The 10 Worst Remakes of the Last 10 Years

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In Hollywood, it’s all about making money. If a studio sees potential profit, they will seize the opportunity. Often, remaking a classic film serves as a fast track to box-office success. Leverage a well-known property that a large portion of the public already appreciates, add a couple of familiar faces, and you’ve got an enticing product for promotional materials like posters or movie theater signs.

Indeed, however, there’s a twist. A remake naturally invites certain unavoidable comparisons. When you create a new adaptation of an old movie, you essentially set up a yardstick that your production must meet expectations alongside the original one. If it falls short, viewers are likely to notice and may express their dissatisfaction.

occasionally, a re-make can match up; exceptionally, a re-make might even surpass the original movie it’s adapted from. However, it is more common for the standard to seem incredibly high in comparison to a re-make. Today, we delve into the most dismal remakes of the past decade. Oh my, these films are truly underwhelming.

Indeed, isn’t it true? These films weren’t just subpar; they truly fell short. The intriguing aspect lies in the fact that when remade, one anticipates the movie’s possible greatness. However, these remakes consistently failed to meet such expectations and fell short of their potential greatness.

The 10 Worst Remakes of the Last 10 Years (2016-2025)

10. The Magnificent Seven (2016)

New Version of: The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Despite having Antoine Fuqua as the director, a script co-written by Nic Pizzolatto from True Detective, and an impressive cast that includes Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Lee Byung-hun, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Peter Sarsgaard, The Magnificent Seven (2016) failed to capture even a hint of the original 1960 film or its source material, Seven Samurai. It’s been less than a decade since its release, and it seems that I may be one of the few people who still recall this movie’s existence.

9. Roald Dahl’s The Witches (2020)

A modern adaptation of: “The Witches” (1990) directed by Robert Zemeckis, which was set in America and featured an unimpressive confrontation with a group of witches, led by an excessively flamboyant Anne Hathaway. Despite horror maestro Guillermo del Toro’s writing contributions, the film failed to reach the same heights as other Roald Dahl adaptations such as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” or “James and the Giant Peach.”

Robert Zemeckis’ latest films include two remakes and a fictional movie based on a true story. None of them were particularly successful. In the case of “The Witches”, he took on a Roald Dahl novel that had previously been adapted for the screen by Nicolas Roeg, changing the setting to America and focusing on an underwhelming fight against a coven of witches, led by an extremely dramatic Anne Hathaway. Even contributions from horror master Guillermo del Toro were unable to elevate the film to the same level as other Dahl movie classics like “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” or “James and the Giant Peach.

8. Snow White (2025)

Reimagining of: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Disney did a remarkable job in making Snow White appear as if it was not a musical, leaving me surprised when I realized it was one only after sitting down in the theater with my daughter and hearing characters suddenly break into song. Interestingly, the music turned out to be one of this live-action remake’s strong points, and I even found myself appreciating Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the wicked Evil Queen. However, the CGI version of the Seven Dwarfs in this Snow White seemed unnaturally realistic and peculiar, particularly Dopey who resembled a character designed by an AI when asked to depict “what would Alfred E Neuman look like as a Chad.” Any scenes involving those characters, along with the attempts to make Snow White more proactive (despite her still needing to take a lengthy nap in the third act, as this is a remake), detracted from an otherwise visually appealing and audibly pleasing film.

7. Death Note (2017)

The reimagining of: “Death Note” (2006)

Netflix often takes on live action adaptations of cherished manga or anime series, yet these adaptations rarely meet expectations. A notable early and dismal example occurred in 2017 when Netflix produced their own version of the “Death Note,” a series by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata about a notebook that claims any life whose name is written within it. The Japanese “Death Note” films directed by Shusuke Kaneko were a hit, while the American version, directed by Adam Wingard, was a disastrous misstep. Fans of the original series criticized it for whitewashing the material, as the cast included Nat Wolff and Margaret Qualley. However, its problems ran much deeper than that. The “Death Note” concept is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and mythology; relocating the action to Seattle disrupted this foundation, along with Wingard’s efforts to compress a 12-volume comic series into a single film. It’s best to stick with the original Japanese “Death Note” adaptations.

6. Aladdin (2019)

As a movie enthusiast, I recently revisited the magical world of Aladdin, this time in live-action form. While Robin Williams’ iconic performance as the Genie in the 1992 animated version sets an unparalleled standard, Will Smith steps up to the challenge with an impressive display of talent. He sings, he dances, and even raps, all while engaging in some humorous fourth-wall breaks that hark back to the late ’90s. However, his efforts sometimes feel a bit overzealous, lacking the spontaneous charm one might expect.

