9 Movie Remakes That Stand Out on Their Own

CODA (2021)

CODA, a 2021 film that captured global acclaim and an Oscar for Best Picture, is a remake of the 2014 French film The Belier Family. Both films revolve around a musically talented girl as the sole hearing member of a deaf family. What sets CODA apart is the casting of actual deaf actors, adding authenticity and depth to the film.

CODA (2021)

12 Monkeys, the standout sci-fi film of the 1990s, is a remake of Chris Marker's French film La Jetée. Both films share the haunting twist of the protagonist being trapped in a time loop, witnessing their own demise. However, 12 Monkeys has a more traditional filming style, making it more appealing to a wider audience.

Brad Pitt sitting next to Bruce Willis' bed in 12 Monkeys

The Last House on the Left, a 1972 film by Wes Craven, is a remake of Ingmar Bergman's Oscar-winning The Virgin Spring. Both films narrate the horrific ordeal of a young girl who is violated and murdered, but in different settings. Set in 1970s New York, Last House on the Left indulges in explicit gore and violence, portraying the inherent evil of the killers without sensationalizing the violence.

Sandra Peabody as Mari Collingwood and Lucy Grantham as Phyllis Stone hug each other in a frightful embrace in The Last House on the Left

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

The Magnificent Seven, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt, is a 2016 remake that stands out for its diverse cast, aligning more accurately with the Wild West's demographics. The remake shifts from the original's Mexican farmers battling bandits to American townspeople fending off bandits, offering a modern take on the classic story.

Denzel Washington in The Magnificent Seven (2016)

The beloved adventure film The Mummy, known for its charismatic portrayal of Rick O’Connell, has a 1999 version that stands out for its blend of whimsy and entertainment. The remake excels at combining humor and adventure with supernatural elements, including impressive CGI for its time.

Rick screams as a mummy approaches in The Mummy

In 2005, Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds captivated audiences with its compelling characters and captivating cinematography, taking the original radio drama to new heights. The visionary approach of Spielberg, combined with Tom Cruise's engaging performance, elevates the 2005 version, making it a standout remake.

Brendan Fraser as Rick in The Mummy (1999)

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz, is a musical that evolved from an off-Broadway play, itself a remake of Roger Corman's 1960 black-and-white film. The 1986 version diverges from the original with its blend of horror, comedy, and catchy musical numbers, offering a fresh take on the classic story.

the mummy rachel weisz

Rise of the Planet of the Apes, a reboot of a classic franchise, is a remake of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. The 2011 film focuses on animal cruelty and animal testing, offering a thought-provoking exploration into the treatment of animals.

Rick and Evelyn in The Mummy (1999)

David Lowery's 2016 remake of Disney's Pete's Dragon differs significantly from the 1977 cartoon, transforming the classic children's fantasy into live action. By doing so, the film feels far more grounded in reality and heartwarming, making it a standout remake.

The-Mummy-Evelyn

The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter's The Thing stands out with its shape-shifting, grotesque creature, created using groundbreaking practical effects. The film also focuses on suspicion and betrayal, culminating in a famously ambiguous and chilling finale, making it one of the scariest horror movies of all time.

A crowd in the street looking at the tripod alien in War of the Worlds

In summary, these movie remakes have taken classic films and transformed them into entirely new and distinctive works of art. They offer fresh perspectives and captivating audiences with their unique interpretations, proving that remakes can stand out on their own and breathe new life into familiar stories.

Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning as Ray and Rachel Ferrier hugging but looking at something in War of the Worlds