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But sometimes, it’s actually possible for a Hollywood remake to be pretty darn good.
From movies to TV, the American entertainment ecosystem is littered with countless spin-offs, remakes, and reboots.
And that’s how remakes happen: If it worked there, it can work anywhere.
In theory, at least.
Because more often than not, the idea of “Hollywood remake” inspires dread or just plain apathy.
But that doesn’t happenallthe time.
Here are 32 American movie and TV remakes that are actually, really, pretty good.
All hail the king of the monsters.
The heist escalates into a big chase through the streets of Los Angeles in a runaway ambulance.
Upon arriving however, things escalate as the hosts reveal their true, sinister colors.
Still, City of Angels has its moments of beauty.
And without it, we wouldn’t have “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls.
The movie takes after the 1997 Norwegian movie of the same name, which stars Stellan Skarsgard.
Shameless
There are Gallaghers on both sides of the pond.
The series drew acclaim including awards for Gina Rodriguez as well as a prestigious Peabody in 2014.
The movie’s origins lie in the 1997 film Open Your Eyes, from Spanish director Alejandro Amenabar.
(And as an English-language production from France, it’s quite a novelty.)
Yet Tony Scott and Denzel Washington working together presents a whole new ballgame.
Quinnell’s 1980 novel finally got behind the camera for his cranked-up Hollywood adaptation.
That Netflix is still going strong is a testament to its one-time power.
Both versions received positive reviews, with the American film receiving particular attention for Maguire’s absorbing depth.
Meanwhile, also in 2002, Gore Verbinski remade the J-horror classic Ringu into The Ring.
Homeland
10 years after 9/11, the Showtime drama Homeland tapped into the lingering fallout.
Funny Games (2007)
It’s quite something when a director remakes their own movie.
10 years later, Haneke remade Funny Games shot-for-shot, with English-speaking American actors.
12 Monkeys (1995)
Can you remake a movie without seeing the original?
is a good time, in a quirky French way.
But did you know?
It’s that good.
The Office
Before Michael Scott, there was David Brent.
(A pretty good run in terms of British TV, albeit.)
Maria never believed her story was worth writing until a friend begged her to do so.
Maria’s story became a memoir, and that memoir became a movie… twice.
Since then, we’ve all heard how the hills are alive with the sound of music…
