22 Horror-Movie Remakes That You Should Actually Watch

As a lifelong horror aficionado who has seen his fair share of classics and remakes alike, I must say that these three films stand out as exceptional examples of reimagining iconic horror franchises for modern audiences.

This tale first appeared in 2017 and has since been revised, incorporating more horror movie adaptations such as Speak No Evil.

There are so many try-hard reboots and hollow sequels in horror that it can be hard to remember that some legacy properties can (and should) be properly dusted off. In that spirit, Vulture has compiled a list of scary-movie remakes that are truly worth your time: thrill rides that improved upon their source material, matched wits with the classics that came before them, or, in a few cases, nobly committed to turning bad first movies into highly entertaining second efforts. From alien parasites lurking in Antarctic research facilities to girls getting picked off on sorority row, here are the horror remakes that will make you glad Hollywood took a second stab at.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

Instead of discussing the numerous early 20th-century adaptations of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, let’s focus on the 1920 film version featuring John Barrymore in the role of Dr. Henry Jekyll. This silent movie is noteworthy for its innovative approach to portraying Jekyll’s transformation into the sinister Mr. Hyde, using minimal makeup and special effects, but rather relying on Barrymore’s extraordinary facial expressions to create a convincing monster. The audience of the time was taken aback by this film, which marked one of the first significant American horror productions.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

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1956 saw the release of the classic horror film, “Body Snatchers,” which continues to be hailed as a significant American horror production even today. Remarkably, the 1978 remake, headlined by Donald Sutherland, also maintains this esteemed status. In this film, Sutherland plays a San Franciscan witnessing the alien race’s conquest of humanity, seeking a new planet for colonization. The acting is superb, the practical effects are spine-tingling, and the final scene with Sutherland, finger pointed and mouth open, has become an enduring icon.

The Thing (1982)

In contrast to Howard Hawks’ 1951 film “The Thing From Another World,” often praised as a fantastic movie, John Carpenter’s 1982 remake is widely considered the most faithful adaptation of John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella, “Who Goes There?” The film features Kurt Russell as R.J. MacReady, a helicopter pilot at an Antarctic research station under threat from an alien parasite that disguises itself by mimicking its hosts. As the tension among the Antarctic team escalates, and they turn against each other, the fear remains palpable today. The original special effects continue to inspire a profound sense of terror.

The Fly (1986)

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How do you top one of the great science-fiction horror films of all time, especially one starring the incomparable Vincent Price? You tap David Cronenberg to direct your remake and cast the just-as-incomparable Jeff Goldblum. The 1986 Fly focuses on a brilliant scientist who slowly morphs into a man-fly hybrid after a teleportation experiment goes terribly awry, and it showcases one of the most truly disturbing feats of practical effects in all of movie history. That part is no surprise, considering Cronenberg is the undisputed king of gruesome screen transformations (see: Videodrome, Scanners, Naked Lunch, The Brood, and so on), but the emotional weight that Goldblum and his co-star Geena Davis bring to the relationship between Seth Brundle and Veronica Quaife sets the physical horror up to be so very devastating in the end. “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

Cape Fear (1991)

In a surprising twist, it’s more astonishing that the intense thriller “Cape Fear” was initially a Spielberg production, but later found its perfect fit under Martin Scorsese’s direction. Robert Mitchum originally portrayed the menacing character of Max Cady in the original film, a convict who spent years planning his revenge on the lawyer who wronged him. In the 1991 remake, Robert De Niro takes this terror to new heights with his portrayal of Cady, and Scorsese delivers a raw, pulse-pounding thriller that ranks among his most intense works. The entire cast, including Jessica Lange, Nick Nolte, and Juliette Lewis, are caught in the whirlwind created by Cady’s manipulations and attacks, making for an uncomfortable yet gripping experience.

