30 Reboots and Remakes That Nobody Asked For

30 Reboots/Remakes That Nobody Asked For

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at reboots and remakes of cinematic classics that were deemed unnecessary from the moment they were announced… and didn’t exceed those low expectations either.

#30: “The Stepford Wives” (2004)

The 1975 adaptation of Ira Levin’s novel has a cult following, but that doesn’t mean anyone was desperate for a big-budget remake. Still, with an all-star cast and director Frank Oz’s knack for dark comedies, we thought maybe the 2004 version could surprise us. Unfortunately, it was kind of worse than anticipated. The 1975 film knew what it was: a psychological thriller with a satirical edge. It could be creepy and funny simultaneously. The remake can’t decide on a consistent tone, lacking the original film’s horror factor, while the satire falls flat. Half of the time, the film doesn’t even seem entirely focused on what it’s satirizing. If the original is the genuine artifact, the remake is the sanitized Stepford version.

#29: “Always” (1989)

We all remember 1943’s “A Guy Named Joe”... what’s that? You don’t? Well, Steven Spielberg and Richard Dreyfuss bonded over the ghostly romance while making “Jaws,” wanting to do a remake. While Spielberg and Dreyfuss might’ve been passionate about the source material, it feels like “Always” was made for two people. We’d like to say that “Always” is a misunderstood gem, but… no, it’s definitely one of Spielberg’s weaker efforts. This is largely due to the love triangle between Holly Hunter’s Dorinda, Brad Johnson’s Ted, and Dreyfuss’ Pete, the latter of whom perished in an aerial accident. Hunter and Johnson have no chemistry, while Dreyfuss’ character is mostly unfazed about the whole being dead thing. If he’s not invested in his death, why should we?

#28: “Clash of the Titans” (2010)

We dare you to quote one line from this 2010 remake that isn’t “Release the Kraken,” which you only remember because it was in the trailer. Other than that, it’s a complete blur. Fittingly enough, much of the film is shot like a flashback sequence, sucking out the colors. “Clash of the Titans” only looked worse if you saw it in 3D, a format that it clearly wasn’t meant to be presented in. But hey, “Avatar” was a box office goliath, and this has that Sam Worthington guy, too. So, let’s milk this fad! Just as the 3D craze died out, though, this CGI-heavy remake was quickly forgotten, whereas the 1981 classic is still fondly remembered for its hand-crafted magic.

#27: “Fame” (2009)

While we remember 1980’s “Fame” for its electrifying soundtrack, it was also a gritty exploration of high school and the pursuit of stardom, earning its R rating. The 2009 remake couldn’t even go for a PG-13 rating. The filmmakers neutered it down to a PG. We suppose that’s because this came out on the heels of “High School Musical,” and they wanted to draw in the Disney Channel crowd. They not only failed to attract that demographic, but also alienated old-school fans. With the original film and TV series coming out in the 80s, setting the remake in modern day proved to be another misfire. We think Roger Ebert had the best zinger. “This one ain’t gonna live forever.”

#26: “Charlie’s Angels” (2019)

Were the previous two “Charlie’s Angels” movies good? It depends on how nostalgic you are for the early aughts. That said, 2000’s “Charlie’s Angels” and 2003’s “Full Throttle” had a style that mirrored when they were made. The same can be said about the original TV series, which is a 70s time capsule. 2019’s “Charlie’s Angels” came out at the tail end of a decade that lacked a distinct personality. The only thing that defined cinema in the 2010s was Hollywood’s overreliance on recycling nostalgic IP. In that sense, we guess the 2019 version is a reflection of the times, but not in a fun way. Let’s just be glad this didn’t get a sequel, freeing the three actresses to pursue other opportunities.

