John Candy: I Like Me is a 2025 American documentary/biography directed by Colin Hanks about the beloved Canadian comedian. It features interviews and archival footage with friends, family, and collaborators including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Tom Hanks, Catherine O’Hara, and Candy’s children, Jennifer and Chris.
The film offers a warm portrait of Candy’s career and personal life, touching on fame, body image, and anxiety. It premiered as the Opening Night film at TIFF on September 4, 2025, and streams on Prime Video from October 10, 2025.
John Candy: I Like Me Age Rating
John Candy: I Like Me is officially rated PG-13 by the MPA for smoking, some strong language, drug material and suggestive material. Expect a reflective tone with occasional mature references from archival clips and interviews; there is no graphic content or violence. Runtime is 1h 53m.
Violence & Peril
Mild. No fights or injury detail. Emotional moments cover illness, grief, and Candy’s 1994 death, which may be upsetting to sensitive viewers. The emphasis is remembrance rather than distressing imagery.
Language
Moderate. Archival clips and candid interviews include some strong profanity consistent with the PG-13 note. There’s no emphasis on hateful slurs. The tone remains respectful and celebratory.
Mature Themes
Topics include smoking, period drug references, and suggestive humor from film/TV clips. The doc also addresses body image/fatphobia and anxiety, handled with empathy. Brief alcohol use appears in context of the era.
Is John Candy: I Like Me Suitable for Teens?
Ages 8–12: With Guidance (Leaning No). Content is gentle, but themes of death and anxiety may feel heavy. Preview if your child is sensitive.
Ages 13–15: Yes, With Guidance. PG-13 language and smoking notes warrant a quick chat, but the documentary is uplifting and informative.
Ages 16+: Yes. Teens interested in comedy or film history will appreciate the legacy focus and candid insights.
Final recommendation: Best for ages 13+, especially fans of classic comedy.
What Parents Can Do
Set context on the ’80s/’90s. Explain changing norms around smoking and media standards of the time.
Talk about mental health. Use mentions of anxiety and body image to discuss self-esteem and support.
Celebrate legacy. Watch a Candy classic afterward (Uncle Buck, Planes, Trains & Automobiles) and discuss why his comedy endures.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the age rating for John Candy: I Like Me?
It’s rated PG-13 for smoking, some strong language, drug material and suggestive material.
2) Is John Candy: I Like Me appropriate for kids or younger teens?
Generally 13+ is appropriate, with brief strong language and mature themes discussed respectfully.
3) Are there violent or scary scenes?
No physical violence. Emotional content includes discussion of Candy’s death and funeral footage.
4) How strong is the language?
There is some strong profanity in interviews/archival clips, aligning with the PG-13 reason.
5) Does it contain sexual content or nudity?
No nudity. Any sexual content is suggestive humor from period clips, not explicit.
6) Where can I watch John Candy: I Like Me?
It premiered at TIFF on Sept 4, 2025, and streams on Prime Video from Oct 10, 2025.