You Won't Believe These 10 Movies Are Actually Reboots!

In the realm of writing and filmmaking, it’s widely accepted that there are no completely new stories remaining to be told, only fresh approaches to narrating them. This holds true for both literature and cinema. Legendary storytellers have spent extensive periods searching for captivating tales in every corner, given the vast history of humanity. It’s not hard to understand their quest – after all, humans have been around for a considerable length of time, making it seem challenging to conceive an entirely original concept nowadays. With over 100 billion individuals who have walked this Earth throughout history, it’s quite likely that someone in Denmark has developed their unique take on Batman, tucked away in a drawer somewhere. Moreover, there’s a strong possibility that you’ve already watched several movies without realizing they were remakes or reboots.

Essentially, a remake is a fresh retelling of a single movie, typically updated for modern audiences, while a reboot is a new beginning for an entire film series. Reboots often disregard the old continuity and create a new narrative within the same universe, effectively restarting a franchise and offering a chance to explore new directions. However, reboots can sometimes be more covert in their approach.

The Thing (2011)

Kick-starting our list is a somewhat unclear remake of “The Thing” (2011). Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., this film serves as both a new beginning and a continuation of its earlier version, also known as “The Thing” (1982). This remake offers an extensive background to John Carpenter’s chilling horror masterpiece. The narrative unfolds around the Norwegian research base that was hinted at in the 1982 film. In this updated version, a group of explorers stumble upon an extraterrestrial spacecraft frozen in the ice, guided by American paleontologist Kate Lloyd (portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead). The story takes a turn for the worse when she unearths an organism that seems to have met its end in the crash. However, it soon becomes apparent that the organism is about to stir from its icy hibernation and cause chaos within the research base.

2011’s “The Thing” offers viewers a slow-motion car wreck experience, where we know the inevitable outcome but not the specifics. By the film’s end, it smoothly connects to the 1982 version, creating a bit of confusion, yet adding to its allure. Both films share the same title, which is fitting given the creature’s ability to seamlessly blend in. Couldn’t Heijningen Jr.’s hints about his vision for a direct sequel have revealed an intriguing title? We can merely speculate on what it might have been.

You can rent The Thing on Amazon Prime.

The Mummy (1999)

Was there a time more magnificent than the golden age of Brendan Fraser’s career? During this period, the renowned actor appeared in numerous hit films, almost gracing every screen produced. One of the finest movies from this era was undeniably “The Mummy“. This film narrates the tale of Rick O’Connell (Fraser), a charismatic and dashing adventurer who finds himself leading an expedition across the Sahara Desert in 1925. By chance, they discover an ancient tomb, unknowingly releasing a 3000-year-old vengeful resurrection of an Egyptian priest who had been condemned to spend eternity as an undead being.

It’s no surprise that “The Mummy” draws inspiration from the 1932 film of the same title. Despite receiving mixed reviews for its action-adventure style, the movie proved to be a massive box office success in 1999, earning over $400 million worldwide. The initial release of “The Mummy” launched a franchise that eventually produced two direct sequels and a prequel. Fast forward to 2017, when the film was rebooted with Tom Cruise as the lead actor. Unlike its predecessor starring Brendan Fraser, this contemporary adaptation didn’t fare well and didn’t receive a follow-up.

You can stream The Mummy on Hulu.

Alex Cross (2012)

Which character from Tyler Perry’s works is likely the first one that pops into your mind? It’s quite probable that you’re thinking of Madea, his iconic character inspired by his own mother and aunt. Madea played a significant role in establishing Perry as a millionaire and a well-known figure. However, her popularity seemed to influence people’s view of Perry as an actor. To counteract this, he has starred in films like “Gone Girl” and the 2012 adaptation of James Patterson’s novel, “Cross.” In these movies, Perry steps into the shoes of Alex Cross, a role previously portrayed by the esteemed actor Morgan Freeman in the films “Kiss The Girls” and “Along Came a Spider.

