The Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time

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Updated May 15, 2024 82.8K views 114 items
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3.3K voters
11 reranks
Voting Rules
Only remade films based on (or copying) earlier movies, including short films and foreign movies
Latest additions: Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, The Wages of Fear, Road House
Most divisive: War of the Worlds
Over 3.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Remakes Ever Remade

Great stories never truly fade away; they are often resurrected through creative reinterpretations, retold through fresh perspectives and contemporary interpretations. Among these revitalized tales are the best movie remakes – films that recreate legendary narratives while adding a modern touch to their themes, characters, ideologies, visuals, and storylines. While not all remade movies can achieve such balance, those that manage to expertly pay homage to their predecessors while offering something new tend to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

A closer examination of the best movie remakes unveils creative mastery in adapting time-honored stories for contemporary audiences. These movies brilliantly capture the essence of their original counterparts while infusing them with unique elements that cater to modern viewers' tastes and sensibilities. Whether it's adapting a story's setting or reinterpreting pivotal plot points, those entries among the best remade movies showcase exceptional craftsmanship in storytelling and character development.

Films such as The Mummy (1999), The Thing (1982), and Scarface (1983) demonstrate exemplary craftsmanship in the art of revamping classic narratives for modern viewership. The Mummy (1999) injected thrilling action sequences and captivating special effects into its horror-adventure narrative. The Thing (1982) has become hailed for its spine-chilling suspense and ingenious display of practical effects which vastly outshine its source material. Scarface (1983), renowned for Al Pacino's unforgettable portrayal of Tony Montana, set against a backdrop marked by excess and unbridled ambition, showcased an underworld of overindulgence and criminal ambition in visceral and deeply affecting ways. Each of these films has earned its place among the pantheon of greatest movie remakes, suggesting the limitless potential held within reinventing timeless stories.

To truly appreciate cinema's boundless possibilities, one must acknowledge these exceptional remakes' crucial role in sparking creativity and advancing the art form. The best movie remakes represent more than mere retellings; they exemplify transformative power in storytelling as they breathe new life into classic tales while staying true to their essence. Thus, revisiting such films becomes a rewarding experience, providing both nostalgia and novelty in equal measure for those captivated by cinema's ever-evolving world.

  • The Mummy
    1
    Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah
    1,695 votes

    Original: The Mummy (1932)

    In the heart-pounding adventure film The Mummy, Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) stumbles upon an ancient tomb in the midst of a battle-ridden Middle East. Unbeknownst to him, the tomb houses the malevolent Princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), cursed for eternity by her own people. As the princess awakens from her crypt, she embarks on a vengeful mission to reclaim what is rightfully hers. The movie, rich in Egyptian mythology and action-packed sequences, unravels as Morton battles this resurrected ancient power. This captivating tale masterfully intertwines history and fantasy, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
  • The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    2
    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan, Viggo Mortensen
    1,110 votes
    The Lord of the Rings is a film series consisting of three epic fantasy adventure films directed by Peter Jackson. They are based on the novel The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. The films are subtitled The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King. They were distributed by New Line Cinema. Considered to be one of the biggest and most ambitious film projects ever undertaken, with an overall budget of $281 million, the entire project took eight years, with the filming for all three films done simultaneously and entirely in New Zealand, Jackson's native country. Each film in the series also had special extended editions released on DVD a year after their respective theatrical releases. While the films follow the book's general storyline, they do omit some of the novel's plot elements and include some additions to and deviations from the source material. Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and a Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, and thus ensure the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron.
  • True Lies
    3
    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold
    986 votes

    Original: La Totale! (1991)

    In True Lies, a high-octane blend of action-comedy and spy-thriller, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a double life. By day, he's a dull computer salesman married to Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), but by night, he's a top-secret government agent combating international terrorism. When his two worlds collide following an investigation into illegal arms sales, chaos ensues. Director James Cameron expertly orchestrates this rollercoaster ride of suspense, humor, and explosive stunts. The film scooped up an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, testament to its groundbreaking spectacle.
  • The Departed
    4
    Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson
    1,089 votes

