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Remakes often spark controversy, particularly within the horror genre. Many fans are hesitant to see their beloved classics reimagined for modern audiences, as the results are frequently disappointing. Notably, remakes of films like Halloween, The Haunting, and The Wicker Man received harsh criticism from both critics and horror enthusiasts.
However, there are instances where remakes not only respect the originals but, in some cases, even outshine them in various aspects. This list delves into the ten finest horror remakes, ranked according to their Rotten Tomatoes scores from critics. To commemorate Halloween, this article has been updated on October 27, 2023, with some new additions and information on where you can stream these horror remakes for your Halloween viewing enjoyment.
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The 10 Best Horror Movie Remakes
Fright Night (2011) – 72%
Fright Night, a remake of the 1985 film with the same title, follows the story of a teenager named Charlie (played by Anton Yelchin). He discovers that his neighbor, Jerry (portrayed by Colin Farrell), is a vampire and must find a way to defeat him to protect his friends, mother, and girlfriend. The movie takes the classic vampire concept and updates it for a modern-day suburban setting in Las Vegas. It presents a more savage and animalistic vampire, in contrast to the traditional vampire in the original film.
Fright Night was released during the tail end of the trend of remaking horror movies, but unfortunately, it didn’t perform well at the box office. This is regrettable because the film is actually quite good. It received positive reviews from critics, and fans of the original were pleased with the modern take on the story. Over time, the movie has developed a dedicated fan base and is now considered an excellent example of a successful horror remake.
Cape Fear (1991) – 75%
Martin Scorsese directed the 1991 remake of “Cape Fear,” originally a 1962 film with Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, and Polly Bergen. The updated version features Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, and Jessica Lange in the lead roles. De Niro delivers a chilling performance as Max Cady, a convicted rapist who uses his legal knowledge to seek revenge on the prosecutor who sent him to prison.
The film heavily emphasizes psychological horror. Interestingly, Steven Spielberg was initially set to direct “Cape Fear” as he had developed the project. However, Spielberg eventually found the film’s violence excessive and handed it over to Scorsese. As a result, Scorsese passed on “Schindler’s List,” which Spielberg took on. This decision led both directors to create highly successful projects, marking an important chapter in their careers.
Dawn of the Dead (2004) – 76%
The announcement of Universal Pictures remaking George Romero’s iconic 1978 film, Dawn of the Dead, was met with strong opposition from fans who cherished the original zombie movie. People were furious that someone would dare to modernize this beloved classic. What added to the outrage was the fact that a first-time director was leading the project. It was seen as a horrific idea.
However, when Zack Snyder’s adaptation was released on March 19, 2004, it pleasantly surprised zombie enthusiasts. They hailed it as a worthy successor to the original film. The screenplay by James Gunn, along with the performance of Sarah Polley, received praise from critics. While George Romero expressed his dissatisfaction with the film, many still consider it to be the standout achievement in Zack Snyder’s extensive career.
The Thing (1982) – 85%
Director John Carpenter took a 1951 classic and completely transformed it by incorporating what some consider the finest practical effects ever seen in a film. Initially declining the project, Carpenter’s rendition of “The Thing” is now considered a classic in its own right. It expands upon the original by revealing more of the monster and heightening the tension among the ensemble cast.
Featuring notable actors like Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilfred Brimley, and Donald Moffat, “The Thing” received predominantly negative reviews upon its initial release and performed poorly at the box office. Consequently, Carpenter was removed from the Stephen King adaptation of “Firestarter,” which was supposed to be his next project. However, with the rise of VHS and home video, “The Thing” eventually gained a cult following and went on to influence directors like Guillermo del Toro, J.J. Abrams, and Quentin Tarantino. Some even consider it Carpenter’s most significant film, possibly surpassing “Halloween” in importance.
It (2017) – 86%
The 1990 television miniseries is often celebrated mainly for Tim Curry’s exceptional performance as Pennywise, while the rest of the Stephen King adaptation is generally considered forgettable. When director Andy Muschietti released a new big-screen adaptation of “It” in 2017, there was a lot of anticipation.
