Remakes vs. Originals: Some Classic Films Are Simply Genius

In life, you do get the opportunity to have a do-over, sometimes. Movies are the same way. Certain films can not be redone or retold because the original captured the film’s essence so closely it is sickening. However, not everyone sees classic films in the same light. Hollywood has developed a habit recently of revamping beloved classics, often with results that do fall flat. While some remakes can offer a fresh perspective, many fail to recapture the essence of the original. After all, why mess with perfection when the essence of the story was already told in the most compelling way possible? Read on to see some examples of how remakes of classic films did not hit the mark. 

‘It’ Wasn’t Bad

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Now, we will give credit where it’s due because some films did decently compared to his original film. “It” is a great example. “It” (miniseries) did well back in mid-90s. It is reported that the series grossed an undisclosed amount as it was released for TV, while “It” (2017) grossed $701 million. Many praise the modern of the classic film as it visually displays the disturbing nature of Pennywise much more vividly and the excellent character development in both chapters. Although still not as graphic as Stephen King’s original novel, the film is still a tremendous adaption of horror. 

Another good remake is “The Jungle Book.” The remake was widely praised for its compelling story and stunning visuals, and it showed the film’s profits. The Jungle Book” (2016) grossed $966 million at the box office, the animated classic, which was filmed in 1967, grossed $701 million at the box office. Many say the CGI version brought the story to life so beautifully and it dug deep into the storyline.  

They Should Have Left It Alone…

Now, there are remakes of some classic films that did so poorly, that many say the remake was pointless. The first one we have is “Psycho” (1998). Film critics regard Psycho (1960) as one of the best and earliest examples of slasher movies. Psycho (1960) grossed $472 million at the box office, while its remake grossed only $37 million. The remake (Psycho 1998) was disregarded by many due to its absence of the original and not delivering on the buildup or uneasiness of the classic film. The remake also received a Rotten Tomatoes score of 39%, while the classic film received 96%. 

The last remake we have is  The Mummy. (2017) Brandon Frasier’s The Mummy (1999) was a story of adventure and love that was so well understood by its audience. The classic film grossed $658 million, while the remake grossed $410 million.  Viewers and critics said The Mummy (2017) failed compared to its original both metaphorically and commercially. It fell short of the adventures and progressive storytelling of the classic film and under-utilized Tom Cruise’s character.

Final Thoughts

In the end, remakes are a gamble. While some do manage to bring a fresh look or updated visuals that honor the original, others fall far short, leaving audiences questioning why they were made in the first place. Classics become classics for a reason—they capture something timeless that resonates with audiences across generations. And while there may be room for reinterpretation, not every story needs to be retold.

The magic of a great film often lies in its unique moment in time, one that can’t always be recreated. So before Hollywood reboots another beloved classic, maybe it’s worth asking: Is this a story that needs a second take?