The desire to see how our favourite classics would turn out in modern times is the main cause of escalation in our appetite for remakes. We took a dive into the extensive archives to put together our list of best remakes. As usual, if you feel we missed one of your favourites, let us know in the comment section below!
Casino Royale (2006)
Most of us don’t know but this very popular James Bond movie is the third screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel of the same name, published originally in 1953. Casino Royale was first produced in 1954 as a television episode, and then again in 1967 as a film. Casino Royale marks the first time Daniel Craig donned the Bond suit after Pierce Brosnan hung it up. James Bond is up against a powerful banker who is secretly funding terrorist organizations. What’s interesting is that Bond has to play a poker game in order to defeat the enemy. And, of course, the stakes are sky-high.
12 Monkeys (1995)
Due to its virtues, 12 Monkeys has a spot in the favourite list for everyone who fancies sci-fi fantasies. The film is based on Chris Marker’s La Jetée, a French sci-fi featurette released in 1962. In case you didn’t know, a featurette is a film that’s shorter than mainstream movies and longer than short films. In a future world where humanity faces an existential threat, a convict time travels to the past to figure out the history of man-made viruses. Thanks to incredible acting, fine story adjustments, and superb execution, 12 Monkeys truly enhanced the impact of the original work.
The Birdcage (1996)
The Birdcage is a special comedy that has managed to tickle even the grumpiest of people. The 1996 film borrows its unique plot from a Franco-Italian film released in 1978 called La Cage aux Folles. The film focuses on the ruckus caused when a gay couple pretends to be straight to meet the traditional parents of their son’s fiancée. The actors put up a cohesive performance, the pace is smooth, and the dialogues are ahead of time. Embedded between smart dialogues is an important LGBTQ+ message that shouldn’t be missed.
Little Women (2019)
Little Women is the seventh screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel of the same name published in 1868. The movie centres on the lives and relationships of the March sisters – four young women who are independently building their path in life on their own. This coming-of-age drama is set in the 19th century. The production design, characters, costumes, and language make the latest Little Women one of the most consistent and proper adaptations of Alcott’s novel.
West Side Story (2021)
West Side Story is the second film adaptation of the 1957 musical of the same name. Against the backdrop of feuds and gang wars, a boy and a girl belonging to different ethnic groups fall in love. Their union is in jeopardy as gangster activities continue to cause rumbles. Will they eventually unite? Or, will they abandon their true love succumbing to evil? Though the film may seem a bit awry for a moment in the second half, it will never lose your interest. It’s a wonderful story, nicely executed once again.
Drishyam (2015)
There aren’t many crime thrillers that can join the league of Drishyam, thanks to a powerfully twisted script. A remake of the 2013 movie of the same name, Drishyam tells the story of an illiterate cable operator who employs intelligent techniques to save his family. The screenplay oscillates between the possibility of him being a victim of police brutality and the possibility he is nothing but a cunning murderer. Drishyam is a near-perfect thriller that promises to make you impatient and bring you to the edge of your seat.
A Star is Born (2018)
A Star is Born is a magnificent musical drama that has the potential to leave you in deep thought when the credits roll. This is the fourth film adaptation of the 1937 movie of the same name. An established musician helps launch the career of a young girl into fame as his own takes a downturn due to alcoholism. Bradley Cooper’s performance is so intense that he won’t fail to earn your sympathy. Although the film is significantly longer than the original, it makes perfect use of the extra time it takes.
The Mummy (1999)
The Mummy is a remake of the 1932 supernatural horror film of the same name. In the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American man inadvertently activates a mummy who is bent on destroying all that gets in the way. The man has important tasks of his own that he has to complete as he struggles to keep himself safe. The movie was purposely made more adventurous and romantic than the original. Well, we can confirm it was worth it!
Scarface (1983)
Upon its release, Scarface immediately became one of Hollywood’s greatest of all time. A loose remake of the movie of the same name released in 1932, Scarface is both significantly enhanced and more complete than the original one. A Cuban refugee arrives in Miami with nothing but determination and courage. He works his way up and becomes a fearlessly almighty drug lord with a dangerous hunger for more. The cult classic is an absolute must-watch because it’s not every day that films like this one are rolled out.
True Lies (1994)
True Lies is a strange kind of action comedy that is an unmissable treat for comedy fans. The film is a remake of La Totale!, a French comedy film released in 1991. A secret-agent puts his agency’s resources to use to find out if his wife is having an extramarital relationship with a salesman. Chaos ensues as he tries to do his job as a secret agent and crack the mystery of his wife’s affair as a husband. True lies is a web of laughter that doesn’t allow you to get out until the very last minute of the movie. So there we have it, our 10 picks for best movie remakes of all time. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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