#25: “The Avengers” (1998)

You wouldn’t believe how excited Marvel fans were when they found out that Hollywood was making an “Avengers” movie in 1998! Then they realized it wasn’t that Avengers. It was based on the British spies series that aired during the 60s. While the show had a cult following, the fanbase wasn’t massive by the time this film came out. That said, fans of the original show vocally criticized everything from the casting to the tone. Newcomers, meanwhile, had no idea what they were watching. This wasn’t just due to their unfamiliarity with the source material. Because of the terrible test screenings, the studio edited it to the point that the plot became incomprehensible. The film bombed so hard that no revival could avenge it.

#24: “Dolittle” (2020)

Seriously, who was 2020’s “Dolittle” for? We get that Hollywood will regurgitate any IP, but did they really think there were enough “Doctor Dolittle” fans to justify a budget close to $200 million? While the 1967 version was inexplicably nominated for Best Picture, it was also a notorious commercial failure. The Eddie Murphy movies were more profitable, although they aren’t held in the highest regard either. Of course, they’re masterstrokes compared to this tonally confused cesspool of wasted celebrity voice talent, jokes that feel like they were written for another movie, and dragon colonoscopies. Yeah, that happens, and we feel like it was around the time Robert Downey Jr. pulled out the bagpipes that he realized leaving the MCU wasn’t a great plan.

#23: “Snow White” (2025)

There are a lot of live-action Disney remakes that nobody asked for. 2025’s “Snow White” didn’t just feel unnecessary, however. It felt like a betrayal. The 1937 masterpiece was held in such high regard that Disney hesitated releasing it on home video, reserving it for the silver screen. Even after “Snow White” got a home media release, Disney never cheapened it with a straight-to-video sequel. No, “Happily Ever After” wasn’t Disney. Alas, the fairest one of all couldn’t dodge a remake that misses what made the original special. Even the attempts at updating elements that modern audiences might deem problematic come off as disingenuous, misguided, and, ironically, outdated on arrival. All of this for a cash grab that couldn’t grab any cash.

#22: “The Crow” (2024)

Okay, we understand that pretty much every comic book movie gets rebooted at some point. However, 1994’s “The Crow” is so closely tied to Brandon Lee’s legacy and untimely death that asking anyone to fill his shoes came off as tone-deaf. Poor Bill Skarsgård was given an impossible task. Even if audiences were open to another actor taking on the mantle, the script and direction couldn’t breathe new life into the 2024 film. On top of all that, the Crow isn’t Batman, where the name alone is enough to pack theaters. The source material has a smaller, yet loyal fanbase. That loyalty extends to Brandon Lee, however. This movie was never gonna be a huge hit, but they made it anyway for no reason.

#21: “War of the Worlds” (2025)

1953’s “The War of the Worlds” is a sci-fi classic, and the 2005 version was a timely take on the source material. 2025’s “War of the Worlds” was also timely. By that, we mean it was obviously made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if there was someone who wanted another “War of the Worlds” adaptation, we guarantee that Ice Cube sitting at a computer screen isn’t what they had in mind. As far as alien movies go, this “War of the Worlds” may have more in common with “Mac and Me,” as both prioritize shameless product placement above all else. Honestly, Amazon. The fact that we watched this means we have Prime membership. You don’t need to advertise something we’re already overpaying for!

#20: “The Mummy” (2017)

This is actually the fourth iteration of “The Mummy” series, and by 2017, people were tired. It’s like the story itself; Universal went into the tomb, unearthed a dormant franchise, and suffered catastrophic consequences as a result. Of course, the 2017 version couldn’t just be any old project. In the age of the MCU, it seems like every movie needs to be part of some extended universe. “The Mummy” was meant to launch the so-called Dark Universe franchise, but it was such a monumental flop that all plans were canceled. Yet everyone loved Leigh Whannell's “The Invisible Man” so much that more monster flicks are now on the way. We’ll let it slide, as long as “The Mummy” stays respectfully wrapped and buried.

