The Ultimate List of Mind-Blowing Movie & TV Reboots That Surpassed the Originals!

Summary

Some movie and TV show reboots manage to surpass the original source material, as exemplified by the highly acclaimed "Battlestar Galactica" (2004) and "The Dark Knight Trilogy."

Reboots such as "Ducktales" (2017) and "The Tick" (2016) enhance the original format by presenting intricate serialized narratives with well-developed character arcs, while still maintaining the aspects of humor and amusement.

Films like "Kong: Skull Island" (2017) and "The Mummy" (1999) have successfully taken the story in new and innovative directions, resulting in greater success and cultural impact.

Despite the common belief that reboots and remakes often fail to meet the standards of the original works, there are 15 movie and TV show reboots that have actually surpassed their source material. Retelling familiar tales is a challenging task for filmmakers, especially when dealing with beloved classics. However, whether these adaptations closely follow the original narrative or venture into entirely new territory, these 15 reboots have excelled in their own right.

15 Battlestar Galactica (2004)

The number of poorly-executed movie and TV show remakes seems endless in Hollywood, as they continue to churn out numerous unrequested retellings of beloved stories, remakes that misinterpret the original material, or dreadful live-action adaptations of animated works. However, the instances where the remakes actually live up to the quality of the originals are few and far between, leading to ongoing debates over which version, such as the James Bond movies, reigns supreme. Surpassing the original is an even rarer occurrence in the realm of movie and TV show reboots, but we have managed to compile a list of fifteen examples where this exceptional feat has been achieved.

The short-lived 1978 sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica was just one of the many Star Wars copycats that flooded the market at the time, but it did manage to gather a loyal fan base. However, the 2004 reboot of Battlestar Galactica exceeded all expectations, elevating the original series to new heights. The reboot turned out to be a game-changer for the Sci-Fi Channel, running successfully until 2009 and leaving an undeniable cultural impact in its wake.

14 The Dark Knight Trilogy

13 Ducktales (2017)

Christopher Nolan revolutionized the portrayal of Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy, particularly with The Dark Knight, which is widely regarded as the epitome of superhero movies. This trilogy outshined all previous Batman films, even surpassing the already impressive 1989 Batman directed by Tim Burton and the infamously despised Batman & Robin. The Dark Knight Trilogy became a game-changer, leading to a flood of dark and gritty reboots attempting to replicate its success in the following years. Even other DC movies, like Man of Steel and the upcoming 2022 release of The Batman, have strived to maintain the authentic realism established by Nolan's masterpiece.

The original Ducktales series was an enjoyable episodic adventure show, primarily targeted at children. However, the 2017 reboot of Ducktales took the original show's format and elevated it to new heights. In Ducktales 2017, a complex serialized story unfolds, allowing each character to undergo a well-crafted character arc. Remarkably, this is achieved while retaining the lightheartedness and humor that made the original series so beloved. The reboot also boasted a star-studded cast, featuring renowned actors such as David Tennant, Ben Schwartz, and Danny Pudi. Consequently, the unfortunate cancellation of Ducktales after its third season was truly disheartening.

12 Kong: Skull Island (2017)

1933's King Kong was an enjoyable monster movie, but it fell short compared to contemporary films like Godzilla. Despite numerous attempts by studios to recapture the allure of King Kong, 2017's Kong: Skull Island took the narrative in a completely new direction with remarkable success. Through its talented ensemble cast and meticulous worldbuilding, the film intricately developed the story of Kong, firmly establishing it within the MonsterVerse. While the original King Kong was undoubtedly a groundbreaking achievement, Kong: Skull Island stands as the pinnacle of the franchise.

11 The Mummy (1999)

Out of all the remakes of Universal's classic monster movies, none have achieved as much success as The Mummy released in 1999. This reimagination of the 1932 film injects a hilarious and thrilling adventure narrative, elevated by Brendan Fraser's performance. The immense popularity of the 1999 version led to the creation of multiple sequels and spin-offs. The clever incorporation of an Indiana Jones-like storyline and tone breathes new life into The Mummy, surpassing the impact of its predecessor.

