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Does Hollywood have any original ideas these days? Almost every movie this day seems to be a reboot or a sequel, but did you know that even some of your favorite classics are just recycled stories? Check out this list to see if your favorite is really as unique as you think it is...
Scarface
Scarface has become a classic of the thriller genre, and why wouldn't it? With Al Pacino as Tony Montana and the commercial debut of Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock, it makes sense that everyone forgot about the 1932 version. That movie was based on a 1930 novel of the same name. If it works, it works!
Welcome to Sudden Death
Welcome to Sudden Death is a 2020 remake of the film Sudden Death, made starring Jean Claude Van Damme back in 1995. A hockey stadium security guard fights to save his family and a crowd filled with fans from ultimate fatality. With a plot like that and rising international tensions, this film was a perfect choice for filmmakers to recreate.
The Woman in Black
The public was so excited to see Daniel Radcliff on the big screen again, that many didn't even realize that The Woman in Black is a remake! The original premiered back in 1989. A group of filmmakers from the United Kingdom teamed up to generate a straight-to-TV adaptation of the novel-turned-flick. They won four BAFTA awards for it too!
The Wicker Man
One of the more insane roles of Nicholas Cage, The Wicker Man is actually a beloved fan remake. A cop arrives in a paganist community to uncover the disappearance of a girl. The original 1973 version is widely remembered for its especially grim and equally horrific ending scenes. What a frightening film...
True Grit
Movie buffs love this film, but do they also love the original? The 2010 classic got quite a facelift from the 1969 version, which starred Western acting legend, John Wayne. Despite the same name and plot, the directors swore up and down that this film was not a remake. Sure...whatever helps them sleep at night...
House on Haunted Hill
If you like goofy gags and freakshow fun, House on Haunted Hill might be the remake for your next binge. This 1999 film is a remake of the 1959 Frank Castle-directed film by the same name. The biggest change was updated scares using special effects and newer technology. Well worth the investment!
The Fly
You will never watch a more visually upsetting film than The Fly from 1986. This body horror film is scary, but not an original idea. The first iteration of this movie came from director Kurt Neumann in 1958. Both of these were also based on George Langelaan's 1957 short story about a scientist whose teleportation plan goes awry.
No Way Out
In 1987, the world got introduced to the film No Way Out...again! The first version of this big-screen blockbuster was in 1948 when John Farrow directed a film called "The Big Clock" which was also based on Kenneth Fearing's 1946 novel. There was another iteration in 1976 called "Police Python 357."
A Little Princess
A Little Princess was directed by Alfonso Cuarón in 1995 and became a classic with 90s kids. However, it first appeared on the scene back in 1939 and starred Shirley Temple! The movies were both adapted from a story written in 1905. It's been formative in all three generations for young girls!
The Upside
Comedian Kevin Hart stars in this 2017 uplifting flick. Bryan Cranston also stars as a wheelchair-ridden rich man who needs some help getting around. The two form a friendship, but that friendship was first forged back in a 2011 French film called "The Intouchables." Obviously, one had more commercial success...
Endless Love
It was the year 2014 when director Shana Feste showed what true young love looks like with her adaptation of the 1979 novel by Scott Spencer. Of course, this film first debuted in 1981 with an all-star cast that included supermodel-actress Brooke Shields and legendary heartthrob Martin Hewitt.
Poseidon
With legends as fascinating as the greek gods, expect a lot of potential remakes. Poseidon is a 2006 ocean survival thriller, but it first got the film treatment back in 1972. It had an admittedly very unique plot, but the latter still consider the 2006 version to be a recreation of the original.
The Invasion
Alien movies are a staple of the sci-fi genre, and a plotline like The Invasion was ripe for the taking. The 2007 version of this famous story is actually the fourth in the line of remakes. One of the most recognizable titles to precede this one was "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" from 1956.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
More dog movies should be remade and updated, right? The 1993 version of this cat and dog film captured the hearts of kids and adults alike, but it actually got its start back in 1963. When the earlier version was released though, it was known in theaters as "The Incredible Journey." Close enough!
