The Master of Teen Comedy, John Hughes and His Iconic Cinematic Journey of the 80s Era

John Hughes’ contribution to live-action comedy films will always be remembered. The filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter has delivered numerous films throughout his career. Hughes is best known for his coming-of-age teen comedy films with honest depictions of suburban teenage life. Before checking out from the world at the age of 59 in 2009, Hughes bestowed the cinematic world with some brilliant teenage comedy films. His films resonated well with the people who fall under that age group. During an interview, Hughes remarked, “Many filmmakers portray teenagers as immoral and ignorant. With pursuits that are pretty base … But I haven’t found that to be the case. I listen to kids. I respect them … Some of them are as bright as any of the adults I’ve met.”

In another interview, he said, “My generation had to be taken seriously because we were stopping things and burning things. We were able to initiate change because we had such vast numbers. We were part of the baby boom, and when we moved, everything moved with us. But now, there are fewer teens, and they aren’t taken as seriously as we were. You make a teenage movie, and critics say, ‘How dare you?’ There’s just a general lack of respect for young people now.”

Take a look at John Hughes’ iconic comedy films of the 1980s.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

John Hughes began writing career by writing for the National Lampoon magazine. When Hughes used to write for the magazine, he surely didn’t have this idea that he was sharpening his writing skills for something big. One of Hughes’s first stories, inspired by his family trips as a child,[16] was “Vacation ’58”, which later became the basis for his film “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983). This film marked his collaboration with director Harold Ramis.

The film was well-received by the audience, and it became a defining film in Hughes’s career. Following the success of the film, six years later, Hughes returned to write the script for its sequel, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989).

Sixteen Candles (1984)

Hughes made his directorial debut with the 1984 film “Sixteen Candles.” It was the first film by Hughes that revolved around the teenage life set in and around high school. The film starred Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall, who later became a frequent collaborator of Hughes. 

The Breakfast Club (1985)

The next film that accounts for the directorial work of Hughes is “The Breakfast Club.” It is one of the quintessential American films of the 1980s. Like any other Hughes film, “The Breakfast Club” also revolves around adolescent life and the societal dynamics they deal with. The film’s theme explores the complexities of teenage life, including the pleasure, power, and pain that come with the growing age. 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is one of the iconic works of John Hughes. Alongside the recurring theme of teenage life, the film also explores the adventures of life, capturing the spirit of rebellion and youthful exuberance.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

One common theme in Hughes’s film is the narration of teenage life. He often explores the emotions a person goes through during the teenage era. The 1986 film revolves around a high school girl who navigates through romantic relationships and social divides in her teenage life. The film was directed by Howard Deutch, while it was based on Hughes’s script.

Home Alone (1990)

Done with chasing drama in life and being exhausted with the daily chores of life, Hughes made some light-hearted films to make the viewers feel a little better and relaxed. One such film that does this job is his 1990 film “Home Alone.” Hughes wrote the script, which was directed by Christopher Columbus. The heartfelt humor and the cuteness of the protagonist, Kevin McAllister, hold the potential to bring a smile to your face.