Home Alone (1990)
Kernel Score: 89% · 12,336 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy, Family
Released: 1990-11-16
Runtime: 103 minutes
Is Home Alone worth watching?
Must-watch. A hugely enjoyable Christmas comedy about a boy left home alone who defends the house against burglars. The slapstick traps are inventive, and the family heart still works for all ages.
Watch it if you
- love Christmas movies
- enjoy slapstick comedy
- want a film to watch with the kids
Skip it if you
- dislike cartoonish violence
- want realistic comedy
Best for: Family Christmas night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Home Alone
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister makes the most of the situation after his family unwittingly leaves him behind when they go on Christmas vacation. When thieves try to break into his home, he puts up a fight like no other.
Home Alone parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that Home Alone (1990) is a PG family comedy where an 8-year-old boy is left home alone and must defend his house from two bumbling burglars using slapstick booby traps.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Extended slapstick violence as Kevin rigs elaborate booby traps that injure the two burglars in cartoonish, non-graphic ways.
- Language: A little — Mild name-calling and a few crude schoolyard insults typical of a PG family comedy.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Home Alone
If you liked Home Alone, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) — 82%: Same director's big-hearted family comedy.
- The Goonies (1985) — 84%: Kid-led adventure with warmth and humour.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) — 87%: Same director's magical childhood adventure.
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Funny, warm fantasy adventure for all ages.
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) — 86%: Classic family fantasy with whimsy and mischief.
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) — 87%: Another family adventure from Chris Columbus.
Director
Cast
- Macaulay Culkin as Kevin
- Joe Pesci as Harry
- Daniel Stern as Marv
- John Heard as Peter
- Roberts Blossom as Marley
- Catherine O'Hara as Kate
- Angela Goethals as Linnie
- Devin Ratray as Buzz
- Gerry Bamman as Uncle Frank
- Hillary Wolf as Megan
Home Alone FAQ
Is Home Alone worth watching?
Must-watch. A hugely enjoyable Christmas comedy about a boy left home alone who defends the house against burglars. The slapstick traps are inventive, and the family heart still works for all ages.
Where can I watch Home Alone?
In the US you can stream Home Alone on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Home Alone OK for kids?
Home Alone is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Home Alone (1990) is a PG family comedy where an 8-year-old boy is left home alone and must defend his house from two bumbling burglars using slapstick booby traps.
What movies are like Home Alone?
If you liked Home Alone, try Mrs. Doubtfire, The Goonies, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The Princess Bride.