Movie remakes have always been a controversial topic among film fans. Some believe that remakes never live up to the original, while others argue that some remakes have exceeded the original film in terms of quality, storytelling, and performances. In this blog post, we will be discussing some movie remakes that were actually better than the original.
1. The Departed (2006)
One of the most critically acclaimed movie remakes is “The Departed,” directed by Martin Scorsese. The original film, “Infernal Affairs,” was a Hong Kong crime thriller released in 2002. While both films have a similar plot about an undercover cop and a mole within the police force, “The Departed” added depth to the characters and included a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. The film went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Scorsese, proving that sometimes remakes can outshine the original.
2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
The 2001 remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts was a huge success both critically and commercially. The original film was released in 1960 and starred the Rat Pack members including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. While the original film had its charm, the remake brought a modern twist to the story with stylish direction, witty dialogue, and a captivating heist plot. The film spawned two successful sequels and solidified its status as one of the best movie remakes of all time.
3. True Grit (2010)
The Coen Brothers’ remake of the classic Western film “True Grit” proved to be a hit with audiences and critics alike. The original film, released in 1969 and starring John Wayne, won Wayne an Academy Award for Best Actor. However, the Coen Brothers’ version, starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld, brought a fresh perspective to the story and garnered critical acclaim for its performances and cinematography. The film received ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, proving that remakes can sometimes surpass the original.
4. A Star is Born (2018)
The 2018 remake of “A Star is Born,” directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Cooper and Lady Gaga, received widespread acclaim for its raw emotion, powerful performances, and memorable music. The film was the fourth remake of the original 1937 film and managed to bring a modern twist to the timeless story of love, fame, and addiction. Cooper’s directorial debut and Lady Gaga’s acting debut were both celebrated, with the film earning numerous award nominations, including eight Oscar nominations. The film’s success proved that remakes can be just as impactful as the original.
5. The Fly (1986)
David Cronenberg’s remake of the 1958 science fiction horror film “The Fly” is a prime example of a remake that surpasses the original in terms of storytelling and visual effects. Starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, the remake delves deeper into the psychological aspects of the story and showcases Cronenberg’s signature body horror style. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its performances, special effects, and disturbing imagery. The film’s impact on the horror genre solidified its place as one of the best movie remakes of all time.
6. The Ring (2002)
The American remake of the Japanese horror film “Ringu,” titled “The Ring,” brought a fresh perspective to the story of a cursed videotape that leads to a series of horrifying deaths. Directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Naomi Watts, the remake successfully captured the eerie atmosphere of the original film while adding its own unique flair. The film received positive reviews for its direction, performances, and scares, leading to the creation of a successful horror franchise. “The Ring” proved that remakes can sometimes improve upon the original and introduce new audiences to classic stories.
7. Scarface (1983)
Brian De Palma’s remake of the 1932 gangster film “Scarface” starring Al Pacino is considered a classic in its own right. While the original film was well-received for its portrayal of the rise and fall of a ruthless gangster, De Palma’s version brought a modern perspective to the story with updated themes of greed, power, and violence. Pacino’s iconic performance as Tony Montana and the film’s memorable dialogue have solidified its status as a cult classic. “Scarface” is often cited as one of the best movie remakes of all time, proving that a fresh take on a classic story can resonate with audiences.
8. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
The 1960 Western film “The Magnificent Seven,” itself a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai,” was remade in 2016 with a star-studded cast including Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke. The remake brought a modernized take on the story of seven gunfighters hired to protect a small town from bandits, with updated themes of diversity, teamwork, and redemption. The film received positive reviews for its action sequences, performances, and message of unity, proving that remakes can breathe new life into classic stories.
In conclusion, while movie remakes are often met with skepticism, there have been several instances where the remake has surpassed the original in terms of quality, storytelling, and performances. The films mentioned in this blog post are just a few examples of remakes that have successfully brought a fresh perspective to classic stories and resonated with audiences worldwide. Whether it’s adding depth to characters, updating themes for a modern audience, or showcasing powerful performances, these movie remakes have proven that sometimes the remake can be even better than the original.
