Top 10 Original Movies That Are MUCH Better than the Remake

A landmark in folk horror, the original “The Wicker Man” was well-received by critics and audiences upon release in 1973. It has been considered one of the greatest British films ever, horror or not. The original film is noted for its subtle tension, achieved without gore or jump scares. As the mystery unravels, the discomfort builds, helped by some sharp performances and charmingly creepy costuming. And the ending remains terrifying. The 2006 remake is known for quite the opposite. Starring an unabashedly overacting Nicolas Cage, it is a laughable attempt at reviving the classic.

This sci-fi sports movie may not have been the most popular with critics when it was released in the seventies, but it has since gained some love. Although far from perfect, its look at the dystopian, corporation-dominated society provides social commentary that gets better with age. In 2002, director John McTiernan took a stab at remaking “Rollerball,” but it flopped in all regards. Critics and fans of the original said the remake lacked nuance. Setting the story in 2005 and focusing so heavily on the action definitely didn’t help. It was a miss for McTiernan, who previously saw great success with classics like “Predator,” “Die Hard,” and “The Hunt for Red October.”

The original version of this heist movie is hailed as one of the best comedies of the 1950s. “The Ladykillers” is part of a string of comedies from Ealing Studios poking fun at social conditions in post-World War II Britain. No strangers to black comedy themselves, the Coen brothers were set to direct a 2004 remake. However, it was less than well-received. Changing the setting to the American South didn't make the movie any more interesting. And instead of dry British humor, the Coens’ film is rather uncharacteristically over-the-top in both acting and premise.

Paul Verhoeven's “RoboCop” is considered one of the most iconic films of the eighties. It defied genres and offered biting satire that could have fallen flat in most other action-heavy movies. Moreover, critics said that it went beyond a typical revenge narrative, adding nuance and social critique. But a remake came out in 2014, and it totally missed the wit and zest of the original. “RoboCop” wouldn’t be the only Verhoeven classic to receive a dull remake. 1990’s “Total Recall” had humor and over-the-top practical effects, while the 2012 version was just bland.

This campy eighties slasher introduced audiences to Freddy Krueger, now a well-known and well-loved killer. In addition to creating an icon for horror history, the film was praised for its witty script and innovative cinematography. The movie was a box office success and spawned several sequels. In 2010, a remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street” was released, but it removed Freddy’s one-liners and other joyful aspects of the original series. The writers also added a certain taboo crime to Freddy’s backstory. It was even deemed lethargic — and the last thing you want from an “Elm Street” movie is to be put to sleep.

The fifth highest-grossing movie of 1984 in the United States, “The Karate Kid” tells a heartwarming coming-of-age story that resonated with many young viewers. It even touched a lot of critics. Along with spawning several sequels and plenty of memorabilia, the movie is credited with making karate popular in the US. With that level of enduring success, it’s no surprise that there was a remake. The story was updated for 2010 audiences, and while it wasn’t totally panned by critics and audiences, it just couldn’t hold up to the charm of the original.

The first film adaptation of Stephen King’s work is hard to top. Brian De Palma’s skilled direction enraptured audiences upon release, and now “Carrie” is considered a masterpiece of horror. It even caught the attention of the Academy Awards, garnering two nominations — a relatively rare feat for a horror movie. The appeal of the story has never left public consciousness. In 2013, a big-budget remake was released. Unfortunately, neither audiences nor critics saw much merit in it. Lacking the grit and raw emotion of the 1976 film, the remake was a major letdown.

Combining social commentary, practical effects, and a plot twist you’ll never forget, the original “Planet of the Apes” is a sci-fi classic. It spawned four direct sequels and two television series. The original movie was nominated for two Oscars and won an honorary award for its makeup. The 2001 remake, however, was not nearly as impressive. Although it was one of the highest-grossing films of 2001, it failed to live up to the brilliance of the original. The remake might look smoother, but it falls flat in all other aspects. And the ending is just plain confusing.

Widely considered a near-perfect modern classic, this South Korean thriller has been lauded as among the best movies of all time, not just limited to non-English language films. The cinematography of the action sequences, the depth of the plot, and the character development are all highlights of Park Chan-wook’s masterpiece. Another talented director, Spike Lee, took a stab at an American remake in 2013. But Lee’s “Oldboy” was not positively received. Critics called it messy and shallow. If you like complex thrillers, it just might be worth it to read some subtitles.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Point Break” (1991)
You Can’t Beat the Charisma & Thrills of Keanu Reeves & Patrick Swayze

“The Fog” (1980)
John Carpenter’s Supernatural Horror Amps up an Atmosphere of Dread & Eeriness

“The Heartbreak Kid” (1972)
Real Laughs & Real Emotion Make This Movie a Well-Loved Romantic Dark Comedy

Alfred Hitchcock's “Psycho” is an icon of the thriller and horror genres as well as a staple for film students. Masterful shots throughout the movie ramp up the tension and avoid showing anything gratuitous. It was such a shocker upon release that many critics called it cheap in comparison to Hitchcock’s subtler thrillers. However, in time it has been recognized as a landmark in cinema. That didn’t stop Gus Van Sant from deciding to direct what is essentially a shot-for-shot remake in 1998. It was released to negative reviews, many saying that it failed to build any of the shock, suspense, or art of the original.

What other original movies can’t be topped? Let us know in the comments!