The 10 Best Horror Movie Remakes of All Time, Ranked

“If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” Although this has been the case with many horror film remakes, some have exceeded expectations and reinvented films for the better. There are even films that have surpassed the previous versions.

With the trend toward cinematic remakes, filmmakers should look to these 10 horror films that live up to the source material.

10. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

As zombies appear across the world, a handful of survivors fight for their lives while seeking refuge in a mall. This remake from Zack Snyder and James Gunn breathes new life into the zombie apocalypse with its signature brand of bloody, frenetic action.

George A. Romero's original film may have taken its time with its terror and social satire, but this newer version captures the unbridled chaos in its premise and immerses audiences in a horrific war against the undead.

9. The Ring (2002)

Based on the Japanese film RinguThis modern classic tells the story of a woman (Naomi Watts) who investigates a mysterious videotape that kills everyone seven days after watching.

Disturbing and goosebumps, The ring let a new generation of horror fans view the screen through their fingers. The success of this film also brought greater attention to Asian horror films, leading to similar remakes from American studios.

8. Let Me In (2010)

Based on the 2008 Swedish film Let the right person inDirected by Matt Reeves, this film is about a 12-year-old boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who befriends a little girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) who turns out to be a decades-old vampire.

A beautiful marriage of gothic horror and childhood fear, this chilling remake captures the magic of the original film while forging its own identity by exploring the darkness that lies hidden in Reagan's America.

7. Nosferatu the Vampire (1979)

Long before Robert Eggers thought of a remake NosferatuDirector Werner Herzog did this with Klaus Kinski (Aguirre, the wrath of God) starring as the titular vampire alongside Isabelle Adjani (possession) and Bruno Ganz (The Manchurian Candidate).

Although slightly more faithful to Bram Stoker's novel, this film builds on it by exploring the lonely and tragic nature of Dracula's cursed character. And with its exceptional graphics and a spooky soundtrack Nosferatu the vampire really stands the test of time.

6. Cape Fear (1991)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film follows a violent rapist (Robert de Niro) who leaves prison to seek revenge on his former lawyer (Nick Nolte) for knowingly sabotaging his defense. In this nightmarish spiral into hell, Scorsese draws on a classic filmmaking style while unleashing his unique brand of fear and violence.

Combined with De Niro's Oscar-worthy performance and Bernard Hermann's still-effective reused score, this remake toppled the 1962 original as a great film from a legendary director that brought depth and terror to the source material.

5. The Fly (1986)

When the audience thinks about it The fly, you're probably thinking of the '80s remake starring Jeff Goldblum. Director David Cronenberg's film captures the bizarre horror of Seth Brundle's failed experiment by combining quirky humor with horrific tragedy.

The film's grotesque practical effects also make the horror even more realistic and get under the audience's skin with Brundle's breathtaking transformation into the titular monster.

4. The Invisible Man (2020)

In this brilliant retelling of the 1933 monster film of the same name, Cecilia (mad Men(Elisabeth Moss) is tormented by her abusive ex-boyfriend (surfaceis Oliver Jackson-Cohen), who pursues them in a sophisticated invisibility suit.

Adaptation of this story for modern times, The invisible man deals with domestic violence and the trauma that continues even when a person like Cecilia escapes her abuser. And with its clever scares and thrills, this remake took an iconic character and created a horror classic in its own right.

3. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

When alien plants begin to sprout on Earth, a group of friends find themselves caught up in a full-scale invasion of San Francisco and attacked by emotionless duplicates of the people around them.

Like Cronenberg's The flyThis film revives a '50s horror classic for a new age, turning a Cold War allegory into a cautionary tale about conformity. This sheer hopelessness grips the audience's heart as the heroes are eliminated one by one until the infamous final scene, ultimately becoming lodged in the audience's minds forever.

2. It (2017)

Despite its flaws, the 1990s version is by Stephen King It holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. And considering Tim Curry's iconic performance as Pennywise the Clown, the 2017 remake managed to achieve a lot.

However, this modern interpretation usurps the original in many ways, with Bill Skarsgård taking the shapeshifter to a new level of terror. Not surprising, It convinced critics and audiences alike and became the most successful horror film of all time.

1. The Thing (1982)

Although it is a remake of 1951 The thing from another worldJohn Carpenter's masterpiece is most faithful to the novel that both films adapt. The shape-shifting creature's designs and effects alone surpass what was seen in the original film.

However, the overwhelming sense of fear and paranoia that permeates the film makes it a harrowing story of people turning against each other in the face of an unknowable and unstoppable threat.

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