For me, he was the writer and director of the movies that defined my adolescence. As a writer, he had an amazing string of hits from 83-87 with:
- National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
- Sixteen Candles (1984) - Also Directed
- The Breakfast Club (1985) - Also Directed
- Weird Science (1985) - Also Directed
- Pretty in Pink (1986)
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - Also Directed
- Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
- Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) - Also Directed
To write that many great movies every year for 5 years is amazing, especially since he directed over half of them himself. I've seen every one of these movies many times and enjoyed them all. Add other hits like The Great Outdoors (1988) Uncle Buck (1989), National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989), and Home Alone (1990), and it is an amazing career.
Growing up in Chicago, John Hughes' movies always had a special appeal. They were often set in Chicago or its suburbs, and represented Midwestern suburban kids. Me.
Here is a great montage on YouTube set to a great song...