As a devoted fan, I found myself immersed in the gripping tale of “Alex Cross,” skillfully crafted by director Rob Cohen. This thrilling adventure follows the titular character, who juggles roles as both detective and psychologist within the Detroit Police Department. My heart raced as Alex Cross confronted his most daunting challenge yet: chasing down Picasso (Matthew Fox), a cunning serial killer with an unquenchable thirst for notoriety. Despite the fresh take on the beloved book series, “Alex Cross” received tepid responses from both critics and moviegoers. Regrettably, after earning a paltry $35 million at the box office, the film franchise was sadly laid to rest.

You can stream Alex Cross on Amazon Prime.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Initially, when The Wizard of Oz (1925) premiered, viewers might have assumed that films couldn’t be improved any further. After all, this silent movie boasted intricate sets and breathtaking special effects that were truly groundbreaking at the time. However, only 14 years later, Hollywood revisited the enchanting tale, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer investing $2.8 million in its production. Featuring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, and Bert Lahr as its stars, this remake would eventually earn an impressive $25 million at the box office, a significant sum during that era.

It’s no secret that “The Wizard of Oz” has earned the title of a timeless classic. This iconic film was deemed important enough to be preserved by the Library of Congress in the U.S. National Film Registry, due to its cultural, historical, or artistic significance. Additionally, this movie played a significant role in launching Judy Garland’s career, making her one of Hollywood’s most renowned stars at her peak.

You can stream The Wizard of Oz on Max.

The Craft: Legacy (2020)

The Craft: Legacy could easily be described as a fusion film, combining elements of both a remake and a follow-up to the original The Craft. However, due to its relatively low profile, it might not be immediately obvious that The Craft: Legacy is actually a reboot. Launched in October 2020, during the height of COVID-19 concerns worldwide, the movie had an uphill battle for visibility and popularity. Given the challenging circumstances of its release, it was particularly difficult for The Craft: Legacy to generate buzz, even when compared to the original film from 1996. Like its predecessor, this reboot focuses on a group of teenage girls who discover their magical abilities and soon find themselves in over their heads as they grapple with the consequences.

Featuring Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, and Zoey Luna, The Craft: Legacy surprisingly underperformed at the box office, earning only $2.3 million globally. Critics were left unenthused by the film, criticizing its lack of creativity and the overuse of familiar themes and cliches in the narrative. Despite this poor showing at the box office, director Zoe Lister-Jones hinted that she might consider exploring the concept of a third movie that could potentially connect the first two films.

You can rent The Craft: Legacy on Amazon Prime.

Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014)

In case the title didn’t sway you, “Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort” was essentially a last-ditch effort to revive the horror series that seemed on the verge of extinction. Initially conceived as the concluding chapter of a prequel trilogy, Fox Home Entertainment decided to restart the flagging franchise with fresh blood, hoping to infuse new life into its inbred roots. The plot revolves around Danny (played by Danny Ilott), who journeys to the West Virginia wilderness with a few companions to claim an inheritance. Upon arrival, he encounters a previously unknown family, and as he uncovers their twisted rituals, he’s compelled to make a fateful choice between his old friends and this newly discovered kin.

Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort isn’t a great film by any standard, but it deserves recognition for at least trying something fresh. Instead of following the same old formula, Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort dared to break free from tradition. Unfortunately, interest in the once popular horror franchise had significantly dropped by 2014, with only $1 million earned through home sales. After years of trying, the makers of Wrong Turn eventually decided to discontinue the series. However, after seven years, the franchise was revived with a new installment titled Wrong Turn.

You can rent Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort on Amazon Prime.

Ju-On: The Beginning of the End (2014)

In a similar vein to Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort, the tenth installment of the long-running Japanese horror series, Ju-On: The Beginning of the End, attempted to reinvent itself as a well-established franchise. By seizing the opportunity to start anew, this film offered a comprehensive retelling of the original movie that sparked the series.

The narrative revolves around Yui Shono (Nozomi Sasaki), a teacher who enters the home of a boy absent from school, oblivious to the horrific events that transpired in the house many years prior. Ju-On: The Beginning of the End presents its story in a fractured format, allowing viewers to follow a key character in each segment.

