John Candy: I Like Me

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2:39

John Candy: I Like Me

PG-13

2025

1h 53m

Documentary

Biography

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Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

62 Reviews

98%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

From director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds--both lifelong John Candy fans--comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life and legacy of the comedic icon. The film showcases Candy's remarkable career, from his breakout turn on SCTV in his beloved native Canada to starring in some of the biggest comedies of all time. But it also delves deeply into Candy's life off-camera, through never-before-seen home videos and the personal recollections of those who knew him best. A remarkable roster of family members, close friends and colleagues share their memories of John Candy, creating an intimate and indelible portrait of an unforgettable talent who helped define a cinematic era. John Candy: I Like Me tells the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and star, driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.

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Critics Consensus

Focusing on the good times as it chronicles John Candy's life and career, I Like Me gathers those who knew and loved the iconic actor for a bittersweet retrospective that feels like a cathartic group hug.

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Coleman Spilde

Salon.com

Candy’s pursuit of goodness comes up repeatedly throughout “I Like Me,” to the point where a viewer can understand that, even amongst all of life’s pressures and its difficulties, it’s easy to live with integrity if you keep it by your side at all times.

Oct 15, 2025

Full Review

Karl Quinn

The Age (Australia)

The great strength, and perhaps also the greatest weakness, of this documentary is the depth of talent director Colin Hanks has assembled to share memories of the late Canadian actor John Candy...

Rated: 4/5

Oct 15, 2025

Full Review

David Bianculli

NPR

Even if you know little about John Candy, by the time this film is over, you'll miss him a lot.

Oct 15, 2025

Full Review

Alan French

FandomWire

While a very heartfelt movie, John Candy: I Like Me is a by-the-books celebrity biographical documentary. Still, the comedians and actors who were his closest friends deliver loving tributes.

Rated: 7/10

Oct 18, 2025

Full Review

Paul McGuire Grimes

Paul's Trip to the Movies

Director Colin Hanks has made a beautiful and moving tribute to John Candy. This documentary is a prime example of the “laughter through tears” emotion.

Rated: 4.5/5

Oct 17, 2025

Full Review

John Stark

Mac the Movie Guy

An exploration of the artist we came to love and know, reminding us a talent like his cannot be easily replicated.

Rated: 86/100

Oct 17, 2025

Full Review

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Dave C

This beautiful bio shows that "Candy was as kindhearted and authentic in real life as he was onscreen" (C.S. - salon.com). It is amazing just how much that shines through in all of the footage, interviews, show reels, etc. JC was a stalwart to his family, to his friends, and to his work. Managing to achieve all of the aforementioned whilst playing chess with his demons was no small feat, and is most definitely a result of his honesty and integrity. It was sad seeing and hearing some of his battles, but it seemed somehow more raw that his size and weight were so grossly used as a stick to beat him with, even when he was crippled by anxiety. Ultimately, he gave so much to so many projects, films, actors, directors, communities, and to his family. What a legend

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/21/25

Full Review

Adam H.

John was great man and this documentary proved that

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/21/25

Full Review

Ben N

This is a loving and tender reflection on the life and character of a wonderful man, John Candy. I appreciated learning more about his upbringing and the potential origins of some of his struggles. The people pleasing aspect of his personality can get so easily abused. The film also does a great job highlighting why he resonates with everyone and will live on in making people laugh for generations. I am sad he is gone, and appreciate those in my life who are so special to me. Hold those in your life close, growing old, especially together with those you love, is a gift afforded to too few.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/21/25

Full Review

Leprechaun K

Great bio-doc. It well deserved tribute for one of the greats during the comedy golden era. It is interesting to see so many comedy icons having worked together early on in their career.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

Full Review

Ryan B

Growing up in the late 80s and early 90s all my favorite movies stared John Candy. Great documentary of one of the funniest most genuine actors we will ever see. Even my kids are fans now....

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/19/25

Full Review

K W

Completely moving portrait of an absolute legend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/19/25

Full Review

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John Candy: I Like Me: Teaser

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John Candy: I Like Me: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

From director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds--both lifelong John Candy fans--comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life and legacy of the comedic icon. The film showcases Candy's remarkable career, from his breakout turn on SCTV in his beloved native Canada to starring in some of the biggest comedies of all time. But it also delves deeply into Candy's life off-camera, through never-before-seen home videos and the personal recollections of those who knew him best. A remarkable roster of family members, close friends and colleagues share their memories of John Candy, creating an intimate and indelible portrait of an unforgettable talent who helped define a cinematic era. John Candy: I Like Me tells the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and star, driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.

Director: Colin Hanks
Producer: Ryan Reynolds, George Dewey, Colin Hanks, Shane Reid, Sean M. Stuart, Glen Zipper, Johnny Pariseau
Distributor: Prime Video
Production Co: Amazon MGM Studios, Company Name, Maximum Effort, Zipper Bros Films
Rating: PG-13 (Suggestive Material|Drug Material|Some Strong Language|Smoking)
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 10, 2025
Runtime: 1h 53m

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