Ocean's Eleven
Who doesn't like a good old-fashioned spy movie? This 2001 heist film is a classic of the genre, but it started off as a 1960s film of the same name. The earlier version had the infamous Rat Pack in the cast. However, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Julia Roberts were also pretty good additions!
The Last House on the Left
Horror movies are ripe for the taking when it comes to innovative recreations. The 2009 revenge masterpiece comes from the bones of another cinematographic classic, a 1972 Wes Craven film by the same name. The first was the first of its kind...does that mean the 2009 one is the second of its kind?
Mr. Deeds
Mr. Deeds is an Adam Sandler film that's probably been buried in the back of your mind until right now. This 2002 film scored low with critics and audiences, despite Winona Ryder as a leading lady. The original was made all the way back in 1936 as a romantic dramedy titled "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town."
The Ladykillers
The Coen brothers are known for instant classics like "Fargo" and "The Big Lebowski, but do you know about this 2004 film? This was their way back onto the scene after a major flop in the box office. This 1955 British movie was perfect to recreate with cast members like Tom Hanks and Irma P. Hall. It didn't fare so well...
A Fistful of Dollars
For fans of the Western genre, "A Fistful of Dollars" is an obvious classic. The 1964 film was one of the first to have Clint Eastwood on the cast list and catapulted him into the spotlight. Do you think he knows that this film was a remake of a 1961 Japanese samurai flick titled "Yojimbo" that resulted in a massive lawsuit? Likely not...
Meet the Parents
Comedy legend Ben Stiller starred in the first of the Fockers trilogy known as Meet the Parents. While this is certainly one of his biggest box office successes, it was also a hit for audiences who watched the original in 1992. However, this version was a little darker than the Stiller adaptation!
Meet Joe Black
Meet Joe Black! He's not just any guy in love...he's Death himself. It's a bit of a wonky idea for a movie (especially for A-lister Brad Pitt) but this creative creation comes from the bones of "Death Takes a Holiday" in 1934. Critics preferred the 1934 concept better, sorry Brad...
The Italian Job
Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron teamed up in 2003 to take part in the film "The Italian Job." Directed by F. Gary Gray, the real thievery of this heist movie comes from stealing ideas! It was made in 1969 in a movie by the same name. However, fans tended to enjoy the Wahlberg & Theron version of the film way more.
Cape Fear
Robert De Niro was in Martin Scorsese's 1991 iteration of "Cape Fear" but he didn't appear in the 1962 movie of the same name and plot. Both of these famous films were based on the novel "The Executioners" by John D. MacDonald. While both were good, critics preferred the 1962 version just a little bit more.
Fright Night
"Fright Night" was first released in 1985...and then again in 2011! The new release of the horror film stars celebrities like Anton Yelchin, Toni Collette, and David Tennant. The best part? Collin Ferrell is in it as a blood-sucking vampire. Why aren't more people talking about that?
The Jungle Book
New technology means new abilities and new ways to tackle some of history's favorite stories. The Jungle Book was first released in 1967, and again in 1994, it's obvious that people love this story. One little boy tries to find his way through a world ruled by animals. He must adapt, just like the adaptations!
Pet Sematary
Sure, the new version got absolutely terrible reviews, but that doesn't mean it's not worth watching! When adorable kitties and the curse of the undead combine, it's sure to be spooky. The 2019 version might not hold up in comparison to the 1989 version, but watch for yourself and be the judge!
Vanilla Sky
The 2001 flick "Vanilla Sky" was adapted from a 1997 film called "Open Your Eyes." In this adaptation, Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Jason Lee, and Kurt Russell tell the story of a young man's fantastical story of his life through flashbacks. Reality and fiction blend together with mess and mayhem in both films...
Village of the Damned
Damned if you do, damned if you don't, damned if you delve into the part origins of "Village of the Damned." This 1995 John Carpenter flick is actually a remake of a 1960 film by the same name. A generation of children in this town grow up at an alarmingly quick rate, and it becomes clear these are not normal kids...
