It seems the popular thing to do these days, remake a horror flick instead of coming up with your own original ideas. Some turn out to be pretty good, like the remakes of ‘A Nightmare On Elm Street’ and Rob Zombie’s version of ‘Halloween.’ And them some fail to do the original film justice, like ‘The Wicker Man.’ I am sure that each fan of the horror film genre has their own favorites they would love to see remade, as well as a list of films they never want to see remade (mine would include ‘Poltergeist’ and ‘The Exorcist’). Here is a list of ten horror films that I think should be remade, and why.
‘The Howling’ was one of the first films that introduced me to werewolves when I was younger. The biggest issue with the original movie is that the effects available for a movie that came out in 1981 just weren’t that great. I’d love to see this movie done fresh with some CGI.
‘Silver Bullet’ is by far my favorite werewolf film of all time. I still love this flick, circa 1985. And, most films that I love I don’t want to see redone. But, I think some of the acting in this movie stunk and I truly believe that a remake could breath some fresh new life into this film based on Stephen King’s novel ‘Cycle of the Werewolf.’ The movie definitely need some popular actors of this time to make it worth my time though!
I’ve never seen a Jim Carrey movie that I don’t like, but I’m not a huge fan. Back before we all knew who this comedic genius was, he played a hapless virgin seduced by a sexy female vampire in ‘Once Bitten.’ This 1985 comedic/horror film could use some fresh faces. I think it would bring new life to the mixed genre movies.
‘Chopping Mall’ is a classic. This 1986 film has security robots attacking teenagers trapped in a mall. I definitely think there should be a Hot Topic in the mall for the remake.
‘Near Dark’ is a vampire film. Why not remake this 1987 flick instead of introducing us to more gender-bending, glittery vampires?
‘Netherworld’ is a little known horror film from 1992, set in Louisiana. Of course there is some voodoo involved. I love this movie and a think a remake with some stars in it would make it more popular, as it deserves to be!
‘Witchboard’ is, and always will be, one of my ultimate favorite movies. I am not sure that a remake would do the original 1986 flick justice, but I’d definitely be willing to give it a try. The original starred sex symbol Tawny Kitaen, but I bet they could find a suitable replacement for her (one that can act). Ouija Boards always made for a fright!
‘Dagon’ is a film from 2001 based on one of H.P. Lovecraft’s short stories. It’s a great movie, but I really think it had potential to be even better and more mainstream. Maybe a remake could do that for it?
Who doesn’t love a good nightmare? In the movie ‘Bad Dreams’ (1988) Jennifer Rubin plays the survivor of a cult mass-suicide, but the cult leader she lost comes back to haunt her in her dreams. Remake? Why not? Everyone loves tales about cult life gone bad.
Last, but not least, I’d love to see an up-to-date remake of ‘Alice, Sweet Alice.’ This 1976 film hosted a young Brooke Shields in her first role. The tale is of a sister who kills her sibling on the day of her first communion. It’s twisted and it could be even more twisted if remade.