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20 Movies You Didn't Know Were Remakes

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - April 7th 2025, 22:00 GMT+2

Cropped The Secret Life of Walter Mitty — The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – Remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947)

Ben Stiller went full daydreamer in *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)*, a modern reimagining of the 1947 film starring Danny Kaye. While the original was more slapstick and vaudeville-style, the 2013 version gave us sweeping landscapes, indie-rock-fueled introspection, and a protagonist who longboards through Icelandic fjords while chasing down a missing photo negative. Stiller not only starred but directed, giving us a story that’s as much about personal growth as it is about globe-trotting escapism. Kristen Wiig brings warmth and gentle humor as Walter’s low-key crush, giving the film its heart. It’s one of those movies where you’re not quite sure if you're inspired or just craving a flight to Greenland. Either way, you didn’t expect this much soul-searching from a remake, did you? | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped The Departed — The Departed (2006) – Remake of Infernal Affairs (2002)

Yes, *The Departed (2006)* is a Martin Scorsese gangster epic, and yes, it's actually based on the slick Hong Kong thriller *Infernal Affairs (2002)*. But in true Scorsese fashion, he didn’t just remake the movie – he cranked the paranoia to 11, swapped in Boston accents, and stacked the cast like a cinematic sandwich: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg (who somehow manages to out-sass everyone). It's a game of cat-and-mouse, only the cats are undercover cops and the mice are moles in the police force. Scorsese even snagged his long-overdue Oscar for directing this one, as if the Academy finally woke up and said, “Oh yeah, maybe Marty’s good at this.” A gritty, intense, and totally Americanized take on a sleek crime story. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Freaky Friday — Freaky Friday (2003) – Remake of Freaky Friday (1976)

Body-swapping hijinks never go out of style, especially when Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are involved. *Freaky Friday (2003)* took the already absurd premise of the 1976 original and dialed it up for the early-2000s crowd – complete with pop-punk soundtracks, garage band gigs, and cell phones being blamed for everything. Watching Curtis transform into a rebellious teen overnight is pure gold, and Lohan (pre-TMZ era) delivers a performance that actually makes the role feel fresh. Is it cheesy? Absolutely. But it's the kind of cheese that comes with heart, comedy, and a lot of eyeliner. You know you've got something special when the “mom” ends up crowd-surfing at a rock concert. Disney really leaned into the fun for this one – and honestly, bless them for it. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped The Italian Job — The Italian Job (2003) – Remake of The Italian Job (1969)

*The Italian Job (2003)* is proof that Mini Coopers never go out of fashion – especially when you pack them with gold bars and A-listers. A slick, heist-happy reimagining of the 1969 British classic, this version swaps in Mark Wahlberg as the cool-under-pressure leader, Charlize Theron as the safecracking wheelwoman, and Edward Norton as a mustache-twirling villain who probably kicks puppies in his spare time. Oh, and then there’s Jason Statham being Jason Statham, which is always a good time. The LA traffic jam sequence is a beautifully chaotic tribute to the original, with enough twists and tech to make your head spin. It’s a high-octane ride with explosions, betrayal, and a whole lot of driving in tight spaces. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Oceans Eleven — Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – Remake of Ocean’s 11 (1960)

If you’re wondering how to remake a Rat Pack movie without losing its swagger, *Ocean’s Eleven (2001)* is the blueprint. Steven Soderbergh assembled a cast so smooth, they probably didn’t even need a script – just George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts tossing charm grenades back and forth for two hours. The plot? Danny Ocean plans an impossibly cool casino heist with a team of lovable rogues. The original had Sinatra and friends, but the 2001 version brought style, smarts, and some serious suits. It's like a magic trick you don’t mind watching over and over again, even if you know how it's done. Honestly, they could’ve stolen my wallet during the credits and I’d still say thank you. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Vanilla Sky — Vanilla Sky (2001) – Remake of Abre los ojos (1997)

