13 '90s Horror Movies Hollywood Should Definitely Remake
The '90s were a weird time for horror movies. The decade spawned lots of "Scream" ripoffs that were duds and a few films that deserved more success than they had. Either way, lots of those movies are ripe for a remake. Here are the ones that deserve another shot on the big screen.
'Nightbreed' (1990)
Director Clive Barker has never hid the fact that he was disappointed with the theatrical cut of this dark fantasy film, which the studio did its best to reshape into a generic slasher movie. Why not give Barker the chance to do things right this time? If you haven't yet, seek out the director's cut.
'Interview With the Vampire' (1994)
"Interview With the Vampire" was the film that taught us that vampires can be angsty and smoldering. This bloody -- and sometimes uneven -- hit was an efficient, if unspectacular, adaptation of the Anne Rice novel, though Brad Pitt's Louis frequently comes across like a piece of human cardboard standing next to Tom Cruise's gleefully evil Lestat. A remake can fix that and, hopefully, pave the way for a franchise.
'Cube' (1997)
Love it or hate it, it's pretty impressive what this Canadian independent horror film was able to accomplish on a shoestring budget. And in this post-“Saw” climate, we have to imagine there would be a sizable audience for a big-budget remake.
'Mimic' (1997)
Like "Nightbreed," "Mimic" is an example of a talented horror director battling against studio interference. The end product still shows off Guillermo del Toro's unique sense of style, but we wouldn't mind seeing the director given another shot at realizing his vision.
'The Relic' (1997)
The more obscure, the better, for a remake. This misfire centers on a creature (which is itself a literal Frankenstein mash-up of other beasties) that plagues a Chicago museum, and Tom Sizemore and Penelope Ann Miller struggle to stop it. Swap out Peter Hyams' bland direction for someone who can give this update a Guillermo del Toro-esque visual personality and you have the makings of a remake better than the original. (Throw in some updated CG but keep the practical creature effects, too, please.)
'Event Horizon' (1997)
Gore? Check. Production design? Check. Compelling story worthy of it all? Not so much. This attempt at "The Shining" in space is a great idea that deserves much better (read: grounded) execution. Less Paul W.S. Anderson and more of a Fincher-y approach to what happens when a rescue team heads to the edge of space in search of a lost ship on its way back from a Hell dimension.
'Disturbing Behavior' (1998)
"Disturbing Behavior" basically reboots "The Stepford Wives" as a high school slasher movie, which sounds cooler than it actually is. The concept needed some fine-tuning, but there's potential for a far superior remake in there.
'The Faculty' (1998)
Who hasn't questioned whether their teachers might actually be homicidal aliens in disguise? Director Robert Rodriguez has a terrific grasp of action and horror, which is why it's so disappointing that this movie plays more like a giant collection of cinematic influences than a cohesive horror film. Maybe it's time to retake this class for a higher grade.
'Vampires' (1998)
John Carpenter was hit or miss (mostly miss) during the '90s when it came to his horror output. "Vampires" is neither a true failure or success, but rather a movie full of "could-have-been- great" moments deserving of a better film. And who wouldn't want to watch a neo-Western about a leather-jacketed vampire hunter stalking suckheads across the New Mexico desert? (Minus James Woods, of course.)
'Phantoms' (1998)
Contrary to popular belief, Ben Affleck was not "da bomb" in "Phantoms." Other than master thespian Peter O'Toole, this horror flick -- about a town ravaged by an evil force -- has little going for it. But put Affleck behind the camera next time and maybe "Phantoms" can realize its potential.
'Urban Legend' (1998)
On paper, this slasher movie sounds great. It deals with all the urban legends and folk tales that have sprung up over the years regarding crazed serial killers and Bloody Mary rituals. It also features several horror movie icons in its cats. Unfortunately, the film lacks the self-aware spark that makes the "Scream" series such a hoot. This one is crying out for a more intelligent remake.
'Teaching Mrs. Tingle' (1999)
On paper, "Teaching Mrs. Tingle" sounded great. It attempted to combine the wit and high school setting of "Election" with a dark story about three over-achieving students trying to murder their English teacher. It failed in that goal, but that doesn't mean a remake can't do better.
'House on Haunted Hill' (1999)
The original "House on Haunted Hill" is a true classic of the genre. The 1999 remake attempted to show what was possible after 40 years of technological advancement, but instead settled for gross-out humor. It's time for another truly great haunted house movie.
