10 Slasher Reboots That Almost Live Up To The Original

During the mid-2000s to early 2010s, it was quite unusual that numerous old movies, particularly slasher films, underwent a revival, aimed at appealing to younger audiences. However, most of these remakes didn’t meet expectations, but some were able to maintain the same level of quality as their original counterparts they were emulating.

Many remakes struggle to gain the same level of fame or success as their initial films. However, a select few manage to showcase enough uniqueness and innovation to warrant their creation. Remakes have developed a negative image over time, which is largely deserved, but these horror movies, to some degree, restore their credibility.

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

The “Evil Dead” series, renowned for its exceptional horror offerings, has been a consistent standout since its inception. Over the years, it has expanded into a trilogy, a reboot, a TV show, and numerous comics. As time passed, the series evolved to incorporate more humor, yet remained just as thrilling and terrifying. However, in 2023, the franchise returns to its grim, disgusting, and violent origins with “Evil Dead Rise”.

This upcoming film transports viewers from a remote, terrifying cabin to a skyscraper, making escape nearly impossible for the victims. Starring Alyssa Sutherland and Lily Sullivan, the movie seamlessly fits into the beloved franchise’s narrative. Despite Ash Williams’ absence, the film delivers everything fans anticipated from an “Evil Dead” legacy sequel. “Evil Dead Rise” marks a new chapter for the series that audiences are eagerly anticipating.

My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)

1981’s “My Bloody Valentine” significantly impacted the slasher genre in multiple ways. Apart from establishing familiar tropes and iconic scenes, the movie served as a catalyst for other holiday-themed slasher movies. Although it wasn’t the highest-grossing slasher film upon release, “My Bloody Valentine” mirrored the success of “Halloween.” Initially, it didn’t garner a massive following, but its popularity grew steadily over time as years passed.

In 2009, joining the wave of 3D movies in cinema, they released My Bloody Valentine 3D. Essentially, the film revisited the plot from the initial version, portraying a once-thriving mining town that was terrorized by a vengeful ghost believed to be a lost miner. However, as the story unfolded, it turned out to be Jensen Ackles’ character who had been behind the killings all along. This unexpected twist showcased some genuine creativity, considering the reboot’s origins. Admittedly, this reboot didn’t achieve the same level of lasting impact as its predecessor, but it remains noteworthy for its inventive approach.

Silent Night (2012)

The “Silent Night, Deadly Night” film series consists of five movies, all notable for their outlandish, low-budget productions. The initial installment focuses on a man who loses his sanity and adopts a Santa Claus persona to carry out multiple murders during the holiday season. Subsequent films escalate in bizarre elements, featuring giant carnivorous insects and Mickey Rooney portraying a malevolent toy maker. However, the series underwent a reboot in 2012, managing to make viewers appreciate “Silent Night, Deadly Night” movies as more than just campy entertainment.

In the spirit of the original story, the movie Silent Night presents a chilling twist with Santa Claus as a masked murderer terrorizing the quaint town of Cryer, Wisconsin. Unlike its predecessor, this modern take on the tale emphasizes the enigma surrounding the killings and delivers a thrilling element of macabre Christmas-inspired slayings, making it one of the standout films in the series despite not being as widely recognized.

Scream (MTV Series)

Kevin Williamson introduced a groundbreaking series of slasher films known as the “Scream” franchise, revolutionizing how audiences experience and appreciate this genre. Today, horror movies are more daring in exploring dark humor due to these pioneering productions. The franchise initially released four movies, followed by two reboots years apart, with another planned for 2026. Despite a brief lull from 2011 to 2022, when the “Scream” series on MTV ran for three seasons, the franchise has generally maintained its popularity and success.

2015 marked the debut of a unique, unseen-before take on the iconic “Scream” and Ghostface for viewers. Each season presented a distinct narrative within the established “Scream” storyline, featuring teenagers being pursued and slain by an enigmatic masked murderer. Regrettably overlooked and undervalued, this series stands as an essential yet often-overlooked chapter in the history of “Scream,” given its placement between two different eras within the franchise’s timeline.

Hellraiser (2022)

Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” stood out as a distinctive, artistic horror film that created a distinct space within the slasher genre. Released in 1987, this film follows Frank, who unwittingly unleashes a gateway to a demonic realm, allowing malevolent entities from another world entry. Among these entities, Pinhead, the main Cenobite, gained widespread recognition. In the year 2022, viewers were treated to the eleventh installment in the series, which also served as a reboot of the franchise.

