The Remakes We Didn't Even Want
Hollywood seems to be running out of ideas. For decades, they've churned out remake films—but the sad truth is many are disappointing, redundant, and well... just bad. Have any of your most hated remakes made the list?
Psycho (1998)
If you completely forgot there was a Psycho remake, we wouldn't blame you. Directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates, the film couldn't hold a candle to Hitchcock's original masterpiece.
The Wicker Man (2006)
While the original The Wicker Man was celebrated for its excellent screenplay, strong acting performances, and disturbing nature, the 2006 remake ran in the opposite direction. Many believe that the film showcases Nicolas Cage's worst acting performance, which almost turns the horror film into a downright comedy.
Warner Bros., The Wicker Man (2006)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
The original Planet of the Apes came out in 1968. It was a box-office hit and even nabbed Oscar nominations for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design. However, critics weren't on board with the 2001 remake, tearing apart the plot—especially the ending.
Twentieth Century, Planet of the Apes (2001)
Ben-Hur (2016)
The 1880 novel Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace has inspired a whopping five film adaptations. These movies have been coming out for the last century, beginning with two silent films and reaching a peak with the Oscar-winning version starring Charlton Heston.
In contrast, most people didn't even realize that 2016's Ben-Hur even came out. Unsurprisingly, it failed at the box office and was utterly panned by critics.
The Omen (2006)
The Omen was already a near-perfect horror film—complete with a disturbing backstory and a brilliant performance from Gregory Peck. The 2006 remake was very similar to the original but, when it came to the horror, it wasn't as effective. Many just thought it was completely unnecessary.
Twentieth Century, The Omen (2006)
The Ladykillers (2004)
1955's The Ladykillers was a successful film that hit all the right notes: comedy, great characters, and delightful twists. However, when the Coen brothers attempted a remake in 2004, starring Tom Hanks, it paled in comparison. Many consider it one of their worst films.
Touchstone, The Ladykillers (2004)
Meet Joe Black (1998)
Many aren't aware that 1998's Meet Joe Black was actually based on 1934's Death Takes a Holiday. While it's hard to fault some of the actors like Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins, the remake's main downfall was its length—three hours.
Universal, Meet Joe Black (1998)
House of Wax (2005)
Though 1953's House of Wax wasn't a hit when it was first released, critics eventually came around over time. However, the same can't be said of the 2005 remake, which is nothing like the original—a teen slasher that completely misses the mark.
Warner Bros., House of Wax (2005)
Point Break (2015)
In 2015, a Point Break remake had many viewers scratching their heads. This surfing film just couldn't overtake the charm of the 1991 original, starring none other than Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, and Patrick Swayze.
Standing with a pitiful 9% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, many questioned why a remake was even considered in the first place.
Warner Bros., Point Break (2015)
The Women (2008)
1939's The Women starred Old Hollywood icons like Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Rosalind Russell, and Paulette Goddard. It brilliantly brought the stage play to life on screen. However, in 2008, the remake was a total disappointment.
Warner Bros., The Women (2008)
The Women (2008)
Razzie Award Nominations for Worst Actress were given to five of the actresses: Annette Benning, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Warner Bros., The Women (2008)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a classic and Gene Wilder will always be the Willy Wonka. That's why many fans had difficulty getting on board with Tim Burton's 2005 remake Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—especially Johnny Depp's eccentric interpretation of the beloved main character.
Warner Bros., Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Jacob's Ladder (2019)
2019's Jacob's Ladder might be one of the worst remakes on this list. The original 1990 production, starring Tim Robbins, is generally lauded as a great psychological horror film. However, the remake was an utter disaster.
Vertical, Jacob's Ladder (2019)
Jacob's Ladder (2019)
It has a dismal 4% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus reading, "A needless remake that quickly loses sight of the themes that elevated the original, this is a Jacob's Ladder that leads straight to nowhere".
Vertical, Jacob's Ladder (2019)
The Pink Panther (2006)
Though Steve Martin tried his best to bring Inspector Clouseau back to life with the 2006 The Pink Panther remake, many agreed that there was only one man who could ever do the character justice—and that was Peter Sellers.
Columbia, The Pink Panther (2006)
Matilda The Musical (2022)
Arguably, 2022's Matilda the Musical isn't terrible by any measure. After all, it injected something new into a beloved story and was widely embraced by critics. But when it comes to the film adaptations, everyone is bound to have a favorite.
Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to beat the nostalgia and warmth woven into the 1996 version, starring Marra Wilson and directed by the legendary Danny DeVito.
Netflix, Matilda the Musical (2022)
Mulan (2020)
When it comes to Disney live-action remakes, my expectations are low. However, there was a small spark of hope within me that the Mulan remake would rise to the occasion...I was so wrong.
Mulan (2020)
Though $200 million went into the making of Mulan, it only raked in $69.9 million at the box office. On paper, it was gorgeous, with some excellent action scenes and fantastic costumes. However, fans of the original were quick to voice their irritation over the lack of musical numbers.
