Top 10 Rip Off Movies That Are More Popular Than the Original

When it comes to James Gunn's horror-comedy "Slither," distinct similarities can be traced to not one, but two classic B-movies: David Cronenberg's "Shivers" and Fred Dekker's "Night of the Creeps." And while these earlier films laid the groundwork by introducing the creep-tacular idea of slug-like creatures turning people into ravenous zombies, it was Gunn's unique blend of humor, gore, and over-the-top designs that made "Slither" truly stand out. Unfortunately, despite being a critical darling, it was a box office disappointment, only slithering away with $12 million against a $15 million budget. But, it has since gained a dedicated fanbase, ultimately enjoying wider recognition than the movies it borrowed from.

Quentin Tarantino is no stranger to taking inspiration from films of yore - notably grindhouse and samurai classics. Afterall, the writer/director is a true lover of cinema and wears his influence on his sleeve. And so, there’s no denying that Tarantino’s two-part revenge epic, “Kill Bill,” borrows heavily from Toshiya Fujita's "Lady Snowblood." Both films follow a skilled female warrior on a bloody quest for vengeance, employing stylized violence, stark visuals, and non-linear storytelling. However, while "Lady Snowblood" remains a cult favorite, "Kill Bill" brought these themes to the mainstream, cementing Tarantino's reputation as a master of genre-bending filmmaking in the process.

Talk about an aerial dog fight. The late 80s saw two movies center around fighter pilots proving themselves in high-stakes situations. Yep, both “Iron Eagle” and “Top Gun” capitalized on Cold War anxieties and a sheer “need for speed.” Before you run to the comments saying that it was “Iron Eagle” that copied “Top Gun,” it was actually the latter that came out months after the Louis Gossett Jr. starring flick. Unfortunately for “Iron Eagle” though, it couldn’t quite “lift up,” as "Top Gun" soared to much greater heights. This was thanks to its high-octane action sequences, iconic soundtrack, and undeniable charisma of a young Tom Cruise. In short, it took audiences’ breath away!

The timeless classic "King Kong" has seen its share of blatant rip offs over the years, but Kong’s adventures are also perceived as being a copy of another – 1925’s “The Lost World.” And while old Hollywood is flooded with examples of recycled concepts, this one takes the cake. “The Lost World,” like “King Kong,” features humans venturing into uncharted territory and interacting with oversized creatures. And while “The Lost World” doesn’t have a giant ape, it does feature the signature stop-motion techniques seen in “King Kong.” Both are significant to cinema’s history, but it’s “King Kong” that stands as the most popular. Heck, the film's impact is still resonating today.

Remember the Y2K panic in the late 90s? Studios seized the moment with an onslaught of apocalyptic films. And in 1998, "Deep Impact" released in May with "Armageddon" coming out a month later in June. Both rode the space-meteor disaster wave. However, controversy arose when "Deep Impact" screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin accused a Disney executive of stealing his idea during a lunch meeting. Even though the latter received better reviews and was praised for its scientific accuracy, "Armageddon" outperformed "Deep Impact" at the box office. It grossed $553.7 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing film of 1998!

Many have called Sergio Leone’s 1964 spaghetti western “A Fist Full of Dollars” an unofficial remake of Akira Kurosawa 1961 film “Yojimbo.” This is due to the numerous similarities. Both movies follow a lone drifter who plays rival factions against each other for personal gain. Kurosawa himself saw the similarities, and the accusations resulted in a successful lawsuit. Despite all the legal issues, the gritty Clint Eastwood-starring film is credited with redefining the Western genre. Eastwood’s lone gunslinger would go on to be part of what’s known as the “Dollars Trilogy,” with “A Fist Full of Dollars” firmly etching out a legendary status for itself.

In 2013, two big-budget action films about attacks on the White House (and the subsequent efforts of a lone hero to save the day) were released just months apart. Even though Roland Emmerich's "White House Down” arrived in cinemas first, and featured big names like Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx, it was the Gerard Butler-starring actioner, "Olympus Has Fallen," that hit its target with audiences. “Fallen’s” intense action sequences and relentless pacing helped secure victory at the box office - and even spawned several sequels. Meanwhile, “White House Down” failed to capture the same level of success, making it inferior to its counterpart on almost every level.

Many film buffs have been quick to cite the 1954 adventure film “Secret of the Incas” as being a direct influence for Steven Spielberg’s "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Afterall, both movies feature rugged archaeologists embarking on perilous quests in search of ancient treasures. In fact, many moments in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” bear a striking resemblance to those in “Secret of the Incas.” Even the main characters don similar outfits - right down to the fedora. Though “Secret of the Incas” paved the way for treasure hunting tales, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” completely elevated the genre, bringing it to unparalleled heights. It also made Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking exploits as Indiana Jones ripe for a series of sequels.

The dystopian young adult film genre owes a debt to both Kinji Fukasaku's Japanese cult classic, “Battle Royale,” and Gary Ross' blockbuster, "The Hunger Games.” Both movies depict teenagers forced to participate in deadly competitions for entertainment purposes. "Battle Royale" offered a bleaker and more violent take on the concept, while “The Hunger Games” leaned into the fantasy elements. Of the two “youths forced fight to the death” flicks, it was Jennifer Lawrence's breakout performance as Katniss Everdeen combined with the thought-provoking social commentary that propelled "The Hunger Games" to be most successful. A global phenomenon, “The Hunger Games” franchise featured multiple sequels and inspired a new wave of young adult dystopian fiction.

With over ten installments in the “Fast & Furious” film series, it’s easy to forget that the very first film was seen as a copy of the adrenaline-fueled thriller "Point Break." For fans of the Kathryn Bigelow-directed film, the high-paced action, undercover cops, and a charismatic leader with a questionable moral compass all sounded familiar. However, while "Point Break" enjoyed moderate success upon its release, "The Fast and the Furious" tapped into the zeitgeist of pop culture - solidifying Vin Diesel's action hero status in the process. And by launching a multi-billion-dollar franchise with more sequels and spin-offs than you can shake a stick at, it’s clear “The Fast and the Furious” has left “Point Break” in its dust.

Which film “copycat” did you enjoy more than the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below.