In contrast to its original counterpart, “Ju-On: The Beginning of the End” struggled to convey the same level of uniqueness and terror found in the initial “Ju-On“. Instead of venturing into uncharted territories or pushing the boundaries of the horror genre, this sequel seemed to fall short and resulted in a rather dull movie experience. Unable to captivate viewers, it managed only about $2 million at the Japanese box office. After releasing one more sequel in 2015, the Ju-On franchise was eventually laid to rest permanently. Unlike some horror films that might be considered romantic, this reboot offers no such charm or allure.

You can purchase Ju-On: The Beginning of the End at various online retailers.

Ocean’s 11 (2001)

In terms of this collection, Ocean’s Eleven stands out as the movie with an impressive ensemble cast that seems more like a who’s-who rather than a list of actors. Led by George Clooney, this modern adaptation mirrors the 1960 heist film known for the iconic Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop). The narrative revolves around Danny Ocean (Clooney), a man who’s just served time and is already planning his next big heist. Unlike typical criminals, Ocean follows three key principles: never cause harm, never rob the undeserving, and approach every situation as if you have nothing to lose. However, for his upcoming target, being robbed is most definitely warranted. After carefully choosing his team of specialists, Ocean attempts a daring feat – pulling off simultaneous heists on not one but three Las Vegas casinos.

Similar to many heist films, “Ocean’s 11” showcases a group of charming thieves who make stealing money appear as effortless as washing hands. However, audiences often find pleasure in watching the cunning exploits of unsavory characters rather than ordinary folks struggling to get by. They also crave a heist movie brimming with unexpected turns and jaw-dropping rewards. Additionally, there’s an allure to following a seasoned career criminal as they gather their team for one last job.

You can rent Oceans’ 11 on Apple TV.

Evil Dead 2 (1987)

In a nutshell, you’re likely familiar with the tale: A group of college friends, after hearing countless iterations, decide to embark on an adventure, stocked with beer and their vehicle, venturing to the remotest cabin in the forest they can find. However, what awaits them is far from ordinary – a malevolent force that thrives on death and devastation claims their lives one by one. Although this plot has been overused, when executed skillfully, it can still be an exhilarating journey filled with surprise and wonder. Evil Dead 2 serves as the epitome of such a film. If you’ve watched its predecessor, Evil Dead, then you’re already privy to where Evil Dead 2 is heading. Yet, there’s an undeniable allure to this movie that makes it worth revisiting.

Evil Dead 2 is another film that can be challenging to explain, as acknowledged by its star Bruce Campbell. In an interview with Bay at the Moon Productions, he explained that some viewers become puzzled when watching Evil Dead 2 directly after Evil Dead, due to the perception that Ash, the character played by Campbell, would be foolish enough to return to the cabin with a new group of friends. The reason for this confusion, according to Campbell, is because they couldn’t secure the rights to their own movie, so they shot a recap using different actors. Essentially, the team behind Evil Dead 2 made a mini-reboot as a means to regain some control over their storyline. And with its impressive results, it’s hard to argue against their decision.

You can stream Evil Dead 2 on Amazon Prime.

Heat (1995)

In this instance, another movie with an engaging production-to-release tale is “Heat,” helmed by the skillful filmmaker Michael Mann. This film follows the extensive narrative of master criminal Neil McCauley (portrayed by Robert De Niro) and his team of robbers as they devise a final, grand heist before retiring. Yet, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino), determined to apprehend McCauley and his crew, will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice. To complicate matters further, both men are grappling with escalating personal challenges that could potentially hamper their professional duties.

In 1979, the concept for what would eventually become the movie “Heat” was initially developed by Michael Mann, drawing inspiration from the true-life adventures of a Chicago police officer named Chuck Adamson. Over the years, Mann refined his script and, in its early stages, it was intended as a TV pilot for NBC under the title “L.A. Takedown“. However, when NBC declined to air the series, Mann revamped the project into a standalone made-for-TV movie in 1989. After the success of his film “Last of the Mohicans” in 1992, Mann decided to revisit and expand upon “L.A. Takedown“. With increased funding and a more intricate storyline, “Heat” has since been hailed as one of the greatest heist films ever made.

You can stream Heat on Hulu.

2025-02-03 04:12

You Won’t Believe These 10 Movies Are Actually Reboots!