    Original: Infernal Affairs (2002)

    In the gritty crime thriller, The Departed, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young undercover cop in Boston who infiltrates an Irish mob run by the ruthless Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Simultaneously, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a criminal planted within the state police, climbs the ranks. As both sides become deeply entrenched in their disguises, they grapple with divided loyalties and deadly stakes. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this intense cat-and-mouse game won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie's layered plot mirrors a complex labyrinth of deception and betrayal.
  • The Thing
    5
    Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter
    1,215 votes

    Original: The Thing from Another World (1951)

    In the frost-bitten isolation of Antarctica, a team of American researchers find themselves under siege. Their adversary? An alien life-form with an unnerving ability to assume the appearance of its victims. The team's helicopter pilot, R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russell), steps up in defense of his comrades, igniting a nerve-wracking battle of paranoia and survival against their shape-shifting foe. This is The Thing, a chilling blend of science fiction and horror directed by John Carpenter. The movie, released in 1982, stands as a testament to practical effects, expertly designed suspense and a hauntingly desolate setting that amplifies the terror within.
  • Ocean's Eleven
    6
    George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia
    1,248 votes

    Original: Ocean's 11 (1960)

    Ocean's Eleven, a stylish heist film, revolves around the suave mastermind Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his handpicked crew of specialists. The team, including the likes of Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), embarks on an audacious mission. They aim to simultaneously rob three Las Vegas casinos - Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand - all owned by ruthless tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Director Steven Soderbergh expertly weaves this intricate plot with wit and slick dialogue, earning the film five nominations at the 2002 BAFTA Awards. With its blend of crime, comedy, and suspense, Ocean's Eleven is a cinematic rollercoaster ride in the world of high-stakes thievery.
  • Casino Royale
    7
    Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen
    1,128 votes

    Original: Casino Royale (1967)

    After receiving a license to kill, British Secret Service agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) heads to Madagascar, where he uncovers a link to Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a man who finances terrorist organizations. Learning that Le Chiffre plans to raise money in a high-stakes poker game, MI6 sends Bond to play against him, gambling that their newest "00" operative will topple the man's organization.
  • Scarface
    8
    Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer
    1,146 votes

    Original: Scarface (1932)

    In the classic crime drama, Scarface, Tony Montana (Al Pacino) emerges as a Cuban immigrant in 1980s Miami. With nothing but ambition, he becomes involved in the lucrative cocaine trade. His rise to power is swift, but so too is his moral decline. Tony's mistress Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer) and right-hand man Manny Ribera (Steven Bauer) feature prominently in this tale of excess and downfall. Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, Scarface won a Golden Globe for Al Pacino's performance, eventually cementing its place in film history.
  • A Fistful of Dollars
    9
    Clint Eastwood, Gian Maria Volonté, Aldo Sambrell
    759 votes

    Original: Yojimbo (1961)

    A Fistful of Dollars, titled on-screen as Fistful of Dollars, is a 1964 spaghetti western film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, alongside Gian Maria Volonté, Marianne Koch, Wolfgang Lukschy, Sieghardt Rupp, José Calvo, Antonio Prieto, and Joseph Egger. A Fistful of Dollars was filmed on a low budget, and Eastwood was paid $15,000 for his role. Released in Italy in 1964 and then in the United States in 1967, it initiated the popularity of the spaghetti western film genre. It was followed by For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, also starring Eastwood. Collectively, the films are known as the "Dollars Trilogy", or "The Man With No Name Trilogy". The film has been identified as an unofficial remake of the Akira Kurosawa film Yojimbo, which resulted in a successful lawsuit by Toho. In the United States, the United Artists publicity campaign referred to Eastwood's character in all three films as the "Man with No Name". As few spaghetti westerns had yet been released in the United States, many of the European cast and crew took on American-sounding stage names. These included Leone himself, Gian Maria Volonté, and composer Ennio Morricone.
  • The Magnificent Seven
    10
    Yul Brynner, Eli Wallach, Steve McQueen
    853 votes

    Original: Seven Samurai (1954)

