Our Favorite ‘Home Alone’ Gags for the Upcoming Holiday Season
There are plenty of reasons to rewatch Home Alone every December, but watching Harry and Marv get absolutely demolished is somewhere near the top of the list. The movie came out in 1990, and somehow those traps still make people laugh even when they know exactly what’s coming. Joe Pesci’s angry muttering and Daniel Stern’s ridiculous screams do a lot of the heavy lifting, although Macaulay Culkin gets some great moments of his own. Not every joke involves somebody getting hurt, either. Kevin’s attempts at enjoying his newfound freedom are pretty funny before the burglars even show up. It’s a Christmas movie that understands the value of a well-timed pratfall.
The Aftershave Scream
Kevin decides to try some of his father’s aftershave, then lets out that famous scream in front of the mirror. His hands never even leave his cheeks.
The Fake Gangster Movie
Kevin plays a violent scene from Angels with Filthy Souls to scare the pizza delivery guy. The poor man believes he’s being threatened by an actual gangster.
The Fake Christmas Party
To convince the burglars someone is home, Kevin throws a party using mannequins, cardboard cutouts, and a model train. The dancing silhouettes are surprisingly convincing.
The Staircase Sled Ride
With no parents around to stop him, Kevin rides his sled straight down the staircase and out the front door. It’s a terrible idea executed beautifully.
The BB Gun Surprise
Harry tries talking Kevin into opening the door and gets shot in the groin. Marv investigates through the dog door and receives a shot to the forehead.
The Icy Steps
Kevin covers the entrances with water and lets the Chicago winter do the rest. Harry and Marv both discover that walking on ice is suddenly impossible.
The Red-Hot Doorknob
Harry grabs the front doorknob without realizing Kevin has heated it. Watching him register what’s happening before he finally lets go makes the whole thing funnier.
The Falling Iron
Marv pulls a cord in the basement and an iron drops directly onto his face. The iron-shaped mark left behind is a particularly nice touch.
The Basement Nail
After losing his shoes and socks on the sticky stairs, Marv plants his bare foot on an exposed nail. Daniel Stern’s reaction is almost painful to watch.
The Grocery Bag Disaster
Kevin manages to buy groceries all by himself, but the victory doesn’t last long. Both shopping bags suddenly split open, sending everything spilling across the sidewalk.
The Swinging Paint Cans
Kevin sends heavy paint cans swinging down the staircase, catching Harry and Marv square in the face. Their attempts to keep climbing make it even better.
The Tarantula
Kevin drops Buzz’s tarantula onto Marv’s face, triggering one of the loudest screams in Christmas movie history. Harry’s attempts to understand the situation only make things worse.
Kevin’s Christmas Dinner
Kevin prepares macaroni and cheese, sets the table, and says a little prayer before eating. Unfortunately, the burglars arrive before he can enjoy a single bite.