*Vanilla Sky (2001)* is what happens when you take a Spanish sci-fi mind-bender, add Tom Cruise’s megawatt grin, and toss it into a blender with lucid dreams, questionable tension, and a killer Radiohead soundtrack. Based on *Abre los ojos*, this remake keeps the haunting “what is reality?” core intact, but sprinkles in a glossy, Hollywood sheen. Cruise plays a man whose picture-perfect life starts to unravel in the most surreal ways possible – think disfigured faces, romantic betrayals, and memory glitches that feel like a fever dream. Cameron Diaz is electric and unhinged, while Penélope Cruz – reprising her role from the original – glides through it all like an angel with secrets. It's weird, it's tragic, it's philosophical... and also somehow a date movie? | © Paramount Pictures

The mummy msn — The Mummy (1999) – Remake of The Mummy (1932)

Let’s be real – *The Mummy (1999)* is less a horror flick and more a rollercoaster ride through ancient curses, desert chaos, and shirtless Brendan Fraser. Unlike the moody, slow-burn vibe of the 1932 Boris Karloff original, this remake is loud, proud, and armed with CGI sandstorms and undead armies. Fraser’s Rick O’Connell is a sarcastic Indiana Jones type with biceps and bravery to spare, while Rachel Weisz brings brains, beauty, and a bookish charm as the adventurous librarian Evelyn. There’s action, romance, and more than one case of "oops, I accidentally woke up an ancient evil." You weren’t scared – you were grinning the whole time. Admit it. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Parent Trap — The Parent Trap (1998) – Remake of The Parent Trap (1961)

Two Lindsay Lohans for the price of one? That’s the genius behind *The Parent Trap (1998)*, a charming, updated take on the original 1961 twin-switcheroo classic. Here, Lohan plays both Hallie and Annie, American and British sisters separated at birth who just happen to meet at summer camp (as one does). Director Nancy Meyers gives the film her signature cozy-luxury touch, while Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid bring heartfelt parental chemistry – and some truly questionable decisions about child custody. It’s funny, sweet, and just the right amount of chaotic. Plus, this was the moment Lindsay became a household name by outacting herself. Twice. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Last Man Standing — Last Man Standing (1996) – Remake of Yojimbo (1961)

You might not think a gritty Bruce Willis shoot-em-up set in Prohibition-era Texas is secretly a Kurosawa remake, but *Last Man Standing (1996)* is *Yojimbo (1961)* in a trench coat with a Tommy gun. In this brooding, dust-choked tale, Willis plays a mysterious drifter who strolls into a town run by rival gangs – and decides to play both sides for his own gain. It’s got noir vibes, stoic stares, and more bullets than dialogue. While the original samurai tale had sword fights and Japanese honor codes, this version trades in whiskey, grit, and a body count that would make Tarantino blink. Bruce doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s usually followed by someone falling over. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped 12 Monkeys — 12 Monkeys (1995) – Remake of La Jetée (1962)

*12 Monkeys (1995)* is what happens when you take a 1962 French experimental film made entirely of still photos (*La Jetée*) and give it to Terry Gilliam, Brad Pitt, and Bruce Willis. The result? A time-hopping fever dream about pandemics, mental institutions, and fate. Bruce plays a prisoner sent back in time to prevent humanity’s downfall – no pressure – while Brad Pitt goes full chaos-gremlin in a role that scored him an Oscar nomination and probably inspired every quirky villain he’s played since. It’s dark, trippy, and full of “wait, what just happened?” moments, but somehow it all makes sense… eventually. Kind of. Probably. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Heat — Heat (1995) – Remake of L.A. Takedown (1989)

