Instead of re-creating a film that was already excellent, wouldn’t it make more sense to re-imagine a less successful movie, as there is more potential for enhancement?
It seems countless times I’ve encountered people presenting a similar point. Recreating a classic work often leads to defeat, as it’s impossible to surpass something that’s already flawless.
But that hasn’t stopped Hollywood from trying.
In essence, most remakes aren’t aimed at enhancing an initially flawed concept; rather, they capitalize on the recognition and popularity of a well-known film. It’s not that those involved aim to create a subpar movie; after all, no one deliberately sets out to produce a mediocre piece. However, when you’re crafting a fresh take on a cinematic classic, there’s only one direction to go – downwards in comparison.
As these movies on the list sank lower and lower, they ended up at the very bottom of our list of the worst remakes of exceptional films. These films were not only less impressive than their original counterparts (which was likely unavoidable), but they were even underwhelming compared to most movies. In fact, instead of watching these 15 titles, it would be a better use of your time to simply watch the originals or do something else entirely. Or if you’re up for a challenge, try finding a good remake of a subpar movie. They may be hard to come by, but they do exist.
The Worst Remakes of the Best Movies
15. Snow White
As a cinephile, I must confess that I was taken aback by Disney’s clever disguise of the 1937 classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” as a non-musical. It wasn’t until I settled into my theater seat with my daughter that the characters started crooning to our surprise. Interestingly enough, the music turned out to be one of this live-action remake’s strong suits, and Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the malevolent Evil Queen was quite captivating. However, the CGI Seven Dwarfs in this modern retelling were strikingly unnatural, particularly Dopey who bore an uncanny resemblance to a certain AI-designed character, Alfred E Neuman’s Chad-like counterpart. Scenes involving these peculiar creatures, as well as the forced attempts to make Snow White a more proactive heroine (though she still needed that obligatory third act nap because this is a remake), unfortunately detracted from an otherwise visually appealing and sonically pleasing film.
14. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Revised version:
Originally released in 1960, “The Magnificent Seven” was remade in 2016 under the direction of Antoine Fuqua and with a screenplay by Nic Pizzolatto (of “True Detective” fame). The film also boasted an impressive cast featuring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Lee Byung-hun, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Peter Sarsgaard. Despite these notable elements, the 2016 version failed to capture even a hint of the magic that characterized the original film or its source material, “Seven Samurai.” In fact, it’s possible that within a few years, this remake may be entirely forgotten.
13. Ben-Hur (2016)
I’ve always been curious about reimagining the iconic film, “Ben-Hur”. Despite the fact that the 1959 version, starring Charlton Heston and featuring the legendary chariot races, was itself a remake, it was a product of an era where grandiose sword-and-sandal epics like “Ben-Hur” were all the rage. Blockbusters of those days were often epic Biblical tales that captivated audiences. However, by 2016, tastes had evolved and technology advanced. Instead of the breathtaking practical effects of the original, the 2016 version relied heavily on CGI, which somehow seemed to detract from the essence of the story.
12. Point Break (2015)
Revisiting “Point Break” (1991) without its original cast or crew seems to miss the heart of what made the film special in the first place. It wasn’t about the thrill of surfing or skydiving; it was the intriguing dynamics between the characters portrayed by Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze that drew viewers in. (Edgar Ramirez and Luke Bracey unfortunately failed to capture this essence.) Unsurprisingly, the 2015 remake of “Point Break” earned less money in U.S. cinemas than the original did in 1991, even when accounting for inflation. However, if one seeks authenticity, they must be prepared to pay the highest cost.
11. Aladdin (2019)
In this new rendition of “Aladdin” (originally released in 1992), Robin Williams’ exceptional vocal performance sets an incredibly high standard. In the live-action adaptation, Will Smith puts forth a valiant effort to match Williams’ performance, showcasing his singing, dancing, and rapping skills. He even breaks the fourth wall and mimics expressions popular in the late ’90s. However, Smith seems to be overcompensating, and while the fun is present, it feels more obligatory than contagious. Additionally, the characters that were full of life as cartoons appear less distinct when brought to three-dimensional reality. There’s a sense that realism dominates most scenes in an almost oppressive manner.
