In 1990, 'Home Alone' became one of the most surprising blockbusters of all time. It grossed $476 million and held the #1 spot at the box office for 12 weeks straight. It remained the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time for over 20 years. The film's success was due to its perfect 'high-concept' premise—a child defending his home from burglars—and the breakout performance of Macaulay Culkin. It proved that family comedies could compete with action blockbusters during the holiday season and established the 'slapstick action' genre as a viable blockbuster format for all ages.