Buzz
It seems that Hollywood's well of fresh ideas is running dry. For every original film, there's another adaptation—whether it be a comic book, video game, novel, or even a stage play—that takes center stage at the box office. Among the main culprits behind this lack of originality are remakes. By simply revamping an older film with updated visuals, flashy editing, and modern special effects, these films are often able to rake in huge profits opening weekend. Yet, contrary to popular belief, there are remakes that are not only well executed but also manage to entertain.
10. The Fly 1986
David Cronenberg's reimagining of the 1958 classic delivers a chilling and ultimate body horror experience. With Jeff Goldblum cast as the tragic scientist Seth Brundle and Geena Davis as the woman caught in his transformation, the film becomes a disturbing yet deeply emotional tale. At the time, Davis and Goldblum were in a real-life relationship, and this chemistry shines through in the film. Davis brilliantly portrays the agony of watching her lover morph into a grotesque human-insect hybrid, making the audience feel her horror and heartbreak. The result is a film that, despite its grotesque and disturbing elements, is oddly moving and heart-wrenching.
9. Ocean’s 11 2001
George Clooney is the only actor who can match Frank Sinatra's cool factor, and he does it effortlessly. Steven Soderbergh crafts a flawless ensemble heist film, where every character gets their moment to shine. Clooney and Brad Pitt share an on-screen chemistry that elevates the entire film, making their partnership one of the best in cinematic history. The pacing is perfect, and the witty, sharp dialogue adds to the charm. Though Ocean’s 12 didn't quite reach the same heights as the first, it still kept audiences entertained until the release of the superior Ocean’s 13.
8. The Blob 1988
With a screenplay by Frank Darabont (The Mist, Shawshank Redemption, Nightmare on Elm Street 3) and direction by Chuck Russell (Nightmare on Elm Street 3), this remake far exceeds the original Steve McQueen version. It takes the typical 1950s scenario and turns it on its head. Instead of the typical heroic jock, he's actually the creature's second victim, leaving the town's fate to a rebellious motorcycle-riding teen (Pre-Entourage Kevin Dillon) and a goody-two-shoes cheerleader (Pre-Saw Shawnee Smith). Darabont's script is both chilling and comedic, while all the actors play it straight, never allowing the cheesy elements to show.
7. The Italian Job 2003
The early 2000s saw a trend of making criminals more entertaining, with Ocean's 11 leading the charge. It was time for another heist film to catch the public's eye. Mark Wahlberg brings great charisma to his role, making his character, Charlie Croker, likeable and engaging. Edward Norton, on the other hand, plays the villain well but sometimes seems to be going through the motions. Rumor has it that this was his final film for Paramount due to a contractual obligation, which might explain his lackluster performance in some scenes.
6. The Hills Have Eyes 2006
Wes Craven's original The Hills Have Eyes desperately needed a remake, as it was far from scary or engaging. Alexandre Aja, fresh from the success of High Tension, took the concept of a family stranded in the desert and under attack by terrifying, cannibalistic mutants, and turned it into a true horror spectacle. While Aja has become known for his remakes (Mirrors, Piranha 3D), this film proves his skill behind the camera, delivering a much more intense and disturbing experience.
5. The Magnificent Seven 1960
The idea of turning Akira Kurosawa's epic The Seven Samurai into a Western with an Eurasian actor in one of the main roles might have seemed absurd, but director John Sturges embraced it and delivered one of the most action-packed Westerns of all time. With legendary stars like Charles Bronson, James Coburn, and the iconic Steve McQueen, this film is an exhilarating ride that will leave viewers breathless and fully entertained.
4. Payback 1999
Few actors can match the sheer toughness of Lee Marvin, but Mel Gibson does a stellar job in this remake of Richard Stark's The Hunter. Gibson nails the gravelly voice of Porter, sounding like he's been chain-smoking non-stop for months. Director Brian Helgeland does a solid job behind the camera, although his original cut was reportedly very different from the version that hit theaters. Still, the film succeeds in its attempt to deliver a gritty neo-noir experience.
3. The Thing 1982
John Carpenter is a legend in the horror genre, and nowhere is this more evident than in Halloween. However, the film that truly showcases his ability to handle horror on a larger scale is his remake of Howard Hawk’s chilling alien invasion film, The Thing From Another World (1951). Carpenter’s second collaboration with Kurt Russell delivers a bloody, suspense-filled classic that still manages to terrify me to this day. The film's unsettling atmosphere is partly due to Rob Bottin’s incredible makeup effects, which remain so impressive that they still outperform CGI in terms of practical on-camera accomplishments.
While there are certainly remakes that fall flat (I’m looking at you, The Hitcher, When A Stranger Calls, The Jackal, etc.), there are still plenty of remakes that are highly enjoyable and, in some cases, even surpass the originals they’re based on.
2. Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978
A fro’d out Donald Sutherland teams up with Jeff Goldblum and Leonard 'Stop Calling Me Spock' Nimoy to stop an alien invasion. This film is full of nods to the original, including a cameo by Kevin McCarthy, who warns of the invasion just like in the 1956 version. With special effects that still impress today, this version is far superior to the two remakes that followed, both of which left audiences bored to tears.
1. King Kong 2005
Peter Jackson displayed real courage by choosing to remake one of his childhood favorites after delivering one of the most successful film trilogies ever. Upon its release, the film divided many of his fans. Some critics found the movie too long and felt it should have been trimmed down, while others preferred the director's cut released on DVD over the theatrical version. Personally, I loved the film when I saw it in theaters and felt that Jackson succeeded in bringing his vision of one of cinema's most tragic love stories to life.
