Macaulay Culkin crowns ‘Home Alone 2’ as the better film - for the money

Macaulay Culkin says ‘Home Alone 2’ beats the original because of higher pay and a share of merchandising profits.

Macaulay Culkin has settled the age-old debate over which of his iconic Christmas films reigns supreme and for him, it all comes down to the paycheck. Appearing on the latest episode of Hot Ones, the actor was asked to choose between the 1990 hit Home Alone and its 1992 sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Without hesitation, he chose the sequel, quipping, ‘I got paid more. I think I own five percent of the net. And also 15 percent of the merchandising. So, if you buy a Talkboy I’m like, yeah, I’ll take 15 percent of that. Thank you very much. By the way, buy a Talkboy this Christmas.’

Both Home Alone films remain festive staples and box office legends, but Culkin’s affection for the sequel is also rooted in fond memories of working with the cast. Catherine O’Hara, who played his on-screen mother, spoke warmly of him at his 2023 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, saying his effortless charm was what made the films so beloved worldwide.

The actor has embraced his holiday legacy in recent years, touring the country with A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin, where he hosted screenings followed by Q&As. One viral moment from last season came when he recalled Joe Pesci accidentally biting his finger while rehearsing a scene, allegedly to make himself more menacing to the young star.

Culkin laughed about the incident, joking that Pesci once told him he hadn’t been home in three years, prompting the actor to quip about the unexpected competition. Despite the playful rivalry and the on-set mishaps, Culkin clearly holds affection for his time as Kevin McCallister, especially when it comes with residuals and merchandising checks decades later.