*Heat (1995)* is the cinematic equivalent of a heavyweight boxing match – De Niro vs. Pacino, crime vs. justice, espresso vs. automatic weapons. But surprise! It’s actually a polished re-do of Michael Mann’s earlier TV movie *L.A. Takedown (1989)*, which nobody really remembers because, well, it didn’t have De Niro and Pacino squaring off in that iconic diner scene. With a stacked cast including Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, and a very stressed-out Jon Voight, this movie blends existential brooding with tactical gunfights in broad daylight. It’s less about who wins and more about two professionals recognizing the futility of their lives… you know, with explosions. It’s long, it’s moody, and it’s practically a masterclass in crime drama. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped true lies — True Lies (1994) – Remake of La Totale! (1991)

If you’ve ever wanted to see Arnold Schwarzenegger juggle international espionage and suburban dad life – while tangoing with Tia Carrere and pretending not to be married to a spy-hungry Jamie Lee Curtis – then *True Lies (1994)* is your jam. Loosely based on the French comedy *La Totale! (1991)*, James Cameron took the bones of the original and blasted them with Hollywood steroids. It's got horse chases through hotels, nuclear bombs, Harrier jets, and an iconic dance scene that somehow manages to be awkward and hilarious all at once. Tom Arnold is along for the ride as the loudmouth sidekick you didn’t ask for but somehow need. Subtle? Never. Entertaining? Absolutely. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Cape Fear — Cape Fear (1991) – Remake of Cape Fear (1962)

Martin Scorsese took the already chilling *Cape Fear (1962)* and cranked the creep factor up to 11 for his 1991 remake. Robert De Niro, sporting terrifying tattoos and a Southern accent that could curdle milk, plays Max Cady – a vengeful ex-con who terrorizes the family of the lawyer who helped put him away. Nick Nolte plays the said lawyer, Jessica Lange is the wife on the edge, and a young Juliette Lewis delivers a performance so unsettling, it earned her an Oscar nomination. It’s a psychological thriller with all the trappings of a Hitchcockian fever dream, only with Scorsese’s signature intensity and a few nightmare-fuel scenes that will forever ruin the idea of "family boating trips." | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Fly — The Fly (1986) – Remake of The Fly (1958)

Jeff Goldblum + body horror = cinematic legend. *The Fly (1986)* is David Cronenberg’s gloriously grotesque reimagining of the 1958 sci-fi flick about science gone wrong – only this time, with more goo. Goldblum plays a brilliant but unlucky scientist who decides teleportation is the future, accidentally mixes his DNA with a housefly, and proceeds to fall apart – literally. Geena Davis is along for the ride as his horrified girlfriend, watching him transform into something between Kafka’s Gregor Samsa and a Cronenbergian nightmare. The practical effects are equal parts impressive and stomach-turning, but it’s Goldblum’s tragic, twitchy performance that really sticks with you. And by “sticks,” we mean like flypaper. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Little Shop of Horrors — Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – Remake of Little Shop of Horrors (1960)

Feed me, Seymour! *Little Shop of Horrors (1986)* takes the 1960 cult B-movie and transforms it into a musical comedy with big hair, bigger voices, and a man-eating plant that’s somehow both terrifying and fabulous. Directed by Frank Oz and powered by catchy Alan Menken tunes, this remake stars Rick Moranis as the lovable loser Seymour and Ellen Greene as the squeaky-voiced Audrey. But the real show-stealer? Audrey II – the giant, singing, sassy carnivorous plant with a serious appetite and some serious pipes. Steve Martin also pops in as the world’s worst dentist, chewing scenery like it’s bubblegum. It’s dark, delightful, and surprisingly emotional for a film about horticultural homicide. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Scarface — Scarface (1983) – Remake of Scarface (1932)

Say hello to his little friend – and say hello again to the fact that *Scarface (1983)* is a remake of the 1932 pre-Code gangster flick. Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone (while probably chewing on a cigar and three shots of espresso), this neon-drenched fever dream reimagines the story of an ambitious criminal, moving it from Chicago to Miami and turning the protagonist into Cuban refugee Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino in full-throttle, meme-generating glory. Michelle Pfeiffer oozes icy detachment as Elvira, the walking symbol of every toxic aspiration Tony’s chasing. The film may have been panned at release, but time turned it into the go-to blueprint for rise-and-fall crime sagas – and dorm room posters. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Thing — The Thing (1982) – Remake of The Thing from Another World (1951)

