10 Best Horror Movie Remakes, Ranked

In my humble opinion, these horror remakes from the ’70s through the ’80s are nothing short of cinematic masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on the horror genre and beyond. As a cinephile who’s spent countless nights huddled under the covers with my eyes glued to the screen, I can confidently say that these films rank among the best of their kind.

People often dismiss remakes outright. “Phooey and pshaw!” seems to be their response. However, have you ever heard of a movie called Star Wars? It’s actually a remake of The Hidden Fortress with almost identical character names and scenes. Despite this, not all remakes are mere money-making schemes, and even if they are, some can be just as good or even surpass the original. This is especially true in the horror movie genre.

Not all horror remakes are good, but I feel like they tend to have a higher success rate than most. In some cases, the remakes are even better than the originals. And what better time to discuss these great horror remakes than Spooky Season, aka Nerdoween?

10. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

Wes Craven’s early films, including his debut “The Last House on the Left” and “The Hills Have Eyes,” are quite dark and disturbing. While “The Last House on the Left” is a chilling remake of Ingmar Bergman’s “The Virgin Spring,” it’s definitely not a light-hearted watch. However, it holds significance in horror movie history. “The Hills Have Eyes,” from 1977, may not be as historically important, but it’s equally harrowing. One might wonder why Craven didn’t entrust the remake of these films to Alexandre Aja, who was fresh off the success of “High Tension.” In this remake, a family gets stranded in a desert and encounters a family of mutants irradiated by nuclear tests, who then torment and murder them. It’s intense, but if I had to choose between the original and the remake, I’d go for the remake.

9. The Crazies (2010)

1973’s film “The Crazies,” not generally considered a favorite by George A. Romero fans, stands out as one of his most impactful works. It depicts the rapid spread of a neurotoxin in a small Pennsylvania town, transforming its residents into violent, frothing individuals. The terror lies not so much in the killings themselves, but in the military’s utter failure to halt, reverse, or even control the outbreak. This film served as a precursor for the themes and production values later seen in “Dawn of the Dead.

Instead, the 2010 remake by Breck Eisner primarily emphasizes the terrifying murders that occur in a small town. Sheriff Timothy Olyphant and his wife Radha Mitchell are part of a small group of uninfected individuals struggling against rabid neighbors and government cover-ups. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this film is not only passable but actually quite good on its own merit.

8. Evil Dead (2013)

In essence, Fede Alvarez’s Evil Dead can be seen as a blend of remake and sequel, as it pays homage to Sam Raimi’s 1979/1981 original while adding a fresh twist. Instead of friends going to a cabin for leisure, these characters are there to support one of their own (Jane Levy) dealing with drug withdrawal. This innovative spin on the classic tale of demonic possession sets aside the witty remarks of Ash Williams in favor of intense, overwhelming horror scenes.

7. Suspiria (2018)

I’ve often warned that attempting a remake of Dario Argento’s work carries significant risk, but Luca Guadagnino took that chance and produced a film that deviates drastically in every aspect, except for the storyline and characters. A remarkable reinterpretation of the original source material, this movie follows Susie Bannion (played by Dakota Johnson) as she starts her education at an elite dance school in the partitioned Berlin of the early ’80s. Unbeknownst to her, this school harbors a coven of witches, and anyone who ventures near it faces a dire destiny.

The two films share a grisly and fashionable appeal, yet Guadagnino’s production emphasizes dancing, whereas Argento’s film relegates it to a secondary aspect. Remarkably, Tilda Swinton assumes three roles: one of the enigmatic dance coaches, an elderly German psychiatrist, and a third character whose identity is best discovered by watching the movie.

6. The Blob (1988)

This film significantly surpasses the ’50s drive-in classic in virtually every aspect. Director Chuck Russell and writer Frank Darabont breathe new life into the idea of a town swallowed by a monstrous, carnivorous goo, infusing it with humor and well-developed characters you’ll enjoy spending time with. They also take the story in unexpected directions by abruptly eliminating main characters frequently, using some of the most graphic and effective practical effects from that era to do so. If you’re a fan of watching people disintegrate into their basic elements, this is the movie for you!

The original is a fine example of sci-fi/horror in the middle of the red scare with some fun effects for the time. The remake on the other hand is something of a masterpiece of ’80s excess in horror, in the best way. Smart, scary, and supremely gross. The one thing the 1959 version has over the 1988 version is its main hero character. Steve McQueen in his first major role in the original. The remake just has a mulletted Kevin Dillon. Not even close.

5. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Way back before the DCU and DCEU were even a glimmer in Hollywood’s eye, a Troma filmmaker and an ad director teamed up to remake one of the greatest horror movies ever made. James Gunn, the writer, and Zack Snyder, the director, joined forces to create a swift, stylish reimagining of George A. Romero’s uncontested masterpiece, “Dawn of the Dead.” Remarkably, it’s even better than expected.

