Home Alone (1990) is a holiday classic packed with humor, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Written by John Hughes in just nine days, it became the highest-grossing film of its year and earned a Guinness World Record for live-action comedy. From Kevin's clever traps to the bumbling Wet Bandits, there's no shortage of trivia-worthy details.
Here’s a quick look at the key highlights:
- Kevin's Favorite Pizza: Cheese pizza from Little Nero's.
- Villains' Nicknames: Wet Bandits (original) and Sticky Bandits (sequel).
- Fake Movie: "Angels With Filthy Souls."
- Iconic Trap: Heated doorknob with an "M" imprint.
- Sequel Setting: Kevin stays at the Plaza Hotel in NYC.
- Famous Line: "Keep the change, ya filthy animal!"
Whether you're a casual fan or a trivia pro, this article covers everything from behind-the-scenes facts to iconic quotes. Dive in to relive the magic of Kevin McCallister’s adventures!
Can You SURVIVE This Home Alone Movie Quiz
Main Characters
Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, is the heart of Home Alone. Director Chris Columbus specifically cast Culkin for his natural charm and relatability, noting his slightly bent ear as part of what made him stand out.
"He's a real kid... He had a great voice that was not annoying, it was just charming, and he was really funny."
The villains, Harry Lyme and Marv Murchins - better known as the Wet Bandits - bring slapstick chaos to the story. By the sequel, they rebrand as the Sticky Bandits, with Marv hilariously using sticky tape in their schemes.
The McCallister family dynamic adds depth to the plot. Kevin, the youngest in a chaotic household, often butts heads with his siblings, particularly his older brother Buzz, who frequently bullies him. Then there's Uncle Frank, whose sharp remarks highlight the family tension:
"Look what you did, you little jerk!"
Kate McCallister, Kevin's mom, is protective but struggles to express her emotions openly. Kevin's feelings of being overlooked are especially clear in Home Alone 2, as shown in his heartfelt exchange with the Pigeon Lady:
"Yeah it's sort of like that in my family, I'm kind of the pigeon of the house just because I'm the youngest."
Kevin’s quick thinking and ingenuity are constant throughout both films, while the Wet Bandits' evolution into the Sticky Bandits underscores their bumbling, persistent nature. These character moments and transformations create many of the franchise's most unforgettable scenes and trivia-worthy moments.
Movie Settings and Story
The famous McCallister house at 671 Lincoln Boulevard in Winnetka, Illinois, serves as the unforgettable backdrop for Kevin's clever defense in Home Alone. While the exterior shots showcase the real house, most of the interior scenes were filmed on a specially built soundstage. This detailed setup provided the perfect stage for the film's creative trap sequences.
Kevin sets up 14 traps throughout the house, ranging from icy front steps and a heated doorknob to basement hazards like tar-covered stairs with a nail and a falling iron . Key moments include swinging paint cans on the main staircase and broken Christmas ornaments scattered near the back window - every entry point becomes part of his plan to stop the Wet Bandits .
In one memorable scene, Kevin ventures out to Rockford Schnucks for groceries, spending $19.83 in 1990 - an amount that would be $58.54 in 2024 . These well-thought-out settings and iconic moments not only drive the story but also remain a favorite topic for fan quizzes.
The careful attention to both locations and traps has cemented the movie's legacy, making its settings just as iconic as its characters. Even today, these details continue to engage fans and fuel trivia challenges.
Production Facts
Home Alone's production offers a deeper look into the bold choices and efforts that contributed to its lasting success.
The idea for the film came to John Hughes as he prepared for a family vacation. He wondered, "What if I left my 10-year-old son at home?" This simple thought grew into an eight-page concept and eventually a full screenplay. Initially, Warner Bros. was involved but backed out due to budget concerns, even after Hughes promised to keep costs under $10 million. Ultimately, 20th Century Fox stepped in, financing and distributing the film, which ended up costing $18 million .