    In The Magnificent Seven, a band of seven disparate outlaws unite for an audacious cause. Led by the steely-eyed Chris Adams (Yul Brynner), they include the sharpshooter Vin Tanner (Steve McQueen) and knife-wielding Brit, Harry Luck (Brad Dexter). Hired by desperate villagers to protect their homes from marauding bandits, these unlikely heroes find themselves in an epic battle for survival. This 1960 Western, directed by John Sturges, is a thrilling tale of camaraderie, courage, and sacrifice, which garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score.
  • Little Shop of Horrors
    11
    Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin
    810 votes
    In the quirky musical horror-comedy Little Shop of Horrors, Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) is a meek florist who discovers an unusual plant with a ravenous appetite. This peculiar specimen, which he dubs Audrey II (voice of Levi Stubbs), has a taste for human blood. As Seymour tries to satisfy the increasingly demanding plant, his life spirals into chaos. Meanwhile, he navigates his feelings for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). Directed by Frank Oz, this film offers a darkly humorous spin on the 'mad scientist' trope, blending catchy tunes with macabre themes - all set within an eccentric flower shop.
  • The Fly
    12
    Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz
    925 votes

    Original: The Fly (1958)

    In the unsettling horror flick The Fly, eccentric scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) unveils an invention that promises to revolutionize travel: a teleportation device. However, an unexpected housefly making its way into the machine leads to horrific consequences. In a disastrous mix-up, Brundle's DNA is fused with that of the fly, triggering a grotesque transformation. As he becomes increasingly insect-like, his girlfriend Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) grapples with the horrifying implications of this metamorphosis. Winning the Academy Award for Best Makeup, The Fly weaves a chilling story of scientific ambition gone awry.
  • 12 Monkeys
    13
    Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt
    827 votes

    Original: La Jetée (1962)

    In the dystopian sci-fi thriller 12 Monkeys, James Cole (Bruce Willis), a convict from a post-apocalyptic future, is sent back in time on a mission to prevent a deadly virus outbreak. Guided by cryptic messages from a group known as the 'Army of the 12 Monkeys', he navigates through the past accompanied by psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe). As they delve deeper into the mystery, their paths cross with Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), an unhinged animal rights activist. Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film received two Oscar nominations and was praised for its intricate plot and compelling performances.
  • True Grit
    14
    Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin
    1,030 votes

    Original: True Grit (1969)

    In the dusty, lawless landscape of the Wild West, a determined 14-year-old girl, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), seeks justice for her father's murder. She hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a hardened U.S. Marshal with a reputation for getting the job done - no matter how gritty it gets. Joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), they plunge into an unforgiving terrain, chasing after the killer. True Grit, directed by the Coen Brothers, is a gripping tale of vengeance and valor that won Jeff Bridges an Academy Award nomination for his grizzled portrayal of Cogburn.
  • Man on Fire
    15
    Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken
    642 votes
    A gripping tale of vengeance, Man on Fire is a potent entry in the action-thriller genre. The plot centers on John Creasy (Denzel Washington), a burnt-out ex-CIA operative turned bodyguard, hired to protect Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning), a lively young girl in Mexico City. When Pita is kidnapped, despite Creasy's valiant efforts, his sense of duty ignites into an all-consuming fury. As he embarks on a relentless quest to retrieve Pita and punish those responsible, the city's criminal underbelly faces a man ablaze with righteous anger. This film delivers a dramatic exploration of redemption through its complex protagonist and intense narrative.
  • 3:10 to Yuma
    16
    Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Logan Lerman
    752 votes

    Original: 3:10 to Yuma (1957)

    3:10 to Yuma, an enthralling Western drama, delves into the tumultuous world of outlaws and justice. The film stars Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), a notorious outlaw, captured by Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Christian Bale). Struggling with debts and drought, Evans volunteers to escort the captured Wade to Contention City from where he will board the 3:10 train to Yuma prison. As they traverse dangerous territories, their journey becomes a test of endurance and morality. Directed by James Mangold, this gripping narrative was nominated for two Academy Awards. It is a riveting exploration of character dynamics amidst life-threatening adversity.
  • Cape Fear
    17
    Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange
    847 votes

