How many home alone movies are there? Home Alone is a series of comedy films starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister; a child who gets separated from his family during a trip to Paris. The first film in the franchise was released in 1990, while the most recent one was released in 2012. There are also three sequels and two spin-offs. Those are not included here because they were made without John Hughes’ involvement. And because they’re just not as good.
How many Home Alone movies are really there?
There are six Home Alone movies. Let’s look deeper into each of them.
Home Alone (1990)
In Home Alone, a boy accidentally gets left behind when his family flies to France for Christmas. He has to defend his house from two burglars, who are foiled by the boy’s booby traps. The police eventually return the boy home and he is reunited with his parents.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was released in 1992. The film stars Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern. Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) returns to his family home in New York City; after being accidentally left behind while they travel to Paris for Christmas. He becomes determined to protect the house from a pair of burglars. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. But winds up on the run across Manhattan with his neighbor Buzz’s dog named Vito. This sequel has become one of the most iconic films of all time – it even won an Oscar award for best song!
Home Alone 3 (1997)
In the third installment, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is now 13 years old and living in France with his Auntie Muriel. The plot this time around sees Kevin getting blamed for a series of thefts at the hotel where he is staying with his family over Christmas. He returns to New York to find out who’s responsible, but then gets stranded when his mom forgets him and flies back home without him. When she finally realizes what happened, it’s too late—the burglars have arrived at her house and left gifts for Kevin!
Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House (2002)
Released in 2002 and directed by Raja Gosnell. Starring Macaulay Culkin, John Heard, and Catherine O’Hara
Plot Summary: After his family leaves for France, Kevin McCallister (Culkin) is mistakenly left behind by the housekeeper. He goes to his home alone and tries to fix everything that went wrong before Christmas arrives. Meanwhile, the Wet Bandits are back with a new plan to rob a bank during the holiday season. Box Office Results: $173 million worldwide.
Home Alone 5 (2012)
Home Alone 5, the most recent film in the series, was released in 2012. It stars Macaulay Culkin reprising his famous role as Kevin McCallister and also features a cameo appearance by Catherine O’Hara as Kevin’s mother Lois. The plot revolves around a group of burglars who attempt to break into Kevin’s house while he is home alone—but due to various foibles and accidents, this does not go as planned for them.
The story has received its share of criticism for being too much like its predecessors (the same goes for many sequels). However, most critics agree that it has just enough fresh ideas to make it worth watching—and that at least one scene was undeniably funny (the moment when a burglar gets stuck inside of an ATM machine).
Home Alone 6 (2021)
Release Date: November 25th, 2021. Plot: While staying at his grandmother’s house, 13-year-old Finn McCool begins to feel abandoned as his family leaves him alone during the Christmas holidays. He also works with a group of thieves who plan to rob the home of an evil businessman.
Cast: Joey King as Maggie McCool and Christian Martyn as Finn McCool
Director/Writer: Gary Winick (Heartbreakers)
Conclusion
Home Alone is a holiday classic that has entertained audiences for over two decades. If you loved the original, then you will surely love these 6 spin-offs as well!