What remains from Romero’s ode to the evils of consumerism is the central premise: a group of people hole up in an empty shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse. The remake has more people, faster zombies, way more action and explosions, and far less of the pathos and metaphor. But it actually has more humanity and arguably more believable characters. It also introduced me to Richard Cheese, so thanks for that, movie. Twenty years later, it might still be Snyder’s best movie and proved what Gunn could do with proven properties. A banger all ’round.

4. The Ring (2002)

Gore Verbinski’s 1998 American remake of Hideo Nakata’s “Ring” is the sole Hollywood redo of a Japanese horror film that successfully captures the essence. In contrast, Takashi Shimizu’s own American adaptations of his “Grudge” series lack the intensity of their original counterparts. While it’s debatable, I lean towards the view that the American version of “The Ring” surpasses the original in certain significant aspects. An increased budget undeniably contributes to its success, but I find the overall mood and enigma more impactful. The central mystery also resonates more deeply for me.

Essentially, the fundamental idea remains consistent: A haunting videotape causes death seven days after viewing, and a devoted mother (Naomi Watts) must unravel the mystery of the eerie tape and its spirit before her and her son’s time runs out. With 22 years elapsed since its release, it’s no longer common to find VHS players or even physical media in use. A modern reboot using a cursed YouTube video or some other contemporary format may not be as effective, but The Ring remains a time capsule in many aspects while still delivering scares where they matter the most.

3. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

Three distinct adaptations of the 1956 Cold War film “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” were displayed on screens spanning five decades. Among these remakes, only Philip Kaufman’s version from 1978 can be considered a true success and potentially match the original in quality. This movie is set in a grim, frosty San Francisco and chronicles a diverse group of individuals as they gradually understand that an insidious invasion by extraterrestrial beings is taking place. These creatures replicate and assimilate human beings during sleep, a concept that is downright terrifying, made even more chilling with the special effects of the 1970s.

The remake subtly incorporates themes of self-help charlatans and pseudo-psychologists to trick the characters into believing they’re going mad, which is quite relevant today. The film maintains a nerve-wracking, eerie atmosphere throughout that intensifies as it progresses. Notably, the acting is exceptional, with Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, and Leonard Nimoy (in an uncharacteristic role) delivering outstanding performances. It’s a remarkable achievement indeed.

2. The Fly (1986)

Discussing Jeff Goldblum’s acting, we’re pointing out what could be his most memorable and distinctly Goldblum-esque role. It seems that a recurring aspect of this collection is the production of excellent horror remakes of 1950s science fiction films during the late ’70s to the late ’80s in Hollywood. The movie The Fly, originally from 1958, had an intriguing concept – a scientist experimenting with teleportation whose body accidentally combines with that of a housefly. In reality, this meant a man in a lab coat wearing an oversized fly mask and glove, causing fright among viewers. Admittedly, it was entertaining for its time.

In the hands of Canada’s most gruesome director, David Cronenberg, we have a heart-wrenching tale of a man’s gradual self-disintegration amidst grotesque body transformations that still makes viewers queasy today. Unlike the 1986 movie The Fly, you won’t see a man in a fly mask. Instead, it symbolizes various themes such as substance abuse, cancer, or the AIDS crisis, as a woman (Geena Davis) witnesses her lover metamorphose, deteriorate, and disintegrate right before her eyes. The Brundlefly character is both a monster and a victim, making it one of the finest films in its genre.

1. The Thing (1982)

Assembling this list turned out to be quite a challenge; deciding on entries and ranking them was no walk in the park. However, there was one standout that never wavered in my mind – John Carpenter’s The Thing. Frankly, I have my doubts that some viewers realize it’s actually a remake. The 1951 sci-fi thriller had its merits for the era, but the 1982 film takes the crown in terms of practical effects, chilling paranoia, understated Lovecraftian elements, and an exceptional cast to bring it all to life.

People talk way too much about how much the movie flopped on its initial release, and that is tragic as it meant Carpenter wasn’t able to continue making movies at this scale. But most works of genius are misunderstood in their own time. This movie rips. Rob Bottin should have won 13 Oscars for his creature work on this alone, creating still to this day the best interpretation of an uncanny, unknowable entity which can absorb and look like anything. Not just the best horror remake, not just the best John Carpenter movie, it belongs in the pantheon of best horror films—maybe even just films full stop—in the history of everything.

Kyle Anderson, a seasoned editor at TopMob, oversees their content. Every week, he delves into the world of pop culture in his podcast called Laser Focus. To read his insightful film and television critiques, visit this page. Connect with him on Instagram and Letterboxd for more updates.

2024-10-24 00:03