Hollywood constantly draws on its own history, recycling old ideas to create new content. When a movie does well, studios almost always return to it with sequels, prequels, or remakes. This happens because familiar titles are a safer financial bet and already have an established audience, unlike completely original projects. This constant revisiting of classic stories means that each generation gets its own version of them, updated for current tastes and using the latest filmmaking techniques.
Even with so much recycled content being made, many beloved fantasy movies from the 1990s haven’t been remade. Though some did get sequels that weren’t as good as the original, the original ideas are still strong enough to be updated for today’s audiences. These aren’t necessarily movies that need fixing, but rather solid concepts that could be fantastic if reimagined, offering a mix of familiar nostalgia and new creativity.
7) Pleasantville
The film Pleasantville follows two teenagers, David and Jennifer, from the 1990s who find themselves mysteriously transported into a black-and-white 1950s television show. As they bring their modern perspectives to this seemingly perfect town, cracks begin to show in the rigid social norms, and color starts to appear. Pleasantville was a visually innovative film that examined themes of social change, self-discovery, and the loss of innocence. Its use of color as a symbol of knowledge, passion, and individuality was a particularly striking idea. A remake of Pleasantville could be incredibly impactful today, as its story of a carefully controlled world being challenged by new ideas feels especially relevant. Updated visual effects could enhance the film’s already stunning color palette, and a new script could offer fresh insights into contemporary social issues.
6) The 13th Warrior
Inspired by a Michael Crichton novel, The 13th Warrior is a realistic and intense mix of historical fiction and horror. The film centers on Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan (Antonio Banderas), a poet forced into exile who travels with a group of Vikings to protect a kingdom from an unknown danger. While it didn’t do well in theaters when it first came out, The 13th Warrior has gained a loyal fanbase thanks to its original story and violent action. Many believe a remake is overdue, as the film’s focused narrative is ideal for a dark and gripping fantasy. A new version could also emphasize the scary, survival-focused parts of the story, truly showcasing the terrifying Wendol creatures and the fascinating contrast between the refined Fahdlan and the tough Viking warriors.
5) What Dreams May Come
The film What Dreams May Come is a powerfully moving story about what happens after death. Following a car accident, Dr. Chris Nielsen (Robin Williams) finds himself in a beautiful heaven inspired by his wife’s artwork. However, when his wife Annie (Annabella Sciorra) tragically takes her own life, Chris undertakes a dangerous quest into the depths of hell to save her soul. The film was recognized with an Academy Award for its innovative visual effects, which created a stunning and artistic world. While the original remains visually impressive, today’s technology could build on these ideas to create an even more imaginative depiction of a personalized afterlife. A remake could also delve deeper into the film’s complex themes of love, loss, and mental health, offering a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant experience.
4) Death Becomes Her
Death Becomes Her is a funny, dark fantasy movie that’s gained a dedicated following over the years. It’s known for its darkly humorous take on life and its groundbreaking special effects. Starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, the film follows Madeline and Helen, two rivals who find a potion promising eternal youth. They quickly learn, however, that living forever isn’t all it’s cracked up to be – they can still be injured, leading to a series of increasingly bizarre and unsettling situations. The movie cleverly satirizes Hollywood’s focus on staying young and beautiful, a topic that feels even more relevant today with social media and cosmetic surgery. A remake could really emphasize this satire, poking fun at our current culture of vanity with the same witty and cynical spirit that made the original so memorable.
3) Sleepy Hollow
Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is a stunning gothic horror film that puts a fantastical spin on the classic story by Washington Irving, turning it into a detective mystery. Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane, a practical investigator from New York City who’s sent to the remote town of Sleepy Hollow to solve a series of beheadings blamed on the infamous Headless Horseman. Burton’s unique filmmaking style—with its eerie, foggy landscapes and muted colors—creates a truly memorable and unsettling atmosphere. The film was a big hit, successfully combining horror, mystery, and fantasy. Though the 1999 movie remains a favorite, the legend of the Headless Horseman offers a great opportunity for a fresh take. A new version could focus less on the detective work and more on the terrifying, supernatural aspects of the Horseman and the world of folk tales.
2) The Fisher King
Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King is a one-of-a-kind movie that beautifully mixes realistic city life with fantastical elements of myth. It centers on Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges), a radio host who becomes consumed by guilt after his thoughtless words contribute to a terrible event. He then meets Parry (Robin Williams), a homeless man who has spiraled into delusion after his wife’s death and now believes he’s a knight searching for the Holy Grail. The film portrays mental illness with both honesty and empathy, showing Parry’s frightening hallucinations of a demonic Red Knight. A remake could revisit these ideas with a modern perspective, looking at today’s media and offering a sensitive exploration of mental health, homelessness, and the need for connection in a world where people often feel alone.
1) Dragonheart
The 1996 film Dragonheart follows Bowen, a knight who has lost his way, and his surprising alliance with Draco, the last dragon (voiced by Sean Connery). It was groundbreaking for its time, featuring one of the first major movie characters created entirely with computer animation. While several sequels and prequels followed, none matched the original’s charm or grandeur. However, the idea behind Dragonheart is ripe for a modern remake. Today’s special effects technology could finally bring Draco to life as a truly realistic and expressive creature. A reboot could also create a more detailed and expansive fantasy world to build upon.
What 1990s fantasy movie would you love to see remade today? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-12-03 21:14