John Carpenter’s *The Thing (1982)* is proof that sometimes a remake doesn’t just match the original – it melts it, mutates it, and then growls at it from the corner of a snow-covered base. While the 1951 version had Cold War tension and alien vibes, this version leans hard into the paranoia and gooey practical effects, thanks to creature wizard Rob Bottin. Kurt Russell, rocking the beard of the gods, leads a group of increasingly freaked-out scientists in Antarctica as a shape-shifting alien does its best impression of every worst-case scenario. It's gory, it's suspenseful, and it's now considered one of the greatest horror remakes of all time – which is pretty cool for a film that originally flopped. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Ben Hur — Ben-Hur (1959) – Remake of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925)

Before CGI armies and green-screen gladiators, there was *Ben-Hur (1959) –* a Technicolor epic that roared out of the 1925 silent version like a chariot on fire. Charlton Heston commands the screen as Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince wronged, betrayed, enslaved, and ultimately victorious in a tale that’s part revenge story, part spiritual journey, and part "how did they film that chariot race without killing anyone?" (Spoiler: it was close.) It scooped up 11 Oscars, which was unheard of at the time, and remains one of the most iconic epics ever made. The scale is massive, the drama is dialed all the way up, and the score practically demands goosebumps. Forget remakes – this one redefined the genre. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped The Man Who Knew Too Much — The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) – Remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)

Alfred Hitchcock decided to remake himself with *The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)*, swapping out the low-budget suspense of the 1934 British version for glossy Hollywood stars and a wider frame (literally – he shot it in VistaVision). This time, James Stewart and Doris Day play the unlucky American tourists who stumble into an international assassination plot while vacationing in Morocco. Doris sings “Que Sera, Sera,” which somehow ends up being both a lullaby and a high-stakes signal during a tense climax at Royal Albert Hall. It’s suspenseful in a “please-don’t-sneeze-during-this-scene” kind of way, and watching Hitchcock remake himself is like watching a magician do the same trick twice – only better the second time. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped The Wizard of Oz — The Wizard of Oz (1939) – Remake of silent versions (1910, 1925)

There's no place like... a remake? Believe it or not, *The Wizard of Oz (1939)* wasn’t the first time Dorothy wandered off to see the wizard – it followed silent versions from 1910 and 1925 (yes, really). But this version? This is the one that became Technicolor legend. Judy Garland's ruby slippers, Margaret Hamilton's unforgettable cackle, and the Yellow Brick Road all became pop culture immortals in this fantasy-musical masterpiece. The Munchkins, the flying monkeys, the emotionally needy Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion – it’s all so timeless that it’s hard to imagine it being a do-over. Still, it was. And it set the gold standard (or maybe the ruby one) for every magical remake that followed. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

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Think you've seen it all when it comes to original movies? Think again. Many of Hollywood’s most beloved blockbusters and cult classics are actually remakes of earlier films – some so obscure, you'd never guess they inspired a modern hit. From gritty dramas to box office smashes, this list of 20 movies you didn’t know were remakes will surprise even the most seasoned film buffs. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a die-hard cinephile, uncover the hidden origins behind some of your favorite films and see how Hollywood reimagines stories across generations.

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Think you've seen it all when it comes to original movies? Think again. Many of Hollywood’s most beloved blockbusters and cult classics are actually remakes of earlier films – some so obscure, you'd never guess they inspired a modern hit. From gritty dramas to box office smashes, this list of 20 movies you didn’t know were remakes will surprise even the most seasoned film buffs. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a die-hard cinephile, uncover the hidden origins behind some of your favorite films and see how Hollywood reimagines stories across generations.