Buzz
Certain movie titles have become iconic and are unlikely to be reused. Can you picture a future film being named Casablanca, Star Wars, or There Will Be Blood? These titles are firmly established. However, if a movie doesn’t achieve classic status or a loyal following, its title may be reused. Below is a list of films (none of which are remakes) that have had their titles repurposed for higher-budget, more prominent movies—some with greater success, others less so. Be cautious when selecting your next Netflix rental!
10. Speed 1936 and 1994
Both films revolve around the theme of speed, albeit in vastly different contexts. The 1936 version stars Jimmy Stewart as a test-car driver aiming to use his innovative carburetor in the Indy 500. Expect plenty of racing sequences and stock footage. The New York Times described it as a “decent program picture,” though it could have been more thrilling with a villain threatening to blow up the car if it slows below 55 mph. Boom!
9. The Fugitive 1947 and 1993
Or, in Spanish, “El Fugitivo.” The 1947 film boasts notable contributors—John Ford, Henry Fonda, and a story based on a Graham Greene novel—making it puzzling why it remains relatively obscure. While the Harrison Ford version is excellent, the earlier film is also worth watching. Fonda portrays a priest fleeing a presumably communist Central American regime intent on eradicating religion.
8. Broken Arrow 1950 and 1996
In the 1950 movie, John Travolta and Christian Slater are absent. Instead, Jimmy Stewart takes the lead, portraying a scout attempting to prevent conflict between white settlers and the Apache tribe. The film is notably progressive for its era, portraying Native Americans sympathetically as victims of white aggression—think of it as a 1950s precursor to Dances With Wolves. Contrast this with the 1996 version, where John Woo delivers explosive action and high-octane sequences.
7. Titanic 1953 and 1997
Can you deduce the theme of these films? The 1953 version, less renowned, stars Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck as a married couple facing marital strife, with their issues brought into sharp relief by an iceberg collision. The film was well-received, even securing an Oscar for Best Screenplay, but it was eclipsed by 1958’s A Night to Remember and James Cameron’s blockbuster.
6. Fire Down Below 1957 and 1997
Separated by four decades and a world of differences. Based on a Max Catto novel, the 1957 film centers around a steamy romance set in the sweltering Caribbean. To heighten the drama, the ship carrying the main characters bursts into flames. The movie features a star-studded cast—Rita Hayworth, Robert Mitchum, and Jack Lemmon—though it falls short of being memorable. It’s safe to assume it’s far superior to its Steven Seagal follow-up, which focuses on a heroic environmentalist. In the latter, the “fire down below” refers to explosive action and fiery destruction.
5. Bad Boys 1983 and 1995
Sean Penn stars as Mick, a teenage delinquent who accidentally kills the brother of a gang leader, Esai Morales, sparking a quest for vengeance. Sent to a juvenile detention center, Mick awaits his grim destiny. The film is well-regarded, with critics praising Penn’s standout performance, hinting at his future success. However, the movie struggles in its latter half. In contrast, the 1995 Michael Bay version is quintessential Bay—flashy, action-packed, and exactly what you’d expect.
4. Twister 1989 and 1996
Both films focus on tornadoes, but the 1989 version had a much smaller budget compared to its 1996 counterpart. Surprisingly, the tornado itself doesn’t appear in the earlier film. Directed by Michael Almereyda, the original Twister follows a troubled Kansas family, led by cult favorite Harry Dean Stanton. The movie blends subtle comedy and drama, earning praise as an odd yet endearing hidden gem. It might be worth a watch—especially since Bill Paxton is notably absent.
3. Twilight 1998 and 2008
Coming up with one more movie for this list was challenging, but here it is. Picture this: months from now, you visit Blockbuster to rent a teen vampire flick, only to discover you’ve picked a crime drama starring Paul Newman and Gene Hackman. Multiply this scenario by millions, and you’d have a nation in chaos due to furious teenage girls! Jokes aside, I haven’t seen either of these identically-titled films, so I can’t vouch for their quality—though the 1998 movie comes from Robert Benton and Richard Russo, the duo behind beloved dramas like Nobody’s Fool and Empire Falls.
2. Crash 1996 and 2005
Both films revolve around car crashes, albeit in vastly different ways. The 1996 David Cronenberg film (rated NC-17) explores a sexual fetish tied to car accidents, featuring James Spader and Holly Hunter. It’s likely the most well-known “original” film on this list, earning a 64% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. However, when Paul Haggis’s 2005 film debuted, Cronenberg famously labeled him a “(bleep)hole” for “stealing” the title.
1. Gladiator 1992 and 2000
This version lacks Russell Crowe or barbarian armies. Instead, it stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. and James Marshall as underground boxers. The film is largely unremarkable, receiving lukewarm reviews and performing poorly at the box office.
