I guess I’m kind of on a roll here, that and it’s something different. Trying to change it up a bit, for myself and for the 31 Days Of Horror that we have going on here. This is my list of the top 10 Horror Movie Remakes.
The Evil Dead remake brought a fresh and terrifying perspective to the cult classic horror franchise created by Sam Raimi. Directed by Fede Alvarez, this reimagining of the original 1981 film successfully maintained the chilling essence of the series while introducing modern cinematic techniques and special effects.
Jane Levy was great as Mia, the beleaguered protagonist who, along with her friends, finds herself trapped in a remote cabin in the woods, battling malevolent forces and gruesome possessions. Her battle with addiction was a fresh aspect for the series. The film’s unrelenting intensity, visceral gore, and commitment to practical effects managed to pay homage to its source material while carving out its own place in the annals of horror cinema.
The remake of Fright Night brought a modern twist to the classic 1985 vampire horror film. Directed by Craig Gillespie, it starred Anton Yelchin as the protagonist Charley Brewster and Colin Farrell as the seductive and menacing vampire Jerry Dandrige. David Tennant’s portrayal of Peter Vincent, a flamboyant magician and vampire expert, added a unique and entertaining element to the film.
The film aimed to captivate a new generation of horror enthusiasts while paying homage to the original. With its updated setting in a suburban Las Vegas neighborhood and a darker, more intense tone, the remake successfully blended humor, suspense, and horror. While it may not have achieved the same cult status as the original, the Fright Night remake provided a fresh take on the vampire genre and offered a thrilling, albeit somewhat underrated, cinematic experience.
The 2006 remake of The Hills Have Eyes is a gritty and intense reimagining of Wes Craven’s 1977 horror film. Some would call the original a “classic,” but I’m not one of them. This is another case of a proper remake, taking a bad movie and making it great. This remake takes the terror to a whole new level as it tells the story of a family whose vacation in the desert takes a nightmarish turn when they become stranded and hunted by a group of mutated, cannibalistic hill-dwellers.
With its graphic violence, relentless suspense, and visceral gore, the film offers a modern and unflinching take on the horrors of isolation and human depravity. The cast delivers strong performances, and the film’s disturbing imagery and eerie setting create a truly unsettling atmosphere. The remake successfully stands on its own as a terrifying and brutal horror experience.
This is the only movie on the list, that I haven’t seen the original, so I can’t compare it at all. Not that I would want to. Originally I wasn’t going to have movies on here if I hadn’t seen the original, but that seemed unfair to the remakes.
Let Me In is a haunting and emotionally charged horror film directed by Matt Reeves. A remake of the acclaimed Swedish film Let the Right One In, which is an adaptation of the book. It tells the story of a lonely and bullied young boy named Owen, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, who forms a mysterious and profound connection with his enigmatic new neighbor, Abby, portrayed by Chloe Grace Moretz.
Unbeknownst to Owen, Abby is a vampire, and their bond transcends the supernatural as they navigate the complexities of friendship and love amidst a backdrop of violence and darkness. Let Me In masterfully combines horror elements with a poignant exploration of human emotions, making it a standout in the genre and a thought-provoking meditation on loneliness, youth, and the lengths one might go to for acceptance.
The It remake brought Stephen King’s horror novel to the silver screen with a fresh and terrifying approach. This adaptation successfully captures the eerie essence of the source material, following a group of children in the town of Derry as they confront a shape-shifting entity that often takes the form of the sinister clown Pennywise.
Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of Pennywise was particularly chilling, infusing the character with a malevolence that’ll haunt your nightmares. As much as I don’t like the original, I do have to give credit to Tim Curry’s performance as Pennywise in it. The only creepy and memorable thing, next to tipping over a giant spider.
The remake adeptly balanced horror with heartfelt coming-of-age moments, making it not only a terrifying experience but also a touching exploration of friendship and the trials of adolescence. With its engaging storytelling and impressive visual effects, the It remake revitalized the horror genre and became a critical and commercial success, paving the way for a highly anticipated sequel. I only wish the same could be said about It: Chapter Two.
I’ve already written about The Fly remake, during Film Club, along with the other contributors. So I’ll keep this short. The Fly remake, directed by David Cronenberg, is a masterful reimagining of the classic 1958 science fiction film. There, the end.
I got jokes, but seriously, the remake expertly blends elements of horror and body horror, that only Cronenberg could do. Making this one of the greatest remakes ever put to film. His vision of The Fly remains a classic in the annals of science fiction and horror cinema, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
Speaking of movie remakes that star Jeff Goldblum…
The Invasion of the Body Snatchers remake is a chilling and suspenseful reinterpretation of the classic 1956 science fiction film. The updated version captures the paranoia and existential dread of its predecessor while infusing it with a fresh sense of modernity and a more intense sense of horror. Set in San Francisco, the film follows the journey of a health inspector, played by Donald Sutherland, and his colleagues as they uncover a sinister conspiracy involving alien pod-like creatures that replicate humans while they sleep, effectively creating emotionless duplicates. Sounds like San Francisco now.
The film is lauded for its eerie atmosphere, outstanding performances, and its ability to tap into the societal fears of conformity and loss of individuality. With its thought-provoking themes and chilling suspense, the Invasion of the Body Snatchers remake remains a standout in the realm of sci-fi horror cinema.
The remake of Little Shop of Horrors brought a fresh and exciting twist to the cult classic original, this being more aimed at the stage show musical. With a modernized approach, the infamous carnivorous singing plant, Audrey II, took on a whole new level of spectacle. The movie blended elements of dark comedy, horror, and musical theater, creating a visually captivating experience that paid homage to the original while adding its own unique flavor.
The updated special effects and a stellar cast brought the story to life, including a standout performance by Steve Martin as the sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello, DDS. Frank Oz’s directorial prowess shines through in every frame, as the film skillfully navigates the balance between homage to the original and innovative storytelling. You can’t help but be mesmerized by this delightful and diabolical cinematic experience.
I recently talked about Dawn of the Dead in my Top 10: Zombie movies list, so I’ll keep this pretty brief.
This reimagining of the horror classic, created by George A. Romero, managed to strike a delicate balance between paying homage to the original while infusing it with a modern take on the collapse of civilization. The film retained the core premise of survivors taking refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse but amped up the action and intensity. Dawn of the Dead remake succeeded in capturing the spirit of the original while offering its own thrilling take on the zombie genre.
John Carpenter’s 1982 remake The Thing, stands as a testament to the enduring power of practical effects, suspenseful storytelling, and the fear of the unknown. This sci-fi horror classic takes the foundation of Howard Hawks’ 1951 film The Thing from Another World and elevates it to a whole new level of terror.
Set in the desolate and freezing landscape of Antarctica, the film centers around a group of researchers stationed at an isolated research facility. The crew learn of an extraterrestrial organism can perfectly mimic any living being it consumes, leading to an intense battle of survival and trust in an environment where no one can be trusted.
Carpenter’s direction is masterful, creating a palpable atmosphere of dread and paranoia. The film’s isolated Antarctic setting intensifies the sense of claustrophobia and isolation, leaving us, the viewer, feeling as trapped as the characters. What truly sets it apart is this exploration of trust and the erosion of human bonds when faced with an unimaginable threat. As the crew members grow increasingly suspicious of one another, it delves into the psychological horrors of paranoia, making it as much a study of human nature as a creature feature.
The Thing is a masterpiece of horror cinema that has stood the test of time. With its groundbreaking practical effects, unforgettable characters, and a story that taps into our deepest fears, it remains a pinnacle of horror. Who can you trust when you can’t trust anyone?
Let me know what you think and what are your favorite horror movie remakes.