Meanwhile, Chinese critics attacked the inaccurate depiction of Chinese people—their culture and history.
The Fog (2005)
1980's The Fog, directed by John Carpenter and starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh, was hailed as an excellent horror film. That's why people were confused as to why anyone would want to watch the 2005 remake, which lacked the thrills that the original film delivered in spades.
Oldboy (2013)
In 2003, the South Korean film Oldboy received high praise. Directed by Park Chan-wook, this action thriller was a major hit with the critics and even took home the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Less than a decade later, Hollywood thought that producing a remake would be an A+ idea. They were so wrong.
Oldboy (2013)
Though directed by Spike Lee and starring Josh Brolin, 2013's Oldboy is a sad echo of the original film and completely failed at the box office. The critics' consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "Suitably grim and bloody yet disappointingly safe and shallow, Spike Lee's Oldboy remake neither surpasses the original nor adds anything new to its impressive legacy".
Sabrina (1995)
The original Sabrina had a stellar cast. You can't do much better than Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden—but the 1995 remake tried its best. Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford, and Greg Kinnear had big shoes to fill.
The two films are extremely similar—and while the remake isn't terrible, it certainly isn't as magical as the original.
A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010)
For some reason, the horror genre is the King of Remakes. Take 2010's baffling remake of the classic 1984 film, A Nightmare on Elm Street, as a perfect example. In no world would a remake be able to top the original starring Robert Englund as the unforgettable villain Freddy Krueger.
Warner Bros., A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
Alfie (2004)
The original Alfie, starring Michael Caine, was a massive hit at the box office—but the 2004 remake was not. Many criticized Jude Law's performance as one of the weak links, and ultimately questioned why the film was even made.
The Grudge (2004)
Ju-On: The Grudge is a Japanese horror film, and it's regarded as one of the best horror films ever made. Though released in 2002, it only took Hollywood two years to jump on the bandwagon and create a remake for English-speaking audiences. It even had the same director, Takashi Shimizu.
However, most horror fans agree that the original still comes out on top.
Black Christmas (2006)
2006's Black Christmas is a masterclass in how not to do a classic slasher remake. This gory stinker, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Katie Cassidy, offered up an awful screenplay and unnecessary brutality. The critics' consensus on Rotten Tomatoes underlines the fact that it has "zero creativity, humor, or visual flair".
Vanilla Sky (2001)
2001's Vanilla Sky is based on a Spanish film—1997's Open Your Eyes, starring Penelope Cruz. Funnily enough, Cruz plays the same character in the English remake alongside Tom Cruise. However, where the original was praised, Vanilla Sky didn't manage to reach the same heights.
Dark Water (2005)
Initially made in 2002, Dark Water is a Japanese horror film that has been applauded for its chilling atmosphere and strong ending. In 2005, Hollywood remade it, casting Jennifer Connelly in the lead role. However, audiences just didn't find it scary enough.
When A Stranger Calls (2006)
The 2000s certainly had a lot of bad horror films, and the remake of 1979's When A Stranger Calls, starring Camilla Belle, is an excellent example. Though it managed to see some success at the box office, critics were especially harsh, many noting that it just wasn't scary enough.
Screen Gems, When a Stranger Calls (2006)
Poseidon (2006)
The Poseidon Adventure was the highest-grossing film of 1973 and even won two Academy Awards. In 2006, the disaster film was remade, but this time, Poseidon flopped at the box office.
Though the film showcased some decent special effects, the poorly written script dragged the project under.
Stepford Wives (2004)
The original The Stepford Wives was a 1975 film based on a 1972 novel, and has since become a cult film. In 2004, a pretty big remake came together, starring an insane ensemble cast including Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Christopher Walken, and Glenn Close, among others. Not only did it fail in the eyes of critics, but it also flopped at the box office.
Paramount, The Stepford Wives (2004)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2003)
The original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre came out in the 70s, and has gone down in history as a very important horror film—one that has influenced numerous slashers since then. Due to its success, many wonder why in the world anyone pitched a remake.
Warner Bros., The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
The Longest Yard (2005)
Burt Reynolds received some high praise for his role in 1974's The Longest Yard, and he even has a role in the 2005 remake. However, the remake is far more lighthearted than the original, which would make sense considering Adam Sandler took on the lead role. All in all, it just isn't as effective as the original film.
Paramount, The Longest Yard (2005)
White Men Can't Jump (2023)
The original White Men Can't Jump came out in 1992 and starred an iconic duo—Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes. Overall, it was a complete success...which makes one wonder why the industry ever thought a remake was a bankable idea.
Twentieth Century, White Men Can't Jump (2023)
White Men Can't Jump (2023)
In 2023, a pretty terrible remake starring Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow came to Hulu. The critics' consensus on Rotten Tomatoes does not mince words: "Never mind being able to get air—the White Men Can't Jump remake struggles to come up with reasons for its own existence".
Twentieth Century, White Men Can't Jump (2023)
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
The original Conan the Barbarian, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger was a fun and brutal action flick—a quintessential 80s movie. However, it got a remake in 2011, starring Jason Momoa, that has mostly been forgotten. Fans just loved the original Conan too much.
