Despite being more than 30 years old, Home Alone will always remain a family holiday tradition.
It’s so popular among audiences whether children or adults thanks to its heartwarming and hilarious plot.
There are also some facts you have never heard of in the movie.
A family trip was the inspiration
John Hughes, the movie’s writer and producer was on his way home from a Europe vacation with his family.
The vacation was a reaction to his severe anxiety whilst travelling.
He thought about the scenario of having one of his children left behind.
Writing was completed in just a week
John’s son James said in the Chicago Article that John wrote a draft just nine days after returning home.
John also made a list in the draft of everything he needed to write.
Location of the house took weeks to choose
Director Chris Columbus and his crew took several weeks to find the right McAllister house.
The winning house was in Winnetka, Illinois due to its cozy and threatening appearance.
Chris recalled sending pictures of the house to producer John Hughes, who viewed it as an excellent choice.
Robert De Niro almost got the Harry role
Home Alone’s production team heavily considered Robert De Niro before Joe Pesci got the part.
Director Chris Columbus however had a different story as Robert never wanted to star in the movie.
A blizzard hit production
Due to the movie’s budget, real snow couldn’t be afforded and instead, they used snow machines and mashed potato flakes.
That all changed when a massive snowstorm hit on the second day of shooting.
Everyone took advantage of this and shot the final scene where Kevin is reunited with his family.
Macaulay Culkin’s younger brother stars in the movie
Home Alone provided the opportunity for the Culkin brothers to share the screen together.
This was Kieran Culkin’s first screen appearance playing Kevin’s younger cousin Fuller.
The two reprised their roles in the sequel Lost in New York.
Kieran continued his acting career where he became known by everyone as Roman Roy on HBO’s acclaimed show Succession.
The scream was improvised
Even if you have never watched Home Alone, you have seen Kevin’s scream.
It’s his reaction after putting on some aftershave and it became instantly iconic.
Culkin also screamed his way when he kept his hands on his cheeks instead of the contrary.
Chris Columbus said that this turned out to be an accident as Macaulay slapped his face before screaming.
Angels With Filthy Souls is a fake movie
Kevin watches a black and white movie called Angels With Filthy Souls during some parts of the movie.
He uses the movie as a defense tactic against the bandits.
I’m sure many people wanted to learn about that movie but you’ll be shocked to learn it’s fake.
Home Alone was one of the last movies to be shot in vintage carbon lighting, used often between the 1940s and 1960s.
The lighting was also used for Angels With Filthy Souls which explains why it looks real.
Macaulay still calls Catherine “Mommy”
Catherine O Hara who plays Macaulay’s on screen mom Kate stumbled upon each other in 2015 at a Martin Mull opening art event.
Culkin called out Catherine as “Mommy” with Catherine’s response being “baby”.
Catherine’s real life husband took a picture of the moment and was very happy to see them reunite.
The two actors had another reunion recently where Macaulay was honored with a star on Hollywood’s walk of fame.
It held a cinematic record for nearly 3 decades
Forbes published a report that Home Alone had $285.7 million in the piggybank, which is the highest total for a comedy.
This total was surpassed without inflation in 2017 by the Chinese movie Never Say Die.
Which is your favourite Home Alone moment? DM us and let us know