Fortunately, “It” not only met but exceeded expectations, receiving positive reviews and achieving remarkable success at the box office. This success has granted Muschietti the freedom to select his future projects. With a talented young cast, both the 2017 film and its sequel propelled Bill Skarsgård to stardom as he took on the role of Pennywise. Some have even drawn comparisons between his performance and Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker in “The Dark Knight.” Regardless, it’s undeniable that the 2017 version of “It” greatly outshines the original miniseries.
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We Are What We Are (2013) – 86%
This lesser-known remake is a reimagining of the 2010 Mexican movie with the same title. It made its debut at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and had a limited release in New York and Los Angeles before reaching a wider audience. However, it didn’t gain much attention, grossing only $81,000 at the box office.
Set in the Catskill Mountains, the film revolves around a religious family grappling with the loss of their matriarch early in the story. They face an upcoming ritual that has been a family tradition for centuries, which now falls upon the shoulders of the two young daughters. Unhappily for them, this ritual involves cannibalism. The situation becomes even more complicated as curious individuals start prying into the family’s affairs, leading to the exposure of deeply buried family secrets and disastrous consequences.
Let Me In (2010) – 88%
Although some people questioned the necessity of remaking a Swedish film, which had been released just two years earlier, director Matt Reeves added his unique touch to “Let Me In,” effectively distinguishing it from its European counterpart, “Let the Right One In.”
Both movies were adapted from the 2004 novel by author John Ajvide Lindqvist, but it was the American remake that drew widespread attention to the book. Chloë Grace Moretz starred as Abby, a centuries-old vampire trapped in a child’s body, who forms a connection with a 12-year-old human boy. “Let Me In” received critical acclaim, with Stephen King even hailing it as the best American horror film of the past two decades, and for good reason. The film boasts powerful performances from its young leads and has the ability to emotionally affect its viewers, delivering a visceral impact.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) – 92%
The 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, directed by Philip Kaufman, is a prime example of a remake that has overshadowed the original. It boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, Donald Sutherland, and Brooke Adams.
Exploring themes of conformity and paranoia, Invasion of the Body Snatchers presents a haunting portrayal of an alien invasion where extraterrestrial beings do not arrive with destructive weapons, but instead gradually replace humans with emotionless duplicates. Regarded as one of the most exceptional remakes in cinematic history, the film also earns recognition as one of the finest examples of sci-fi horror.
The Fly (1986) – 93%
In 1986, the original version of The Fly wasn’t widely noticed, so when David Cronenberg released his updated adaptation, viewers were profoundly affected by the striking visuals they witnessed on the silver screen.
Starring the real-life couple Jeff Goldblum and Gina Davis, The Fly showcases Cronenberg’s signature style of body horror as we witness a man’s horrifying transformation into a grotesque hybrid of a human and a fly throughout the film’s progression. This remake significantly outshines the original in every imaginable aspect, allowing the audience to connect with Goldblum’s character prior to his disturbing metamorphosis, eliciting sympathy for him. As the story unfolds, our desire to see Gina Davis end his suffering becomes more pronounced, and the film delivers on this front.
Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) – 95%
Werner Herzog, the renowned German filmmaker, directed Nosferatu the Vampyre, which serves as a modern reinterpretation of the iconic 1922 silent film starring Max Schreck as Count Orlok. In this updated version, the troubled German actor Klaus Kinski portrays Count Dracula, delivering a truly chilling performance.
The original film lacked the rights to adapt Bram Stoker’s novel, but Herzog was able to make the movie as the copyright had expired, allowing him to use the name Dracula for the main character. Today, Nosferatu the Vampyre is regarded as a classic in its own right, featuring visually striking cinematography while retelling a familiar and beloved story. It also delves deeper into the character of the vampire, providing audiences with insight into his solitude.
A new remake, starring Bill Skarsgård as the titular character, is scheduled for release in 2024.
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