Are We Running Out Of Ideas?
There have been so many remakes of good films, but how many of them are better than the original? In our opinion? Not many. These are the remakes that missed the mark.
The Wicker Man (2006)
While the original The Wicker Man was celebrated for its excellent screenplay, strong acting performances, and disturbing nature, the 2006 remake ran in the opposite direction. Many believe that the film showcases Nicolas Cage's worst acting performance, which almost turns the horror film into a downright comedy.
Warner Bros., The Wicker Man (2006)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
The original Planet of the Apes came out in 1968. It was a box-office hit and even nabbed Oscar nominations for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design. However, critics weren't on board with the 2001 remake, tearing apart the plot—especially the ending.
Twentieth Century, Planet of the Apes (2001)
The Omen (2006)
The Omen was already a near-perfect horror film—complete with a disturbing backstory and a brilliant performance from Gregory Peck. The 2006 remake was very similar to the original but, when it came to the horror, it wasn't as effective. Many just thought it was completely unnecessary.
Twentieth Century, The Omen (2006)
The Ladykillers (2004)
1955's The Ladykillers was a successful film that hit all the right notes: comedy, great characters, and delightful twists. However, when the Coen brothers attempted a remake in 2004, starring Tom Hanks, it paled in comparison. Many consider it one of their worst films.
Touchstone, The Ladykillers (2004)
Meet Joe Black (1998)
Many aren't aware that 1998's Meet Joe Black was actually based on 1934's Death Takes a Holiday. While it's hard to fault some of the actors like Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins, the remake's main downfall was its length—three hours.
Universal, Meet Joe Black (1998)
House of Wax (2005)
Though 1953's House of Wax wasn't a hit when it was first released, critics eventually came around over time. However, the same can't be said of the 2005 remake, which is nothing like the original—a teen slasher that completely misses the mark.
Warner Bros., House of Wax (2005)
The Women (2008)
1939's The Women starred Old Hollywood icons like Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Rosalind Russell, and Paulette Goddard. It brilliantly brought the stage play to life on screen. However, in 2008, the remake was a total disappointment.
Warner Bros., The Women (2008)
The Women (2008)
Razzie Award Nominations for Worst Actress were given to five of the actresses: Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Warner Bros., The Women (2008)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a classic and Gene Wilder will always be the Willy Wonka. That's why many fans had difficulty getting on board with Tim Burton's 2005 remake Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—especially Johnny Depp's eccentric interpretation of the beloved main character.
Warner Bros., Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
The Pink Panther (2006)
Though Steve Martin tried his best to bring Inspector Clouseau back to life with the 2006 The Pink Panther remake, many agreed that there was only one man who could ever do the character justice—and that was Peter Sellers.
Columbia, The Pink Panther (2006)
The Fog (2005)
1980's The Fog directed by John Carpenter and starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh was hailed as an excellent horror film. That's why people were confused as to why anyone would want to watch the 2005 remake, which lacked the thrills the original film delivered in spades.
Sabrina (1995)
The original Sabrina had a stellar cast. You can't do much better than Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden—but the 1995 remake tried its best. Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford, and Greg Kinnear had big shoes to fill.
The two films are extremely similar—and while the remake isn't terrible, it certainly isn't as magical as the original.
Alfie (2004)
The original Alfie, starring Michael Caine, was a massive hit at the box office—but the 2004 remake was not. Many criticized Jude Law's performance as one of the weak links, and ultimately questioned why the film was even made.
The Grudge (2004)
Ju-On: The Grudge is a Japanese horror film. It's regarded as one of the best horror films ever made. Though released in 2002, it only took Hollywood two years to jump on the bandwagon and create a remake for English-speaking audiences. It even had the same director, Takashi Shimizu.
However, most horror fans agree that the original still comes out on top.
Vanilla Sky (2001)
2001's Vanilla Sky is based on a Spanish film—1997's Open Your Eyes, starring Penelope Cruz. Funnily enough, Cruz plays the same character in the English remake alongside Tom Cruise. However, where the original was praised, Vanilla Sky didn't manage to reach the same heights.