The fun isn’t necessarily contagious; instead, it seems like something we’re expected to enjoy. This is not to say that the characters lack personality – far from it in their animated form. Yet, when translated into three dimensions, they seem less defined, somewhat overshadowed by the tyranny of realism that pervades almost every scene.

5. The Crow (2024)

Revamped from: The Crow (1994)

It’s often assumed that remakes, which undergo lengthy development processes, would turn out to be exceptional. The modern take on the ’90s goth symbol, “The Crow,” was initially announced back in 2008. Fifteen years should have been ample time to craft a fresh and exciting “Crow” film, wouldn’t you think?

And yet! Despite my appreciation for the audacious inclusion of extensive opera in this reimagining of the quintessential Hot Topic property, and the thrilling action scenes in the climactic third of 2024’s The Crow, everything leading up to that point was a laborious slog. Bill Skarsgard, who made an instant impact as the new Nosferatu, was equally forgettable as the new Crow, a vengeful spirit resurrected after his untimely demise to seek justice for his lost love while brooding shirtlessly. My personal opinion is that this new “Crow” isn’t significantly worse than the original, but that’s a topic for another discussion.

4. The Lion King (2019)

Reveal: The 2019 version of The Lion King, originally released in 1994

Confession: My kids are quite fond of The Lion King. We’ve watched the original numerous times, attended the Broadway musical, and even enjoyed the direct-to-video sequels, along with episodes of Timon & Pumbaa. However, I’m keeping the upcoming live-action remake (essentially an all-CGI animated movie) a secret. The reason? It’s a skillfully produced but rather dull concept; a tale about animals, which despite their realistic appearance, can never truly express the same energy as voice actors, let alone match the charm of the 2D animated versions of these characters. Realism simply doesn’t seem to align well with a musical featuring a lost lion, a humorous meerkat, and a flatulent warthog who occasionally reference other Disney movies. It seems a bit counterintuitive as an aesthetic choice for such a lively story.

3. The Mummy (2017)

In 1999, “The Mummy” was already a remake of the classic Universal Monsters film. Therefore, the idea of another remake in 2017 wasn’t entirely outlandish. However, the problem arose when Universal Studios anticipated that “The Mummy” would gross $1 billion and planned an entire cinematic universe around it, including films featuring “Frankenstein,” “The Invisible Man,” and others. Unfortunately, Tom Cruise’s “The Mummy” flopped at the box office, effectively ending Universal’s proposed shared monster movie series, known as the “Dark Universe.” Conversely, the original Brendan Fraser “Mummy” has since gained even more cult status. Farewell, Dark Universe. You were far too complex for our world.

The 1999 adaptation of “The Mummy” was itself a remake of an older Universal Monsters film. It wasn’t completely unreasonable to consider another remake in 2017, but the main issue was that Universal Studios expected “The Mummy” (starring Tom Cruise) to earn $1 billion and planned a whole cinematic universe around it, featuring various interconnected monster films like “Frankenstein” and “The Invisible Man.” Regrettably, the film failed at the box office, leading to the demise of Universal’s proposed shared monster movie series called the “Dark Universe.” Meanwhile, the original “Mummy,” starring Brendan Fraser, has become even more popular among cult fans. Farewell, Dark Universe. You were too intricate for our world.

2. Firestarter (2022)

Title Redesign: “Reimagining: Firestarter (1984)”

In essence, a melancholic John Carpenter score is the only commendable aspect of this otherwise unmemorable Stephen King reinterpretation, with Zac Efron in an ill-suited role as Andy, father to the pyrokinetic main character. Efron, who typically excels in comedic roles, fails to establish any emotional bond with Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the explosive Charlie. (Sydney Lemmon’s portrayal of Vicky adds to one of the least authentic on-screen families I have ever witnessed.) Moreover, it remains a mystery how Andy manages to squeeze in the two to three hours daily workout regimen required to maintain Efron’s unrealistically chiseled physique while evading law enforcement. In summary, Firestarter amounts to a distinctly inferior remake of this material, leaving me utterly disillusioned by Hollywood’s relentless pursuit of Intellectual Property.

1. Pinocchio (2022)

New Take On: Pinocchio (1940)
Director Robert Zemeckis, known for blending live-action and animation in movies like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, could be perfectly suited for a modern adaptation of Pinocchio. However, despite the presence of fairies and magical spells, this remake lacks the enchantment one would expect. This polished version, which smooths over the charmingly rough aspects of the original tale to present a cleaned-up retelling, is unlikely to achieve the iconic status held by the 1940’s Pinocchio. In fact, it doesn’t even compare favorably to many of Disney’s other live-action remakes, including some on this very list.