The Departed
Was "Internal Affairs" good? Incredibly so. Was "The Departed" even better, so much so that it made everyone forget about the original movie? You bet! Aside from the stellar cast list on the 2006 film, there's also director legend Martin Scorsese behind the camera. Obviously, one of these was destined to come out on top...
Dawn Of The Dead
Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, and Mekhi Phifer star in the 2004 remake of this fan-beloved classic film Dawn Of The Dead. With Zack Snyder in the director's chair, this recreation was not as incredible as the first (but how could it be?) One thing is for sure...when the dead start coming, these characters better start running!
Insomnia
Don't beat yourself up if you haven't seen the original Insomnia film, considering it was only adapted from a small Norwegian movie from 1997 by the same name. The updated 2002 version features Robin Williams, who is a treasure in all of his roles, even serious ones. Watching him fight though is strange to see!
Casino Royale
Casino Royale, many are unaware, is actually a remake of the same 1967 film. One major difference in this Bond series addition is that the original was more of a comedy than a spy thriller. Daniel Craig's bond just has a touch more class and elegance than he does comedic chops.
Dredd
The 1995 version of this film had Sylvester Stallone on the cast list, why would anyone try to remake this? The 2012 Dredd got some mixed reactions from viewers and critics, but it wasn't totally negative. Whether you like the newer or older one, you can agree Stallone was made for his iconic role...
The Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven from 2016 was pretty darn good, but nowhere near as memorable as the version from 1960...right? Yes, this small town liberation film is not an original idea...or at least it was 50 years ago. Plus, how often do you get to see Chris Pratt star as the villain? Almost never!
True Lies
James Cameron has a bad reputation for his aggressive directing style, but his work speaks separately. "True Lies" may not be as big as "Titanic" or "Avatar", but this remake is something special. The original is actually from Europe, a French comedy movie titled "La Totale!"
Apocalypse Now
If you recognized some plot points from Apocalypse Now in your high school English class, you're not alone. The original plot came from 1958's Heart of Darkness, adapted from the novel of the same name. The 1958 movie didn't get a whole lot of attention, but the 1979 recreation sure has left quite an impact...
The Birdcage
What started as a French play titled "La Cage aux Folles," eventually got the Hollywood treatment in 1978. A few years passed before Robin Williams took his iconic comedic stylings to the role in 1996. This became a movie for the ages, with equal parts of heartfelt moments and LOL-worthy scenes.
Little Shop Of Horrors
There are tons of adaptations to Little Shop Of Horrors, but most people only know either the Broadway production or the 1986 film. What most people don't know, however, is that the musical is actually an adaptation of the 1960 dark comedy film! Obviously, it went through some major rebranding for the stage...
The Wizard of Oz
Yes, even The Wizard of Oz isn't an original idea! Many people know that it was based on a novel written in 1900 by L. Frank Baum. What people don't realize though is that there were tons of versions of this film! Throughout the 20s and 30s, people tried to capture the magical story. The 1939 version got it right though, thanks to colorized film!
The Mummy
In 1999, the world was introduced to "The Mummy." In 2017 though, it rose from the dead again! Clive Barker, Wes Craven, George A. Romero, and Daniel Day-Lewis were all considered for the initial directing position, but it was Stephen Sommers who got the gig. Just look at what he inspired years later!
12 Monkeys
What was originally titled La Jetée, a short film became this science fiction adventure. With Bruce Willis as the leading time-traveling man, this movie is a far cry from its debut. Not only was it super confusing, but it was also his first big role after his success from Die Hard. Talk about a career change...
The Thing
If you know anything, you better know The Thing. A team of reckless Norwegians starts off the film by shooting from a helicopter, and things only get crazier from that scene. It was originally known as 1951's "A Thing From Another World" but apparently, that title gave too much away!
