Many horror movie remakes as we know, are either cash grabs or end up just not worth watching or both, as studios usually just seek to capitalize on the original films popularity and fan base to make some easy money.
But not all are bad, so here are nine horror movie remakes I really like and are worth watching along with trailers for you to see.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003 is definitely one of the better horror remakes out there for me, as it manages to capture the essence of the original while also adding its own twist to it all.
Andrew Bryniarski's performance as Leatherface was really good, as was R. Lee Ermey's who played Sheriff Hoyt. and while the remake is good, it can't quite match the original for me, but still, at least it was a hell of a lot better than the 2022 version of TCM. [Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003 on IMDB]
Friday the 13th (2009)
The 2009 version of Friday the 13th has its strengths and weaknesses. The actors in the film delivered decent performances, with Derek Mears standing out as a convincing Jason Voorhees, but it would have been better to see the story continue from where the original series left off, exploring what happened to Jason after his supposed drowning.
But it still manages to pay homage while delivering its own take on the story and avoids falling into the traps of being a watered-down, soulless cash grab or a pointless shot-for-shot remake. [Friday the 13th 2009 on IMDB]
IT (2017)
Although IT (2017) is technically a remake, I consider it more of a book adaptation, and as a fan of Stephen King's novel and the original movie, I was looking forward to watch this version when I first heard about it, and I must say, I really enjoyed it and wasn't disappointed.
The young cast deliver solid performances, and Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown is brilliant.
Despite IT not being a traditional remake really, I decided to include it on this list because it successfully captures the spirit of the original story and it helped introduce a new generation of horror fans to the horrifying world of Pennywise the Clown. [IT 2017 on IMDB]
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Dawn Of The Dead is a zombie classic and another that manages to capture the essence of the original while adding its own unique elements, and that is always a good thing in my book!
One of the best features of the movie is the portrayal of the actual zombies, they are faster, more fierce, and more violent than the zombies in the original film.
One aspect that I wished it had explored further though was the presence of the evil bikers, similar to the ones in the original film, but you can't have everything. [Dawn Of The Dead 2004 on IMDB]
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
This is a movie that holds its own against the original film, although I still have a slight preference for the original. Michael Berryman's performance in particular was really strong. Berryman, who also appeared in the original film, brings a memorable presence to his role with his portrayal of Pluto.
While Berryman's performance is excellent, the decision to make Pluto mentally disabled and deformed though felt unnecessary, the character would have been just as menacing without relying on these tropes I think. An odd choice.
A big positive though that I really liked was the depiction of the family dynamics in the film, as the interactions between the family members felt realistic and the filmmakers did a good job of showcasing the struggles and tensions within the family as they fight for survival. [The Hills Have Eyes 2004 on IMDB]
My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)
This movie gets some heat, but I think it deserves some recognition, it's a quite underrated horror film in my opinion.
The 3D effects were a fun addition to the film and I remember watching this on my 3D TV, and it offered a fresh take on the story while also adding its own style and scares.
While there are areas that could have been improved, it deserves more love.
Many will argue it should not be on this list, but it's my list, so bog off. [My Bloody Valentine 3D 2009 on IMDB]
The Blob (1988)
The Blob, released in 1988, is a remake of the 1958 film of the same name, and while the original film holds a certain charm, this version manages to surpass it. (And guess what, it's getting ANOTHER remake).
The Blob itself is incredibly well-designed and the practical effects used to depict its movements and attacks are pretty impressive and fans of the horror genre will not be disappointed in the level of gore and special effects present in this one.
One major criticism of the film though was the design of the blob itself.
If you're like me, you may find the blob's appearance a lot less menacing compared to the original, nevertheless, the practical effects used to bring the blob to life is still pretty good. [The Blob 1988 on IMDB]
The Fly (1986)
The Fly is one of the most praised horror remakes of all time, and for good reason. The special effects and creature design in this film are absolutely phenomenal. The transformation of Seth Brundle into the grotesque Brundlefly is both horrifying and mesmerizing to watch, and the practical effects used to bring this creature to life still hold up today.
In comparison to the original 1958 film, the 1986 version surpasses it in pretty much every way and while the original had its charm, the remake takes the concept to a whole new level.
The blending of science fiction and horror in this film is just seamless, and Jeff Goldblum delivers a standout performance as Seth Brundle, perfectly capturing the character's descent into madness. [The Fly 1986 on IMDB]
The Thing (1982)
The Thing is the best horror remake of all time. Period. Directed by John Carpenter, this film surpasses the original in every aspect.
Kurt Russell delivers a stellar performance as the lead and the special effects in this film are great, with the creature design being some of the best ever seen in a horror film.
When comparing the remake to the original 1951 film, it's clear that Carpenter takes the whole concept to a whole new level, and the blend of science fiction and horror is executed flawlessly, and the practical effects used to bring the creature to life are still pretty awe-inspiring even today. [The Thing 1982 on IMDB]
Do you agree or disagree with any of these, and have I missed out one of your favorites?
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