Remakes That Resurrect Horror: Why These Films Deserve More Love

How often do we find ourselves going back to the classics? The movies that shaped our personalities, or the ones we watched on repeat and even during the 100th viewing, still discovered something to dissect? Most importantly, the movies that crept us out so much and began our lifelong affair with the horror genre. Whether it’s The Thing, The Evil Dead, or even most recently, Nosferatu, these iconic films hold a special place in our dark little hearts. So why do so many horror movie fans say that they hate remakes? Good or bad, they keep the original alive and introduce it to younger generations, all while making modern updates where it makes sense.

So, let’s talk about “good” in remakes. Love them or hate them, they play a pretty important role. Sure, they get their fair share of criticism — some people think they’re just cash grabs, while others argue they can never live up to the originals (duh!). In fact, according to a survey conducted by Remake My Day, critics prefer 87% of original movies over their remakes. But let’s stop focusing on whether or not the remake is better than the original for a second (this will rarely be true). What if remakes aren’t here to replace the originals? What if they’re actually keeping the originals alive by making sure new generations discover these stories, keeping them relevant, and giving them a bit of a modern makeover where needed?

So, if you can get past the classic debate on original vs. remake, read on to discover why remakes deserve a little more love. I’ll highlight some remakes that did it right and talk about why they matter. By the end, maybe you’ll see remakes as more than just a way to cash in on nostalgia — they’re a way to keep it alive!

Preserving Legacy

Movies from decades ago can sometimes feel like old friends or family members. The incredible stories, groundbreaking effects, or unforgettable performances all relate to something in our life that made us love and relate to it. A great remake shines a spotlight back on these classics and reminds us why they were so special in the first place. Take John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). Before writing this blog, I didn’t realize it was a remake of The Thing from Another World (1951). Carpenter’s version didn’t just retell the story — it elevated it (yes, I know how much you love that word). The movie is one of the Godfathers of incredible practical effects and an atmosphere dripping with paranoia; it became a cult classic in its own right. And guess what? It brought new attention to the 1951 original, ensuring both versions got their deserved recognition. I mean, I’m writing about The Thing from Another World here in 2025!

Reaching Younger Generations

Unless you are like my kids, who love a 90s slasher, getting a kid today to watch a movie from the 1900s, as they now call it, just doesn’t happen, especially with short-form videos as another option. Black-and-white films, dated special effects (looking at you, Poltergeist), or slower pacing might not resonate with younger audiences like older generations. But a remake? A remake might sway a hoodie-wearing TikTok dancer to give it a try.

For instance, when It (2017) came out, it became an instant hit. Bill Skarsgård’s take on Pennywise was terrifying, and the updated visuals brought Stephen King’s story to life in ways the 1990 TV miniseries couldn’t. I mean, who doesn’t love a Skarsgård movie nowadays. But here’s the best part: after seeing the remake, many fans returned to check out the original. That’s the magic of a good remake — it allows younger viewers to appreciate the classics while keeping the story relevant. Staying on the topic of Skarsgård, the same thing can be said about The Crow. The remake may have bombed at the box office, but I, for one, reached for my VHS tape original and basked in the light that was Brandon Lee, snowy screen and all.

Adapting to Modern Sensibilities

For those who criticize remakes adjusting to modern expectations and culturally diverse characters, what might’ve been acceptable or groundbreaking in the past doesn’t always translate to modern audiences. A good remake can update outdated ideas, bring fresh perspectives, and make the story accessible to today’s viewers. A perfect example? David Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986). The original Fly (1958) was great for its time. Still, Cronenberg took the core concept — a scientist merging with a fly — and gave it emotional depth and jaw-dropping body horror. It wasn’t just about the scares anymore; it was about tragedy, relationships, and the price of ambition. These updates made the story hit harder for modern audiences while staying true to the original idea.

Movie Remakes That Did It Right

1. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s The Thing might just be one of the best horror remakes ever made. The 1951 version, The Thing from Another World, was a solid creature feature for its time, but Carpenter took it to another level. His version is a masterclass in paranoia, body horror, and practical effects that still hold up today. I don’t know of one single Shudder exclusive that dives into the history of horror movies without touching on this cult classic. Despite a lukewarm reception back in the day, it has since become an icon of the genre, and even people who didn’t like it when it came out now appreciate it for what it did for horror. The remake didn’t just try to tell the same story — it improved on it, making it timeless and relevant again.

2. The Fly (1986)

Cronenberg’s The Fly took the original Fly (1958), which had a more straightforward sci-fi vibe. They turned it into a tragedy filled with gore and psychological depth. The new film’s focus on body horror introduced a new level to the genre with the transformation of Jeff Goldblum’s character as he becomes a fly. That scene, in particular, is one of the most unsettling things you’ll ever watch. This remake is so effective because it added layers to the story that weren’t present in the original, like the emotional and psychological toll the transformation takes on the character. It turned the monster movie into something far more tragic and disturbing, resonating with a new generation.

3. Evil Dead (2013)

We all know the Evil Dead franchise for its blend of humor and horror, thanks to Sam Raimi’s original (1981). But when Fede Álvarez took the reins in 2013, he went in a different direction. The campy humor was stripped away, and we got a bloody, intense, and straight-up terrifying horror film in its place. While it didn’t have the same level of quirky charm as the original, it created its own fanbase by focusing on the horror elements, delivering nonstop gore and dread. Some fans of the original may not have been happy with the tone shift, but for a new generation, this was an effective reimagining that still honored the original’s spirit.