A Star Is Born
You may just think of this movie as Lady Gaga's acting debut, and that's accurate, but it's also got a rich history. This movie has been made and remade several times. In total, there have been 4 of them; 1951, 1954, 1976, and 2018. Unfortunately, Bradley Cooper only stars in the last one.
Peter Pan
There have been lots of versions of "Peter Pan", but the 2003 version is pretty nostalgic for anyone who grew up in the aughts. Sure, the 1953 one features some classic animation styles and impressive humor, but does it have actual kids flying through the air? No? Then why bother.
12
Based on the famous film "12 Angry Men", this movie takes a closer look at a group of jurors who must decide the fate of a teenager arrested for killing his stepdad. This 2009 movie received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. If you want to watch, know that the entire thing is spoken in Russian.
Title
Take Jean Renoir's "Boudu Saved From Drowning" and set it along the American West Coast! This hilarious 80s comedy stars the likes of Nick Nolte, Richard Dreyfuss, and Bette Midler. Chaos ensues as they try to get along despite some pretty strange circumstances.
Freaky Friday
It's hard to imagine anyone aside from Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in these roles, but this flick is actually from 1976 first! The plot is basically the same, with a mom and daughter needing to switch bodies for a day. However, there are way more jokes and laughs to be had in the 2003 version!
The Parent Trap
In 1998, the world met not one but two young Lindsay Lohans as she starred as twins in "The Parent Trap." This 1998 nostalgic classic is actually a remake of the same-titled flick from 1961. No matter the generation, these kids always get up to some pretty hilarious hijinks!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Older generations likely know this one, but Johnny Depp was not the original Willy Wonka! That role first went to Gene Wilder back in 1971. To this day, this is still considered the superior film by critics and fans alike. Wonka should be whimsical, not scary, right?
The Amazing Spider-Man
Obviously, Andrew Garfield was not the original Spiderman. The first (and arguably best) Peter Parker was played by Tobey Maguire for three of the original films starting in 2002. Garfield took the part in the 2012 version, and Tom Holland took over the franchise part in 2017.
King Kong
Jack Black stars in this 2005 movie about a monkey too big for his own good. This 2005 remake of the 1933 classic shook fans to their very core. How do you safely take down a primate the size of a building? It's no easy task, so watch how they earned their $218.1M profit in 3 hours...
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" is a macabre musical that follows a man returning from prison after being incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Though it's much less famous, the first iteration of this famous book came in the form of a 1936 British drama horror film by George King.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of the defining movies of the 1960s. Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in this iconic piece of cinema, but they were not the first. This action-packed Western is one that changed the way people approach watching movies.
Hairspray
The 2007 fun-filled musical comedy was pretty innovative, but it wasn't the first one ever. Hairspray was first a stage musical, then it was a 1988 movie! Of course, neither of these versions featured a young Zac Efron as the dancing king Link, so were either of them even worth watching?
The Ring
In 2002, the movie "The Ring" scared an entire generation of people away from TV and landlines...kind of. Either way, this is a recreation of Hideo Nakata's 1998 Japanese horror film titled just "Ring." it spawned 2 sequels and a ton of scares!
A Nightmare on Elm Street
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" follows a group of teens who are followed into their dreams by a mysterious and dangerous killer. The remake was in 2010 but the original debuted in 1984. Most people prefer the original, but the reboot seemed to get some pretty positive feedback as well!
Pete's Dragon
Pete's Dragon was released first in 1977, and again in 2016. The updated version featured better CGI and animation technology that allowed the story to come to life just a little bit more. The 2016 version stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence, and Robert Redford. What a cast!
Beauty and the Beast
Tale as old as time...a remake! The Beauty and the Beast is a story of loving someone even in the face of their insecurities, but this 2017 movie was based on the 1991 animated movie of the same name and plot. When these two love birds finally get together, they can do anything!
Mulan
In 2020, the world saw this Disney princess as they've never seen her before...real! The Mulan movie from 2020 is based on the 1998 animated version of the same title. When Mulan must take on the role of a man in the Chinese army, she learns that girls can do anything boys can, and sometimes even better!