2
0
5 Movie Originals and Their Remakes – Some people refuse to watch remakes of their favorite movies. They just don’t think anything can compare to the original. Despite this fact, there have been many remakes of movies throughout the years. One benefit of a movie remake is that it introduces a great flick from the past to a whole new generation. Another advantage is that newer technology can enhance an original movie that was filmed years ago.
Whether you love them or hate them, remakes are here to stay. But chances are these 5 original movies will always be considered a classic no matter their remakes.
1. Stagecoach
John Wayne fans would agree that no western movie is as essential as Stagecoach. After all, this movie is considered John Wayne’s breakthrough role. Stagecoach is also credited for saving the entire Western genre, which was fading in popularity in the late 1930s. The original Stagecoach came out in 1939. It was the same year as other classic movies, such as The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, and Wuthering Heights. Despite the intense competition, the original Stagecoach received seven Oscar nominations and won in two categories.
The movie industry took on a remake of Stagecoach not once but twice. The first remake in 1966 featured an in-color version of the black-and-white original. Another Stagecoach remake came out in 1986 starring country music stars Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings. All four performers were part of the country supergroup The Highwaymen.
2. A Star Is Born
Fans of the most current remake of A Star is Born may be shocked to learn that this is actually the 4th time this movie has appeared on the big screen. The 2018 blockbuster remake starred Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, and Sam Elliott. The original was filmed 80 years prior, in 1937. Janet Gaynor, one of the most famous actresses in the late 1920s, and Fredric March played the leading roles in the original.
The movie returned to a theater audience in 1954 as a musical starring Judy Garland and James Mason. A Star Is Born wasn’t a huge box office hit until 1976. This time, Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson took on the leading roles. The movie was the second-highest-grossing movie of 1976. Even with the later versions’ commercial success, many consider the original a true classic that will never go out of style.
3. Psycho
The original Psycho was produced and directed by one of the most famous filmmakers of all time, Alfred Hitchcock. Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh starred in the original psychological horror film. The movie’s plot revolves around Norman Bates, a shy motel proprietor, and his mentally ill mother, who doesn’t want him to live apart from her. The movie also contained one of the most famous scenes in the history of cinema. Known as the shower scene, it’s when Marion Crane gets stabbed to death. And of course, you’ll probably also be thinking about the music when you think about that scene. Psycho became known as Alfred Hitchcock’s best films and most famous works.
In 1998, Gus Van Sant produced an in-color version of the black-and-white classic. Vince Vaughn and Julianne Moore starred in the remake. Most would agree that the remake didn’t come close to the original. In fact, the updated version was considered a critical and commercial failure.
4. The Lion King
If you’re a Disney fan, you probably know that The Lion King is a story about a young lion named Simba who is to succeed his father as King of the Pride Lands. The animated musical drama became the highest-grossing film of 1994 and the highest-grossing animated film. The Lion King even became the best-selling home video. Its stellar soundtrack helped make the movie a huge success, too. The music in the film included songs performed by Elton John. These songs included “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” The film is also known for the famous phrase, “Hakuna Matata,” which is Swahili for “no worries.”
In 2019, Walt Disney Pictures produced a computerized, more life-like version of the animated original. The remake was the second-highest-grossing film of 2019. Some critics stated the remake was too similar to the original and that the characters lacked facial emotions. Hans Zimmer, who produced the soundtrack for the original, also composed the remake.
5. Karate Kid
You’re a true child of the ‘80s if you know that the phrase “Wax On, Wax Off” came from the original version of The Karate Kid. John G. Avildsen, best known for directing Rocky in 1976, took the director’s seat. The Karate Kid tells the story of Daniel Larusso, played by Ralph Macchio. Larusso had just moved with his mom from New Jersey to California. A group of karate-chopping bullies led by Johnny Lawrence decide to make Larusso’s life miserable when he befriends the ringleader’s ex-girlfriend. Thankfully, the maintenance guy at Larusso’s new apartment is a karate master from Okinawa, Japan. After becoming Larusso’s karate instructor, Mr. Miyagi helps him overcome his fears, and he goes on to defeat Johnny Lawrence in the All Valley Karate Tournament. The movie became one of the highest-grossing films of 1984.
In 2010, Jaden Smith (son of Will Smith) and Jackie Chan starred in the remake of The Karate Kid. Despite its title, the remake does not feature karate. Instead, the main character learns kung fu in China. While the remake did well at the box office, critics stated that it wasn’t as powerful as the 1984 version. For die-hard Karate Kid fans, nothing will ever compare to the original.