#19: “The Wicker Man” (2006)

One of the most celebrated horror films of the ‘70s, the original “Wicker Man” works on many levels. It contains an enticing mystery, as a police sergeant looks for a missing girl on a secluded island. But it’s also a very religious movie in that it uses paganism and the abandonment of Christianity as a source of unease. This theme worked much better in the more religious culture of 1973 than it did in 2006. The gendered element that was added also didn’t accomplish much. “The Wicker Man” is a movie of its time, and it needed to stay there. Worst of all, the remake doesn’t even work as a good mystery. They should probably put it in the Wicker Man and burn it.

#18: “RoboCop” (2014)

Speaking of movies of their time, this one belongs in the 1980s. Co-writer Michael Miner has called the movie “comic relief for a cynical time,” referencing Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Many view “RoboCop” as a lambasting of his policies and the corporate power that was unleashed under his tenure. But all that aside, the movie is still a great watch now. The gore is grotesque, the action sequences exciting, and the Oscar-winning sound editing packs a punch. The 2014 remake was neutered, lacking the exciting, “I shouldn’t be watching this” nerve of the original. And its satire wasn’t nearly as strong or subversive. It was just another action movie.

#17: “Arthur” (2011)

The original “Arthur” struck upon something in 1981. Maybe its themes resounded at the time. Maybe it was the presence of beloved late English actor Dudley Moore. Maybe it was the sharp and hilarious script from Steve Gordon. Either way, the movie earned critical acclaim and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. And then there’s the 2011 remake, which is the complete opposite of all that. Its themes were overlooked in favor of traditional romantic comedy trappings. Plus, Russell Brand’s not nearly as popular as Dudley Moore. Simply put, it contained none of the intelligence or bite of the original. Even Brand has acknowledged that it didn’t deliver, reportedly calling it a “mistake”. Well, hopefully others can learn from the error.

#16: “Carrie” (2013)

Sure, maybe “Carrie” is getting a little long in the tooth, but it’s still one of those horror movies you don’t mess with. It’s widely regarded as one of the scariest movies of all time, and the wonderful acting was recognized with two Oscar nominations. The ‘70s was a golden decade for horror, and “Carrie” is a shining product. The 2013 movie, on the other hand, gave us nothing. The script also wasn’t a new or exciting take on the material; it was basically the same movie, only worse. The filmmaking was less unique, the performances weren’t as memorable, and the climactic sequence didn't hit as hard. It was a watered down version of a story worthy of pig blood thickness.

#15: “Ben-Hur” (2016)

At this point, “Ben-Hur” is as historic as its Roman setting. The epic to end all epics, it can’t be touched. An extraordinary amount of work went into the 1959 film at every level, from the sets and costumes to the extras and horses. It also had an astronomical budget. It won an astounding eleven Academy Awards, proving that the time and effort was worth it. In other words, this wasn’t a movie to be remade. But in came the 2016 version, which felt cheap and didn’t pack the emotional or thematic heft of the original. It was too corporate; full of CGI, overly-reliant on action, and streamlined at approximately 125 minutes. We wanted to root for it, but there was no way to.

#14: “Robin Hood” (2018)

If there’s one thing the world doesn’t need, it’s more “Robin Hood” movies. It’s been done what feels like ten thousand times. At this point, we don’t know if there’s any more originality to be spun into the tale. This movie attempted to be inventive with its plot and unique but somewhat inaccurate costume design. Still, it didn’t work. It failed to embrace the theme as much as it could’ve, and the result was another generic popcorn flick. Everyone knows the story of “Robin Hood.” Everyone loves the classics, like Errol Flynn’s “The Adventures of Robin Hood” and Disney’s cartoon. Making another “Robin Hood” is like stealing from the poor - you shouldn’t do it.

#13: “The Omen” (2006)

This is another shining example of ‘70s horror. A huge success, “The Omen” wowed audiences with its shocking use of gore and terrifying story rooted around the Antichrist. It was creepy and suspenseful, with a hardened and subversive edge. It goes without saying, but scores of people were buying tickets to see it. And like “The Wicker Man,” its religious themes seemed to resonate with ‘70s audiences. In other words, it didn’t need to be revisited. The only fun thing about the 2006 remake was its release date - 6/6/06. Otherwise, it was essentially an identical redo of the original, only its violence was now less shocking and its themes less impactful.

