Remaking movies can sometimes lead to stunning outcomes that are even better than the original. However, there are countless films that failed to meet audience expectations, particularly when the original was beloved and popular. Reddit, a platform where movie enthusiasts share their opinions, has compiled a list of the worst movie remakes of all time. Here is a look at the top five films from that list:
10. ‘Ben-Hur’ (2016)
This remake of William Wyler’s epic religious film from 1959, which in turn was a remake of the silent film from 1925 with a similar title, sees Jack Huston in the role of Judah Ben-Hur. He is a Jewish prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother (Toby Kebbell). Years later, he returns to his homeland to seek revenge. Many users on Reddit agree that Timur Bekmambetov’s 2016 version is significantly worse than the original.
9. ‘Point Break’ (2015)
The original film from 1991, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, was one of the most memorable movies of that decade. The 2015 remake, directed by Ericson Core, revolves around a team of extreme sports athletes who are behind complicated corporate heists. Many viewers found this remake unnecessary, especially since the original story had already been retold in the first “Fast and Furious” movie.
8. ‘Mulan’ (2020)
The biggest issue with the live-action version of Mulan seems to be that it loses the essence of the original story. While the story follows how a warrior’s daughter (Yifei Liu) disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in fighting against the Rouran army in imperial China, many believe that the film completely neglects the inspiring themes of the original.
7. ‘Red Dawn’ (2012)
The film “Red Dawn” depicts what happens after North Korean forces invade the United States and take over the city of Spokane, Washington. A group of teenagers, including Josh Peck and Josh Hutcherson, and a recently returned Iraq war veteran played by Chris Hemsworth, flee to the forests where they form a group of freedom fighters. Unlike the original from 1984, led by Patrick Swayze, the 2012 action thriller “Red Dawn” is considered utterly pointless.
6. ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ (2019)
In the 2019 film “Jacob’s Ladder,” directed by David M. Rosenthal, a young man named Michael Ealy (Jacob Singer) returns from Afghanistan, having lost his brother in battle, only to be plunged into a confusing and twisted paranoid state. Unlike the remake, the original from 1990, directed by Adrian Lyne, was well-received by both audiences and critics. Many movie lovers considered the 2019 remake a disgraceful and abominable version of a brilliant masterpiece.
5. ‘Total Recall’ (2012)
The original “Total Recall” from 1990, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a cult classic. The 2012 remake, starring Colin Farrell, however, could not live up to the original. While the story of a factory worker visiting a company that turns dreams into real memories is intriguing, many fans felt that the film did not do justice to the original concept. The absence of the Mars setting, which was prominent in the original, was also heavily criticized.
4. ‘RoboCop’ (2014)
The original “RoboCop” from 1987, directed by Paul Verhoeven, is an iconic film that shows a dystopian Detroit in which a fatally wounded police officer is transformed into a cyborg. The 2014 remake lacked the nuance and satire of the original, making it a pale imitation of a film that mocked itself and the action genre.
3. ‘Rollerball’ (2002)
“Rollerball” from 1975 is a sci-fi sports film that depicts a deadly and violent sports game in the near future. The 2002 remake, directed by John McTiernan, lacked the nuance of the original and was considered by many as a poorly executed and unnecessary remake. The story and execution were so far removed from the original that many viewers wondered why it was even called “Rollerball.”
2. ‘Psycho’ (1998)
Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” from 1960 is an undisputed masterpiece of psychological horror. The 1998 remake, directed by Gus Van Sant, was a shot-for-shot repetition of the original, leaving many to wonder what the point was of remaking an already perfect film. While it was interesting to see how a modern cast handled the iconic material, the film was generally seen as a pale imitation of the original.
1. ‘Oldboy’ (2013)
The South Korean film “Oldboy” from 2003, directed by Park Chan-wook, is a masterpiece of revenge and mystery. However, the American remake from 2013, directed by Spike Lee, could not live up to the original. Although the story of a man who is imprisoned for twenty years without reason and then seeks answers and revenge remains intriguing, many fans felt that the remake missed the nuance and depth of the original.
Remaking films is always a risk. While some remakes can provide a fresh and interesting twist on the original story, others can completely miss the feel and intention of the original. These films are examples of remakes that many believe would have been better left unmade. It’s a reminder that not every story needs to be retold, especially not when the original is already perfect.
source: filmfun
