There have been many horror movie remakes released over the years, with a couple of dozen even being from less than a decade ago. Some were more successful than others in replicating its classic original, while some were less fortunate. That's why we're here to present you the Top 15 Best Horror Movie Remakes that are fun to watch and well worth your time.
15. My Bloody Valentine (2009)
Starting off the list is this remake of the 1981 film of the same name. It follows Tom (Jensen Ackles) after he returns to his hometown on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's night massacre, in which twenty-two people were killed. However, instead of a homecoming, Tom finds himself suspected of the recent killings, and it seems like his former girlfriend Sarah is the only person who believes he's innocent.
What seemed like just another typical remake quickly defied expectations by providing an intriguing mystery as well as a shocking plot twist that you won't see coming. It's also a slasher film that provides creative and gory kills one after another in jaw-dropping 3D.
It even has Jensen Ackles from the popular horror series Supernatural in the lead role, making for an entertaining watch.
14. Slumber Party Massacre (2021)
The most recent remake on the list sees a group of friends going on a weekend trip only to be hunted by a murderous maniac that uses a drill as a weapon, in the very same place where one of the girl’s mother was stalked by the very same killer.
Although the original Slumber Party Massacre was entertaining, it never really seemed like it needed any remake, so it came as a surprise when this one was revealed and turned out to be even more superior than its predecessor.
What seemed like just another dumb but fun slasher film turned out to be a smart film that subverted every single expectation. Each of its many characters is quirky and lovable, and it even included a plot twist by the end for good measure. Make sure to watch this sleeper hit if you want a fun viewing experience.
13. Fright Night (2011)
Charlie Brewster (Anton Yelchin) is suspicious of his new neighbor. He tries to enlist the help of a self-proclaimed vampire hunter and a magician after failing to convince anyone in this remake of the 1985 horror-comedy classic.
The original Fright Night film is a classic vampire story, but this remake ups the ante by delivering a film that's full of charm and spectacle moments. Not only does it contain some eerie moments, but it also provides some genuinely hilarious jokes, which are made even better by the excellent performances of the numerous actors in the film, particularly Colin Farrell.
12. Piranha (2010)
Thousands of piranhas are released after a sudden underwater earthquake, just in time for spring break. As the spring breakers party at Lake Victoria and local cops, friends, and family must work together to stop them.
You can't get any more absurd than this remake of the 1978 film. It's full of many quirky characters thrust into many bizarre situations, as well as over-the-top gore and nudity, all while being presented in 3D, making for a truly entertaining film.
It is a film that does not take itself seriously and instead embraces its ridiculousness, which is why it has made it to the number twelve spot.
11. The Blob (1988)
The Blob follows Meg Penny and Brian Flagg as they fight to survive a terrible jelly-like substance that is devouring everything and everyone in its path in Arborville, California.
Before horror movie remakes became a trend in the industry, The Blob had its own remake first. While it may look like a simple recreation of the 50s classic at first glance, you'll be surprised with everything that it throws at you. It's a film that defies expectations and doesn't hold back with its incredible practical effects.
It’s amazing to see how they managed to turn the cheesy sci-fi horror film into a bombastic film full of amazing sequences.
10. Child’s Play (2019)
Andy Barley's mother gave him a Buddi Doll for his birthday, and the two became close friends almost immediately. The doll, however, takes on a life of its own and terrorizes innocent people due to a manufacturing error. Now, it's up to Andy and his friends to stop him.
When it was announced it seemed like all the odds were against this remake of Don Mancini’s doll slasher Child’s Play, as it was deemed completely unnecessary and featured an awful Chucky doll, however, those who did watch it were treated to one of the most heartwarming horror films of the decade.
Andy and Chucky’s friendship was an endearing to watch, making the sudden downfall feel heartbreaking, and while the new doll doesn't quite measure up to the 1988 rendition of Chucky, seeing him move around was rather entertaining thanks to Mark Hamill's excellent voice acting. And the modern twists on the theme made for a fun and refreshing watch.
This isn’t just a remake created to cash in on the franchise, it’s actually one made with love.
9. The Ring (2002)
Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) is a journalist who investigates a mysterious videotape that seems to cause the death of anyone who watches it one week later.
The Japanese original is one of the most unsettling horror films of all time, but this American remake not only has a terrific atmosphere and incredible acting, but it is also far scarier. From its very first scene alone, you’ll already be scarred for life.
It took some of the best elements of the original and modernized it a bit and changed the culture, resulting in one of the most effectively eerie films you’ll ever watch.