Millenium, Conan the Barbarian (2011)
Shutter (2008)
Originally, Shutter was a Thai film that came out in 2004. Of course, Hollywood scooped it up and cast Joshua Jackson of Dawson's Creek fame in the lead role. The critics' consensus on Rotten Tomatoes read, "Being a remake of a Thai horror film instead of Japanese doesn't prevent Shutter from being another lame Asian horror remake".
Twentieth Century, Shutter (2008)
City Of Angels (1998)
1998's City of Angels was actually based on a German film directed by Wim Wenders, 1987's Wings of Desire, which was a major success—both financially and artistically.
The Hollywood remake, starring Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage, is a sad echo of the Wenders' critically acclaimed masterpiece.
Warner Bros., City of Angels (1998)
The Thing (2011)
John Carpenter really did his thing with The Thing. Though it wasn't an initial success, the film has become a cult classic in the science fiction and horror genre.
The Thing (2011)
Unfortunately, in 2011, The Thing got a prequel (weirdly also called The Thing), starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton. Obviously, people couldn't help but compare the two films...and rip the remake to shreds.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
2004's The Manchurian Candidate had a lot going for it. After all, it cast some major heavy hitters like Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. But though the remake wasn't a complete write-off, it was still hard to top the original film, which remains a downright classic.
The 1949 version brought home three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.
Paramount, The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Annie (2014)
Somehow, 2014's Annie is the third film adaptation of this Broadway musical, and like its predecessors, it's a pretty stunning disappointment. Instead of being set during the Great Depression, this remake modernizes everything, shifting the story to the present day. Unfortunately, this reimagining wasn't enough to save it.
Annie (2014)
The critics' consensus on Rotten Tomatoes sums up the film's pitfalls quite well, reading, "The new-look Annie hints at a progressive take on a well-worn story, but smothers its likable cast under clichés, cloying cuteness, and a distasteful materialism".
The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008)
The science fiction movie The Day the Earth Stood Still has been recognized by the American Film Institute. It is a historically important film, but the same cannot be said for its 2008 remake. Though starring the beloved Keanu Reeves, not even the film's modern CGI could make this story a hit the second time around.
Twentieth Century, The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Clash Of The Titans (2010)
In 1981, Clash of the Titans was a hit at the box office, even though it was up against Raiders of the Lost Ark. Arguably, the film is a middling adventure movie, but it's still somehow better than the 2010 remake, starring Sam Worthington.
Warner Bros., Clash of the Titans (2010)
Clash Of The Titans (2010)
Despite the poor reviews, a second Clash of the Titans wasn't enough. Two years later, a sequel hit theaters, Wrath of the Titans. But that's not all. There was supposed to be a third instalment called Revenge of the Titans. It didn't get made...for obvious reasons.
Warner Bros., Clash of the Titans (2010)
Taxi (2004)
Taxi came out in 2004, and features some major stars like Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon. As a remake of the French film that came out in 1998, the Hollywood version was an utter disappointment. Critics came for it with a vengeance, and today it has a sad 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Twentieth Century, Taxi (2004)
Swept Away (2002)
Swept Away was originally an Italian film that came out in 1974. It starred Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato, and raked in some decent reviews. However, its 2002 remake was a major failure.
Swept Away (2002)
2002's Swept Away starred Madonna and the son of the original film's lead actor, Adriano Giannini. One of the main points of criticism was Madonna's acting—and reviews of the film brutally tore her performance apart.
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008)
1959's Journey to the Center of the Earth was a winning action film, but the 2008 remake didn't quite win the hearts of audiences. While some praised Brendan Fraser's performance, others weren't convinced. Overall, the action film was rather forgettable.
Warner Bros., Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Death On The Nile (2022)
I can't speak for everyone, but Kenneth Branagh's Agatha Christie films just don't seem to be striking the right notes. Take 2022's Death on the Nile, based on the 1937 novel and a remake of the 1978 film. Though it didn't perform too badly in the eyes of critics and audiences, many thought it was too long and couldn't hold a candle to the original.
Twentieth Century, Death on the Nile (2022)
Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
Similarly, Kenneth Branagh's previous film, 2017's Murder on the Orient Express, showcased some of the same weaknesses as its sequel. The cast was undeniably stacked. With legends like Willem Dafoe and Judi Dench on board—amid countless others—there were some stellar performances.
However, its screenplay drew criticism and begged the overarching question of why we even needed this remake in the first place.
Twentieth Century, Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
The Crow (2024)
You simply have to wonder why Hollywood insists on rehashing an already-perfect production. The 1994 adaption of the comic book series The Crow was everything fans needed; there's really no beating Brandon Lee's performance. So, it's no wonder people were highly skeptical when a remake was announced in 2024.
The Crow (2024)
Starring Bill Skarsgård in the lead role of Eric Draven, the 2024 film had a budget of $50 million, but completely bombed at the box office, making only $24 million.
