Summary

• Remakes can be distinct films that offer innovative interpretations while still paying homage to the original, as seen in films like CODA and 12 Monkeys.
• A successful remake can breathe new life into familiar stories and make them more relevant or appealing to contemporary audiences, like The Magnificent Seven (2016) and War of the Worlds (2005).
• Some remakes stand out for their significant changes from the original, such as Little Shop of Horrors (1986) and The Thing (1982), which introduced new elements and endings that made them unique and memorable.

Hollywood is no stranger to remaking films, and sometimes these remakes are so unique they become entirely new movies that are nothing like the original. Thanks to advancing graphic effects, CGI, and changing societal and cultural views, there's a growing trend to give classic films a fresh spin or explore new storytelling methods. This trend shows that remakes don't have to live in the shadow of their predecessors. They can instead be distinct films, whilst still paying homage to the original. This opens up new and exciting possibilities for the future of film.

For a remake to be worth watching, it has to offer something new that makes it distinctive from the original film. Whether that's changing the plot, the cinematic style, or the themes, most successful remakes go beyond just replicating the original, offering innovative interpretations while staying true to the spirit of the original. While the industry has its share of lackluster remakes, it's possible to produce movie remakes that are better than the original, as they breathe new life into familiar stories and make the story more relevant or appealing to contemporary audiences.

10 CODA (2021)

La Famille Bélier (2014)

CODA, captured global acclaim and an Oscar for Best Picture in 2022. This film is a remake of the 2014 French film The Belier Family, both centering on a musically talented girl as the sole hearing member of a deaf family. A key difference in CODA is the casting of actual deaf actors, enhancing the film's authenticity and depth. CODA's representative cast significantly contributed to the film's impact, with deaf actor Troy Kotsur's exceptional performance earning him an Oscar. The fantastic decision to go with genuine representation drastically sets CODA apart from the original French film.

9 12 Monkeys (1995)

La Jetée (1962)

12 Monkeys, one of the standout sci-fi films of the 1990s, unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a super virus, with survivors sending James Cole (Bruce Willis) back in time to uncover the virus's origins. 12 Monkeys' premise is inspired by Chris Marker's French film La Jetée. Both films share the haunting twist of the protagonist being trapped in a time loop, witnessing their own demise. However, 12 Monkeys has a more traditional filming style compared to La Jetée's experimental, photographic storytelling, allowing it to have a bigger appeal to a wider audience.

8 The Last House on the Left (1972)

The Virgin Spring (1960)

Wes Craven's 1972 film The Last House on the Left is a remake of Ingmar Bergman's Oscar-winning The Virgin Spring. Both films narrate the horrific ordeal of a young girl who is violated and murdered. In a bizarre twist of fate, the attackers unwittingly seek refuge at her parents' home, leading to their bloody retribution. Set in medieval Sweden, The Virgin Spring is a contemplative piece on revenge, while Last House on the Left, set in 1970s New York, indulges in explicit gore and violence. Although bloody, the film does a good job of portraying the inherent evil of the killers without sensationalizing the violence.

7 The Magnificent Seven (2012)

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

Antoine Fuqua's 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven, starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt, stands out for its diverse cast, aligning more accurately with the Wild West's demographics, where a quarter of cowboys were African-American. Set in the U.S., the remake shifts from the original's Mexican farmers battling bandits to American townspeople fending off bandits. Both versions of The Magnificent Seven have their strengths, but Fuqua's film stands out for its diverse casting and modern take on the classic story.

6 The Mummy (1999)

The Mummy (1932)

The beloved adventure film The Mummy is one of Brendan Fraser's best movies, known for his portrayal of the charismatic Rick O’Connell. The 1999 version is a remake of the original Universal Pictures' 1932 film. Both films involve archaeologists inadvertently resurrecting an Egyptian mummy. While the 1932 version offers classic old-school horror, the 1999 adaptation stands out for its blend of whimsy and entertainment. The remake excels at combining humor and adventure with supernatural elements, including some impressive CGI for its time.

5 War of the Worlds (2005)

The War of the Worlds (1953)

In 1938, Orson Welles' radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds captivated audiences. This classic story has since been adapted into two major films: the 1953 The War of the Worlds and the 2005 War of the Worlds. While both depict an alien invasion of Earth, they differ significantly in narrative and style. The 2005 adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, stands out with its compelling characters and captivating cinematography. Spielberg's visionary approach, combined with Cruise's engaging performance, elevates the 2005 version, taking the original radio drama to new heights.

4 Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Little Shop of Horrors (1960)

Little Shop of Horrors (1986), directed by Frank Oz, is a musical starring Rick Moranis as Seymour Krelborn, a florist, and a man-eating plant with ambitions of global domination. This version evolved from an off-Broadway play which itself is a remake of Roger Corman's 1960 black-and-white film. The biggest change in the remake is in the ending: the 1986 version ends with the hero thwarting the plant's invasion plans, While the 1960 film ends with the main character being eaten by the plant. The remake diverges from the original with its blend of horror, comedy, and catchy musical numbers.

3 Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

​​​​​​Rise of the Planet of the Apes, a reboot of a classic franchise and the seventh installment overall, is a remake of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. Set in modern times, ​​​​​​Rise of the Planet of the Apes introduces the Simian flu, leading to humanity's downfall, a stark contrast to Conquest of the Planet of the Apes which takes place in a 1990s totalitarian setting, where a plague eliminates cats and dogs. While Conquest of the Planet of the Apes is an allegory for racial discrimination, ​​​​​​Rise of the Planet of the Apes focuses on animal cruelty and animal testing, offering a thought-provoking exploration into the treatment of animals.

2 Pete's Dragon (2016)

Pete's Dragon (1977)

David Lowery's 2016 remake of Disney's Pete's Dragon differs significantly from the 1977 cartoon. The storyline of the 2016 version shows Pete as a boy who becomes an orphan after a car accident, unlike the original where he was a runaway. In both versions, Pete befriends a magical green dragon named Elliott. The remake transforms Elliot from a hand-drawn scaly creature to a fuzzy, green dragon created using CGI and chooses to move away from the musical genre altogether. By transforming the classic children's fantasy into live action, the film feels far more grounded in reality and heartwarming.

1 The Thing (1982)

The Thing from Another World

John Carpenter's The Thing is a remake of the 1951 The Thing from Another World. While both films center on Arctic scientists battling a lethal alien, Carpenter's 1980s adaptation stands out with its shape-shifting, grotesque creature, created using groundbreaking practical effects. Carpenter's film also focuses on suspicion and betrayal, culminating in a famously ambiguous and chilling finale. It's a stark departure from the optimistic ending of the 1951 film and a moment that cemented The Thing as one of the scariest horror movies of all time.