Joe Pesci adjusted his usual acting style to suit the family-friendly tone, replacing his typical language with humorous gibberish to enhance the physical comedy . Meanwhile, John Candy completed all his scenes in just 23 hours, improvising much of his dialogue .
Cinematographer Julio Macat used wide shots to highlight both the action and the characters' reactions, ensuring the comedy landed effectively. He attributed the film's success to several key factors: John Hughes' sharp script, strong performances, precise editing, and John Williams' unforgettable score. Macat's approach mirrored the slapstick, cartoon-like energy of the movie, enhancing its unique comedic style .
"It's very rare that you have every single facet of filmmaking come together in one project. John Hughes' script was really good, the performances were really good. It was edited really well, and then, John Williams comes in and scores it. Everything was firing on all cylinders. We all tried really hard to do something special and all the elements came together. I'm still waiting for that to happen on another film." – Julio Macat, ASC
The production team transformed the gymnasium of New Trier Township High School into a two-story set for indoor scenes, while outdoor shots stayed true to the iconic Winnetka house .
Famous Lines and Moments
Home Alone stands out for its unforgettable lines and scenes. One of the most iconic moments is when Kevin slaps on aftershave and lets out a piercing scream: "AHHHHHHH!" . This scene perfectly captures the film's playful humor.
Another standout is Kevin's clever use of the fictional gangster movie Angels with Filthy Souls. He boldly declares:
"Hey, I'm gonna give you to the count of ten, to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister off my property, before I pump your guts full of lead!... 1... 2... 10! Keep the change, ya filthy animal!"
The movie also delivers emotional weight. One of the most memorable moments is when Kate McCallister realizes Kevin is missing and screams his name in a mix of panic and heartbreak: "KEVIN!" This line has become one of the most quoted from the film.
These moments showcase the movie's perfect balance of humor and heartfelt emotion, making it a lasting favorite.
Home Alone 2 Questions
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York takes Kevin's misadventures to New York City, offering a fresh backdrop for his clever traps and unforgettable encounters.
Duncan's Toy Chest, inspired by the iconic FAO Schwarz toy store, plays a key role in the story. Kevin uncovers Harry and Marv's scheme to rob the store on Christmas Eve. Mr. Duncan gives Kevin turtle dove ornaments, which later serve as a meaningful symbol of friendship .
The sequel also introduces the touching character of the Pigeon Lady, played by Brenda Fricker . Her backstory reveals a woman who has distanced herself from others after being betrayed, mirroring Kevin's own struggles with loneliness .
Kevin's traps in his uncle's abandoned townhouse are even more intricate this time, showcasing his knack for outsmarting the burglars:
| Location | Trap | Victim |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Pearls scattered on floor | Harry & Marv |
| Roof | Dropped four bricks | Marv |
| Basement | Monster Sap Soap | Marv |
| Bathroom | Blowtorch & kerosene toilet | Harry |
| Stairs | Rolling tool chest | Both |
In Central Park, the Pigeon Lady steps in to help Kevin. She throws birdseed on Harry and Marv, attracting a swarm of pigeons and ensuring their capture. This chaotic scene leads to their arrest .
"We paid the fee, but he also said, 'The only way you can use the Plaza is if I'm in the movie'." - Chris Columbus, Director
Behind-the-scenes details like this highlight the film's mix of humor and creativity, making it a memorable sequel.
1. What is Kevin McCallister's favorite pizza topping?
Kevin McCallister's go-to pizza topping is plain cheese. He orders a cheese pizza from Little Nero's Pizza for $11.80, a small but pivotal detail in the story's setup . The infamous fight with his brother Buzz over this pizza is what ultimately leads to Kevin being left home alone .
Kevin famously declares, "A lovely cheese pizza, just for me", before cleverly using a clip from Angels with Filthy Souls to convince the delivery boy that an adult is in the house .
