situations. The film explores the unpredictability of holiday travel and the humorous yet poignant experiences that unfold along the way.

  • travel chaos
  • flight delays
  • journey
  • transportation
Q7

What does the film say about compassion?

Compassion emerges as the film highlights how Neal's perception of Del evolves from irritation to genuine care. The movie emphasizes that kindness and empathy can transform relationships, and that understanding someone's struggles, even someone as annoying as Del, can lead to meaningful human connections.

  • compassion
  • empathy
  • kindness
  • theme
Q8

How does the movie contrast different American locations?

The film contrasts bustling urban environments like New York City and Chicago with smaller Midwestern towns like Wichita and Jefferson City. This highlights the diversity of American landscapes and underscores the scope of their chaotic cross-country journey.

  • rural
  • urban
  • contrast
  • america
  • midwest
Q9

Why do Neal and Del clash throughout the movie?

Neal and Del clash because they are polar opposites, Neal is uptight, professional, and values efficiency, while Del is carefree, chatty, and perpetually optimistic. Their dynamic represents the tension between control and spontaneity, which gradually shifts into mutual respect and genuine friendship.

  • neal
  • del
  • relationship
  • conflict
  • dynamic

Movie threads

More Movies Like Planes, Trains & Automobiles, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Planes, Trains & Automobiles tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Mismatched buddy road trip movies like Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Two opposites forced together on a journey filled with hilarious mishaps and mishaps. If you enjoyed the chaotic travel and growing friendship in Planes, Trains & Automobiles, you'll like these movies. This section features comedies about mismatched duos on a journey, filled with hilarious mishaps that ultimately lead to a heartwarming bond. Find similar stories about unlikely friendships forged on the road.

  • unlikely friendship
  • chaotic
  • uproarious
  • frustrated
  • heartwarming
  • compassionate
  • Tone: light, uproarious, heartwarming
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a linear journey where external obstacles (travel delays, vehicle troubles) serve as the primary source of conflict, forcing two contrasting characters to interact. The plot is driven by a sequence of escalating, comedic setbacks that test the pair's patience, leading to a climax where a moment of vulnerability or shared triumph solidifies their bond, culminating in a positive resolution.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here because they share the core dynamic of a 'mismatched duo' whose relationship arc—from friction to friendship—is the emotional centerpiece. They feature a fast-paced, situational-comedy structure and a light tone that ensures the chaos is fun rather than stressful, consistently ending on a warm, uplifting note.

Funny and frustrating journey movies like Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Stories where everything that can go wrong does, leading to personal growth. For viewers who liked the comedic frustration and eventual warmth of Planes, Trains & Automobiles, this section highlights movies where a character's plans completely unravel. These stories feature a fast-paced series of obstacles that are hilarious to watch, yet lead to meaningful personal growth and a satisfying, happy ending.

  • frustrated
  • chaotic
  • uproarious
  • relentless
  • compassionate
  • heartwarming
  • Tone: light, frustrating, compassionate
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a high-strung or rigid protagonist facing a cascade of external, often mundane, problems that demolish their sense of control. The structure is a chain of cause-and-effect comedic failures. The emotional journey moves from intense frustration and isolation toward acceptance and a newfound appreciation for improvisation and community, resulting in a positive character arc.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their unique blend of relatable frustration and uplifting comedy. They share a specific vibe: the pleasure of watching a controlled character lose control in increasingly funny ways, all while maintaining a light tone that assures the viewer the chaos has a warm, constructive purpose.

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Movies Like Planes, Trains & Automobiles

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Categories

Movie Lists Featuring Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Planes, Trains & Automobiles appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

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Every angle

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Planes, Trains & Automobiles in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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