    Original: Cape Fear (1962)

    In the gripping tale of Cape Fear, ex-convict Max Cady (Robert De Niro) emerges from the shadows to torment the Bowden family. Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), a lawyer, once ensured that Cady went behind bars for a heinous crime. Now, Cady seeks revenge in this relentless pursuit of terror. Juliette Lewis stars as Danielle Bowden, Sam's teenage daughter, who becomes an unwitting pawn in Cady's game. This psychological thriller, directed by Martin Scorsese, won Robert De Niro an Academy Award nomination for his chilling performance. Unforgiving and relentless, Cape Fear is a masterclass in suspense and fear.
  • Heat
    18
    Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
    458 votes
    In the heart-throbbing movie Heat, Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), a seasoned professional criminal, masterminds high-stakes heists with surgical precision. On the other side of the law, Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), an intense and dedicated detective, relentlessly pursues McCauley's crew. The cat-and-mouse game between these two formidable characters escalates into a thrilling confrontation, as their personal lives intertwine with their professional commitments. Directed by Michael Mann, this crime drama is known for its detailed portrayal of criminal and police work, and its climactic downtown shootout scene. Despite not winning any awards, the film's intricate plot and strong performances have made it a benchmark in the genre.
  • Father of the Bride
    19
    Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley
    550 votes
    In the heartwarming comedy Father of the Bride, George Banks (Steve Martin) is a loving father thrown into the whirlwind of wedding planning when his daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) announces her engagement. Amidst escalating costs, eccentric wedding planners, and an impending empty nest, George navigates this comedic chaos with help from his patient wife Nina (Diane Keaton). A light-hearted take on familial bonds and changing times, this movie was a box office hit in 1991, earning Martin a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
  • The Birdcage
    20
    Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane
    560 votes
    The Birdcage, a comedic drama, is a flamboyant spectacle of love and acceptance. Armand Goldman (Robin Williams), owner of a gay nightclub in South Beach, shares his life with Albert (Nathan Lane), the club's star performer. When Armand's son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing senator, chaos ensues as they try to pass off as a traditional family. Directed by Mike Nichols, this film won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast. The Birdcage delves into societal norms with humor, delivering laughs while pushing boundaries.
  • Dawn of the Dead
    21
    Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber
    769 votes

    Original: Dawn of the Dead (1978)