The Best Sequels Not Made By the Original Movie’s Director

15. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)

In the role of Director, previously held by Doug Liman, now stands Paul Greengrass. The name “Jason Bourne” evokes a specific aesthetic and feel, largely inspired not from the initial “Bourne Identity”, but its sequel, “The Bourne Supremacy”, directed by Greengrass. This film offers more gritty, leaner action sequences – handheld and shaky – and an even more somber portrayal of Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, who embarks on a mission of vengeance following his false accusation for a crime he did not commit.

14. Blade II (2002)

Director: Guillermo del Toro (Taking over from Stephen Norrington)
Stephen Norrington did an impressive job directing the original Blade, which eventually became one of the most impactful superhero movies ever made. When he declined to direct the sequel, the producers chose Guillermo del Toro, who was then primarily recognized for his work in cult horror films. Blade II served as a significant leap into Hollywood for del Toro. He built upon the aspects that made the first film successful — its fusion of horror and action, its complex vampire lore derived from Marvel Comics, Wesley Snipes’ intense portrayal — and intensified them all. The horror elements became more harrowing, while the action sequences were more meticulously planned and shot.
Concurrently, Snipes’ Blade character evolved into a more pitiful hero amidst a vampire conflict that now encompassed various factions battling one another.

13. Toy Story 3 (2010)

John Lasseter was occupied with making “Cars” when Pixar began work on the third “Toy Story.” In place of Lasseter, Pixar selected Lee Unkrich, a long-time Pixar employee who had extensive involvement in the “Toy Story” series. He served as an editor on the initial film and co-directed “Toy Story 2.” Consequently, it’s no surprise that “Toy Story 3” aligns perfectly with the other two movies, despite its even more poignant tale about toys battling against their own obsolescence. Indeed, the Pixar touch is evident: These children’s films about the inescapable reality of eventual demise are truly heartwarming.

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12. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

As a fervent admirer of cinematic masterpieces, I must say it’s a challenging feat to create a sequel that outshines its predecessor. Typically, this achievement is credited to the original director, someone who is furthering their own narrative and deepening their themes. However, an exceptional instance that defies this norm is “Magic Mike XXL,” the second installment in the male stripper trilogy, directed not by Steven Soderbergh but Gregory Jacobs. Interestingly, this sequel surpasses even the original “Magic Mike” by a significant margin.

By bidding farewell to certain key characters, the film eliminates many stereotypical plots involving drugs and greed that were prevalent in the first installment, making way for a more captivating storyline. Unlike the first movie, which was predominantly business-oriented, “Magic Mike XXL” is all about pleasure, particularly with the introduction of several intriguing female characters who are not mere targets for the Kings’ schemes. In stark contrast to the initial film, these men are no longer on the prowl for conquests; instead, they seek self-expression.

11. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Originally set up by Rupert Wyatt in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” Matt Reeves’ “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” brilliantly combined deep themes about race and class from the classic “Planet of the Apes” series with stunning visual effects from Weta, transforming motion-capture actors like Andy Serkis into lifelike intelligent apes. If you’re captivated by the boldness of the “Planet of the Apes” premise, then you will truly appreciate “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” as it is the film that breathed new life into this concept for a contemporary audience.

10. The Color of Money (1986)

Role of Director: Martin Scorsese (Originally Robert Rossen)

In the world of filmmaking, directors and pool players share a common skill – executing trick shots. The Color of Money, a remarkable sequel, demonstrates this duality brilliantly. Despite being dismissed as a subpar Scorsese film upon its release, this masterpiece has since proven itself to be exceptional. The story unfolds 25 years after the events of The Hustler, where Paul Newman’s character, “Fast Eddie” Felson, is no longer the fast-paced hustler he once was. Instead, he assumes the role of a weathered pool veteran, mentoring a newcomer (portrayed by a young Tom Cruise). The script penned by Richard Price offers an excellent platform for Paul Newman to display his talents, and Tom Cruise delivers a spot-on performance as Eddie’s confident rival.

9. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Director: Nicholas Meyer (Taking over from Robert Wise)
I’m a fan of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, but I feel that the film owed a significant debt to 2001: A Space Odyssey. In my opinion, director Robert Wise’s work leaned heavily on the 2001 influence. Interestingly, the director who took over from Wise for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Nicholas Meyer, hadn’t watched a single episode of Star Trek when he was first offered to direct the sequel. Ironically, his lack of attachment to the past actually helped The Wrath of Khan – a film that continues the storyline from an original Star Trek episode about genetically-enhanced humans from our past who awaken in the future – capture the essence of adventure from the old series and breathe new life into the classic crew’s relationships. (Meyer’s Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is also a fantastic and underappreciated Trek movie.)

