American Horror Remakes to Stream After Seeing Speak No Evil

The Ring (2002)

“The Ring was one of the initial A-horror remakes and can be credited or blamed for the influx of movies in the 2000s that drew inspiration from Asian horror. The film revolves around a mysterious video tape, which is said to bring death to its viewers exactly seven days after they watch it. This intriguing premise leads a journalist (played by Naomi Watts) on a quest to discover the origin of this curse.

In the early days, director Gore Verbinski wasn’t under immense pressure to follow in the footsteps of predecessors since his remake of A-horror films was one of the pioneers. Instead of setting the film in Japanese landscapes, he opted for the gloomy and ominous ambiance of Seattle. The area’s inherent weather conditions already created a melancholic atmosphere, but the grunge music scene of the ’90s, with bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, intensified this feeling, making the setting for The Ring seem even more plausible.

Beyond the grandiose atmosphere of the movie’s settings, Verbinski adapted the fundamental elements of the story from Hideo Nakata’s film “Ringu” (originally based on Koji Suzuki’s novel) to make them easier for American viewers to understand and appreciate. He skillfully incorporated some of the most impactful visuals from “Ringu” into his own movie, which were quite unusual and disturbing compared to what was commonly seen in American films at that time. As a result, “The Ring” offers a chilling and powerful viewing experience.

Where to Stream: Paramount+, PlutoTV

The Grudge (2004)

In the 2000s, I found myself immersed in a wave of A-horror remakes, and one key reason for this was the impact of “The Ring” followed swiftly by “The Grudge.” “The Grudge,” you see, wasn’t just another American adaptation; it was a reimagining of “Ju-On: The Grudge,” the third installment in an enduring horror series. Unlike many remakes that transport the story to U.S. shores, “The Grudge” unfolds in the heart of Tokyo. It delves into the chilling aftermath of a curse that takes root when someone meets a tragic and violent end, a curse that haunts the city and those who dare to uncover its origins.

If “The Ring” had only been a one-time success, it might have been considered an unusual exception within the horror genre. However, Takashi Shimizu skillfully recreated the chills of “Ju-On” for American audiences without making significant changes. One of the scary aspects of “The Ring” was the terrifying Samara, a girl with long black hair who moved in a supernatural way. In contrast, “The Grudge” emphasized the image of Kayako, a more prominent ghostly figure than that in “The Ring”, to create a central character around her otherworldly presence.

As a gamer, I’d say: “While Ju-on might have a stronger grip of terror, the 2004 film adaptation of The Grudge manages to send shivers down my spine in its unique way. By skillfully weaving together tense sequences that showcase the ominous presence of Kayako, and by staying true to the original’s Japanese setting, it delivers a chilling experience that stands on its own.

Where to Stream: Peacock

Funny Games (2007)

Naomi Watts reappears on the roster with the unconventional film “Funny Games,” directed by Michael Haneke. While the film may not be experimental in its execution, its unique aspect lies in being a frame-by-frame remake of the 1997 “Funny Games.” This makes it one of the most faithful adaptations of a movie conceivable.

In the movie, a family’s peaceful trip to their lakeside home is disrupted by their boisterous young neighbors. Initially, these boys interrupt the family’s activities but gradually become more invasive, eventually threatening, controlling, and harassing the family.

It might sound bizarre to replicate a movie shot by shot a decade after its release, but part of what makes the experiment so fascinating is that Haneke directed both the original Austrian version and also this English-language take on the material. Both versions of the film are equally frightening, with American audiences likely to find the remake a bit more accessible, as the differences between the two films come down to only a handful of lines that have been altered.

Where to Stream: Available to Rent on Multiple Platforms

We Are What We Are (2013)

The movie “We Are What We Are” unfolds in a bustling Mexican metropolis, showing the unusual events that transpire when the head of a household unexpectedly passes away, leaving the remaining family members scrambling to maintain their peculiar traditions involving cannibalism.

Jim Mickle’s American movie reimagines familiar themes by transposing the original storyline into a new setting – a remote town nestled within the Catskill Mountains – and infusing it with fresh ideas, such as family dynamics and cannibalism. The director cleverly introduces religious undertones to justify the characters’ flesh-eating habits.

Mickle’s film infuses an unusual sense of desperation and hesitance into cannibalism, offering a unique viewpoint on the topic. The scenery contributes to a distinct atmosphere, maintaining the core idea yet presenting it in a new light. In essence, the two “We Are What We Are” movies provide a rare case of films exploring similar themes differently, with both managing to be equally impactful.

Where to Stream: The Roku Channel, PlutoTV

Suspiria (2018)

Many horror enthusiasts view Dario Argento’s movie “Suspiria” as a masterpiece, and it certainly delivers on mood and spine-tingling ambiance. However, some argue that it could be more effective in inducing sheer terror. Some viewers might find Luca Guadagnino’s 2018 remake of the film to be a scarier horror production, despite the remake being heavily influenced by the original. It is worth noting that while much of the original “Suspiria” features English dialogue, its unique Italian filmmaking approach was at its core.

The movie traces dancer Susie Bannion’s journey (portrayed by Dakota Johnson) to a ballet academy in Germany, and as strange occurrences start happening, doubts emerge about the genuine motives of teacher Madame Blanc (played by Tilda Swinton), as Susie observes hints of sorcery.

In contrast to Argento’s approach of using colors, camera work, and music from Gobiln to unsettle viewers, Guadagnino opted for a more direct approach to horror, resulting in something that is more intensely disturbing on a visceral level. Although both stories revolve around witchcraft, Argento was more reserved in his portrayal of this theme. Instead, Guadagnino amplifies the concept, leading to an intense and gory finale that overwhelms with fear.

Where to Stream: Prime Video

“What are your preferred reimagined American horror films?