In the live-action “Aladdin” remake, Robin Williams’ performance sets a tough act to follow. Will Smith gives it his best shot, displaying various talents such as singing, dancing, and rapping. He even breaks the fourth wall and employs expressions popular in the late ’90s. Yet, the fun feels more like a requirement than something infectious. Furthermore, the characters that were vibrant cartoons appear less defined when brought to life in 3D. There’s an overwhelming sense of realism that overshadows most scenes.
10. Conan the Barbarian (2011)
In a persistent attempt to reprise the role of Conan for a third time with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the rights holders eventually opted instead for a direct remake featuring a new Conan, portrayed by Jason Momoa. Despite Momoa’s subsequent success in both TV and film, this remake was relatively unnoticed and quickly faded away. However, Momoa hasn’t forgotten his experience on the film, as he once candidly expressed his dislike for it, calling it a “disaster” that turned into a “heap of garbage.” To be fair, he wasn’t far off from the truth.
9. The Heartbreak Kid (2007)
In this list, you won’t find a more misguided remake than The Farrelly Brothers’ version of “The Heartbreak Kid” (1972). Unlike Elaine May’s original, the remake discards nearly all intriguing elements that made it unique. Instead of Charles Grodin’s horny and self-centered character, the remake features Ben Stiller as a naive, good-natured man who is tricked into marriage by a deceptive ex-drug addict, rather than blindly rushing into matrimony with a woman who is clearly incompatible. This fundamental change weakens the plot’s foundation, leading to an underwhelming film that was practically inevitable.
8. Total Recall (2012)
The remake of the 1990 movie “Total Recall,” directed by Paul Verhoeven, is not as impressive. The original starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, and its reboot stars Colin Farrell. However, Farrell struggles in traditional leading man roles, making this version of Total Recall forgettable compared to the original. Despite being made only over a decade ago, it seems as if everyone has forgotten about it, like erased memories.
8. RoboCop (2014)
Just as I mentioned earlier, taking on Paul Verhoeven’s legacy in a franchise can be quite challenging – just look at those who attempted ‘RoboCop 2’ and ‘3’, or even the team behind the recent ‘Total Recall’ remake. However, this peculiar reboot of ‘RoboCop’ (1987) seems to have smoothed out all of Verhoeven’s unique edges, resulting in an unintentionally humorous redesign for the RoboCop character (portrayed by Joel Kinnaman). I would recommend sticking with the original version.
6. The Haunting (1999)
A nearly flawless example of how not to replicate a film. The original “Haunting” (1963), directed by Robert Wise, stands as an exceptional demonstration of gothic ambiance and psychological terror. The remake, on the other hand, is marred by excessive, flamboyant CGI effects and unnecessary plot contrivances. (For instance, the characters are either part of an insomnia study or there to study fear responses; the mysterious occurrences are both real and staged; etc.) Ultimately, it’s fitting that the 1999 “Haunting” revolves around a group of insomniacs, as it has been known to lull viewers into slumber well before the horror reaches its exaggerated climax. If only these characters had seen the 1999 version, all their troubles would have vanished!
5. The Mummy (2017)
In 1999, “The Mummy” was a remake of an earlier Universal Monsters film. So it wasn’t entirely unexpected when another remake was proposed in 2017. However, the real problem occurred when Universal Studios set a billion-dollar goal for “The Mummy” and planned a whole cinematic universe based on it, including films like “Frankenstein,” “The Invisible Man,” and others. Unfortunately, Tom Cruise’s “The Mummy” underperformed at the box office, effectively ending Universal’s proposed shared monster movie franchise, or the “Dark Universe.” On the other hand, the original Brendan Fraser “Mummy” has since grown in popularity as a cult classic. Farewell, Dark Universe. You were too complex for our world to handle.
