Macaulay Culkin is a household name in America. His rise to fame in the early 90s as a child actor with his iconic role in the Christmas classic, “Home Alone” made him one of the most recognizable child stars at the time. Although his career has had its ups and downs since then, he remains an important figure in popular culture – many of his movies still resonate with audiences today.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of Macaulay Culkin‘s best works throughout his career and explore how they have shaped both pop culture and Culkin’s own personal fortunes over time. From family favorites to coming-of-age classics, these movies are sure to be remembered for years to come.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Macaulay Culkin Movies
Without a doubt, Macaulay Culkin‘s movies have left an indelible mark on popular culture. His films have also enjoyed some amount of financial success. In this section, we’ll delve into the top 10 highest-grossing box office films on his movie list. We’ll analyze the most successful movies of his career and their impact on the film industry.
| Movies | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|
| “Home Alone” (1990) | $476.7 million |
| “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992) | $359 million |
| “Uncle Buck” (1989) | $79.2 million |
| “My Girl” (1991) | $59.4 million |
| “The Good Son” (1993) | $44.7 million |
| “Richie Rich” (1994) | $38 million |
| “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990) | $26.1 million |
| “Getting Even with Dad” (1994) | $18.1 million |
| “The Pagemaster” (1994) | $13.6 million |
| “Party Monster” (2003) | $742,898 |
Top 10 Best Macaulay Culkin Movies
1. “Home Alone” (1990)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 80%
“Home Alone” is a “family comedy without the family.” Directed by Chris Columbus, the plot follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. Kevin must fend off two burglars who are trying to rob his home, using his wit and resourcefulness.
The film was a massive box office success and remains a beloved classic to this day. It received critical acclaim for its humor and memorable performances. Macaulay Culkin‘s portrayal of Kevin McCallister earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. “Home Alone” is considered one of the most successful and iconic movies on Macaulay Culkin’s movies list.
2. “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990)
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 84%
“Jacob’s Ladder” is a psychological horror film about a Vietnam War veteran, Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), who struggles to separate reality from hallucinations. The film explores themes of death, trauma, and the afterlife.
Macaulay Culkin plays the role of Gabe, the young son of Jacob. His character appears in flashbacks and dream sequences as a reminder of Jacob’s struggle to come to terms with his past.
The film received critical acclaim for its haunting atmosphere, gripping storyline, and powerful performances. It was praised for its exploration of the human psyche and its ability to create a sense of unease in the viewer.
While Culkin’s role in the film is relatively minor, his performance was widely praised by critics who noted his ability to convey complex emotions and add depth to the story. Jacob’s Ladder remains a standout film on the Macaulay Culkin movies list and is considered a cult classic in the horror genre.
3. “Uncle Buck” (1989)
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77%
“Uncle Buck” is a comedy film about Buck (John Candy), a bachelor, who is left in charge of his brother’s children when their parents have to leave town suddenly. Throughout the film, Buck faces various challenges as he attempts to take care of the rebellious Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly), mischievous Maizy (Gaby Hoffmann), and shy Miles (Macaulay Culkin).
Despite the obstacles, Buck learns about the importance of family and responsibility. “Uncle Buck” received critical acclaim for its witty humor and endearing storyline. Specifically, Macaulay Culkin‘s performance as Miles Russell was highly praised for his natural acting ability.
Culkin’s scenes with John Candy were particularly memorable, cementing “Uncle Buck” as a beloved classic on the Macaulay Culkin movies list. Additionally, the film showcases the comedic genius of the late John Candy, further contributing to its enduring popularity.
4. “My Girl” (1991)
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77%
In “My Girl,” Macaulay Culkin plays the role of Thomas J. Sennett, a best friend to the main character Vada Sultenfuss. The film tells the story of Vada, an 11-year-old girl who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother. Alongside her best friend Thomas J., Vada navigates the challenges of adolescence and learns important lessons about love and loss.
“My Girl” received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and strong performances. It was praised for its ability to tackle difficult themes such as death and grief in a sensitive and heartfelt manner. Macaulay Culkin‘s portrayal of Thomas J. was particularly well-received, with many critics praising his natural charm and on-screen chemistry with co-star Anna Chlumsky.
The film has since become a beloved classic and a staple on the Macaulay Culkin movies list.
