Home Alone is a Christmas classic. Released in 1990, it was directed by Chris Columbus and written and produced by John Hughes, and stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McAllister, a young boy who accidentally gets left home alone at Christmas.
The film has festive spirit and slapstick comedy and is guaranteed to get anybody in the mood for Christmas. Other classics similar to Home Alone are also perfect for film fans looking to get into the Christmas spirit. Here are ten Christmas movies for fans of Home Alone.
Uncle Buck
Uncle Buck was released in 1989 and, like Home Alone, focuses on family dynamics during the festive season. It was directed by John Hughes and features Home Alone actor Macaulay Culkin, as well as John Candy as the titular character.
When the parents of three children have to go out of town for a family emergency, the children’s estranged Uncle Buck has to take care of them and finds stepping up to the challenges of parenthood both a struggle and a reward.
The Polar Express
The Polar Express features some of the film industry’s most beautiful animation and is a magical children’s tale of Christmas and growing up. Tom Hanks voices the majority of the characters, including the train conductor and Santa Claus.
When a young boy questioning Christmas and the existence of Santa is whisked away on a magical train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a voyage of self-discovery and learns that magic still exists for those who believe in it.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Jim Carey stars as the titular character in this 2000 film also starring a young Taylor Momsen. It is a fun adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss book and a funny film for all members of the family to watch together at Christmas.
After being ostracized by the residents of Whoville because of his strange appearance, the Grinch plots to steal Christmas and put an end to the holiday. Jim Carey does a great performance and the festive setting invokes the Christmas feeling.
Miracle On 34th Street
This 1994 Christmas film was written and produced by John Hughes and stars Mara Wilson, another well-known child actress popular for her role in Matilda. It is a touch more serious than other animated Christmas films, though still has a heart-warming conclusion fit for the festive season.
After a kind man going by the name of Kris Kringle claims to be the real Santa Claus, a court case is pursued to determine whether he is truly Father Christmas or mentally ill. Like any true Christmas film, the film has a touching conclusion and a happily ever after for the characters.
Deck The Halls
This Christmas comedy was released in 2006 and was directed by John Whitesell. It stars Danny Devitto and Matthew Broderick as two warring family patriarchs competing for the best-decked house in the street.
Deck The Halls has a very similar tone to Home Alone, with both films focusing on a family home across the Christmas period. The lengths that the two fathers, Danny and Steve, go to compete with another is hilarious.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is another Christmas film written by John Hughes and is the third film in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. It was released in 1989 and is considered a Christmas classic, and spawned a sequel in 2003.
The film focuses on the Griswold family as Clark tries his best to ensure his family has a perfect Christmas. Those hopes begin to disintegrate, however, as Clark’s relatives show up and he is denied his Christmas bonus at work.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a Christmas classic and one of the best adaptations of Charles Dickens’ famous 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. It was distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and stars Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and the muppet Gonzo as Charles Dickens.
This is a feel-good film for all members of the family and features the Muppets at their most charming. It has an undeniable festive feel and is enough to make any Scrooge excited for Christmas.
Jingle All The Way
Jingle All The Way was released in 1996 and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad as rival fathers both trying to buy a last-minute Turbo Man toy for their sons on Christmas Eve. The film was produced by Chris Columbus and debuted in theatres during the height of Schwarznegger’s family films such as Kindergarten Cop and Junior.
Jingle All The Way has a strong focus on family dynamics in the same manner as Home Alone, as well as slapstick comedy. It shares similarities with Deck The Halls, both films focusing on stressed-out fathers at Christmas.
Jack Frost
This is a heartwarming Christmas film but also a definite tearjerker. It was released in 1998 and stars Michael Keaton as the main character, a man who dies in a car accident and comes back to life as a snowman to reconnect with his son.
Jack Frost is a touching comedy that shares the same message as Home Alone, with both families learning to appreciate one another, especially around the holidays. Charlie and Jack make up for their estranged relationship during Jack’s time as a snowman and their final goodbye scene is emotional.
The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause is another popular and beloved Christmas film from the 90s and is the first film in the Santa Clause series. Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a divorced dad who accidentally kills Santa Claus and has to take his place before the next Christmas period.
The film is more light-hearted than it sounds and features Scott reconnecting with his young son Charlie, learning the value of family as Kevin McAllister does in Home Alone. Scott’s gradual progression into Santa Claus is entertaining and bound to inspire laughs from all the family.
