The Top 10 Overlooked Reimaginations of Timeless Films, Ranked

Ranked here are ten of the most underrated remakes of cinematic classics. Despite the often perceived pointlessness of remakes and reboots, these films offer a fresh perspective and have managed to improve upon their original counterparts.

‘The Magnificent Seven' (2017)

Original Release: 1960

Sony Pictures presents a reimagined version of The Magnificent Seven, which may initially raise eyebrows given that the 1960 film was already a noteworthy remake. This iconic western took inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s gripping Seven Samurai, but ventured to the rugged landscapes of the American Wild West.

‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (2004)

Fuqua's 2017 remake of the 1960 film features a talented ensemble cast, including Ethan Hawke, Denzel Washington, and Chris Pratt, while maintaining the original western setting. This version of the film delves deeper into the examination of the social and political dynamics prevalent during this particular period in American history.

Original Release: 1962

Image Via Paramount Pictures

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Numerous remakes succeed by enhancing and modernizing the underlying themes of the original films, and this movie accomplishes just that. The initial rendition of The Manchurian Candidate is situated in the backdrop of the Cold War, delving into the intricacies of the United States' relationship with its communist adversaries.

Nevertheless, Jonathan Demme took a distinct approach with his 2004 remake by examining the consequences of the Iraq War and the pervasive corruption within the United States Senate. Notably, Meryl Streep delivers an exceptional performance as the deceitful politician Eleanor Shaw, showcasing her seldom-seen talent for portraying a villainous character.

‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ (2009)

Original Release: 1974

Sony Pictures presents an image which accompanies Tony Scott's revitalizing revision of the timeless crime thriller The Taking of Pelham 123. While the overall narrative remains largely untouched, the exceptional performances at its core compensate for any lack of alteration.

‘Psycho’ (1998)

In his portrayal of the mysterious hijacker called "Mr. Blue," John Travolta delivers a captivating and unpredictable performance. Taking control of a crowded subway car in New York City, Mr. Blue initiates a tense situation, while Walter Garber (played by Denzel Washington), the subway dispatcher, strives to resolve the conflict in a peaceful manner.

Original Release: 1960

Image via Paramount Pictures

Gus Van Sant’s 1998 remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1960 film Psycho may appear unconventional at first glance. Rather than introducing new story elements, Van Sant opts to recreate the original almost shot-for-shot. Though initially viewed as lacking originality, this choice demonstrates Van Sant's curiosity in deciphering the key to Hitchcock's initial success.

Imagine if Psycho were shot in color and contained heightened levels of explicit violence and sexual content. Van Sant’s interpretation of Psycho serves as a captivating exploration and a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

‘The Italian Job’ (2003)

Original Release: 1969

Paramount Pictures presents an image

The Italian Job, released in 2003, serves as a testament to Fuqua's exceptional ability to revamp renowned masterpieces. Unlike the initial 1969 rendition of The Italian Job featuring Michael Caine, which focused primarily on the plot, Fuqua infused his 2003 reinterpretation with greater character complexity and substance.

The film's protagonists, comprising of Mark Wahlberg, Jason Statham, Seth Green, and Charlize Theron, presented a refreshingly emotional aspect to a familiar narrative. The inclusion of Edward Norton as a malicious antagonist greatly enhanced the bond between these characters.

‘King Kong’ (1976)

Original Release: 1933

Image via Paramount Pictures

Numerous movies exist within the King Kong franchise, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Nevertheless, the 1976 version of King Kong expanded upon the story of the original 1933 classic by delving deeper into the development of the human characters transported to Skull Island.

The film revolves around the paleontologist Jack Prescott (played by Jeff Bridges) and a shipwrecked woman named Dwan (portrayed by Jessica Lange) as they embark on a journey to the enigmatic island and encounter the perilous creature. The practical effects employed to bring Kong to life in this iteration are more captivating than the computer-generated imagery utilized in the 2005 remake.

‘Nosferatu the Vampyre’ (1979)

Original Release: 1922

Image via 20th Century Fox

Nosferatu the Vampyre is possibly the ultimate Dracula adaptation, a remarkable achievement considering the original Nosferatu film was released in 1922! While some Dracula movies emphasized the character's eccentricities, Werner Herzog's 1979 version presented Dracula in a completely serious manner. Klaus Kinski's portrayal of the enigmatic bloodsucker was undeniably terrifying.

‘Solaris’ (2002)

The bleak visuals in Nosferatu the Vampyre instilled a chilling sense of dread, particularly in the sequence where the film’s heroes are plagued by Nosferatu's terrifying power to invade their dreams.

Original Release: 1972

Image via 20th Century Fox

Steven Soderbergh's decision to undertake a remake of Solaris was incredibly ambitious, considering the original film's exceptional legacy in the science fiction genre. In contrast to the original nearly three-hour-long film, Soderbergh's 2002 remake took a more concise approach, clocking in at under two hours and focusing primarily on exploring the emotional aspects of the story.

The narrative centers around Dr. Kris Kelvin (portrayed by George Clooney), an astronaut who embarks on a space expedition and becomes plagued by haunting visions of an enigmatic woman (played by Natasha McElhone). Clooney delivers a nuanced performance, deviating from his usual charismatic persona to embody a more down-to-earth character.

‘Suspiria’ (2018)

Original Release: 1977

Amazon Studios presents a haunting reimagination of Suspiria by Luca Guadagnino in 2018. Departing from the original source material, this horror remake alters the tone and approach entirely. Dario Argento's iconic 1977 masterpiece, with its bold and striking visuals, had a runtime of less than two hours. In contrast, Guadagnino expands the narrative into a captivating three-hour epic, enveloping it in a perpetual atmosphere of grayness.

‘Breathless’ (1983)

Guadagnino's film surpassed the original by delving into the horrors of ballet through the exploration of body transformations. Susy Bannion, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, delivers an outstanding performance as a talented ballerina who unravels the presence of witchcraft within a renowned dance academy.

Original Release: 1983

Orion Pictures

Breathless, a remake of one of Jean-Luc Godard's influential films in the era of French New Wave, presents a unique adaptation. Godard's original introduced a subgenre that prioritized characters' conversations and misadventures over a grand narrative. Jim McBride's 1983 version follows a similar approach but shifts the setting from France to modern-day Los Angeles.

The incorporation of the "French New Wave" style into an American context is truly captivating. Richard Gere delivers an astonishingly intense portrayal of Jesse, a small-time hustler who finds himself in hot water when criminals take an interest in him.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about remakes of classic films. On one hand, I appreciate the opportunity to experience beloved stories in a new way. Remakes can introduce new audiences to classic films and give them a fresh perspective. On the other hand, I sometimes feel like remakes are unnecessary and can take away from the original film.

Overall, I think remakes can be a good thing if they are done well. However, I believe it is important to respect the original film and not try to change it too much. Remakes should be seen as a way to pay tribute to the original film, not to replace it.