The Ring (2002)

In a new version directed by Gore Verbinski, the 1998 Japanese horror classic titled “The Ring” is reimagined, potentially claiming the title of scariest PG-13 movie ever made. Naomi Watts portrays a Seattle journalist whose niece mysteriously passes away after viewing a peculiar videotape. After both she and her son watch the same tape, Watts’ character embarks on a seven-day quest to uncover the truth about the eerie little girl in the home movie and prevent them from succumbing to the curse. This chic and unsettling film could have paved the way for numerous American adaptations of Japanese horror (such as “The Grudge,” “Dark Water,” and “Pulse”), but “The Ring” remains a successful adaptation, standing tall as a triumph.

The Amityville Horror (2005)

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From the “Let’s revive the classics of the 2000s era”, The Amityville Horror is a worthy remake of the original from 1979. This film narrates the story of the Lutz family, consisting of a father, mother, and daughter who decide to live in a magnificent woodland mansion that was once the scene of a gruesome mass murder by one man against his entire family. The horrific events of the past have apparently seeped into the Amityville house, causing the newcomers to suffer as the truth unravels. While the era of music video-style horror was fantastic for placing attractive people in distressing situations, Amityville stood out as the ultimate example, with star Ryan Reynolds showcasing his memorable “shirtless in pajama pants” look. The movie may have faded into obscurity, but it’s plausible that Reynolds’ bare-chested wood chopping and his barely holding together PJ bottoms helped kickstart his career as we recognize it today.

Halloween (2007)

The original Halloween franchise comprises eight films, with John Carpenter’s initial release in 1978 serving as the foundation and Halloween: Resurrection marking the end in 2002. Instead of attempting to insert a ninth film into the series, director Rob Zombie opted for a fresh approach. He reimagined the backstory of Michael Myers, infusing it with his distinctive blend of gritty horror, although stopping short of turning it into a full-blown House of 1,000 Corpses. This reboot is characterized by increased intensity, discomfort, and a heavy dose of metal music as we delve deeper into Michael’s time in psychiatric care and his violent evolution. Moreover, the presence of Malcolm McDowell hints at the movie’s disturbing nature.

Quarantine (2008)

The 2007 Spanish horror movie “[REC]” – a zombie film shot in a realistic style using found footage – gave rise to three sequels and an American remake titled “Quarantine“. Although the U.S. version didn’t lead to its own series of films, it offers a nerve-wracking experience that is hard to forget. This nail-biting story about a virus outbreak confined within an apartment complex will surely give you a rollercoaster ride of fear and suspense. The movie manages to convincingly make viewers forget they are watching a staged production, as the fast-paced, frantic feel maintains a chilling tension from start to finish. When you’re under quarantine, there’s no one to rescue you.

Let Me In (2009)

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In contrast to many American remakes that fail to capture the original tone and replace Scandinavian subtlety with excessive violence, Let Me In successfully anticipated the art-house horror renaissance we’re witnessing today. Prior to his tenure on the revived Planet of the Apes franchise or taking charge of the next Batman series, director Matt Reeves presented this quiet, contemporary vampire tale that also serves as an adolescent love story. It’s heartfelt, tense, and a refreshing update to the classic vampire narrative that predates horror films themselves.

Sorority Row (2009)

The majority of films on this list needed to either match or surpass the caliber of an outstanding precursor movie. In contrast, Sorority Row is a contemporary adaptation of one of the worst slasher flicks you’ll probably come across. The 1983 film, The House on Sorority Row, represents the epitome of terrible horror movies, so shoestring budget-friendly that a boom mic accidentally appears in the shot at the beginning. Although Sorority Row isn’t particularly good, it offers an unforgettable experience—a highlight of the 2000s remake craze that resulted in stylish and sensual reimaginings of iconic films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Black Christmas, and Nightmare on Elm Street. The ensemble cast seems to have been selected at random from a bin labeled “Trending!”: Jamie Chung, Audrina Patridge, Rumer Willis play sorority sisters, surprisingly sharing screen time with Carrie Fisher, who portrays the acerbic house mother armed with a shotgun. There’s no noble purpose in Sorority Row, but there is a character called “Chugs” and a foam party.

