So far, 2013 has seen many horror movie remakes and there are still more to come.
So, I’ve decided to revisit some of the best horror movie remakes of the last 40 years and with more to come this year (Carrie) this list will be updated accordingly.
The Thing (1982)
The Thing is not technically a remake from the original movie shot in 1951, but a different adaptation of the classic short story “Who Goes There” from John W Cambell Jr.
With that being said it is one of the all-time classic of sci-fi/horror, and arguably John Carpenter’s best film. There was another remake in 2011 but it did not come close to this masterpice.
Click Here to Own and Watch The Thing Now!
Halloween (2007)
This remake has divided the horror community and many are the ones who hate this take on John Carpenter‘s classic by Rob Zombie.
On the other hand, there is plenty to like in this version, a relentlessly violent movie that gives us more insight into Michael Myers.
Click Here to Own and Watch Rob Zombie’s Halloween Now!
The Crazies (2010)
This remake of one of the lesser know George Romero’s movies might even be better than the original. Timothy Olyphant is great as usual.
Click Here to watch The Crazies Online Now!
The Grudge (2004)
Takashi Shimizu is once again directing another version/remake of its classic movie Ju-On. The Grudge is not as scary as the original but the production values are higher and the acting from Sarah Michelle Gellar is strong. One of the better american remake based on a japanese horror movie.
Click Here to Own and Watch The Grudge Now!
Dawn of The Dead (2004)
The original Dawn of the Dead might be considered as the best Zombie movie of all time so needless to say that there was a lot of expectations and doubt coming into the remake. But this movie launched the movie of Zack Snyder and, while not being entirely true to the original, managed to restart the zombie craze that hasn’t stopped yet.
Click Here to Watch Dawn of the Dead Online Now!
Evil Dead (2013)
Much has been written this year about Evil Dead and while many people weren’t convinced, once cannot deny the absolute carnage shown on screen and the quality of the fx. Evil Dead 2013 is raw, gory and unrelenting.
Click Here for a Full Review of Evil Dead
Let me In (2010)
Another case of a different book adaptation rather than straight remake, the american version of John Ajvide Lindqvist novel manages to be almost as good as the swedish version of this brilliant vampire love story. Seldom have we seen such great kids performances in a movie let alone a horror movie (in both versions).
Click Here to Watch Let me In online Now!
Piranha 3d (2010)
OK, this one might not be the best movie on the list but it might be the most fun. Taking advantage of the 3d, Alexandra Aja delivers gallons of blood and plenty of boobs for T&A lovers. The script and performances from everybody involved prove that you can still do a cult classic B-movie. Avoid the next one, Piranha 3DD, like the plague though.
Click Here to Own and Watch Piranha 3d Now!
I spit on Your Grave (2010)
With this remake of one of the late 70's horror classic, Steven R.Monroe delivers one of the best Rape-and-Revenge movie in recent memory. Unforgiving, raw and served by a brilliant performance from lead actress Sarah Butler, I spit on Your Grave might even be better than the original version.
Click Here for a Full Review of I Spit on Your Grave
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Many fans considered a remake of Tobe Hoopers Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be a sacrilege, especially knowing that Michael Bay was behind it. Most of them had to admit though that Marcus Nispel did a good job creating a gruesome film, more violent and definitively bloodier than Hooper's version but also less iconic.
Click Here to Watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Online Now!
The Last House on The Left (2009)
It's interesting to note that the original Last House on The Left from Wes Craven was actually inspired by Ingmar Bergman's The Virgin Spring. Bergman's version is, by far, the best one of those 3 films, with Craven's close second.
What make this remake any good are the overall performances (so much more believable than in Craven's version) and the production value (the first House.. was a very low indie budget). I'd still consider I Spit on Your Grave remake a better Rape-and-Revenge movie.
Click Here to Watch The Last House on the Left Online Now!
Night of the living dead (1990)
Tom Savini's remake of Romero's classic stays true to the original film and manages to keep its overall impact. For those of you allergic to B&W movies, this is the best way to catch up on this all time classic zombie story.
Click Here to Own and Watch Night of the Living Dead Now!
The Hills have Eyes (2006)
Another remake by Alexandre Aja and another version superior to its original material. Everything in The Hills have Eyes is better than Craven's movie (acting, cinematography, gore, suspense...). Actually scratch that, nobody could have replaced Michael Berryman unforgettable appearance as Pluto, the leader of the savages pack.
Click Here to Watch The Hills Have Eyes Online Now!
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
There have been a few version of this classic alien invasion tale but the best one is arguably the one directed in 1978 by Philip Kaufman and starring the great Donald Sutherland. I watched this one when I was a kid and it just scared me to death. So many iconic moments, turns and twists. A real gem.
Click Here to Own and Watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers Now!
The Fly (1986)
The Fly might be David Cronenberg's Masterpiece but it is first and foremost a remake of the classic movie from 1958, itself based on a short story by George Langelaan. The makeup effects and the psychological horror all contribute to the movie but it's indeniably Jeff Goldblum's performance that will have us remember The Fly a long time after the end credits.
Click Here to Watch The Fly Online Now!
House of Wax (2005)
I think many people weren't fair with this new take on House of Wax because of Paris Hilton. When you look back at it now, House of Wax is full of gore and has some really good and imaginative kills. And the cast (including Paris and Elisha Cuthbert) is actually quite descent. Is it as good as the original with Vincent Price? No. Was it a fun ride? Hell Yeah!
Click Here to Watch House of Wax Online Now!
Maniac (2012)
A controversial remake shot primarly in POV style, Maniac has divided the fans. And while I can't say it's as gripping as the original (who could ever forget Joe Spinell's performance and the overall movie's sticky mood), Frank Khalfoun's version has a dream-like feeling supported by an hypnotical soundtrack and great practical effects.
Click Here for a Full Review of Maniac.
There you have it, my list of favorite Horror Movie Remakes. Which one is your favorite, did I miss any? Let me know in the comments.