Sixteen Candles

1h 33m · 1984 · Directed by John Hughes · 3.0 / 5 on Letterboxd

Sixteen Candles (1984) runs 1h 33m, directed by John Hughes. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake, but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, she must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted, who is unfortunately the only boy in school who seems to take an interest in her.

Genres: Romance, Comedy

Where to watch: Hulu (US, checked 9 July 2026)