Sometimes, a remake turns out better than the original film doing a better job acting-wise or providing the message easier. If directors have a new vision then they should just create a new movie instead of remaking a classic that already had a positive mark on history. And then there are remakes so terrible that you can’t stand to watch them a second time! If you are wondering what to watch on a Friday night and feel like you just want to witness one of these remakes just to see how bad it is, what are the worst movie remakes ever? Here is,
A-List of the top 10 worst movie remakes of all time
10. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Back in 1951, The Day The Earth Stood Still set a milestone for its time. It was nothing audiences had ever seen. Aliens land on earth. Instead of destroying their world, the aliens are here for a much different reason. To show them a moral about how they are in the midst of destroying their own world due to ignorance. Now, the moral is ignored in the remake and the main focus of the film is the climax when it was a very important element in the original. Although well-acted, even Keanu Reeves cannot save the say due to the slow pacing.
9. Planet of the Apes (2001)
Charlton Heston’s Planet of the Apes 1968 film did not need a remake, that’s for sure. Putting aside the criticism towards the story for a moment, arguably the makeup effects are on point. Not only is one of the famous lines missing from the remake but the new story is no longer a concise story. Don’t you hate those films where the filmmakers only glass over the original script, make changes, but forget about important story elements that are important to the climax or character info? Yes, that is the remake of Planet of the Apes. Filled with plot holes. The film makes no sense leaving viewers with many questions that will never be answered.
8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
It takes a while for audiences to grow on Tim Burton’s vision of Roald Dahl’s classic. From the moment he steps on screen, Jonny Depp is bizarre in his performance as Willy Wonka, the famous chocolatier. None of the characters are likable, and the story loses its inner childhood magic. Writers also tried to add in a backstory for Willy Wonka and his father. Although it was something new, the remake did not sit well with audiences. It manages to be bright and colorful with a fantastic chocolate room set but the remake will never add up to the nostalgia of the pure imagination the original film brought in 1971.
7. Carrie (2013)
The 1976 version of Stephen King’s first novel was terrifying. Now its remade with obvious special effects and horrible acting that cannot save the film. You have to admit that Moretz and Moore put in an effort and make their relationship genuine which is moving. The remake of one of King’s most famous films to explore the life of a unique, bullied teenage girl with telepathic powers doesn’t live up to the surprises and horror of the original.
6. The Pink Panther (2006)
The Pink Panther created a new line of comedy back in 1963. Now starring Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau the remake of a hilarious classic is reduced to a joke trying too hard at trying to make an audience laugh. Martin’s accent is horrible! What’s even worse as that the film spawned a sequel. The remake ignores the essence of the first film and even the comedy. Comedy is not all about people constantly falling downstairs, choking on an egg, or physical comedy. It’s about physical comedy which the original film explored and succeeded. Although it carries a fantastic performance by Beyonce Knowles, The Pink Panther does not hold true to the original.
5. The Stepford Wives (2004)
The original source material to an already heavy film creates an even more intense story. Now treated as a comedy, the remake ignores the original message of the story. What are writers and filmmakers doing when in the planning process of a remake? Always remember what element made the story a hit among audiences. The remake of Stepford Wives is not fresh and is obviously a new picture covered in new makeup to resemble a film to attract audiences.
4. Footloose (2011)
Footloose was a hit when it danced into the theatres in 1984. Once again, the director tries to transform elements into a modern day society, changing characters, and the flow from the original is missing. The soundtrack and dialogue are all the same compared to the original. The question is, why to remake it unless you know there is something you feel that was missing from the original. The original Footloose went above and beyond, even taking a risk to present a sensitive topic. Now, you don’t feel as if you have learned anything in the remake.
3. A Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
A Miracle on 34th Street was a holiday classic when it was released in the summer of 1947. Although the remake is well cast with notable actors, the remake lacks the originality and inner message. It doesn’t carry out that fun Christmas feeling. Unless filmmakers remake a film just to upgrade for a more modern tone, think of new ideas. New ideas combined with a modern setting make up as an exciting remake. The same is boring while the difference is worth an exploration into new territory.
2. The Haunting (1999)
The 1963 horror adaptation of a supernatural classic was thrown down hard by audiences when they immediately disliked the plot and the new characters. One major detail that the original lacked was subtly. Not only that, but the obvious CGI ruined the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. If you are in for a scare, take a watch and observe at how bad the actors are at trying to convince you they’re in a horror movie.
1. Psycho (1998)
Psycho was a masterpiece when it was released to the cinemas in 1960. There was no reason to remake this film. Other than being in color, it is a shot for shot remake of the original film. The remake erases the terror and originality. Starring Anne Heche as Marion Crane and Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates it’s very easy to tell that they’re only actors and not the characters. However, there are some positives to Psycho (1998). Director Gus Van Sant updated the story to more modern times instead of having the film take place in the 60s again. The only positive about it is William H. Macy who at least makes an effort in his performance. And arguably, Julianne Moore’s portrayal as Lyla Crane is given a needed update in personality and attitude, having more to do in the plot. Honestly, the remake of Psycho is just an insult to Hitchcock’s masterpiece. It’s worth a watch to witness the misplaced actors try to understand the plot of the remake.
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Which one is the worst movie remakes ever, if not listed on it, easily leave a comment, let me know!
