Home Alone, the heartwarming comedy-adventure that was first graced the cinema’s screens on. Nov. 16, 1990, has become a beloved Christmas tradition for families around the world.
John Hughes Strikes Gold with Home Alone
Written and produced by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone tells the story of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who is accidentally left behind by his parents (John Heard and Catherine Hicks) when his family goes on vacation to Paris.
Left to his own devices, Kevin must defend his home from a pair of bumbling burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern).
The film’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its clever script, memorable characters, and nostalgic charm. Culkin’s performance as the resourceful and witty Kevin is iconic, and Pesci and Stern’s portrayal of the hapless thieves is hilarious.
The iconic scenes, such as the booby-trapped house and Kevin’s clever tactics, have become part of the cultural lexicon.
Ironically, the film originally belonged to Warner Bros., who had approved a $10 million budget for the film. Warners refused to budge on the money and ended up losing the film to 20th Century Fox. After then-Fox chairman Joe Roth greenlit the extra money, Home Alone would gross $476.7 million worldwide from its $18 million budget for the studio.
Reception
Home Alone opened at No. 1 with $17 million and it stayed atop the box office for 12 consecutive weeks. The dominant run was from Nov. 16–18, 1990, through the weekend of Feb. 1–3, 1991. Sleeping with the Enemy starring Julia Roberts knocked it out of the top spot, but Home Alone would remain in the top 10 until the weekend of April 26, 1991.
For the box office year of 1990, Home Alone finished in third place with $143.6 million, trailing only Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore with $205.3 million and Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts that earned $170.1 million.
When it’s theatrical run came to a close, Home Alone was the third highest grossing movie of all-time at $285.8 million in North America and $476.7 million worldwide, trailing only E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and Star Wars.
The Guinness World Records listed it as the highest-grossing live-action comedy until it was bested by The Hangover Part II in 2011.
Home Alone was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” in 2023.
Legacy
Beyond its comedic elements, Home Alone also explores themes of family, friendship, and the importance of self-reliance. It’s a film that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and its message of hope and resilience continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
While already recognized as one of the top holiday films of all-time, it’s clear that Home Alone is destined to be a beloved holiday tradition for many years to come.
