In 1990, Chris Columbus’ Home Alone introduced an exhilarating formula into the world of Christmas-themed cinema. The initial film starred Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an intuitive eight-year-old boy who, after his entire Paris-bound family accidentally leaves him behind, is forced to defend his home against two persistent burglars. Following the massive critical and box-office success of the first film, Culkin reprised his role as Kevin in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1992, proving that sequels can evenly match the magic of their predecessors. Most of the cast reprised their respective roles as well, including Joe Pesci as Harry Lyme and Daniel Stern as Marv Merchants.
Regardless of which child actor assumed the main role, each Home Alone installment follows the same premise: a child left home alone without the inclusion of parental guidance. Furthermore, the child strenuously attempts to prevent resilient burglars from entering the home by any means necessary. Since the success of Home Alone, the lineup of sequels and reboots have been largely forgettable, lacking the originality and creative flow as the first two installments. Here's a list of each Home Alone movie and where they specifically rank.
6 Home Alone 4: Taking Back The House
The fourth film in the franchise, Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House is interestingly the only film to not receive a theatrical release. Instead, the Christmas family-comedy aired on ABC in 2002 in a made-for-television aspect. The plot follows Kevin McCallister, played by Mike Weinberg, as he attempts to deal with the recent separation of his parents. His father, Peter, invites his children to join him in hosting a royal family at the mansion of his rich girlfriend, Natalie. Things take a sudden turn in the mansion as Kevin encounters Marv, his old rival, and Marv's wife. While the film presents occasionally funny moments, the overall plot is generally confusing, with the cast lacking the authenticity and appeal of the original lineup.
5 Home Sweet Home Alone
The newest installment in the franchise attempts to engage the audience with an odd concept in comparison to the original plot. Archie Yates portrays Max Mercer who, after a couple believe that he stole an antique doll from their open house, sets up a sequence of traps in order to defend himself. Interestingly, Home Sweet Home Alone quietly turns the tables in an effort to make Max look like the actual villain rather than those attempting to break in. Subsequently, this weakened the construct of the film as the “burglars” are actually the victims of the scenario. While the film isn’t necessarily bad, it’s undoubtedly bizarre approach leaves something more to be heavily desired.
4 Home Alone: The Holiday Heist
The fifth film in the franchise released ten years after Home Alone 4. Similarly to Home Alone 3 and Home Sweet Home Alone, Kevin McCallister is not featured in the film’s central plot. Rather, the plot follows 10-year-old Finn Baxter, an introverted technophile with very little interest in the outside world. Unbeknownst to Finn and his family, a string of burglars have their sights set on a famous painting located inside the house. After Finn and his sister are left home by themselves, Finn carefully creates a series of traps to keep the thieves out. Unfortunately for the premise, it lacks the organic feel that the first two beautifully portray. However, its committed cast certainly ranks it higher on the list of Home Alone movies.
3 Home Alone 3
As the first Home Alone film to exclude characters from the first two installments, Home Alone 3 certainly puts its best foot forward in a refreshing, yet outrageous approach to the franchise. Alex D. Linz portrays Alex Pruitt, an 8-year-old boy who must defend his home against a band of international North Korean terrorists trying to regain access to a computer microchip. Outrageously unorthodox, Home Alone 3 attempts to recreate the magic of the first two films. While it certainly pales in comparison to the authentic format, somehow it remains an enjoyable flick with some actual funny moments. Still, the lack of Kevin and the Sticky Bandits is noticeable, which left fans missing the original gang.
2 Home Alone
As the one that started it all, Home Alone solidified its legacy as a popular Christmas classic that fans worldwide annually enjoy. Famously, the plot follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister as the original child left alone with the intelligence and quick-wits to defend the family home. While the entire family prepares for a trip to Paris, a power outage causes a slight delay in their vacation plans. In a frantic rush, the family gather their belongings and quickly head for the airport. Amidst the chaos, Kevin is accidentally left behind after oversleeping. However, Kevin’s own quality time is relatively short-lived once he encounters Marv and Harry, two burglars who yearn to rob his house. The star-studded cast deliver stand-out performances which is only further established by a delightful script. Now three decades after its initial release, the film remains a must-see holiday favorite.
1 Home Alone 2: Lost In New York
Sequels rarely surpass the originals, but when they do, it’s cinematic magic. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York undoubtedly rings in as a far better source of entertainment than the first film. After an unexpected mix-up results in Kevin’s lonesome journey in New York City, his family once again must create an emergency plan to fly back and retrieve him. In the meantime, Kevin lavishly enjoys the perks of New York by staying in a luxurious hotel, riding in a limo (with his own personal driver), and meeting a nice bird lady in Central Park. However, his dream soon transcends into a nightmare when he encounters Marv and Harry as they attempt to rob a toy store. The second film presents an entire new view on the original story. Tim Curry and Rob Schnieder deliver memorable performances, along with several quotable moments that fans simply adore.