Hollywood has been remakes-obsessed for as long as there have been movies. Studios can’t resist recycling, rebooting, and reimagining classic hits, sometimes hitting it huge—and other times making viewers cringe in collective unison. But occasionally, a remake doesn’t simply equal the original—it exceeds it, breathing new energy into a classic tale. Here are nine remakes that, in the opinions of fans and critics alike, surpassed the originals.
9. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s The Thing is raw paranoia and practical-effect magic. Although the 1951 original The Thing from Another World is a sci-fi classic, Carpenter kicked up the tension, blood, and existential terror. Kurt Russell gives a memorable performance, and Rob Bottin’s practical effects are still jaw-dropping to this day. The Antarctic backdrop and unclear finale made it a cult phenomenon.
8. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
George Romero’s 1978 Dawn of the Dead is the stuff of legend, but Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake adds unadulterated adrenaline to the zombie movie genre. With creative set pieces, rapid-fire action, and a track-listening cool soundtrack, it was a must-see for new-generation horror buffs. It shows that zombies do not have to be frightening and enjoyable at the same time.
7. Scarface (1983)
Few know that Brian De Palma’s 1983 Scarface is, in fact, a remake of the 1932 gangster film. Al Pacino’s Tony Montana is one for the ages—quotable, flashy, and indelible. With an over-the-top soundtrack and graphic violence, this iteration solidified itself in pop culture far more than the original.
6. The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning The Departed is a gritty crime epic Boston, but it’s the remake of Hong Kong’s Infernal Affairs. Featuring powerhouse performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, Scorsese raised the story to a level of tension, character depth, and his trademark style.
5. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Before Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt remade it in 2016, the 1960 Magnificent Seven introduced Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai to Western viewers. In replacing swords with six-shooters, the Western version of this film kept the spirit of the story alive but brought it to an entirely different culture.
4. The Parent Trap (1998)
Lindsay Lohan’s dual role in 1998’s remake of The Parent Trap updated the 1961 Disney original. With fresh humor, a tighter script, and Lohan’s undeniable star power, it has become the standard version for an entire generation.
3. True Grit (2010)
The Coen Brothers’ True Grit is a work of Western mastery that keeps up with the 1969 John Wayne original. From Jeff Bridges’ icy turn to Hailee Steinfeld’s breakout performance, this adaptation impresses with acerbic dialogue, breathtaking cinematography, and a narrative that feels ageless.
2. The Lion King (2019)
Disney’s 2019 CGI remake of The Lion King divided crowds, but for others, it outdid the animated classic with realistic imagery and greater storytelling. The all-star cast and realistic Pride Rock added a new level to the timeless tale, enticing fans who wanted a more realistic interpretation.
1. Carrie (2013)
Chloë Grace Moretz’s Carrie is not simply a rehash of the 1976 original—it’s a new take that remains faithful to the Stephen King novel. Youthful casting, an edgier tone, and a more devastating conclusion lend it a new, frightening sheen that will appeal to modern-day viewers.
The greatest remakes are not imitations—they provide a new insight. Now and again, that involves delving deeper into the characters, broadening the cast, or bringing the tale up to date for contemporary sensitivities. A remake that respects the original but provides something new for the audience is generally the one that wins the day.
Love them or dislike them, remakes are not going anywhere. And now and again, they refresh our memories as to why the story was important in the first place—just with a gutsy new spin.