5. “Saved!” (2004)
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 78%
“Saved” is a satirical comedy-drama that explores the world of Christian high schools in the United States. The plot follows a devout teenager who becomes pregnant in an effort to “save” her gay boyfriend. As Mary navigates the challenges of her pregnancy, she grapples with her own faith and the hypocrisy of her school’s religious community. Macaulay Culkin plays the role of Roland, a wheelchair-bound student who is questioning his sexuality.
Critics praised the film’s witty script and strong performances, with many hailing it as a biting critique of religious fundamentalism. Despite its controversial subject matter, “Saved” was well-received by audiences and received a decent rating. Culkin’s performance as Roland was also noted for its nuance and sensitivity. In fact, some critics believe it is one of the actor’s best roles in the Macaulay Culkin movies list.
6. “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)
IMDb rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62%
In “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” Macaulay Culkin reprises his role as Kevin McCallister. This time, Kevin gets separated from his family while traveling and ends up in New York City. While there, he faces off against the Wet Bandits once again and must use his wits and booby traps to protect himself and the city’s Christmas toys.
Critics were somewhat mixed, with some praising the humor and Culkin’s performance, while others felt it was too similar to the original. Despite this, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” was a commercial success.
7. “Party Monster” (2003)
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 75%
“Party Monster” is a biographical drama film based on the book “Disco Bloodbath” by James St. James. It tells the story of two club promoters, Michael Alig (Macaulay Culkin) and James St. James (Seth Green), and their rise to fame in the New York City club scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. As they become more successful, their drug use increases, leading to a downward spiral of addiction, crime, and ultimately murder.
Despite mixed reviews, Macaulay Culkin‘s performance as Michael received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the troubled and complex character. He convincingly portrayed Michael’s descent into drug addiction and his eventual downfall, which led to a murder conviction.
Culkin’s performance in “Party Monster” was a departure from his previous roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The film, while not a box office success, has since gained a cult following and remains a noteworthy entry on the Macaulay Culkin movies list for his compelling performance.
8. “The Good Son” (1993)
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 54%
In “The Good Son,” Macaulay Culkin plays the role of Henry, a seemingly sweet and innocent child who is actually a disturbed and violent sociopath. The movie follows Henry’s cousin Mark (Elijah Wood) as he spends time with his family, including Henry, after his mother dies.
Culkin’s performance was widely praised, with many critics noting that it was a departure from his previous roles and showcased his range as an actor. The movie’s success helped to further establish Culkin as one of the most talented and versatile child actors of his generation. Without a doubt, “The Good Son” is a good addition to this Macaulay Culkin movies list.
9. “The Pagemaster” (1994)
IMDb rating: 6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 48%
“The Pagemaster” is a live-action/animated adventure film on the Macaulay Culkin movies list. Culkin stars as Richard Tyler, a timid young boy who is afraid of almost everything, especially any sort of risk or danger. One day, while running errands for his parents, Richard seeks shelter from a storm in a library, where he meets the Pagemaster, a mysterious librarian who sends him on an epic journey through classic literature to find his way home.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its inventive blend of live-action and animation, as well as Culkin’s performance as Richard Tyler. However, others criticized the film for its uneven tone and lack of character development. Despite its mixed critical reception, “The Pagemaster” has remained a cult classic among fans of ’90s family films.
10. “Only the Lonely” (1991)
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 50%
“Only the Lonely” is a romantic comedy-drama film about a lonely Chicago cop, Danny Muldoon (John Candy), who falls in love with a funeral home worker, Theresa Luna (Ally Sheedy). Danny’s overbearing mother, Rose (Maureen O’Hara), disapproves of his relationship, making it difficult for him to choose between his mother and his newfound love. Macaulay Culkin plays the role of Danny’s nephew, Billy Muldoon, who also faces similar emotional turmoil in his life.
The film was generally well-received by critics, who praised the strong performances of the cast, including Culkin’s character Billy Muldoon. Critics also commended the film’s heartfelt and humorous portrayal of family dynamics and relationships. “Only the Lonely” is often regarded as one of the standout movies on Macaulay Culkin‘s movies list.
More BuddyTV Movie Suggestions
We hope that this article has given you a fresh perspective on the best movies on Macaulay Culkin‘s movie list. And if you’re looking for more movie suggestions, be sure to keep visiting BuddyTV. We’ll continue to bring you engaging articles that highlight the best movies and TV shows worth watching.
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