Dark Water (2005)
Initially made in 2002, Dark Water is a Japanese horror film that has been applauded for its chilling atmosphere and strong ending. In 2005, Hollywood remade it, casting Jennifer Connelly in the lead role. However, audiences just didn't find it scary enough.
Psycho (1998)
If you completely forgot there was a Psycho remake, we wouldn't blame you. Directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates, the film couldn't hold a candle to Hitchcock's original masterpiece.
Poseidon (2006)
The Poseidon Adventure was the highest grossing film of 1973 and even won two Academy Awards. In 2006, the disaster film was remade, but this time, Poseidan flopped at the box office.
Though the film showcased some decent special effects, the poorly written script dragged the project under.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2003)
The original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre came out in the 70s, and has gone down in history as a very important horror film—one that has influenced numerous slashers since then. Due to its success, many wonder why in the world anyone pitched a remake.
Warner Bros., The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
The Longest Yard (2005)
Burt Reynolds received some high praise for his role in 1974's The Longest Yard, and he even has a role in the 2005 remake. However, the remake is far more lighthearted than the original, which would make sense considering Adam Sandler took on the lead role. All in all, it just isn't as effective as the original film.
Paramount, The Longest Yard (2005)
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
The original Conan the Barbarian, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger was a fun and brutal action flick—a quintessential 80s movie. However, it got a remake in 2011, starring Jason Momoa, that has mostly been forgotten. Fans just loved the original Conan too much.
Millenium, Conan the Barbarian (2011)
City of Angels (1998)
1998's City of Angels was actually based on a German film directed by Wim Wenders, 1987's Wings of Desire, which was a major success—both financially and artistically.
The Hollywood remake, starring Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage, is a sad echo of the Wenders' critically acclaimed masterpiece.
Warner Bros., City of Angels (1998)
The Thing (2011)
John Carpenter really did his thing with The Thing. Though it wasn't an initial success, the film has become a cult classic in the science fiction and horror genre.
The Thing (2011)
Unfortunately, in 2011, The Thing got a prequel (weirdly also called The Thing), starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton. Obviously, people couldn't help but compare the two films... and rip the remake to shreds.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
2004's The Manchurian Candidate had a lot going for it. After all, it cast some major heavy hitters like Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. But though the remake wasn't a complete write-off, it was still hard to top the original film, which remains a downright classic.
The 1949 version brought home three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.
Paramount, The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
The science fiction movie The Day the Earth Stood Still has been recognized by the American Film Institute. It is a historically important film, but the same cannot be said for its 2008 remake. Though starring the beloved Keanu Reeves, not even the film's modern CGI could make this story a hit the second time around.
Twentieth Century, The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Clash of the Titans (2010)
In 1981, Clash of the Titans was a hit at the box office, even though it was up against Raiders of the Lost Ark. Arguably, the film is a middling adventure movie, but it's still somehow better than the 2010 remake, starring Sam Worthington.
Warner Bros., Clash of the Titans (2010)
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Despite the poor reviews, a second Clash of the Titans wasn't enough. Two years later, a sequel hit theaters, Wrath of the Titans. But that's not all. There was supposed be a third installment called Revenge of the Titans. It didn't get made... for obvious reasons.
Warner Bros., Clash of the Titans (2010)
Swept Away (2002)
Swept Away was originally an Italian film that came out in 1974. It starred Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato, and raked in some decent reviews. However, its 2002 remake was a major failure.
Swept Away (2002)
2002's Swept Away starred Madonna and the son of the original film's lead actor, Adrianno Giannini. One of the main points of criticism was Madonna's acting—and reviews of the film brutally tore her performance apart.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
1959's Journey to the Center of the Earth was a winning action film, but the 2008 remake didn't quite win the hearts of audiences. While some praised Brendan Fraser's performance, others weren't convinced. Overall, the action film was rather forgettable.