The eleventh movie, known as Hellraiser, returns to the beloved and time-honored storyline of this series, crafting a unique narrative that fits seamlessly within it. Fans largely appreciated Hellraiser , and a follow-up to the 2022 remake is planned.

Child’s Play (2019)

One standout example of underappreciated horror reboots from recent times is the 2019 version of Child’s Play. The classic Child’s Play, orchestrated by Don Mancini, revolves around a homicidal, demonically possessed doll named Chucky. In this tale, Chucky manages to transfer his spirit into a child’s body in order to survive eternally. Subsequent sequels explored similar themes. However, the ownership rights for the Child’s Play franchise have been a bit confusing over the years, and MGM seized the opportunity to reimagine the story in 2019.

In a fresh take on the original story, “Child’s Play” introduced Mark Hamill as the revamped Chucky, no longer a voodoo doll but an intelligent AI toy that malfunctions with lethal consequences. The reboot maintained the core concept while infusing it with unique elements, resulting in a chilling horror movie experience that might have been more successful if not for the ensuing controversy. Interestingly, Don Mancini and Universal Pictures retained control over the “Chucky” franchise following “Child’s Play,” whereas MGM held rights to only the initial film. This situation enabled them to produce their standalone movie, a move that stirred discontent among fans and well-wishers alike.

Halloween (2007)

Rob Zombie accomplished something extraordinary by re-imagining the horror classic, “Halloween“. While his adaptation shares similarities with the 1978 original – such as Michael Myers returning to Haddonfield, causing turmoil among the town’s youth, and a particular focus on Laurie Strode – the key distinction lies in the reboot’s exploration of Myers’ background. Besides the difference in cinematic quality, this new version delves deeper into the origins of the infamous character.

In the reboot, Michael Myers appears slightly more compassionate. Despite his brutal nature as a murderer, his actions are driven by external factors like his surroundings, rather than being purely evil. The filmmaker, Zombie, makes many innovative choices, such as subtly placing Myers in scenes in the background, to create a movie that pays homage to the original‘s greatness without quite surpassing it, but still offering enough appeal to be worth watching.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

In 2003, the chilling classic “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” was rebooted. The franchise had faltered after the widely criticized “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation,” an unexpected cast for which included Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey. Eager to revitalize the series with a contemporary twist, Platinum Dunes stepped in. This production company, responsible for both timeless and modern horror successes like “A Quiet Place” and “The Purge,” took on the project.

This potential movie could surpass the original in terms of its disturbing and repulsive nature. Although opinions on terror may vary, this remake effectively induces a sense of revulsion that lingers till the very end, leaving viewers uncomfortable until the credits finish playing. In essence, it aims to recapture the same dread and horror experienced in the original film.

The Invisible Man (2020)

The character known as The Invisible Man ranks among the giants of classic horror fiction, alongside Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Wolf Man. His influence in film has remained strong over time, continually providing intriguing and thrilling storylines for numerous adaptations. The 2020 release, titled The Invisible Man, appears to have revitalized interest in this character, as it was perhaps his most well-received portrayal since the original 1933 film.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say it goes like this: Known for his chilling work on the Saw series, another icon in the horror genre has returned with a fresh take on the classic character, The Invisible Man. Instead of the traditional plot of an experiment gone awry, this time around, the Invisible Man is none other than a deceitfully dead tech billionaire, employing a suit equipped with reflective cameras to vanish and terrorize his former partner, portrayed brilliantly by Elisabeth Moss. The fear and suspense that run through this film are unparalleled, breathing new life into the Invisible Man while adding a modern spin to the horror genre.

Friday the 13th (2009)

When people picture slasher movies, they frequently imagine the iconic hockey mask associated with the franchise. Despite their popularity in the past, many viewers feel these films were more comical than chilling. Primarily, people went to cinemas to watch the gruesome murders and amusing horror elements. However, in 2009, Jason Voorhees was reinvented as a relentless and fierce killer who proved unstoppable.

The recent remake of “Friday the 13th” is remarkably overlooked. Not only does this film pay tribute to the franchise’s quirky teen characters and the lore of the series, but it also amplifies the terror to unprecedented heights. There has never been a more chilling portrayal of Jason Voorhees than in the reimagined “Friday the 13th”. Here’s hoping that the legal issues are resolved quickly so we can witness Jason haunting the big screen again, ready to strike fear into another group of unsuspecting teenagers.

2025-06-06 17:07