Hollywood has remade countless films over the past three decades. Whether the original was a hit or not, studios will redo a story if they think they can improve it. For horror movies with devoted fan bases, the question is: do the remakes measure up, or even outdo the originals? Cast your votes and share your thoughts.
About this list
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Dawn of the Dead (2004)MoviesThe originalDawn of the DeadThis genre classic features lumbering zombies and victims seeking shelter in the mall, offering a sharp take on American consumerism.
James Gunn wrote the remake. It leans toward action-horror adventure over social commentary, yet it succeeds. The zombies move faster now; they are not slow or easy to kill like in the original.
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Wes Craven directed the originalThe Hills Have EyesAlexandre Aja made a 2006 remake of The Hills Have Eyes in 1977, earning approval from horror fans.
A family drives across the county and gets stuck in the New Mexico desert. They discover they are not alone; mutant cannibals in the area attack them.
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George A. Romero made the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead.Night of the Living DeadThis film started the modern zombie genre, so its remake had a big job to do.
Legendary makeup artist Tom Savini directed the second version. Savini worked with Romero, bringing his gory creatures to life, so he knew the subject matter.
Savini kept the original story but added better special effects, a wider cast, and plot twists the first version lacked.
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The Blob (1988)MoviesThe 1956 version of The Blob.The BlobThis film is campy, low-budget, and a favorite for B-movie fans. The 1988 version updates the movie while keeping the camp elements viewers enjoy.
The BlobTeens find a gelatinous creature that crashed from space. The creature grows by eating everything and everyone in its way.
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Fright Night (2011)MoviesFright NightThe 2011 version of Fright Night got good reviews. This version's vampire, Jerry (Colin Farrell), is less sad than the original's bloodsucker (Chris Sarandon).
David Tennent plays Las Vegas stage magician Peter Vincent. He claims to be a vampire expert and helps the teens.
Roddy McDowell played Vincent in the original and hosted a horror television show with the same name.
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Maniac (2012)MoviesManiac, released in 2012, follows serial killer Frank Zito (Elijah Wood) hunting and scalping female victims in New York City.
The 1980 original is a cult classic. Many say the remake is technically better. Though the remake got mixed reviews, Wood brought more character depth than the original.
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Body Snatchers (1993)MoviesBody SnatchersBody Snatchers has received more than one remake: bothBody SnatchersBody Snatchers (1993) andInvasion of the Body SnatchersBody Snatchers (1978) are remakes of the 1956 original.
All three films show an alien invasion where extraterrestrial beings swap humans for identical, emotionless copies.
The '93 version changes the locations from California to a US army base in Alabama. The male lead is a rebellious teen.
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Piranha 3D (2010)MoviesPiranha 3DPiranha 3D is a loose remake of the 1978 original. It shows what happens when a swarm of genetically-altered piranhas enters a lake during spring break.
Joe Dante directed the original, but it got poor reviews because of its weak special effects. Some people felt the new movie's computer graphics made the fish and the fear feel real.
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Cat People (1982)MoviesPaul Schrader directed Cat People.Cat People is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.This remake stars Nastassja Kinski, Malcolm McDowell, and John Heard. The story tracks Irena, a young woman who turns into a panther when she gets sexually excited.
The original is a classic. The '82 remake creates a moody, atmospheric feeling that only enhances the 1942 version.
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Suspiria (2018)MoviesThe 2018 remake of Cat People is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.Suspiria is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.Suspiria features the same themes as the original. It brings a new story and tone. We follow Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson), a young Mennonite girl who moves to Berlin to join a dance academy run by a coven of witches.
Both movies are dark. The original has a campy, colorful feel. The remake is much more disturbing, especially with the gore.
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Halloween (2007)MoviesNearly everyone knows Michael Myers' story. A boy murdered his older sister (and in Rob Zombie's version, others) on Halloween night in 1963.
He gets institutionalized. As a young man, he escapes to Haddonfield, IL, his hometown, where he stalks and kills teens.
Rob Zombie's version got mixed reviews. He clearly loves the first movie. He explores Michael's relationship with his mother deeper and gives a rougher take on the story. Some viewers felt the remake was too graphic and used too much foul language.
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We Are What We Are is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.This tells the story of a family of cannibals. They try hard to hide their dark secret from neighbors who look over the fence.
The family's matriarch dies unexpectedly. The children must keep their cannibalistic customs going. But their way of life and their wish to escape their past soon come out.
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Hellraiser (2022)MoviesThe 2022 Hellraiser is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.Hellraiser is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.The Hellraiser reboot includes parts of the original movie. However, it tells a completely new story.
The '22 remake follows a drug addict recovering from addiction. He steals and solves the Lament Configuration puzzle box.Lament Configuration puzzle box is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.She does not die. Instead, she gets one of six wishes from the ruler of Hell, Leviathan.
Every gift comes with a cost.
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Child's Play (2019)MoviesThis killer doll story gives a different origin for the villain. Buddi does not have a serial killer's soul. He is now rogue AI.
The 2019 version of Child's Play is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.Child's Play is on the list of Underrated Horror Remakes Worth Watching.Child's Play
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