8. Skyfall (2012)

In this scenario, when Sam Mendes assumed control over the James Bond series (previously managed by Marc Forster among others), the franchise was experiencing a low point, primarily due to the less-than-satisfactory film “Quantum of Solace.” However, with Sam Mendes at the helm, the movie “Skyfall” breathed new life into 007. The film showcased stunning action sequences, visually stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins, an outstanding theme, and a narrative that celebrated Bond’s rich legacy.

Sam Mendes took over James Bond after a disappointing movie (Quantum of Solace). His film Skyfall revitalized 007 with impressive action, beautiful cinematography, great music, and a story honoring Bond’s long history.

7. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

Title Director: Brad Bird (Successor to J.J. Abrams et al.)

Since Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, each subsequent Mission: Impossible film has evolved from its predecessor, but in a refined rather than revolutionary way. This consistency can be attributed to the clear vision that Brad Bird brought to the franchise, defining what Mission: Impossible should embody: edge-of-your-seat tension, clever devices, quick-witted banter between Ethan Hunt and his team, and over-the-top action that pushes the boundaries of human possibility.

Impossible series into a high-octane, action-packed franchise with a focus on teamwork, intelligence, and jaw-dropping stunts.

4. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

In 2017, it appeared that a sequel to the non-mainstream, atmospheric “Blade Runner,” taking over from Ridley Scott, would be a recipe for disaster. However, Denis Villeneuve managed to pull it off, respecting Ridley Scott’s original vision and its ambiguity of plot and character, while also moving the franchise’s narrative forward by 40 years.

6. Creed (2015)

Ryan Coogler takes over as director from Sylvester Stallone and others in “Creed,” which can be seen as a spinoff but feels like a sequel to me. Sylvester Stallone is back, reprising his role as Rocky Balboa, this time acting as a mentor-like trainer for a young boxer, Michael B. Jordan. In my opinion, “Creed” stands among the best of the legacy sequels. It captures the essence of the original “Rocky,” with its music and character dynamics, while also introducing fresh elements to the storyline. Coogler, who grew up watching the “Rocky” films with his father, brings a deep affection for the material to the table, which is evident in “Creed.”

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5. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

In the 2020s, one might find it challenging to envision a more inconsequential film than a sequel to Top Gun, given it was released over three decades ago. However, through unwavering determination and an impressive dedication to traditional cinematic artistry, director Joseph Kosinski and leading actor-producer Tom Cruise managed to create a Top Gun sequel that not only delivered excitement and amusement but also resonated with our contemporary world – although perhaps not politically, certainly in terms of the allure of visually stunning spectacles only possible on a grand screen.

3. Aliens (1986)

In contrast to Ridley Scott’s Alien, James Cameron’s Aliens stands out as an exceptional sequel that maintains its uniqueness while still being reminiscent of a James Cameron film. Unlike the original, which builds suspense gradually by introducing its alien creature only toward the end, Aliens presents a vast army of xenomorphs from the very start, making it feel more like an action-packed space battle than a haunted house in space. The original Alien features just one nearly indestructible alien, while Aliens showcases numerous aliens being eliminated scene after scene, giving the impression that it could be a prequel to Avatar with its Space Marines, Power Loaders, and advanced weaponry. Essentially, James Cameron took a remarkable film and molded it according to his own creative vision.

2. Goldfinger (1964)

In Goldfinger, directed by Guy Hamilton instead of Terence Young, we find the quintessential James Bond, the originator of every 007 film that came after and a multitude of action movies across various genres. This groundbreaking movie of the 20th century left an indelible mark on cinema, as seen whenever a debonair hero emerges from a scuba suit into a crisp tuxedo or uses a high-tech car to take down enemies. Goldfinger is not only thrilling but also filled with humor and unexpected moments that continue to resonate, much like a pleasant laser beam to the chest (in a metaphorical sense).

1. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

In the making of “The Empire Strikes Back,” George Lucas was both a co-writer and executive producer. However, it was Irvin Kershner who took the director’s chair, skillfully building upon Lucas’ initial concept and venturing into darker territories. The film continues to spark debate among fans as to whether it or the original “Star Wars” is superior. Regardless of personal opinions, the existence of this debate highlights the impressive work Kershner did on “The Empire Strikes Back.

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2025-08-04 00:30