The 1990s was filled with many incredible movies, and some feel that the decade boasts the best year in movie history. Over time, there have been several '90s films that have become legitimate classics, including Home Alone.
Home Alone had an uphill battle to be made, but it became a classic of the Holiday season. The film has many iconic elements, including the McCallister house that is heavily featured in it. A lot has changed since the house made its debut in the film, and fans are curious to know if this beloved piece of movie history still exists.
Let's take a closer look at Home Alone, and see if the iconic McCallister house is still standing today.
'Home Alone' Continues To Trend Today
1990's Home Alone was a film that wasn't supposed to become an iconic part of the holidays. Sure, it has John Hughes as writer, and Chris Columbus as director, but crafting a genuine classic is a Herculean task. Thanks to never coming some serious adversity, these two men turned the film into a piece of cinema history.
The film's production took place out in Illinois, and at one point, the project was completely scrapped while filming. Thankfully, another studio scooped up the rights, and production rolled on.
Starring Macaulay Culkin, Home Alone was the right film at the right time for fans. Culkin was exceptional as Kevin McCallister, and his hijinks in the film were hilarious.
Everything seemed to be working out well enough for the movie, but the cherry on top was getting John Williams to do the film's score. It completely elevated the movie, and for many of us, Williams' music is the ultimate Holiday soundtrack.
After grossing well over $400 million globally, the film was officially a smash hit. It gave way to several notable sequels, and it's place in history is one that will likely never fade away.
The movie has a number of iconic elements, including the house that Kevin lives in.
The McCallister Home Is An Iconic Part Of The Movie
The McCallister home is as recognizable as any home in movie history, and it was chosen by the Chris Columbus and John Hughes.
"We needed to cast a house that would work for the stunts and also a house that was visually appealing and, if this makes sense, warm and menacing at the same time. It’s the kind of house, if you were a kid, it would be fun to be left home alone," the director said.
After getting a chance to see it in the movie, people were curious about where the house actually was, and it's location was revealed.
"Located about 16 miles outside of Chicago, the now-iconic house sits at 671 Lincoln Avenue," Inquisitr writes.
For the movie, stages were used for virtually every room in the house, meaning that the actual rooms themselves were kept private.
"Of the interiors, only the living room and the foyer’s grand staircase were featured in the movie. For the rest of the indoor scenes, the crew built a two-story set inside the gym of an abandoned school in town, New Trier Township High School," the site continues.
Though it has been decades, most of us can still picture that beautiful home in our minds. The big question now is simple: is the house still standing today?
The McCallister House Still Exists
So, after all these years, does the McCallister house still exist? Thankfully, it does!
"The Winnetka house is now estimated to be worth as much as $2 million. And, while it doesn't look like it will be featured in Disney+’s Home Sweet Home Alone remake -- for which Culkin has showed support on Twitter -- the original movie has certainly put the house on the map," Inquisitr reports.
It's still a popular destination for people to visit, especially those that grew up with the beloved classics.
The family who owned the home while filming was underway were more than happy to have their home used in the movie.
"It was just one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that you would never dream would happen to you. If faced with that decision back then, knowing what I know now, I would certainly do it, absolutely," they said.
Though it has since been sold, it still stands proudly in Illinois, and it still draws plenty of visitors.
If you're wanting to get the full Home Alone experience, then be sure to drive on by, pop on John Williams' brilliant score, and enjoy the waves of nostalgia washing over you.