The Crazies (2010)

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Anyone who’s watched just one episode of Justified knows Timothy Olyphant was made for the role of a small-town sheriff. Before he donned the iconic Raylan Givens hat in 2010, he played David Dutten, local sheriff of Ogden Marsh, Iowa – a town on the edge after its residents contracted a virus from their water supply, turning them into ruthless killers. The 2010 remake of The Crazies, directed by George A. Romero, is just okay, but the original from 1973 leaves much to be desired. However, the 2010 version is a gripping, gory thriller that truly showcases Olyphant’s charm, adding an extra layer of appeal. Romero served as executive producer for this reimagining of his work, and it honored his legacy well.

I Spit on Your Grave (2010)

Rape-revenge films are primarily a holdover from the exploitative period in horror history. Movies such as “Ms. 45”, “Act of Vengeance”, and the original “I Spit on Your Grave” from 1978 can be seen as a form of assertive retaliation by women, a cinematic expression of frustration towards the persistent mistreatment they faced in these films and real life. Regardless of the era, “I Spit on Your Grave” is challenging to watch due to its portrayal of a woman subjected to repeated rape by repugnant townsfolk, leading her to exact brutal retribution in secluded areas. The 2010 remake delivers a contemporary dose of bloodthirsty vengeance for the protagonist and those identifying with her if one is interested in such themes.

Piranha 3D (2010)

In the spotlight for his work on the movie “Gremlins”, Joe Dante directed the 1978 version of this film, where bloodthirsty piranhas are unleashed into the rivers of a bustling summer getaway. The director Alexandre Aja, known for his extreme horror films like “High Tension“, took on this task, setting it in an Arizona lake town just before spring break instead. Starring Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott, Ving Rhames, Jessica Szohr, Christopher Lloyd, Richard Dreyfuss, Dina Meyer, Eli Roth, and Jerry O’Connell, the film follows a pornographer with a “Girls Gone Wild“-like business. The over-the-top horror comedy “Piranha 3D” is both absurd and entertaining.

Fright Night (2011)

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Has there ever been a vampire with a less-intimidating name than Jerry Dandridge? Both the original movie from 1985 and the 2011 remake focus on a teenage boy who discovers that his sexy, charismatic neighbor Jerry is actually a demon bloodsucker that he must kill if he wants to protect his neighborhood and his family. The strength of the newer version is its star, Anton Yelchin, whose too-short life and career were defined by quirky roles that ascended thanks to his odd, undeniable charm. Colin Farrell is excellent as an update for Chris Sarandon’s original Jerry, and the supporting cast is rounded out with Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Imogen Poots, David Tennant, and Toni Collette.

Silent House (2011)

The 2020 remake of the 2010 Uruguayan film “La casa muda” did not receive favorable reviews when it was first released, which is quite unfair in my opinion. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, this chilling haunted-house thriller revolves around Sarah, a young girl who’s helping her father and uncle renovate an old house. After some eerie noises make Sarah attempt to escape, she realizes that she has been completely confined within the house, with all doors locked and windows nailed shut. As Sarah navigates through the house in an effort to avoid being captured by a mysterious attacker, she encounters time leaps, witnessing events from the house’s past unfold before her eyes. The camera work that swiftly changes direction keeps you on edge about what could be lurking outside the frame, and the overlapping timelines ultimately lead Sarah to a shocking truth.

Evil Dead (2013)

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If Fede Alvarez’s remake of “The Evil Dead” had aimed to replicate the playful spirit of the classic original, it might not have been successful. Instead, he amplified the concept, transforming it into a grisly, unquestionably terrifying film. The 1981 Sam Raimi version saw a group of friends embarking on a carefree weekend at a remote cabin, where Ash (Bruce Campbell) inadvertently awakens the dead by reading from the ominous Necronomicon. In the reimagined version, a group of friends convene to help Mia (Jane Levy) conquer her drug addiction, but the Necronomicon remains, biding its time before falling into the wrong hands. This movie isn’t light-hearted — it’s grim and disturbing — yet Alvarez ensures that it’s still a wildly intense experience.

