When it comes to classic family holiday movies, few are as iconic and beloved as Home Alone. The 1990 film, directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, launched Macaulay Culkin to stardom as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy accidentally left behind while his family goes on vacation. At first, Kevin relishes his newfound freedom, indulging in junk food and unsupervised fun. But when a pair of bumbling burglars target his house, Kevin must use his wits and some clever booby traps to defend his home.
Home Alone perfectly balances slapstick comedy, heartwarming family moments, and a touch of holiday magic, making it a go-to movie for many families during the festive season. But if you’ve watched Kevin outsmart the Wet Bandits more times than you can count, you might be craving some similar movies that capture the same spirit of mischief, adventure, and family togetherness.
Fear not, because we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best movies like Home Alone that are perfect for your next family movie night. From classic ’80s and ’90s favorites to more recent releases, these films feature precocious kids, bumbling criminals, and plenty of laughs and heart. So grab some popcorn, gather the family, and get ready for some delightful movie magic.
1. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Let’s start with the obvious choice – the sequel to the original classic. In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin finds himself alone once again, this time in the bustling streets of New York City. While his family flies to Florida, Kevin ends up on a plane to the Big Apple, where he checks into the luxurious Plaza Hotel using his dad’s credit card. But his solo adventure takes a turn when he encounters his old foes, the Wet Bandits (now calling themselves the Sticky Bandits), who have escaped from prison and are planning a big heist.
With the help of some new friends and his trusty Talkboy recorder, Kevin sets up a series of traps to foil the burglars’ plans and save the day once again. The sequel retains much of the charm and humor of the original, with Culkin’s adorable mischief and the slapstick antics of Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the hapless thieves. While it may not quite live up to the first film, Home Alone 2 is still a fun and festive romp that’s sure to entertain the whole family.
2. Dennis the Menace (1993)
Based on the classic comic strip character, Dennis the Menace follows the misadventures of Dennis Mitchell (Mason Gamble), a precocious 5-year-old with a knack for getting into trouble. When his parents go out of town, Dennis is left in the care of his grumpy old neighbor, Mr. Wilson (Walter Matthau), who quickly finds himself at his wit’s end trying to keep up with the energetic youngster.
Meanwhile, a burglar named Switchblade Sam (Christopher Lloyd) has escaped from prison and is planning to rob the Mitchells’ house. It’s up to Dennis and his trusty slingshot to save the day and teach Switchblade Sam a lesson. With plenty of slapstick humor, silly pranks, and a heartwarming message about the importance of family and community, Dennis the Menace is a fun and lighthearted movie that captures the mischievous spirit of Home Alone.
3. The Goonies (1985)
While not strictly a holiday movie, The Goonies has the same sense of childhood adventure and camaraderie that makes Home Alone so endearing. Set in the small coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, the film follows a group of misfit kids who call themselves “The Goonies.” When their homes are threatened with foreclosure, the gang sets out on a quest to find the long-lost treasure of the legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy, hoping to save their neighborhood.
Along the way, they encounter booby traps, underground caverns, and a family of bumbling criminals who are also after the treasure. With a young cast that includes Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and Josh Brolin, The Goonies is a classic coming-of-age tale full of humor, heart, and a sense of childlike wonder. It’s the perfect movie for families who love a good adventure story with a touch of nostalgia.
4. Jumanji (1995)
Another ’90s classic that captures the same sense of fantastical adventure as Home Alone is Jumanji. Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie stars Robin Williams as Alan Parrish, a man who has been trapped inside a magical board game for 26 years. When two young siblings, Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce), find the game and begin to play, they unwittingly release Alan back into the real world, along with a host of dangerous jungle creatures.
To finish the game and undo the chaos, Alan must team up with Judy, Peter, and his childhood friend Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) to face their fears and overcome the game’s challenges. With groundbreaking special effects, thrilling action sequences, and Williams’ signature humor and heart, Jumanji is a wild and entertaining ride that’s perfect for families who love a good adventure.
5. The Sandlot (1993)
Set in the summer of 1962, The Sandlot is a nostalgic coming-of-age tale that captures the magic and mischief of childhood. The movie follows Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry), a shy and awkward kid who moves to a new town and struggles to make friends. When he joins a neighborhood baseball team, he quickly learns the ins and outs of the game and forms close bonds with his teammates.
But when Scotty borrows a prized baseball from his stepdad and accidentally hits it over the fence into a yard guarded by a massive and mysterious dog known as “The Beast,” he and his friends must band together to retrieve it before anyone finds out. With plenty of laughs, heart, and a killer soundtrack of ’60s hits, The Sandlot is a beloved classic that celebrates the joys and adventures of childhood friendship.
