Top 10 Best Movie Remakes of All Time

Whether you're the type of cinephile who's quick to defend remakes as a fresh take on classic stories or one who vehemently advocates for the sacredness of the original film, there's no denying that remakes have become an integral part of Hollywood's storytelling tradition.

From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to heartwarming family classics, genre-bending science fiction to pulse-pounding action flicks, the cinema landscape has seen an influx of reimagined films that have stirred the pot of critical and public opinion alike. Some are heralded as triumphs, breathing new life into beloved tales and characters with a modern twist. Others may fall short of their source material in one way or another, but they still offer a unique viewing experience nonetheless.

Each selection on this list is here because of the voice of the masses, moviegoers just like you who decided to have their say in this cinematic conversation. And don't worry if your top pick isn't on the list yet, there's always room for more. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let's dive into the captivating world of movie remakes. Because let's face it, there's nothing quite like a good movie, even if it's one we've seen before... just not quite like this.

The Top Ten

The Thing (1982)
King Kong (2005)

The original of 1933 is really a cult movie, so I won't say anything about that. Regarding the 1977 King Kong movie, the Peter Jackson version is a thousand times better. Naomi Watts is so much better than Jessica Lange. She should have won an Oscar for this movie.

I've never been able to pinpoint it, but there's something special about this film - not the story, that's for sure.

I love the movie and its characters, but why make it 3 hours long?
Scarface (1983)
The Departed (2006)

I never knew this was a remake of a Hong Kong movie, Infernal Affairs. Still, it's a great crime thriller.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Cape Fear (1991)
True Grit (2010)

The story is well-written, and the acting is fantastic.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

My all-time favorite movie, and my favorite romantic film as well.
The Fly (1986)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Johnny Depp is awesome in this movie, and the soundtrack is amazing, classic Tim Burton stuff. (Not nearly as incredible as Edward Scissorhands, Burton's all-time best film, but still cool.) However, that doesn't change the fact that the original, with Gene Wilder in the title role, was infinitely better.
The Oompa Loompas seemed more like real people, not like minions from Despicable Me. Also, there aren't any unnecessary subplots in this film that only serve to stretch the run-time. Gene Wilder is incredible as Wonka, delivering the most ingeniously subtle performance I've seen in my entire life.
In comparison, Johnny Depp (though awesome in this movie) is all over the place. However, this film has a lot of heart and elements that Roald Dahl lovers like myself will adore. Freddie Highmore is fantastic as Charlie Bucket. This is a good movie, but it's not Edward Scissorhands good.

The Newcomers

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The Nutty Professor (1996)

With Eddie Murphy playing nearly the entire Klump family, including the dad who can't stop farting at the dinner table.
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The Little Mermaid (2023)

The Contenders

A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

A Fistful of Dollars is a remake of a 1961 Japanese film called Yojimbo, from director Akira Kurosawa.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Godzilla (2014)

I love it so much. This is probably better than King of the Monsters.
It (2017)
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Freaky Friday (2003)

Along with The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday has been remade in just about every generation.
The Italian Job (2003)
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
The Getaway (1994)
The Shadow (1994)
The Blob (1988)
House of Wax (2005)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
3:10 to Yuma (2007)

A masterful, character-driven western that vastly transcends the original.