    Dawn of the Dead, a horror film directed by George A. Romero, is set in a world where the dead rise to feast on the living. The story centers around four survivors: Francine Parker (Gaylen Ross), Stephen Andrews (David Emge), Peter Washington (Ken Foree), and Roger DeMarco (Scott H. Reiniger). They take refuge in a suburban shopping mall, barricading themselves against the zombie horde outside. As they struggle with dwindling supplies, internal conflicts, and the ever-present threat of their undead adversaries, they must make desperate choices for survival. This film is notable for its commentary on consumerism amidst its chilling narrative.
  • Three Men and a Baby
    22
    Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, Ted Danson
    591 votes
    In the heartwarming comedy, Three Men and a Baby, we meet a trio of bachelors - Peter (Tom Selleck), Michael (Steve Guttenberg), and Jack (Ted Danson). Life takes an unexpected turn as they find an infant girl on their doorstep, with only a note claiming that she's Jack's daughter. Suddenly, these carefree men are plunged into the chaotic world of diapers, baby formula, and sleepless nights. The fun escalates when they stumble upon suspicious packages hidden in the baby's belongings, pulling them into a risky drug deal. Despite the chaos, the three men gradually discover the joys of fatherhood in this charming mix of comedy and adventure.
  • Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
    23
    Don Ameche, Michael J. Fox, Sally Field
    499 votes
    Embarking on a thrilling adventure in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, three beloved pets take the lead. Shadow, a wise old golden retriever (voiced by Don Ameche), Sassy, a witty Himalayan cat (voiced by Sally Field), and Chance, a reckless American bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox), are left in the care of a family friend. When they mistakenly believe their owners have abandoned them, they set out across the rugged Sierra Nevada terrain to reunite with their family. Battling treacherous conditions and wild animals along the way, their determination is tested at every step. This heartwarming tale underscores the power of friendship and loyalty in this family-friendly adventure film.
  • Gone in 60 Seconds
    24
    Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Robert Duvall
    561 votes
    Gone in 60 Seconds is a 2000 American action film, starring Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie, Giovanni Ribisi, Christopher Eccleston, Robert Duvall, Vinnie Jones, and Will Patton. The film was directed by Dominic Sena, written by Scott Rosenberg, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of The Rock and Con Air and Armageddon, and is a loose remake of the 1974 H.B. Halicki film of the same name. The film was shot throughout Los Angeles and Long Beach, California.
  • The Ring
    25
    Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman
    672 votes
    In the spine-chilling film The Ring, journalist Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) stumbles upon a cursed videotape that forebodes a gruesome death to anyone who watches it within seven days. As she investigates, her skepticism wanes and fear escalates when her son Aidan (David Dorfman) unwittingly views the tape. Racing against time, Rachel must unravel the cryptic puzzle behind the curse in order to save herself and her son from impending doom. This eerie horror mystery, laden with supernatural elements, keeps viewers on their toes till the very end.
  • Dredd
    26
    Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey
    528 votes
    In the dystopian mega-city One, Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) upholds law and order as judge, jury, and executioner. A routine day morphs into a deadly mission when he partners with rookie psychic Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) to investigate a triple homicide in Peach Trees, a 200-story slum run by drug lord Ma-Ma (Lena Headey). The duo becomes trapped inside the tower, forced to fight their way out while dispensing justice. A grim tale of survival ensues in this science fiction action film that is unflinching in its depiction of violence and corruption.
  • The Italian Job
    27
    Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Ed Norton
    703 votes

    Original: The Italian Job (1969)

    In The Italian Job, Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) leads a team of skilled thieves, including computer wizard Lyle (Seth Green) and wheelman Handsome Rob (Jason Statham). They plan an elaborate gold heist against their former ally, Steve (Edward Norton), who betrayed them in Venice. The revenge plot takes them to Los Angeles, where they manipulate traffic signals and navigate the labyrinthine sewer system to pull off the audacious theft. A thrilling blend of action and comedy, this film is a modern reimagining of the 1969 British classic, delivering high-speed car chases and intricate plot twists.
  • Bedazzled
    28
    Brendan Fraser, Elizabeth Hurley, Frances O'Connor
    312 votes
    Desperate to gain the affection of a beautiful co-worker, Elliot (Brendan Fraser) strikes a deal with the Devil (Elizabeth Hurley) -- a drop dead gorgeous woman with a wicked sense of humor. In exchange for Elliot's soul, she will grant him 7 wishes. But with each wish, he gets more than he asked for.
  • Ransom
    29
    Mel Gibson, Rene Russo, Gary Sinise
    515 votes
    Through a life of hard work, airline owner Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson) has amassed a great deal of wealth. When a group of criminals want a piece of his cash, they kidnap his son (Brawley Nolte) for a $2 million ransom. Encouraged by his wife (Rene Russo) and an FBI agent (Delroy Lindo), Tom prepares to pay the money, but the ransom drop goes awry. Enraged, Tom decides to turn the tables on the kidnappers by making the ransom a bounty on their heads -- which he announces on national television.
  • Invasion of the Body Snatchers
    30
    Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy
    588 votes
    In the chilling classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) finds his small town gripped by a mysterious epidemic. People are convinced their loved ones have been replaced by emotionless impostors. Not quite human, these duplicates sprout from plant-like pods - a stark symbol of Cold War-era paranoia. As this unsettling phenomenon spreads, Bennell and his friend Becky Driscoll (Dana Wynter) struggle to stay awake, knowing sleep means assimilation. A quintessential science fiction horror film, it's known for its suspenseful narrative and eerie depiction of an alien invasion subtly infiltrating everyday life.