Fun fact: Filming this scene required twenty pizzas, and Little Nero's is a playful nod to the real-life pizza chain Little Caesars .
Liz Barrett captures the nostalgic charm of pizza perfectly:
"Growing up, when you're a kid, you associate pizza with all things that are fun. As you get older, that stays with you. You remember the warm fuzzy feelings of being a kid and enjoying pizza with your family."
2. What do Harry and Marv call themselves?
In the original Home Alone, Marv comes up with the nickname "Wet Bandits" to describe his quirky habit of leaving the water running at the scenes of their crimes. Harry, however, isn't a fan of this idea. By the time Home Alone 2 rolls around, Marv has rebranded them as the "Sticky Bandits" - this time inspired by his use of double-sided sticky tape during a heist . Unsurprisingly, Harry remains unimpressed with the new name.
"We're the Wet Bandits!" - Harry
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3. What movie does Kevin watch alone?
In Home Alone, Kevin watches a made-up gangster movie called "Angels With Filthy Souls." This short clip, lasting one minute and twenty seconds, was specifically created for Home Alone and filmed in just one day on a soundstage set up inside an old high school gym.
The title pays homage to the 1938 gangster classic "Angels with Dirty Faces." In the fictional scene, Ralph Foody plays the gangster Johnny, while Michael Guido takes on the role of Snakes. Interestingly, Foody was cast despite having undergone knee replacement surgery, which influenced some production choices.
"I believe the title was decided upon only because we needed to create a label for the tape Kevin puts in the VHS player." – Dan Webster, art director
Kevin famously uses this scene to outsmart a pizza delivery boy, delivering the iconic line: "Keep the change, ya filthy animal!"
The popularity of this faux film led to a follow-up in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, titled "Angels With Even Filthier Souls." Ralph Foody reprised his role as Johnny for the sequel.
"That was perfectly fine with me since they were both fun roles. But a few years later I realized that I was just about the only actor from the original film who was not invited to be in the sequel because my character was 'dead.' Oh well." – Michael Guido
4. How many brothers and sisters does Kevin have?
Kevin McCallister is the youngest of five siblings. He has two brothers (Buzz and Jeff) and two sisters (Megan and Linnie) . Among his siblings, Kevin often finds himself at odds with his older brother Buzz, who enjoys teasing him.
"When I grow up and get married, I am living alone." – Kevin McCallister
5. What does Kevin use to fake the house party?
Kevin pulls off a clever trick to scare off burglars by creating the illusion of a lively party. He uses mannequins, cardboard cutouts, a record player playing party noises, and even firecrackers to simulate gunshots. To top it all off, Chuck Berry's "Run Run Rudolph" plays in the background as he orchestrates the scene.
This mix of props and sound effects makes the house seem full of people, successfully fooling the intruders. Up next, see if you can tackle the next Home Alone trivia question!
6. Which hotel does Kevin stay at in Home Alone 2?
In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin McCallister stays at the Plaza Hotel, one of New York City's most famous landmarks. Using his dad's credit card, he manages to check in and enjoy the luxury it offers.
The Plaza Hotel has embraced its connection to the movie through special fan experiences. For instance, it offers a "Home Alone 2" package that lets fans relive some of Kevin's adventures. Memorable scenes include Kevin indulging in a massive ice cream sundae in the Royal Plaza Suite and leaving in a white limo after tipping the doorman with gum. These scenes were filmed with permission from Donald Trump, who owned the hotel at the time. In return, Trump made a cameo, pointing Kevin toward the lobby .
Interestingly, the Talkboy recorder, initially created as a prop for the movie, became a popular toy, selling for $29.99 .
Ready for the next Home Alone trivia? Let’s see how much you know!
7. Who plays Kevin's mom Kate McCallister?
Catherine O'Hara takes on the role of Kate McCallister in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. She delivers an unforgettable portrayal of a frantic mother doing everything she can to reunite with her son after accidentally leaving him behind.
