12 Most Memorable Quotes from Home Alone

Home Alone is considered one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time. Here are some of the most memorable lines from the film, spoken by characters such as Kevin, Harry, Marv, Gus Polinski, and Uncle Frank.

Created by John Hughes, directed by Chris Columbus, and featuring a talented cast including Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Daniel Stern, Joe Pesci, and the young actor from Uncle Buck, Home Alone was initially anticipated to be a moderate success during the Christmas season of 1990.

The tale of an 8-year-old boy inadvertently left behind by his family during their holiday trip to France, and subsequently defending his home from burglars, captured the global imagination. This led to the movie becoming a massive success, as it remained at the top of the box office for an astonishing 12 weeks, raking in $475 million from an $18 million budget. This made Home Alone the most successful comedy of all time, and propelled actor Macauley Culkin to stardom.

Top 12 best quotes in Home Alone

Home Alone is best known for its physical comedy, but the script also delivers plenty of clever and funny lines for Kevin McAllister's chaotic family and the bumbling burglars, Marv and Harry.

Kevin also spends a substantial portion of the film engaging in monologues, which young Macauley Culkin delivers in an utterly charming manner. So here are 12 of the most memorable quotes from Home Alone.

Aunt Leslie: “Fuller! Go easy on the Pepsi.”

Kevin is horrified to discover that his cousin Fuller wets the bed, especially since they have to share a sleeping space. The thought of those wet sheets sends shivers down the 8-year-old's spine, especially when he sees the mischievous grin on Fuller's face, implying that the sheets will be soaked again.

Kate: “Kevin!”

This is when Kate McCallister realizes she has accidentally left her son in Chicago. Catherine O'Hara's delivery of the line is filled with wide-eyed panic, making it a memorable moment in the trailer and a quote that she repeated in the sequel/remake Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

Johnny: “Keep the change, ya filthy animal.”

During a moment of solitude, Kevin indulges in a classic black-and-white gangster film titled 'Angels with Dirty Faces.' In the movie, a gangster named Johnny ruthlessly guns down a rival and cruelly refers to him as a "filthy animal." The harrowing scene leaves Kevin shaken, but he cleverly remembers the line and later uses it to deceive the intruders in his own home.

Kevin: “This is ridiculous. Only a wimp would be hiding under a bed. And I can’t be a wimp. I’m the man of the house.”

The movie begins with Kevin being tormented by his family, who believe he needs to mature. As the movie progresses, Kevin undergoes a transformation, with a particular line serving as a pivotal moment that pushes him to take charge of his own life and his home.

Marv: “Harry, it’s our calling card. All the great ones leave their marks. We’re the wet bandits!”

During the holiday season, Marv and Harry invade homes and pilfer whatever they can lay their hands on. In addition to the theft, they maliciously flood the houses, leaving a trail of destruction. This reckless act ultimately leads to their downfall as the authorities are able to link them to every crime they have committed. Oops!

20th Century Fox

The Wet Bandits! Daniel Stern as Marv and Joe Pesci as Harry in Home Alone.

Harry: “Merry Christmas little fella. We know that you’re in there and that you’re all alone.”

The family film Home Alone features the funny antagonists Marv and Harry, but their comedic roles are only effective if they also appear to pose a legitimate threat. By casting renowned Hollywood tough guy Joe Pesci as Harry and giving him menacing lines, the movie intensifies the sense of danger for Kevin, ultimately raising the stakes for the grandstanding climax of Home Alone.

Uncle Frank: “If it makes you feel any better, I forgot my reading glasses.”

As played by Gerry Bamman, Uncle Frank might be even more awful than the Wet Bandits, and this line could be the most horrible – and funny – thing he says.

Kevin: “Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.”

Kevin indulges in unhealthy food and indulges in watching disturbing movies when left home alone, living out a child's ultimate wish. However, as the thrill of freedom fades, he comes to the painful realization that he longs for his family. This leads Kevin to make a heart-wrenching plea to a phony Santa, with the hope that it will reach the real Santa.

Gus: “Allow me to introduce myself – Gus Polinski – Polka King of the Midwest.”

Midway through Home Alone, John Candy makes a memorable appearance as the “Polka King of the Midwest.” When Kate fails to recognize him, Gus serenades her with one of his polka songs, featuring the repetitive lyrics: “Polka, polka, polka.” He then proceeds to list a series of quirky polka tunes and gives a brief demonstration of ‘The Polka Twist.’ This cameo solidifies Candy's performance as the perfect addition to the film.

Marv: “Why the hell are you dressed like a chicken?”

Kevin: “You guys give up, or are you thirsty for more?”

During the confrontation between Kevin and the Wet Bandits, Marv is struck in the face with an iron and walks across a floor scattered with glass, while Harry is drenched in glue and feathers. This leads to one of the film's most humorous scenes, where Marv questions why Harry is "dressed like a chicken."

Kevin: “I went shopping yesterday… I got you milk, eggs, and fabric softener.”

As a child, the Wet Bandits didn't view Kevin McCallister as a significant threat initially. However, after experiencing the iron, feathers, and glass, their perspective changed. And that's before the Micro Machines came into play. Kevin refuses to back down and yells these words before delivering a double dose of paint-can pain to the pair.

You can currently stream Home Alone on Disney+, available for sign up here. For more TV and movie coverage, click here. At first glance, Home Alone appears to be a story about a child defending his home from intruders. However, it is truly a tale of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister coming of age, a realization that dawns on the reunited family when Kevin reveals the preparations he made while home alone. This signifies Kevin's growth and maturity.

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Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of the Home Alone franchise, I can say that these 12 quotes perfectly encapsulate the humor, heart, and excitement of the original film. From Kevin's iconic line, "Keep the change, ya filthy animal," to Uncle Frank's unforgettable "Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal," these quotes have become a part of pop culture and are still beloved by fans today.

Macaulay Culkin's portrayal of Kevin McCallister is nothing short of iconic, and his delivery of these lines is pitch-perfect. His natural charisma and comedic timing shine through in every scene, making him the perfect choice for the role. Overall, these quotes perfectly capture the essence of Home Alone and its enduring legacy as a holiday classic.