3 Perfect 1980s Movies That Are Impossible To Remake

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Some movies are so perfect from the start that they shouldn’t ever be touched, and the 1980s were full of them. Here are three examples, though many others could be cited. We specifically excluded great ’80s films that *have* been remade, even if those remakes weren’t very good—like *The Shining*, *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, *Poltergeist*, and *RoboCop*. We also left out major franchises that would never be remade, as it simply wouldn’t make sense. Think of *Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back* and *Star Wars: Return of the Jedi*. While the *Star Wars* universe will continue to grow, they’d never remake any of the original films. The same principle applies to *Raiders of the Lost Ark* and its sequels.

Finally, some movies seem potentially remake-able, such as *Airplane!* (since *The Naked Gun* remake succeeded), *Stand by Me*, and *The Untouchables*. While these remakes wouldn’t likely surpass the originals, they could be successfully updated for modern audiences.

3) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

As a critic, I firmly believe that *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* is a film that could never be successfully remade. It’s not just about the technology – even with Steven Spielberg at the helm and John Williams composing the score again, the original’s unique spark and emotional resonance would be impossible to replicate. There was something special about that moment in 1982, and that magic is simply lost to time.

There’s a unique, nostalgic feeling of 1980s suburban California that’s hard to find in movies today – a sense of peacefulness even when things aren’t perfect. *Poltergeist* captured that perfectly, but it was missing from the remake. *E.T.* also gets it right, thanks to brilliant casting – from the young stars Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, and Drew Barrymore, to the excellent performances by Dee Wallace and Peter Coyote. Plus, the incredibly realistic special effects bring the alien to life in a way that’s simply unforgettable. The film is a classic and best left as it is – attempts to improve it, like the 2002 re-release with added scenes, only prove it was already perfect.

Stream E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on Netflix.

2) Field of Dreams

Even if you’re not a fan of sports or sports movies, *Field of Dreams* is a truly enjoyable film. Kevin Costner beautifully portrays Ray Kinsella’s deep love for baseball, and that passion is contagious. It’s a hopeful, heartwarming story with a touch of magic.

This movie perfectly embodies the American spirit – what America is, or at least what many believe it should be. With its focus on baseball, a classic all-American hero in Kevin Costner, and a rural farm setting, it has all the iconic elements. Even if you tried to recreate it with someone like Glen Powell, it just wouldn’t feel the same.

1) Back to the Future

Back to the Future is a truly exceptional movie, and it’s no surprise it remains a favorite from the 1980s.

The biggest reason a remake wouldn’t work is the cast. Christopher Lloyd *is* Dr. Emmett Brown, Lea Thompson is Lorraine McFly, Crispin Glover is George McFly, and Thomas F. Wilson is Biff Tannen. Even though Eric Stoltz was talented, Michael J. Fox was perfectly cast as Marty McFly – they were a perfect fit. Plus, the incredible chemistry between Fox and Lloyd is irreplaceable. That unique magic just can’t be recreated.

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2025-10-09 00:11