We Are What We Are (2013)

As a devoted cinephile, I’d say that the original Mexican film from 2010 titled “ Somos lo que hay” is quite good. However, the 2013 American remake really took it to another level. This movie tells the story of an unusual family living on the outskirts of a quaint little town. Following the demise of their mother, Emma, her two daughters are compelled to aid their father in executing a chilling family ritual that’s been passed down through generations. Without giving too much away, let me just say that this dark American gothic tale shares similarities with “The Witch” in its portrayal of the family versus the individual, tradition versus freedom, all unfolding on a remote homestead. Bill Sage delivers an eerie, authoritative performance as Frank Parker, the patriarch, while Julia Garner and Ambyr Childers captivate as his blonde-haired daughters who are simultaneously maturing and grappling with the decision to adhere to ancestral ways or forge their own path. Prepare yourself for a truly unique and unforgettable final scene.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014)

Despite being released in 2014, “The Town That Dreaded Sundown” remake carries an ‘aughts’ horror vibe, which is indeed a praiseworthy quality. Unlike many films from the era of remakes that received unfavorable reviews (incorrectly so), this one garnered a strong approval rating. To borrow some terms from the recent “Scream” series, this “Sundown” could be considered a ‘requel’; initially intended as a remake, it incorporated sequel elements. The characters in the movie even watch the 1976 original, depicting a murderer known as the Phantom Killer who terrorized their town, Texarkana, decades prior. In the 2014 version, the Phantom returns, and the outcome is both stylish and terrifying, with kill scenes that are as impactful as hammer blows. Furthermore, it’s quite concise, running for just 84 minutes. Enjoy!

Suspiria (2017)

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Traditional Dario Argento fans might dismiss the subdued color scheme in Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 remake of “Suspiria,” but this film stands on its own as a chilling entity distinct from its predecessor. Unlike the original, this version is not about reviving the black-gloved killers or environments bathed in intense primary colors. Instead, the 2017 “Suspiria” is a three-hour exploration of intricate female relationships that form an isolated community of dancers and witches amidst the political turmoil of 1970s Berlin. This time around, earthy tones dominate the visual landscape. Dakota Johnson plays Suzy Bannion, a character with mystical inclinations, who engages in a struggle with Tilda Swinton’s earthbound extraterrestrial character, Madame Blanc, the top instructor at the Tanz Akademie. This movie offers stunning costumes, intense choreography, and some startling body horror. Don’t hold your original versions too dear. Give this art-house horror masterpiece a watch!

Hellraiser (2022)

As a dedicated horror enthusiast, I must confess that Hulu’s latest take on “Hellraiser” might not quite capture the intricate psychosexual undertones that Clive Barker’s original masterpiece held so dearly. However, this fresh adaptation offers an enticing slasher interpretation of the timeless horror legend’s chilling narrative.

Speak No Evil (2024)

The 2022 American adaptation of the Dutch film received generally positive criticism yet was criticized for altering certain scenes to make them less grim compared to the original. However, Vulture’s Alison Willmore found these changes to be beneficial rather than detrimental: “I didn’t mind the changes because although the remake lacks the original’s unyielding emphasis on darkness, it also steers clear of a controversial message that seems to suggest one must resist passive liberalism in order to defend oneself and one’s family.

The two movies revolve around two sets of families who first encounter each other during a holiday, followed by another get-together at one family’s home shortly afterward. In this reimagining by Blumhouse Productions, an American couple with their daughter visit the English countryside home of British counterparts and their son. The story then takes a rapid turn for the terrifying as the tension rises to unbearable levels. Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis deliver chilling performances as the seemingly submissive Americans who seem more than willing to endure anything rather than confront, while James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi portray a pair of unpredictable troublemakers who relentlessly push their guests towards a precipice of horror. Speak No Evil successfully adapts to cater to an audience with diverse customs without compromising its essence, making it a commendable remake!

2024-09-18 19:55