6. The Little Rascals (1994)
Based on the classic series of short films from the 1920s and ’30s, The Little Rascals updates the mischievous antics of the He-Man Woman Haters Club for a new generation. The movie follows Spanky (Travis Tedford), Alfalfa (Bug Hall), and their gang of friends as they navigate the ups and downs of childhood in their small town.
When Alfalfa falls for Darla (Brittany Ashton Holmes), a new girl in town, he risks being kicked out of the club and losing his friends. Meanwhile, the gang gets into all sorts of hijinks, from building a go-kart for the big race to putting on a talent show to save their beloved clubhouse. With a cast of adorable child actors and plenty of slapstick humor, The Little Rascals is a fun and nostalgic romp that captures the mischievous spirit of childhood.
7. Beethoven (1992)
For families who love a good animal adventure, Beethoven is a must-watch. The movie follows the Newton family, who adopt a lovable but mischievous St. Bernard puppy named Beethoven. As Beethoven grows into a massive and slobbery adult dog, he becomes a beloved member of the family, but also causes his fair share of chaos and destruction.
When a villainous veterinarian (Dean Jones) tries to kidnap Beethoven for his own nefarious purposes, the Newton kids must band together to save their furry friend. With plenty of laughs, heart, and adorable doggy antics, Beethoven is a fun and heartwarming movie that’s perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
8. The Parent Trap (1998)
A remake of the 1961 classic, The Parent Trap stars Lindsay Lohan in her breakout role as twin sisters Hallie and Annie, who were separated at birth when their parents divorced. When the girls meet by chance at summer camp, they hatch a plan to switch places and reunite their estranged parents (Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson).
But when their father’s new fiancée (Elaine Hendrix) threatens to ruin their scheme, the girls must work together to save their family. With Lohan’s charming double performance, plenty of hijinks and heartwarming moments, and a soundtrack full of ’90s hits, The Parent Trap is a delightful family comedy that’s sure to leave you smiling.
9. Matilda (1996)
Based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, Matilda follows the story of a brilliant and precocious young girl (Mara Wilson) with telekinetic powers. Neglected by her self-absorbed parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman) and tormented by her cruel school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Pam Ferris), Matilda finds solace in books and in the kindness of her teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz).
As Matilda learns to harness her powers, she sets out to stand up to the bullies in her life and create a better world for herself and her friends. With a whimsical tone, colorful characters, and a message of empowerment and self-reliance, Matilda is a charming and inspiring movie that celebrates the magic of childhood.
10. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
For families who love a good sports movie, The Mighty Ducks is a classic underdog tale with plenty of laughs and heart. The movie stars Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay, a self-centered lawyer who is sentenced to community service coaching a ragtag youth hockey team.
At first, Gordon is reluctant and resentful, but as he gets to know the kids and their struggles, he begins to care about the team and helps them believe in themselves. With a lovable cast of young actors, including Joshua Jackson and Elden Henson, and plenty of exciting hockey action, The Mighty Ducks is a fun and inspiring movie that’s perfect for families who love to cheer for the underdogs.
11. The Wizard (1989)
A hidden gem from the late ’80s, The Wizard follows the story of Jimmy (Luke Edwards), a young boy with a mysterious talent for video games. When Jimmy runs away from home with his brother Corey (Fred Savage) and a streetwise girl named Haley (Jenny Lewis), they embark on a cross-country road trip to compete in the ultimate video game championship in California.
Along the way, they encounter colorful characters, rival gamers, and plenty of classic Nintendo games, all while evading the authorities and Jimmy’s concerned parents. With a nostalgic ’80s soundtrack, a fun and adventurous tone, and a young Christian Slater in a supporting role, The Wizard is a quirky and entertaining movie that’s perfect for families who love video games and road trip adventures.
12. The Karate Kid (1984)
A classic coming-of-age tale with a martial arts twist, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a teenage boy who moves to a new town and finds himself the target of a group of bullies. When Daniel befriends an eccentric handyman named Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), he begins to learn the art of karate and the importance of discipline, respect, and inner strength.
As Daniel trains for the ultimate showdown against his rival, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), at the All-Valley Karate Tournament, he learns valuable lessons about standing up for himself and facing his fears. With iconic moments like the “wax on, wax off” training montage and the final tournament fight, The Karate Kid is a timeless classic that’s sure to inspire and entertain the whole family.
13. The Princess Bride (1987)
A beloved fairy tale adventure with a healthy dose of humor and heart, The Princess Bride follows the story of Buttercup (Robin Wright), a beautiful young woman who is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries and must be rescued by her true love, Westley (Cary Elwes). Along the way, Westley encounters a host of colorful characters, including a vengeful swordsman (Mandy Patinkin), a gentle giant (Andre the Giant), and a cunning Sicilian (Wallace Shawn).
