Horror movies are typically a mixed bag. While you may get a fantastic movie like the Exorcist, you also might get a movie like Slenderman. Horror movie reboots, however, are slightly more predictable as they are also weighed down by the curse of the movie reboot.
Usually, a horror reboot (or a reboot in general) is a remake of a classic film or franchise and will automatically lead to comparisons between the remake and the original, usually leading to the remake looking even worse by comparison. That being said, regardless of the quality of the movie, studios will always seek to make sequels or reboots due to the brand awareness already attached to the property. This article will list 5 horror movie reboots that will be great and 4 that will be awful.
Fail: Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The 1974 classic horor Texas Chainsaw Massacre is getting a reboot from Legendary Pictures. According to sources speaking to Variety, Ryan and Andy Tohill are set to helm the reboot of the Texas-based gore fest. While no story details have been released and the directors do have a good reputation, it will be very hard to stick the landing on this reboot.
The film is a cult classic that worked because of its production, including its low budget and practical special effects. While this may have more chance of success than some others on this list, it may be too difficult a property for the filmmakers.
Great: The Witches
The Witches will continue the recent trend of Roald Dahl remakes, picking up from the BFG. The original adaptation of the Witches was released in 1997 and starred both Rowan Atkinson and Anjelica Huston. The film was received well by critics and is warmly remembered by audiences to this day, so some were worried by the idea of a reboot.
That being said, there are elements of the movie that do feel dated so remaking the movie with modern technology would be compelling. Additionally, with Anne Hathaway, Chris Rock, and Stanley Tucci signed on to star, it has a stellar cast that will certainly pull in audiences.
Fail: Nightmare On Elm Street
Is there a more tired franchise than a Nightmare on Elm Street? While the first two movies in the franchise may have been good, the other movies in the series have been lackluster at best. The most recent reboot of the franchise was also simply a rehash of the original, though without the original charm.
Unless they change the franchise completely, much like Halloween, it will be very difficult for the filmmakers to nail a Nightmare on Elm Street reboot.
Great: Blade
The original Blade movies were always considered more of a cult classic franchise than a critically successful franchise. Additionally, unlike some of the classic movies on this list, the Blade movies haven’t aged particularly well due to their use of late 90s/early 2000s CGI, which makes the picture look dated.
This franchise is clearly open to reinvention and with Marvel Studios and Mahershala Ali attached to the film, it is clear that this franchise has a great chance of being amazing.
Fail: Train To Busan
What’s the deal with American studios remaking foreign films? American remakes of foreign films fail at an insane rate. For every serviceable movie such as the Ring, there is a Death at a Funeral, The Wickerman, and Pulse. Naturally, due to the success of Train to Busan, studios have been clamoring to remake the property for American audiences.
This film is doomed to fail, not only due to the fact that American studios have a history of failure in adapting Asian horror, but also due to the fact that there is nothing to improve upon. The best they can do is a shot for shot remake in English, yet this will bring nothing new to the movie.
Great: Candyman
Jordan Peele has been reinventing himself as the modern-day master of horror due to his recent work on Get Out, Us, and the reboot of the Twilight Zone. While Us was disappointing for some, in comparison to Get Out, it was still a fantastic movie nonetheless.
There is no doubt across horror movie fans that Jordan Peele will be able to work his magic on this horror classic and help breathe some new life and a new interpretation into the franchise.
Fail: Hellraiser
The Hellraiser franchise has a long history. The film is a gorefest that focusses on ghosts and demons that are hellbent on inflicting pain and misery. While the series has garnered a cult following, many critics, such as Roger Ebert, have criticized the film series.
While the series has a cult following and any reboot will almost certainly do well among its fanbase, it is unlikely that a sequel will be able to leave an impression on the viewing public as a whole.
Great: The Invisible Man
The Invisible Man has been talked about for several years now, with the project initially going to be part of Universal Studios’ Dark Universe and with Johnny Depp attached to star in the titular role. That being said, after the negative reviews of The Mummy, Universal halted production until they eventually agreed to co-produce a film with Blumhouse.
Judging from the trailer, the film could be terrifying and intriguing. If the film steers away from Blumhouse’s love affair with jump scares and focusses on the psychological horror of the Invisible Man, it could be incredible.
Great: Spiral
The Saw franchise is another Hollywood horror franchise that has become tired and lame in recent years. While the initial Saw movie, directed by James Wan, received critical acclaim, its sequels have become more and more convoluted. After the death of the Jigsaw killer, each sequel attempted confusing mental gymnastics to have the Jigsaw killer reappear in a flashback, as well as to reveal some secret ’true’ murderer.
Fortunately, this movie appears to be steering away from the original movies (or the sequels at least). If Spiral sticks closely to what made Saw great, it should be an enjoyable movie.
