Ranking All 5 Michael Bay Horror Movie Remakes from Worst to Best

Michael Bay is widely recognized for directing high-budget action films, but he has also made a mark in the horror genre through his production studio, Platinum Dunes. In the early 2000s, Bay and Platinum Dunes embarked on a mission to recreate and reinterpret classic horror series, sparking a controversial trend of unnecessary reboots for many well-known franchises. While not all misguided remakes can be attributed to Bay, he and his studio were the brains behind five of the most infamous - and successful - ones.

Despite receiving generally negative reviews from critics, some of Michael Bay's horror remakes managed to avoid disaster and introduce new elements. One of these remakes is "A Nightmare on Elm Street" from 2010.

An ugly and unnecessary blemish on Freddy Kruger's legacy

A closeup of Freddy Krueger (Jackie Earle Haley) in the 2010 remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street - An ugly and unnecessary blemish on Freddy Kruger's legacy - A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010)

While some Platinum Dunes horror movies offered unique and intriguing takes on the original source material, the final remake from the studio fell short in almost every aspect. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) shared a similar premise and storyline with Wes Craven's iconic film, focusing on a supernatural slasher who haunts teenagers in their dreams. However, the similarities ended there.

The 1980s classic combined innovative special effects, clever humor, and genuinely frightening moments, while the 2010 remake was criticized for lacking these elements. Characters were underdeveloped, with none as memorable as the original Nancy. The decision to give Freddy Krueger a disturbing backstory was met with controversy, along with confusing plot twists that left the ending unsatisfying. Although some appreciated the darker tone compared to the later comedic sequels, most critics agreed that it was best to view the 2010 Nightmare as a disappointing misstep.

The Hitcher (2007)

Sean Bean fails to live up to Rutger Hauer's legacy

Sean Bean smiling in a convenience store in The Hitcher - Sean Bean fails to live up to Rutger Hauer's legacy - The Hitcher (2007)

One issue with the Platinum Dunes remakes is that they often don't aim to improve on missed opportunities. Instead, they focus on reimagining already iconic characters and stories. This approach can be seen in films like The Hitcher, where some fans feel that retelling the story is unnecessary.

The strength of the original movie lies in Rutger Hauer's mesmerizing, psychotic performance as the titular antagonist. As a result, any remake is at an immediate disadvantage, since it's hard to imagine any actor imbuing the character with the same unnerving menace. Sean Bean, who stars in the Platinum Dunes horror remake, is a fine actor in his own right, but struggles to capture Hauer's unique intensity. As a result, The Hitcher lacks the nerve-shredding atmosphere of the original, relying instead on increasingly explicit (and much less effective) violence.

The Amityville Horror (2005)

Slow burn horror has some creepy moments

Young girl pinned to the ceiling by hands in the Amityville Horror remake - Slow burn horror has some creepy moments - The Amityville Horror (2005)

The Ryan Reynolds-led Amityville Horror remake stands out among other Platinum Dunes movies due to the fact that the original film was not considered a horror masterpiece. The 1979 version of Amityville Horror, based on a true and eerie story, was criticized for its slow pace and lack of effective scares. These flaws in the original film provided an opportunity for a fresh take on the infamous tale, which the Platinum Dunes remake successfully capitalized on.

In contrast to the original film's occasional unsettling moments, the 2005 Amityville remake incorporates more frequent shocking violence and jump scares. However, it struggles to maintain a consistently malevolent atmosphere throughout the movie. Like its predecessor, the remake also grapples with convoluted plot elements that may not hold up under close examination. Nonetheless, The Amityville Horror remake offers a different perspective on the Lutz family's haunting experience, making it a worthwhile watch.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

A complete – and sometimes successful – reinterpretation of a classic

Texas chainsaw massacre best reboot follow up 2003 remake jessica biel - A complete – and sometimes successful – reinterpretation of a classic - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre had a tough job of remaking a classic horror film like Amityville. It was always going to be a challenge to live up to the original. However, the 2003 version managed to stand out on its own by taking a different approach compared to the original film by Henkel and Hooper.

The 2009 Version of Friday The 13th

Although the 2009 version of Friday The 13th features the same iconic elements as the original film, such as the mysterious masked killer and a group of unsuspecting young adults, it takes a different approach. The film focuses more on graphic violence and jump scares, deviating from the suspenseful and atmospheric tone of the original.

In this updated version, the emphasis is on shock value and explicit scenes of gore, catering to a modern audience's expectations for horror movies. While the film does deliver on scares and thrills, it lacks the subtlety and psychological depth that made the original Friday The 13th a classic in the genre.

Ultimately, the 2009 version of Friday The 13th may appeal to fans of slasher films looking for a more visceral experience, but it falls short of capturing the suspense and tension that made the original a standout in the horror genre.

A fun roller coaster that often outstrips the original

Friday the 13th 2009 Clay Jason Voorhees Whitney - A fun roller coaster that often outstrips the original - Friday The 13th (2009)

Although the initial critical reception of Marcus Nispel's Friday the 13th reboot wasn't great, over the years, it has become clear that it is an underrated example of how a remake can bring something new to a popular franchise. Instead of simply copying the first film, the 2009 version combines elements from the first four movies, resulting in a fresh and original take on the story.

Moreover, Friday the 13th stands out for being more enjoyable than many of the serious and gloomy remakes that dominated mainstream horror in the 2000s. The film embraces its absurd premise of teenagers being terrorized by Jason Voorhees in creative ways, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Jason himself is portrayed as a menacing force once again, reclaiming his status as a true horror icon after the series veered towards campiness. While not without flaws, Friday the 13th is a prime example of a successful horror remake produced by Michael Bay.

Editor's P/S:

Michael Bay's foray into the horror genre through Platinum Dunes has been a polarizing one. While some remakes, such as "The Amityville Horror" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," have received mixed reviews for their fresh takes and occasional scares, others, like "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "The Hitcher," have been widely criticized for failing to capture the essence of the originals. Bay's approach of reimagining iconic characters and stories has often led to unnecessary remakes that lack originality and depth.

Despite the negative reception towards some of Bay's horror remakes, it's worth noting that "Friday the 13th" has gained a cult following over the years. The film's embrace of its absurd premise and light-hearted tone has made it a guilty pleasure for horror fans. This suggests that remakes can succeed even when they depart from the source material, provided they offer a unique and entertaining experience.