4. The Lion King (2019)
Original:
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
A disappointing and ill-conceived remake of the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1990). The casting of Johnny Knoxville as Leonardo, the group’s disciplined leader, seems peculiar. Knoxville, known for his comedic antics, is more fitting as Michelangelo or, perhaps, a less conventional choice for Raphael, expressing angst through risky stunts. Also, the Turtles appear excessively muscular, contradicting their teenage status. The designs are unattractive, the special effects are lackluster, and the plot is sloppy and confusing. It appears that last-minute edits and reshoots transformed William Fichtner’s character, Eric Sacks, from the Shredder’s alter ego into a wealthy individual funding the Shredder’s nefarious plans with unclear motivations. The Shredder himself, played by Tohoru Masamune, lacks a human identity, personality, and motivations, making him a one-dimensional villain in a metal suit. This might be the 21st century’s most dismal offering featuring turtles, mutants, ninjas, or teenagers.
2. Planet of the Apes (2001)
After multiple films and TV series, followed by a long break, it seemed inevitable that Planet of the Apes, released in 1968, would be remade or reimagined. However, Tim Burton’s take on this franchise was notably different from its original creators, but unfortunately not in a good way. Mark Wahlberg appears dismal as an astronaut who is drawn into a purple cosmic mist and lands on a planet inhabited by apes. After enduring hours of desert trekking and poorly executed fight scenes (an approximate estimation), Wahlberg returns to Earth, only to discover it has transformed into a world of apes! The film’s ending is now legendary for its peculiarity and confusion. Despite Burton often infusing his unique perspective and style into his work, his Planet of the Apes feels devoid of personality, as if it was produced by any random Hollywood director instead of one of our era’s most distinctive filmmakers.
1. Pinocchio (2022)
In a different phrasing:
Robert Zemeckis, known for seamlessly blending live-action and animation in films like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, could have been perfect for a modern take on “Pinocchio” (1940). However, the remake lacks the enchantment one might expect. The polished version strips away the original’s charming roughness, aiming for a more sanitized retelling that falls short of attaining the iconic status held by the 1940 film. In fact, it fails to compete with many of Disney’s other live-action remakes, including those on this list itself.
In essence, this updated version of Pinocchio doesn’t compare favorably to the original or even other Disney live-action adaptations.
Notable Mentions:
– “Downhill” (2020)
– “47 Ronin” (2013)
– “The Little Mermaid” (Expected Release 2023)
– “The Producers” (2005)
– “Psycho” (1998 Remake)
– “Rebecca” (2020 Adaptation)
– “The Truth About Charlie” (2002 Version)
– “The Vanishing” (1993 Remake)
– “When a Stranger Calls” (2006 Update)
– “The Wolfman” (2010 Modernization)
The 10 Best Franchises of the Last 10 Years (2016-2025)
10. Happy Death Day
Movies: Happy Death Day (2017), Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
The repeating nature of a person stuck in an infinite time loop makes it easy for sequels to follow, as each scene essentially becomes a new sequel. This might be the reason why the slasher movie adaptation of the concept from Groundhog Day, titled Happy Death Day, smoothly transitioned into the satisfying conclusion Happy Death Day 2U. In these films, Jessica Rothe plays Tree, a young woman who is destined to repeat the day of her murder until she discovers the identity of her masked killer and stops him. The loops continue and grow increasingly complex in the second movie, with 2U also hinting at a third film. Unfortunately, it has been six years since then, and we’re still eagerly waiting for that sequel to arrive before my personal time loop resets!
9. Bad Boys
After a 17-year hiatus, the ’90s action series “Bad Boys” has made a comeback, and it seems to be even better than before. Directed by Adil & Bilall, the new installments of “Bad Boys” manage to keep the original’s spirit alive while drawing strong performances from its long-standing stars, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Despite being known for more than just a paycheck, these movies, surprisingly, offer an emotional depth that focuses on friendship in middle age, using the actors’ long-term bond and the looming aspect of mortality as central themes. The action sequences are thrilling, but what stands out is the unexpectedly heartfelt storytelling. So, we can expect “Bad Boys 5: The Cholesterol Chronicles” in the near future!