4. It (2017)

Stephen King’s It (1990) miniseries is iconic in its own right (did anyone else have the VHS box set with four tapes?). Still, when It hit theaters in 2017, it was like a breath of fresh (and terrifying) air. While the miniseries was more of a slow burn, the remake zeroed in on the horrifying elements of the story, with a focus on the shape-shifting terror of Pennywise. Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Pennywise was chilling and brought a fresh interpretation to the character, which is something many fans of the original (and the novel) appreciated. The film’s success introduced a whole new generation to the horrors of Pennywise, and many fans went back to revisit the miniseries to compare. This remake wasn’t just about updating the visuals. It brought a new layer of fear that resonated deeply with modern audiences.

5. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead (2004) managed to modernize George A. Romero’s original 1978 classic without losing the essence of what made the original great. The remake brought Romero’s social commentary about consumerism, which is somehow even more relevant today. It adapted it to a post-9/11 world, keeping the zombie genre fresh while adding a new level of intensity. The fast-moving zombies were nightmare fuel and, in my opinion, made the zombie genre scarier compared to the original slow-moving zombies. Still, the film’s relentless pace and commentary on modern society made it stand out. It didn’t just update the zombies; it made them relevant to the times and worked terrifyingly well.

6. The Ring (2002)

Ringu (1998) was a terrifying Japanese film that introduced audiences to a hauntingly vengeful spirit. When American filmmakers decided to remake it as The Ring (2002), they didn’t just copy the plot — they captured the original’s eerie atmosphere and unnerving tension and revamped the ghost story. Gore Verbinski’s remake brought Ringu’s supernatural terror to a global audience, with the haunting image of Samara becoming an iconic part of horror culture. The film wasn’t just about scares. It brought something different to the American horror scene and, in the process, introduced more people to the original Japanese version, keeping the legacy of both versions alive while reminding foreigners that Japanese horror culture is not one to smirk at.

7. The Grudge (2004)

A lot of horror remakes get criticized for not being as effective as the original (again, duh!). Still, when it comes to The Grudge (2004), both the Japanese original Ju-On (2002) and the American remake are pretty terrifying in their own right. Takashi Shimizu, who directed the Japanese film, also directed the American version, which helped preserve the atmosphere and unique scares that made Ju-On so unsettling. The American remake didn’t just bring the story to U.S. audiences — it stayed true to the original’s eerie vibe and added some new twists to keep it fresh. Plus, it starred Buffy. Who doesn’t love Buffy?

8. House of Wax (2005)

While House of Wax (2005) is not a one-to-one remake of the 1953 original, it does take the basic premise of a wax museum and adds a fresh slasher spin to it. The original had a more suspenseful, gothic feel, but the 2005 remake turned the concept into a full-on horror fest, complete with brutal kills, creepy mannequins, and a solid cast of young stars, including Paris Hilton (before she became a political activist). It definitely played into the horror/slasher genre of the 2000s, but it managed to revive interest in the original’s story while introducing a new generation to the terror of wax figures.

9. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

Wes Craven’s 1977 film The Hills Have Eyes is known for its disturbing portrayal of a family trapped in the desert by a group of mutant cannibals. The 2006 remake, directed by Alexandre Aja, isn’t always recognized as a remake, especially since it brings a more contemporary, graphic, and horror-heavy vibe to the story. The 2006 version was a hit with audiences, adding a darker edge to the original, but the fact that it’s a remake of a lesser-known, older film can sometimes get overlooked.

10. The Crazies (2010)

This is a remake of the 1973 film directed by George A. Romero. While the 1973 version is a cult classic, the 2010 remake is not as widely recognized as a remake, especially among newer audiences. The film updates the concept with a more contemporary approach, focusing on a small town’s descent into chaos as a virus turns people into violent, crazed individuals. It’s a tense, atmospheric take on the original with a more polished look and updated thrills.

11. Nosferatu (2024)

One of the most recent successful and controversial horror remakes is Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024). It took F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent classic and made it new again. This version, starring Bill Skarsgård as the infamous Count Orlok, brings a fresh perspective to the vampire tale, maintaining the original’s haunting imagery while updating it for modern horror audiences. This film was delicious to watch, from the set design to the costumes and lighting! The remake has already proven to be a hit, grossing over $40 million in its Christmas weekend release. It shows that even the most classic films can find a place in today’s market when done concerning the original — and it introduces new fans to the story of Nosferatu, ensuring that the legacy of one of the earliest examples of horror cinema stays alive. Even if his mustache in the 2024 version, though period-appropriate, was a bit funny-looking.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Remakes

Remakes have a special place in the world of cinema. They allow us to revisit beloved classics with a fresh perspective, keeping the original content alive while introducing it to new generations. Whether through modern updates or paying tribute to the original, remakes strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. While we all crave unique, original stories, returning to the classics is comforting — especially when they’re remade with care. Remakes bring us fresh takes on our favorite films and keep those timeless stories alive, ensuring they captivate audiences for years.