#12: “Swept Away” (2002)

A huge stain on Guy Ritchie’s filmography, the 2002 iteration of “Swept Away” had no redeeming qualities. Barely anyone saw it, and those that did viciously criticized the lead performance given by Madonna. Yes, that Madonna. It’s a horrible movie, and the fact that it’s a remake of a beloved foreign film makes it even worse. An Italian production, the original “Swept Away” isn’t just a romantic comedy. It’s also a movie with rich political themes, as the main characters debate and embody traits of capitalism and communism. The remake drops the thematic depth of the original. Instead, it focuses on the shallow lovey-dovey stuff and hopes that Madonna’s mere presence will allow it to get by. But spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

#11: “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003)

When will we learn to stop remaking ‘70s horror flicks? While not a terrible film, this 2003 version is not only entirely pointless, but it also goes against the core essence of the original film. If this movie’s goal was to get butts in seats, well, it did that. Considering the budget of approximately $9.5 million, that’s certainly an accomplishment. But as a result, it lost the griminess and visceral atmosphere of the original. Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film is a landmark in horror cinema, and to this day it looks and feels like something you shouldn’t be watching. It’s intensely uneasy, and remains one of the scariest films ever made. The remake simply doesn’t hold a candle to it.

#10: “Point Break” (2015)

Admit it, you forgot this remake even exists. The original “Point Break” is far more than its extreme sports. Kathryn Bigelow is a great director, after all. There are the complex character interactions, especially between Bodhi and Johnny. There’s the unique ‘90s charm and beautiful setting. And of course, there’s the sparkling dynamic between Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. It’s a ‘90s cult classic, and nobody was demanding a remake. Warner Bros. released one anyway in 2015, and it was nothing more than a glorified – but well-shot – stunt compilation. Gone were the interesting character dynamics and absorbing acting, replaced by bland characters and actors with no chemistry to speak of. It misunderstood what makes the original endlessly endearing, and failed to impress.

#9: “Oldboy” (2013)

Widely considered one of the worst movies of Spike Lee’s career, it was obvious that no one was clamoring for an American “Oldboy.” This is essentially the exact same movie as the Korean original, only in English and starring prominent actors like Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. But it didn’t really seem different or new. Why remake a movie if you’re not going to make it feel fresh? Doesn’t that betray the purpose? Not only that, but the American “Oldboy” did everything worse, like it was diluting the visceral madness of the original. According to the Los Angeles Times, Lee’s original cut was far longer. Who knows if that version would’ve been worth seeing. But the finished product we got has no reason for being.

#8: “Red Dawn” (2012)

Very few movies reflect their historical moment quite like “Red Dawn” did in 1984. The first PG-13 movie to hit theaters, it tells the tale of Jed and many high school students battling invading forces of the Soviet Union. It’s one of the ultimate Cold War movies, released at a time when tensions were still high. The 2012 remake seemingly foresees the trouble of transplanting a Cold War story into the 21st century, changing the invaders to North Korea. But still, it falls flat. Not only does North Korea seem like less of an immediate threat, but the plot is full of gaping holes. No one asked for this, and pretty much no one liked it.

#7: “Total Recall” (2012)

Like “Point Break,” the 2012 “Total Recall” remake took the wrong lessons from the iconic 1990 original. That movie was far more than Arnold Schwarzenegger and some fun action sequences. It featured a unique Martian setting and wonderful production design. The Oscar-winning practical effects were top-notch, too. Plus, the razor-sharp screenplay contained an intricate story and interesting themes. In other words, it’s a sci-fi treasure. The 2012 version lost all the edge and intelligence of the original, becoming another bland sci-fi action blockbuster in the process. The original is beloved to this day, and the remake has long been forgotten, which tells you everything you need to know.