O'Hara's career began in 1974 at The Second City in Toronto, and she has since appeared in iconic films like Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas. She’s also known for her roles in Christopher Guest's mockumentaries. More recently, her award-winning performance in Schitt's Creek has highlighted her ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments .
Her portrayal of Kate McCallister remains a defining part of the Home Alone series.
8. What does Kevin put on the doorknob?
In one of the most unforgettable traps in Home Alone, Kevin uses an electric charcoal starter to heat the front doorknob, transforming a simple household tool into a clever defense mechanism . When Harry grabs the scorching doorknob, he burns his hand, leaving an "M" imprint - likely from the monogram on the door . Normally used to light barbecue coals, the electric starter becomes an unexpected weapon in Kevin's arsenal. After the burn, Harry plunges his hand into the snow, emphasizing both the trap's impact and Kevin's sharp planning. This scene perfectly highlights Kevin's ability to think on his feet and use everyday objects in creative ways.
9. Which New York landmark does Kevin visit?
In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin McCallister makes a stop at Carnegie Hall, located at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue. This visit plays a pivotal role in Kevin's New York adventure.
At Carnegie Hall, Kevin meets the Pigeon Lady, who shares a heartfelt reminder: "Good deeds can replace bad ones." Her words inspire Kevin to take action against Harry and Marv. Meanwhile, the bandits are nearby, plotting their next move to escalate their criminal plans.
"He's pampered a lot by a lot of people, but not me, and I think he likes that." - Joe Pesci
This moment at Carnegie Hall becomes a turning point for Kevin, strengthening his determination and setting the stage for his next clever moves to outwit his enemies.
10. What is the gangster movie name in both films?
In both Home Alone and its sequel, the fictional gangster movie is called "Angels with Filthy Souls", followed by a sequel in Home Alone 2 titled "Angels with Even Filthier Souls."
The title is a nod to the 1938 gangster movie "Angels with Dirty Faces," which earned three Oscar nominations . The team behind the clip shared their thought process:
"We really wanted to do an homage to the movie [Angels With Dirty Faces], but we really didn't watch it a lot. We just wanted the feel of a classic gangster film."
"I believe the title was decided upon only because we needed to create a label for the tape Kevin puts in the VHS player."
The scene stars Ralph Foody as Johnny and Michael Guido as Snakes, with Johnny's unforgettable line: "Keep the change, ya filthy animal!" . Fun fact: the original Home Alone script included a scene where Harry and Marv, now in prison, were watching "Angels with Filthy Souls" with other inmates .
Conclusion
These Home Alone trivia questions aren’t just a fun way to test your memory - they bring people together during the holidays. As Cheap Trivia puts it: "When people gather for Christmas trivia, they're not just looking to test their memory - they're there for nostalgia, humor, and a shared experience that connects them back to the joy of their favorite holiday memories" .
For bar and restaurant owners, these questions can turn slow nights into lively events. The film's incredible run as the #1 box office hit for twelve weeks straight proves its lasting popularity, making it a perfect theme for gatherings.
Want to make your Home Alone trivia night unforgettable? Here are a few tips:
| Idea | How to Make It Work |
|---|---|
| Set the Mood | Use Christmas lights and play the movie's soundtrack |
| Add Visuals | Show famous scenes between trivia rounds |
| Offer Rewards | Hand out movie-themed prizes or holiday gift bundles |
| Mix It Up | Combine easy questions with behind-the-scenes trivia |
The key is to go beyond a simple Q&A. Create an atmosphere that feels immersive and fun, whether it’s a family get-together or a professional trivia event. By blending iconic moments with little-known facts about the film, you’ll keep both casual fans and superfans engaged.
Take it a step further with decorations inspired by the movie, festive snacks, and interactive rounds. These touches will leave your guests with great memories and ensure they’ll want to come back for more. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a large-scale event, these trivia ideas bring the magic of Home Alone to life for everyone.