10 Horror Movie Reboots Even Better Than the Original

Over time, remakes and reboots of horror movies have developed a rather harmful image, and it’s not entirely unjustified. Often, these productions repackage old horror films for financial gain, stripping away the unique characteristics and captivating visuals that made them effective in the past. Movies that once instilled fear and left audiences shivering with their powerful and thought-provoking visuals are now more focused on hitting familiar notes and offering a sense of nostalgia instead of genuine terror when they appear in theaters.

Despite the common belief that horror movie reboots often fail to live up to their original counterparts, there have been a few exceptions over time that not only met expectations but surpassed them in certain aspects. These remakes were not only well-received but also outperformed the originals in some ways, which is as astonishing as a sudden terrifying jump scare. This unexpected success can be attributed to filmmakers who dared to innovate and bring something fresh to the table instead of relying solely on what had previously worked. Brace yourself, steel your nerves, and delve into ten horror reboots that outshone their esteemed predecessors.

Suspiria (2018)

In what way can one surpass Dario Argento’s original Italian horror film, “Suspiria”? Director Luca Guadagnino accepted this challenge by producing a remake titled “Suspiria,” which did not strictly replicate the original but instead expanded its narrative. Instead of being a condensed story of witches in Italy, this new rendition unfolds as an extensive tale spanning decades of distress and diverse perspectives. This modern version of “Suspiria” offers a breathtaking climax filled with intense violence, making it impossible for viewers to claim it’s merely a shallow cash grab.

The Fly (1986)

Earlier, a 1957 short story titled “The Fly” was transformed into a 1958 film starring Vincent Price among others. While the movie was moderately successful at the time, there was undeniably potential to explore further with its outlandish concept. That’s where David Cronenberg stepped in. His version of “The Fly,” released later, brought an unprecedented level of visceral and disquieting body horror that the original “Fly” could not have achieved during the Hays Code era of American cinema. Memorable special effects and powerhouse performances from Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis made it evident why a remake of “The Fly” was necessary.

The Thing (1982)

Similar to “The Fly,” “The Thing” was a chilling R-rated horror film from the 1980s, derived from a 1950s horror production. To be specific, John Carpenter’s sci-fi/horror masterpiece was inspired by 1951’s “The Thing from Another World,” which itself was an adaptation of Joseph A. Campbell’s novella “Who Goes There?” Both films share a common origin.

Much like “The Fly,” “The Thing” earned its right to exist through groundbreaking visual effects and grotesque violence that could not have been achieved three decades prior. Furthermore, “The Thing” established its distinctive atmosphere by pouring every element of the production into a haunting, bleak environment saturated with paranoia and doubt. Today, this ambiance has led many to overlook the fact that “The Thing” is actually a remake.

Nosferatu (2024)

Film director F.W. Murnau is often hailed as one of the greatest movie creators in history, with his masterpiece “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans” being a testament to his extraordinary talents that even contemporary filmmakers like Robert Eggers, who directed “Nosferatu”, acknowledge they could never surpass. However, when it comes to adapting the tale of Count Orlok for the big screen, Eggers’ version of “Nosferatu” outshines Murnau’s original in terms of grandeur and impact. Although Murnau’s portrayal of Count Orlok remains unsettling even after over a century, Eggers’ interpretation, particularly through the captivating performances of Willem Dafoe and Lily Rose-Depp, is so lavishly maximalist that it’s hard to resist. Moreover, the character development in Eggers’ “Nosferatu”, such as Thomas Cutter’s backstory, adds an additional layer of emotional depth, making this modern retelling more immersive and impactful compared to Murnau’s original work. In this unique scenario, Eggers has managed to surpass Murnau’s achievements with his “Nosferatu” adaptation.

Fright Night (2011)

1985’s “Fright Night” may boast a dedicated fanbase, yet it doesn’t stand alongside classics like “Halloween” or “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” as a horror icon. This freedom from heavy expectations allowed the 2011 remake to carve its own niche, earning a loyal following due to its spirited atmosphere and splashes of playful humor, with David Tennant’s standout supporting role adding fuel to the fire. When you’re not shackled by tradition, the horizon becomes a canvas brimming with creative possibilities.

Speak No Evil (2024)

After watching Blumhouse’s English-language adaptation of “Speak No Evil,“, some viewers criticized its less intense conclusion compared to the 2022 original. However, director James Watkins’ work generally received high praise, with many considering it an improvement over the source material. Notably, the new version of “Speak No Evil” was appreciated for its deliberate pace and ability to build tension gradually, which contrasted expectations for a speedy retelling similar to the original “Speak No Evil“.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Similar to the 2024 remake of Nosferatu, Bram Stoker’s Dracula modernizes the Dracula legend with a flamboyant, opulent style. Extravagant costumes fill this Francis Ford Coppola-directed production, along with an intense atmosphere of sensuality. Moreover, it boasts an impressive ensemble cast (featuring Gary Oldman as the title character) that effectively replaces any recollections of the stiff 1931 Bela Lugosi Dracula film in one’s memory.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

The 2007 reboot of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” manages to hold its own against its 1956 original, thanks in part to a stellar cast headed by Donald Sutherland. However, what truly sets this modern take on a classic horror tale apart is its deep exploration of the unsettling and suspicious atmosphere that characterized the 1970s. Essentially, this “Body Snatchers” was crafted in a post-Watergate era, where suspicion ran rampant and everyone questioned who could be trusted or who might be eavesdropping on private conversations. This sense of instability gives the reboot a striking resonance and significance.

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

In a fresh take on remaking horror films, the reboot of “Little Shop of Horrors” stood out by incorporating musical numbers and dance sequences, a decision inspired by its origins in Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s 1982 off-Broadway musical. Directed by Frank Oz, this version was not only a reimagining of the 1960 Roger Corman film but also an adaptation of the musical itself. The 1986 adaptation boasted memorable tunes like “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Feed Me (Git It).” Moreover, the groundbreaking practical effects used to bring Audrey II to life in this version solidified 1986’s “Little Shop of Horrors” as the most compelling retelling of the story about murderous plants.

The Mummy (1999)

Over the past three decades, numerous attempts at rebooting Universal Monsters have failed, often struggling with adapting these classic characters for modern times. However, 1999’s The Mummy stood out as a remarkable exception. Instead of trying to make it more “realistic”, this film simply built an exciting standalone tale around the title character, the undead mummy. It focused on charming actors like Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, and infused the story with a lively spirit of fun. This approach resulted in the best Mummy movie ever made, one that outshone all subsequent Universal Monsters remakes.

2025-01-18 21:10