10 Dredd (2012)

9 Reacher (2022)

2012's Dredd is often regarded as a cult classic, despite not being the first adaptation of Judge Dredd. In contrast, the 1995 film adaptation of Judge Dredd is widely considered one of the worst comic book adaptations ever made. This made it relatively easy for the reboot to surpass its predecessor. However, 2012's Dredd stands on its own as an excellent film, with fans eagerly anticipating a sequel.

The Jack Reacher movies starring Tom Cruise were enjoyable, but they simply cannot compare to the Reacher series on Amazon Prime. Reacher is a far more faithful adaptation of the Jack Reacher books and has garnered praise and adoration from both new and long-time fans. This series has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, making it one of Amazon Prime's most popular shows and surpassing the previous Jack Reacher adaptation.

8 Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Steven Soderbergh's exceptional and clever filmmaking style was the perfect selection for the 2001 remake of Ocean's Eleven, leaving many viewers completely unaware that it is indeed a remake. The initial release of Ocean's 11 in the 1960s received a mixed reception, making it an unexpected candidate for a remake over forty years later. Nevertheless, the decision was undeniably appropriate, as the 2001 version of Ocean's Eleven is now regarded as an iconic film that transformed the original into an absolute masterpiece.

7 The Tick (2016)

The 2016 version of The Tick on Amazon Prime is a hilarious reboot of the 2001 series and the animated show. However, it surpassed expectations and turned out to be even more impressive. In a time when superhero movies dominate the industry, The Tick's revival was a brilliant decision, and the series fully utilized this contemporary setting. Unlike its predecessor, the show's higher budget allowed for a better production, resulting in a more enjoyable and relevant experience.

6 The Thing (1982)

5 Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)

Few viewers are aware that The Thing is actually a remake, but this fact is overshadowed by the brilliance of John Carpenter's version. In 1982, Carpenter adapted the 1951 film, The Thing from Another World, which is often forgotten due to its low-budget nature. However, Carpenter's reimagination transformed this cheesy sci-fi flick into a bone-chilling horror masterpiece. Since its initial release, The Thing has earned critical acclaim and remains a beloved film.

The 1986 adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors took a different approach than the original sci-fi B-movie. This musical version, based on the 1960 film, resonated much more with audiences and has become the iconic interpretation. It successfully merges the campy horror elements of its predecessor with the delightful music crafted by esteemed songwriter Howard Ashman, resulting in a flawless combination.

4 Scarface (1983)

1983's Scarface is a remake of 1932's Scarface; however, the remake surpasses the original in almost every aspect. By centering the story around a Cuban cocaine dealer in Miami instead of an Italian mobster in Chicago, Scarface acquires a distinctiveness that sets it apart from the multitude of other gangster films. Moreover, the exceptional portrayal by Al Pacino contributes to making 1983's Scarface even more remarkable than its predecessor.

3 Daredevil (2015)

The 2015 iteration of Daredevil stands out not only as a standout project within Marvel's collection but also as one of the top offerings on Netflix. It's worth noting the impressive feat this achieves given its act of rebooting the less impressive 2003 Daredevil film, previously regarded as one of Marvel's weakest endeavors. Daredevil has now found its distinctive signature style on Netflix, solidifying the show's superiority over its predecessor.

2 True Grit (2010)

1 The Mission: Impossible Series

The Coen brothers' 2010 rendition of True Grit surpasses the beloved 1969 Western film, demonstrating the remarkable quality of their production. Paradoxically, the 2010 adaptation intensifies the original's gritty nature while retaining the charm characteristic of the Coens' other works. Furthermore, it successfully addresses some problematic aspects of the original version and remains a faithful representation of the novel.

Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible series has revolutionized the franchise like never before. With each movie becoming a critical and commercial triumph, it has become one of the most consistently outstanding lineups of blockbusters in history. This remarkable triumph is evident as audiences predominantly associate Mission: Impossible with the film series rather than its television predecessor, highlighting its undeniable superiority.