Home Alone (1990)

The holidays are essentially synonymous with Home Alone's Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin). Chris Columbus' beloved 1990 comedy revolves around an eight-year-old boy (Culkin) who's mistakenly left on his own after his family departs for their Christmas vacation. The McCallister clan, led by mom Kate (Catherine O'Hara) and dad Peter (John Heard), realize their oversight when they're en route to Paris, but by then mischievous (and highly resourceful) Kevin is well on his way to a memorable Christmas. Playing host to his family's Chicago mansion, he fends off burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), a.k.a. The Wet Bandits, with a slew of stealthy tricks. Nominated for two Oscars, the film is hilarious, heartwarming, and holiday-necessary.