Framed as a story being read by a grandfather (Peter Falk) to his sick grandson (Fred Savage), The Princess Bride is a witty and whimsical tale full of memorable quotes, exciting action scenes, and a timeless romance. It’s the perfect movie for families who love a good fairy tale with a twist.
14. The Neverending Story (1984)
Based on the beloved children’s book by Michael Ende, The Neverending Story follows the adventures of Bastian (Barret Oliver), a shy and imaginative boy who discovers a magical book that transports him to the fantasy world of Fantasia. As Bastian reads the story of Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), a young warrior on a quest to save Fantasia from a dark force called “The Nothing,” he begins to realize that he has a crucial role to play in the story himself.
With groundbreaking special effects, a soaring soundtrack, and a message about the power of imagination and storytelling, The Neverending Story is a timeless classic that’s sure to enchant and inspire viewers of all ages. Just try not to cry during the famous “Artax in the Swamp of Sadness” scene.
15. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a heartwarming and iconic tale of friendship and adventure. The movie follows the story of Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends a stranded alien creature and helps him find his way back home, all while evading government agents who want to capture and study E.T.
With groundbreaking special effects, a touching story of friendship and family, and plenty of memorable moments (who can forget the iconic bicycle chase across the moon?), E.T. is a timeless classic that’s sure to delight and inspire viewers of all ages. It’s the perfect movie for families who believe in the magic of friendship and the power of imagination.
16. The Incredibles (2004)
A thrilling and hilarious superhero adventure from Pixar, The Incredibles follows the story of the Parr family, a group of superheroes who have been forced to live a quiet suburban life after a series of lawsuits and public backlash against “supers.” When Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) is lured back into action by a mysterious villain named Syndrome (Jason Lee), his wife Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and their kids Dash (Spencer Fox), Violet (Sarah Vowell), and baby Jack-Jack must band together to save the day.
With stunning animation, a witty script, and plenty of exciting action scenes, The Incredibles is a fun and thrilling movie that celebrates the power of family and the importance of being true to yourself. It’s the perfect movie for families who love superheroes and adventure.
17. The Iron Giant (1999)
Set during the Cold War era, The Iron Giant follows the story of Hogarth (Eli Marienthal), a young boy who befriends a giant robot from outer space that crash-lands near his small town. As Hogarth teaches the giant about the world and helps him hide from government agents who want to destroy him, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of choice.
With stunning hand-drawn animation, a touching story of friendship and acceptance, and a powerful anti-war message, The Iron Giant is a modern classic that’s sure to resonate with viewers of all ages. It’s the perfect movie for families who believe in the power of empathy and the importance of standing up for what’s right.
18. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
This classic family comedy follows the misadventures of a wacky scientist named Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) who accidentally shrinks his own children and the neighbor’s kids down to the size of insects with his latest invention. The miniaturized kids must navigate the perils of their own backyard, which suddenly seems as vast and dangerous as a jungle, while their parents frantically search for them.
With inventive special effects, slapstick humor, and a heartwarming story about family, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids captures the sense of adventure and resourcefulness that makes Home Alone so endearing. It’s a fun and thrilling movie that will delight kids and adults alike.
19. Blank Check (1994)
Every kid dreams of having a million dollars to spend however they want, and that’s exactly what happens to 11-year-old Preston Waters (Brian Bonsall) in this wacky comedy. When a money laundering scheme goes awry, a blank check made out to “cash” accidentally falls into Preston’s hands, and he gleefully fills it out for a cool million.
With his newfound wealth, Preston goes on a wild spending spree, buying a mansion, go-karts, and all the toys and junk food he can handle. But when the crooks come looking for their missing money, Preston must use his wits and resourcefulness to outsmart them and save the day. Like Home Alone, Blank Check is a fun wish-fulfillment fantasy with plenty of slapstick humor and kid-friendly hijinks.
20. Little Monsters (1989)
This quirky horror-comedy follows Brian (Fred Savage), a young boy who discovers that his new neighbor Maurice (Howie Mandel) is actually a wacky monster from under his bed. Maurice introduces Brian to a secret world of playful monsters who sneak into kids’ bedrooms at night to pull pranks and have fun.
But when Brian’s younger brother is kidnapped by the wicked “Boy” (Frank Whaley), the ruler of the monster world, Brian and Maurice must team up to save him and defeat the villain. With a mix of scares, laughs, and heartfelt moments, Little Monsters is a unique and entertaining movie that captures the imagination and adventurous spirit of childhood, similar to Home Alone.
With this collection of 20 movies like Home Alone, you’ll have plenty of options for your next family movie night. From classic comedies to heartwarming adventures, these films all feature resourceful kids, bumbling criminals, and plenty of laughs and excitement. So grab some popcorn, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a delightful movie marathon full of mischief, magic, and family fun. Happy watching!
