Canadian Bacon (1995)
Michael Moore's only fiction film — a sharp political satire starring John Candy as a sheriff caught up in a manufactured war against Canada.
Canadian Bacon - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: Michael Moore
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 8, 1995 (Canada - PG), June 8, 1995 (United States - PG), October 20, 1995 (United Kingdom - PG), August 1, 1995 (Germany - 12), February 28, 1996 (France - U)
- Production Companies: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Propaganda Films, David Brown Productions, Maverick Picture Company, Dog Eat Dog Films, Gramercy Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Canadian Bacon - Plot
The U.S. President, low in the opinion polls, gets talked into raising his popularity by trying to start a cold war with Canada.
Canadian Bacon - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the absurdity unfold:
It's lonely at the top when there's no butt left to kick.
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Canadian Bacon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Michael Moore
Main Cast
- John Candy
- Alan Alda
- Rhea Perlman
- Kevin Pollak
- Rip Torn
- Kevin J. O'Connor
- Bill Nunn
- G.D. Spradlin
- Jim Belushi
- Steven Wright
Writers
- Michael Moore
Canadian Bacon - FAQs
What is Canadian Bacon about?
Canadian Bacon follows a politically struggling U.S. president who, desperate to boost his approval ratings, is convinced to manufacture a cold war against Canada. The film is a sharp political satire skewering American jingoism, media manipulation, and the absurdity of manufactured patriotism, led by a bumbling sheriff who takes the anti-Canada rhetoric a little too seriously.
Is Canadian Bacon Michael Moore's only fiction film?
Yes, Canadian Bacon is Michael Moore's sole foray into narrative fiction filmmaking. Known almost exclusively for his provocative documentaries like Roger & Me and Fahrenheit 9/11, Moore wrote and directed this satirical comedy as his one and only scripted feature, making it a genuine curiosity in his filmography.
Where can you stream Canadian Bacon right now?
You can catch Canadian Bacon on several platforms. It streams for free (with ads) on The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, and Tubi TV, and is also available free on Hoopla and Plex. Subscription options include fuboTV, MGM+, and Philo, while Fandango At Home offers digital rental and purchase.
Was Canadian Bacon John Candy's final film?
Sadly, yes. Canadian Bacon was the last film John Candy completed before his sudden passing in March 1994 during production of Wagons East. The film was released posthumously in 1995, making it a bittersweet farewell to one of comedy's most beloved performers, who shines here as the well-meaning but misguided Sheriff Boomer.
Who are the main actors in Canadian Bacon?
The film boasts a terrific ensemble. John Candy leads as Sheriff Bud B. Boomer, with Alan Alda playing the poll-obsessed U.S. President. Rhea Perlman, Kevin Pollak, Rip Torn, Jim Belushi, Bill Nunn, Kevin J. O'Connor, G.D. Spradlin, and Steven Wright round out the cast.
Is Canadian Bacon based on a true story or real events?
Not directly, though it draws inspiration from real history. The film references "War Plan Red," an actual U.S. military contingency plan from the 1930s that outlined a hypothetical war with Canada and Britain. Moore uses this obscure historical footnote as satirical fuel for his comedy about manufactured geopolitical conflict.
How did Canadian Bacon perform at the box office?
Canadian Bacon was a significant box office disappointment. Made on an $11 million budget, it earned just over $178,000 theatrically in the United States — a near-total commercial failure. Critics were also divided, though the film has since found a warmer audience as a cult comedy with surprisingly prescient political observations.
What films are similar to Canadian Bacon?
If you enjoy Canadian Bacon's brand of political absurdism, Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove is the gold standard. Dave (1993) and The Mouse That Roared (1959) share similar satirical energy, while Mars Attacks! (1996) and Dick (1999) offer comparable comedic takes on American politics and power gone hilariously wrong.
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