Have you seen the original film for these remakes?

Have you seen the original film for these remakes?

Everything from Disney classics to unsettling old horror films are candidates for a remake nowadays. It’s nothing new for the film industry to try a new spin on established stories, and it can bring new appreciation to past material if done well. Sometimes, the new capabilities of filmmaking technology can bring an exciting new vision to these cinematic worlds. But that doesn’t mean you should count out the originals! If a movie is being remade in the first place, it’s probably an incredible watch even if elements of it have aged out of modern style.

Here are some unmissable classic films that you need to watch, especially if you’ve seen their remakes.

1. 3:10 To Yuma (1957)

   This western was brought back to screens in 2007, and tells the story of a rancher who takes on the risky prospect of transporting a notorious outlaw for a bounty. The black-and-white photography is still extremely sharp all these years later, and there are tons of edge-on-your seat moments through the film’s brisk 90 minute runtime.

2. La Cage Aux Folles (1979)

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   Did you know this classic Robin Williams and Nathan Lane comedy, The Birdcage, is an English-language remake? Ugo Tognazzi and Michael Serrault originated the roles of married drag club owners in this French film directed by Édouard Molinaro. In it, they learn that their son is bringing his fiancée’s conservative parents into town so both families can meet for the first time.

3. The Thing (1982)

   John Carpenter’s classic alien horror film, where a mysterious creature infiltrates an Antarctic research facility with its ability to mimic human and animal forms, is still just as tense and terrifying as ever. The practical effects at play when the alien reveals itself showcases some creative and stomach-churning body horror. The 2011 remake is good too, but it’s hard to beat the ’80s charm of this Kurt Russell-fronted version.

4. The Thing from Another World (1951)

   Yep, The Thing Cinematic Universe goes back even further than the ’80s! Film editor and director Christian Nyby had his first directorial credit on this film, which starred Kenneth Tobey, Robert Cornthwaite, and James Arness as The Thing. This monster is more of a lumbering brute than a stealthy shape-shifter, but tension is effectively built in the moments when the monster is off-camera and could burst in anywhere.

5. The Evil Dead (1981)

   There’s a new series of this incredible horror concept still going strong, with Evil Dead Rise landing in 2023. Sam Raimi’s original 1981 supernatural possession-addled romp is still chilling. The “Cabin in the Woods” trope is used to full effect here, with feelings of claustrophobia setting in as their only means of escape from the forest, a bridge to town, is destroyed, leaving the characters at the mercy of the mysterious demonic entity in their cabin.

6. Dune (1984)

   If you’re bummed about the Dune: Part Two delay and haven’t seen David Lynch’s take on the classic space epic, there’s plenty of lush production design and grand moments to enjoy. Some fans of the book series bristled at the way this film compressed the timeline into a feature-length structure, but it’s still very worthy of a watch and an imaginative adaptation.

7. The Intouchables (2011)

   This French buddy-comedy, starring François Cluzet as a wealthy quadriplegic man and Omar Sy as his newly-hired caregiver, showcases excellent chemistry and a warm beating heart that clearly resonated with audiences. It was a huge smash in France and spawned a remake not only in English but also a Spanish-language version from Argentina and a Telugu-language Indian remake as well.

8. Freaky Friday (1976)

   This family fantasy-comedy has spawned a ton of remakes through the years, with a TV movie in 1995, a 2003 remake with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, and a musical adaptation in 2018. A young Jodie Foster originates the role of Annabel Andrews, and Barbara Harris plays her mother Ellen. The two, of course, switch bodies after a big fight and struggle to adjust to each other’s lives and responsibilities.

9. Father of the Bride (1950)

   You may know this from the Steve Martin-led reimagining from the ’90s or the most recent 2022 edition that stars Andy Garcia, but the 1950 Father of the Bride is a bona-fide classic. It’s got stand-out lead performances from 20th-century screen icons Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor, playing the titular father and bride, respectively. Tracy’s performance is hilariously sarcastic and put-upon in the wake of his daughter’s sudden engagement announcement, but there’s still a warmth and love felt through the whole film.

10. The Omen (1976)

    This supernatural horror film, about a family whose young child Damien starts to attract mysterious and violent encounters, is a standout of horror from the 1970s—The Exorcist usually gets most of the love from this decade. Not only did The Omen spawn a four-film franchise, but it also got a full overhaul in 2006 and a Lifetime series adaptation titled Damien in 2016. Elements of the original may not spook you now, but it manages to stay unsettling through committed performances and a well-paced script.

11. Fame (1980)

Fame initially got a mixed response from critics, but its incredible music and dance choreography, and its refreshingly serious subject matter for a high-school film, aged quite well over the years. Taking place over four years at the demanding New York High School of the Performing Arts, Fame was eventually remade in 2009 and boasted great song and dance scenes to boot.

12. Infernal Affairs (2002)

    This crime thriller out of Hong Kong about two moles embedded in the police force and the criminal Triads was remade by Martin Scorsese as The Departed. If you’ve only seen the Scorsese film, Infernal Affairs is incredibly stylish and cool and features great performances from Tony Leung and Andy Lau.

13. Funny Games (1997)

    This is notably the only time on this list where both the original and remake were done by the same director! Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke made a shot-for-shot English remake of this 1997 psychological thriller ten years later. Both films follow a family who becomes the target of two disturbed young men who force them to partake in demented and violent games.

14. Planet of the Apes (1968)

    Plenty of cinema fans love the original, but in case you didn’t know, there are far more Planet of the Apes movies than just the great recent trilogy. The original classic, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, is still a sci-fi marvel with impressive makeup and strong performances, as well as a top-tier movie twist that you shouldn’t look up if you don’t already know it.

So grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and indulge in the timeless classics that have stood the test of time and even inspired remakes. From thrilling westerns and spine-chilling horrors to heartwarming comedies and thought-provoking dramas, these movies offer a glimpse into the golden era of cinema. Don’t miss out on these gems that have captivated audiences for generations.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to watch Spencer Tracy sarcastically navigate through the chaos of planning a wedding in “Father of the Bride.” I hope Andy Garcia brings just as much charm and laughter in the new version!

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