Top 10 Movie Remakes That Surpassed the Originals

Hollywood loves a good remake, but how often does a new version truly eclipse the original? More often than not, the originals are untouchable, but here is a list of the rare times that the newer versions actually surpassed their predecessors.

10. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Roger Corman’s 1960 film, The Little Shop of Horrors, is a cult classic, but the 1986 remake, directed by Frank Oz, took the story to a new level. Adapted from the successful stage musical, this version stars Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin. It’s a hilarious and dark musical that most fans consider superior to the original, even though the first movie has its own quirky charm. Plus, you get a rare, albeit brief, appearance of both Steve Martin and Bill Murray on screen together!

9. Evil Dead 2 (1987)

Sam Raimi’s original The Evil Dead (1981) was a low-budget horror masterpiece. However, Evil Dead 2 took everything to the next level, with a bigger budget. While technically a sequel, its plot is so similar to the first film that many view it as a remake. Bruce Campbell returns as Ash, battling demons with a chainsaw and a dark sense of humor. Evil Dead 2 is a gore-filled, comedic, and unforgettable ride.

8. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, is a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story with Marlon Brando and David Niven. Both movies follow con men trying to outdo each other on the French Riviera. However, the remake is considered funnier and more memorable, even if the original has its charms. The comedic timing of Martin and Caine elevates the material, making it a timeless classic.

7. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982) is a remake of The Thing from Another World (1951), which was based on the novella “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jr. Carpenter’s version, initially panned, has become a cult classic thanks to its groundbreaking special effects and suspenseful atmosphere. The practical effects and paranoia make it visually horrifying and psychologically gripping, overshadowing the original.

6. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Based on James Fenimore Cooper’s novel, The Last of the Mohicans has seen many adaptations, but the 1992 film starring Daniel Day-Lewis, is the most well-known. This version stands out for its sweeping cinematography, intense action sequences, and Day-Lewis’s powerful performance. While previous adaptations were respected, the 1992 rendition became the definitive version for modern audiences.

5. The Fly (1986)

David Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986), starring Jeff Goldblum, is a remake of the 1958 film of the same name. Cronenberg’s version is a tragic love story wrapped in body horror. Goldblum plays a scientist who slowly transforms into a fly after a failed experiment. The special effects were groundbreaking, and the film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup, cementing its place as a superior remake.

4. Scarface (1983)

Al Pacino’s Scarface (1983) is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name. While the original is a classic gangster film, the remake, directed by Brian De Palma, moved the story to Miami, focusing on the drug trade. Pacino’s larger-than-life performance and the film’s over-the-top violence made it a cultural phenomenon, overshadowing its predecessor.

3. The Ten Commandments (1956)

Cecil B. DeMille directed The Ten Commandments twice! First, as a silent film in 1923, and again in 1956 with sound and color. The latter is much more widely known and considered a cinematic masterpiece. The epic scale, Charlton Heston’s iconic performance as Moses, and the visual effects made the 1956 version a definitive telling of the biblical story, surpassing the original.

2. The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Humphrey Bogart’s portrayal of Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon (1941) is legendary. While there was a 1931 version, the 1941 film noir classic is far more renowned. Bogart’s charisma and the tightly woven plot made it a standout, with the re-edited version of the original failing to capture the hearts of audiences like the remake.

1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Believe it or not, The Wizard of Oz (1939) starring Judy Garland was a remake of a 1925 silent film. The 1939 version is a cinematic treasure, celebrated for its memorable songs and visuals. The silent movie doesn’t hold a candle to the vibrant, musical world created in the remake, and with an all-star cast, is considered one of the best movies ever made.

Remakes don’t always miss the mark. These ten films prove that sometimes, a new vision can not only pay homage to the original but surpass it, creating a lasting impact on cinema.

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