#6: “Footloose” (2011)

Unlike many remakes or reboots, the 2011 “Footloose” film was actually relatively well-received. Many praised the movie’s sense of energy and its smart screenplay, which stayed true to the story while also making it work for 21st century audiences. This is what a remake should do. But with that said, it was still a fully unnecessary undertaking. The original movie is in a class of its own, and remains fun to this day. Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” is an unbeatable track, and Kevin Bacon makes for a timeless leading man. And despite some fun new ideas, the remake doesn’t make a good argument for its own existence. After all, why would anyone watch the 2011 “Footloose” when the 1984 one exists?

#5: “Poltergeist” (2015)

This is another one of those remakes you look at and think, “oh yeah, that happened.” The 1982 flick is an undeniable horror must-watch. Featuring strong names behind it like director Tobe Hooper and co-writer Steven Spielberg, “Poltergeist” was a hit both critically and commercially. The movie was both smart and wickedly terrifying, with many of its scenes becoming ingrained within pop culture, including Carol Anne’s fantastically eerie [“theeey’re here.”] The remake, however, is a basic jump scare fest that lacks both the intelligence and charm that Spielberg’s writing brought to the original. Furthermore, it was largely the same film, so unfavorable comparisons to the iconic original couldn’t help but be made.

#4: “Hellboy” (2019)

The problem with rebooting Guillermo del Toro is that no other filmmaker is like Guillermo del Toro. The famous Mexican director imbued the original “Hellboy” with his typical imaginative touch, and it featured absolutely stellar costumes and production design. Ron Perlman also did a great job portraying the title character, and the script was packed with clever moments. Most people who saw it tended to love it. And it should’ve been left alone - especially because del Toro’s technical craft is so timeless. Somehow, everything looks worse in the 2019 reboot. It appears cheaper, less polished, more digital, and far less intimate. This was a reboot that seemed like it was designed by committee, and it failed in spectacular fashion.

#3: “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (2010)

A Freddy Krueger movie doesn’t make sense without the involvement of actor Robert Englund. Englund is Krueger, and try as he might, Jackie Earle Haley doesn’t measure up. Unlike many other slashers, the 1984 “A Nightmare on Elm Street” stands the test of time. It’s incredibly frightening, Englund is fantastic as Krueger, and the movie’s gory effects have the power to astound – and disgust. It’s every bit as effective today as it was back then. The 2010 movie was not only useless, but it was also largely unwanted. Those who were excited likely realized they shouldn’t have been. Unsurprisingly, it was a huge disappointment, failing to measure up to its iconic predecessor in virtually every capacity.

#2: “Planet of the Apes” (2001)

This remake saw the light of day over three decades after the original was released, but if you ask us, that wasn’t enough time. “Planet of the Apes” is an all-time classic. Like “Ben-Hur,” it’s one of those golden movies that shouldn’t be touched. Everything about it is iconic - especially its twist ending involving a half-buried Statue of Liberty. Tim Burton certainly tried, and while his remake was a visual delight, it couldn’t measure up in the least. Perhaps the worst part was the new twist ending, which didn’t make a lick of sense or carry the emotional gut-punch of the awe-inspiring original. You know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

#1: “Psycho” (1998)

There were so many reasons not to go near “Psycho.” And despite all of them, Universal Pictures and Gus Van Sant decided to make what was predominantly a shot-for-shot remake. And it was a flabbergastingly bad decision. For one thing, the story lost all of its shock factor because everyone already knew the famous twists; Marion’s death doesn’t hit nearly as hard when we see it coming. Plus, Vince Vaughn was an astoundingly odd choice for Norman Bates. And Van Sant’s direction paled in comparison to Hitchcock’s. If anything, “Psycho” proves that even with a nearly identical script and shot composition, one director can work circles around another. It certainly gives one an appreciation for the talent that goes into making a great movie.

If remakes were meals, which would you send back to the kitchen? Let us know in the comments.