8. Planet of the Apes
Movies: “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017) and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (2024)
Unlike many other long-lasting film series, “Planet of the Apes” isn’t shy about tackling dark themes. The series has always been known for unexpectedly grim turns, pessimistic undertones, and the demise of its main characters who fight valiantly. This trend continued in the latest films, “War for the Planet of the Apes” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” which presented allegories for racial conflict and autocratic rule, suggesting that a potential war between humans and apes (or symbolic representations of real-world groups) may be inevitable. This is quite a heavy subject matter for a summer blockbuster – or any movie, to be honest.
7. Mission: Impossible
In the last decade, the Mission: Impossible series hasn’t always shone at its brightest, but it has still managed to produce three impressive big-budget movies, with the exceptional “Fallout” being one of them. Even the weaker entries in the franchise offered their share of exhilarating action sequences; the biplane scene in “The Final Reckoning,” for instance, may well be the most thrilling visual spectacle featured in any of these films.
In this version, I’ve tried to maintain the original’s tone while making it more readable and natural. The use of active voice and simpler sentence structures should make it easier for readers to understand the content.
6. The Avengers
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
While the Avengers films have been great over the past decade, the Guardians of the Galaxy movies have outshone them in many ways. This is largely due to their smaller casts, which gave writer/director James Gunn more flexibility to delve into his motley crew of characters, particularly the complex and humorous Rocket Raccoon. Gunn managed to transform Rocket from a one-dimensional joke character into one of the most emotionally profound heroes in the entire Marvel Universe.
4. Knives Out
In 2019, Rian Johnson discovered an endless supply of inspiration: Revitalizing the classic murder-mystery genre by featuring a revolving ensemble of top-tier suspects being interrogated by the intelligent and quirky detective Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig). This formula has so far resulted in two exceptional whodunit films. (The next one, “Wake Up Dead Man,” is coming soon on Netflix.) Johnson has expressed his intention to continue producing Knives Out movies as long as Craig wishes to star in them. These movies are such a delight that it’s puzzling why he would ever consider stopping.
3. Dune
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about the upcoming cinematic masterpieces, “Dune” (2021) and its sequel, “Dune: Part Two” (2024). While they are technically two separate films, they form an epic saga that unravels from a single novel. Director Denis Villeneuve brought the first part to life on the big screen, earned enough acclaim to secure funding for the second half, and delivered a cinematic experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
The science fiction genre has never been more captivating, with its blend of action, drama, world-building, and stunning production and costume design. The intricate political machinations, Stellan Skarsgård’s transformative performance under layers of prosthetics, and a nod to the black oil from “The X-Files,” make this franchise an unparalleled must-see for any sci-fi enthusiast. I can hardly wait!
2. The Spider-Verse
As a diehard fan of comic-book cinema, I must say that the two films in the animated “Spider-Verse” series, namely “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) and the upcoming “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023), have been the standout adaptations of their source material in recent years. This cinematic marvel, brought to life by a talented ensemble of directors, writers, and producers, delved deep into the rich history of Marvel and Spider-Man comics, seamlessly blending iconic characters with groundbreaking animation, captivating character designs, and sharp, humorous dialogue.
Now, if you’re keen on including all the Spider-Man films from the last decade in your appreciation, the live-action ones featuring Tom Holland are equally impressive. But for me, nothing quite compares to the animated escapades of our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Cinematically speaking, we Spidey fans are living the high life!
1. John Wick
For the past ten years, no film franchise has been as consistently impressive as the John Wick series. It includes four films – John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), and a spinoff, Ballerina (2025). Even though Ballerina faced delays due to rumored extensive reshoots, it was worth the wait. Director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves are currently working on a fifth John Wick, which I eagerly anticipate, but also approach with a bit of apprehension. The exceptional run they’ve had over the past decade has been so remarkable that it seems improbable they could surpass themselves again.
However, I would have expressed similar doubts after watching John Wick: Chapter 3. So, welcome back, John! May you continue to find reasons to be aggrieved about the loss of your beloved puppy for many more films to come.
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2025-07-21 18:29