8. Friday the 13th (2009)
Clay Miller (Jared Padelecki) searches for his sister on the ground of Camp Crystal Lake after she disappears, while a group of friends gathers in a cabin to party. What they don’t expect however is that someone may be hunting them down one by one.
What set this remake apart from the rest was that it actually took a few elements from the first four films to craft its own original story. From the window throw scene to the iconic ending jumpscare, there's plenty here to see as a Friday the 13th fan.
It even features the darkest and most brutal iteration of Jason yet, as he lays traps and chases his victims in full sprint, making for one exhilarating watch. If you don’t believe me then watch its first twenty minutes alone that’s full of gratuitous shots and carnage.
7. Evil Dead (2013)
Five friends head to a remote cabin only to find themselves fighting for their lives after they discovered the Book of Dead which summoned demons and possessed everyone until only one remained.
The original Evil Dead trilogy featured some of the most insane and oddly humorous scares back in the 80s and 90s, this modern retelling however raises the bar and provides buckets of blood and gore that makes for one nightmarish viewing. It has a lot of stomach-churning scenes and many shocking sequences that you won't be forgetting any time soon and will make you wish that the characters died quickly instead of watching them suffer slowly.
It may not be as hilarious as the past Evil Dead films but if you want something more sinister to watch then don’t skip this one out.
6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
In this remake of Tobe Hooper’s classic, a group of friends picks up a traumatized hitchhiker who then kills herself. While attempting to get some help, the group instead finds themselves being stalked by a chainsaw-wielding maniac and his family.
This amazing remake turns the gritty and disturbing 1974 film into a darker and more intense film. Watching Leatherface, as well as his cannibalistic family, as they hunt down the characters is scary. The gore and violence are also amped up, and many of the scenes are filled with tension that will have you jumping out of your seat.
If you only have the chance of watching one TCM film after the original, then make sure its this one.
5. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Ana (Sarah Polley) along with other survivors barricade themselves inside a massive shopping mall against the hungry flesh-eating undead.
A remake of Romero's second entry of the Dead franchise, puts a modern spin on the familiar concept by providing a high octane action that will surely put you on the edge of your seat. And with a slew of characters, expect to witness many gory and memorable deaths.
The characters aren't the only thing you'll want to watch here; you'll also want to witness the aggressive zombies who chase the characters from the beginning to the end. This is a film that will not let you go; once the action begins, it will not stop.
4. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
When people started acting like they weren’t themselves, four people believes that everything and everyone might be part of a conspiracy, but they soon realized it was something much more.
Okay, let me get this clear, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is not a fun film to watch at all. It’s a movie full of suspense from start to finish and seeing the characters’ numbers dwindle down as they get duplicated makes for a heart-sinking watch. Along with a spine-chilling ending, you’ll end the film in pure shock.
Although this remake may not be as easy to watch as the others on the list, these qualities are the reason why it’s one of the best remakes to exist.
3. The Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Seven strangers seek refuge inside an old farmhouse when the dead begin to walk. The group must now strive to make it through the dreadful night.
The original Night of the Living Dead is a classic that defined the zombie sub-genre, and this remake tries to do what its predecessor did in 1968 by redefining what you can do in a remake. It took everything great about its original and improved upon it, delivering a gorier and darker film as a result.
Many of the already likable characters were even more fleshed out with Barbara’s characterization even surpassing the original's, in that she evolved into a formidable survivor, as opposed to her original iteration.
If you loved the 1968 original then make sure you don’t skip this one.
2. The Fly (1986)
A brilliant but eccentric scientist named Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.
While the original film was terrifying back in the day, it is now just a cheesy creature feature film, this remake took the concept and turned it into a sickening film for all the good reasons. Seth's stunning transformation from a human to a hideous mutated creature will undoubtedly delight fans of practical effects. It's a film that successfully merges sci-fi and body horror, making the gradual change both heartbreaking and amusing to witness as a horror fan.
1. The Thing (1982)
The Thing is a remake of the 1951 film The Thing From Another World, which follows a group of researchers in Antarctica who are pursued by a shape-shifting entity that takes on the form of its victims.
When it comes to horror remakes, The Thing is always at the top, and rightfully so, because of its incredible atmosphere, which will give you anxiety due to the many mysteries and suspicions that the film provides.
Add in the amazing practical effects that still surprisingly hold up to this day, it’s easy to see why The Thing is the best horror movie remake of all time.
