1.Ben-Hur (2016)
The remake of “Ben-Hur” in 2016 proved to be a futile endeavor, receiving minimal praise from critics and failing to resonate with audiences. Its financial setback was evident, with the remake incurring a loss of nearly $120 million at the box office. The utilization of CGI effects and modern editing failed to match the grandeur of the original film directed by William Wyler, showcasing a misguided and inadequately executed remake that falls short of its predecessor. “Ben-Hur” stands prominently among the list of the most unnecessary remakes of classic movies.
2.Psycho (1998)
Gus Van Sant’s 1998 remake of “Psycho” is infamous for replicating the original in a shot-for-shot manner, mimicking Hitchcock’s camera techniques and adhering to the original script. The casting choices of Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche received heavy criticism, as they were seen as ill-suited for their respective roles as Norman Bates and Marion Crane. The film was widely disparaged by critics for its failure to evoke thrills and horror. Garnering a Razzie award for Worst Remake, Van Sant’s “Psycho” is a remake that added no value to the cinematic legacy of the original.
3.The Wicker Man (2006)
In stark contrast, the original 1973 film is hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, lauded for its nuanced portrayal of horror intertwined with Christian and pagan beliefs, along with exceptional performances by Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee. The final scene of the movie is revered as one of the most terrifying moments in cinematic history. As a pinnacle of folk-horror films, the 1973 original stands in stark contrast to the dismal 2006 remake.
4.Planet of the Apes (2001)
Tim Burton sought to offer a modern reinterpretation of the story with his 2001 remake. Despite its visually stunning aesthetics and remarkable makeup designs, critics viewed the remake as a disappointment due to its convoluted storyline, lackluster performances, and an unpopular twist on the iconic ending. It proved to be such a letdown that a sequel was put on hold, and it took another decade before the franchise was successfully rebooted once again, this time with much more acclaim.
5.Carrie (2013)
Reimagining an already iconic film is a formidable challenge, yet director Kimberly Peirce took on the task with the 2013 remake of Carrie. Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore delivered commendable performances as Carrie and Margaret White, respectively. The film aimed to embrace a modern setting, but some remnants of old slang in the remake felt out of place. Ultimately, critics found that Carrie failed to bring anything fresh or thrilling to the original narrative, considering it a redundant iteration of the 1976 classic.
6.House of Wax (2005)
House of Wax attempted to infuse a new twist into the original story, incorporating a level of gore and suspense not witnessed in the original two films. Despite earning some praise for its casting and a novel approach to the original plot, House of Wax was ultimately criticized as being too lackluster and ordinary. It certainly couldn’t quite match the terror evoked by the original films.
7.Poltergeist (2015)
Over the years, numerous horror movies have undergone the remake treatment, making the 2015 reboot of Poltergeist somewhat expected. However, the consensus is that the remake fell short, heavily relying on jump scares and failing to introduce anything novel or compelling to the storyline. Despite the committed performances of the cast, the Russo Bros’ remake of Poltergeist is widely seen as a futile and superfluous revisit to an already iconic horror film.
8.Footloose (2011)
In 2011, Paramount released a remake of Footloose featuring Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald. Unlike some remakes, it didn’t entirely flop, garnering moderate reviews and achieving decent box office performance. However, critics concur that a remake of Footloose was unnecessary in the modern era, lacking the same emotional impact on viewers as the original did.
9.The Mummy (2017)
Upon its release, the film faltered at the box office and was met with a lukewarm reception from audiences. Critics contended that the movie had shed all the humor and enjoyment that had propelled the original 1999 trilogy to success. Brendan Fraser, the star of the original trilogy, emphasized that the movie’s departure from its lighthearted essence was a significant misstep. Despite compelling action sequences and an intriguing storyline, The Mummy failed to resonate with viewers, prompting Universal to abandon the entire Dark Universe endeavor.
10.Fame (2009)
The 2009 remake followed a similar plotline of students attending a performing arts school but featured different characters. However, it was perceived as superficial when compared to the original film. Criticism was directed at its clichéd narratives, insufficient character development, and the removal of the serious and darker themes that were integral to the 1980 film. Critics and viewers concurred that this remake sought to capitalize on the success of High School Musical and connect with a younger audience but lacked the authenticity and emotional depth that propelled the original to success.