20 Horror Classics and Their Remakes: Then vs. Now

As we eagerly await the new Exorcist remake (that is sarcasm, we don’t want it, you suits, quit putting a damn dollar sign on every classic film in existence), we thought we might compare horror classics to their remakes. You know, a simple, straightforward concept: the original masterpiece versus the new lifeless, glossy, CGI-ridden version. Yes, we’re thinking of the Nightmare on Elm Street remake, how did you know? Anyway, little did we know that once we start thinking about classics vs. remakes, the concept soon swells up. We’d compare the situation to the proliferation of sequels and reboots and remakes and spin-offs, but that’s exactly what we mean.

When it comes to horror, you see, clear-cut ideas such as “classic + remake” are the exception. Seriously, we challenge any reader to mention a time-tested classic horror movie that has a remake, yet no sequels or squeakquels or whatever. Never mind, you’re probably gonna give us a million examples. The point is that even when talking about such a simple concept, we were forced to also bring into the discussion other derivatives works. And you know what, we’re better for it. Let us continue with the Nightmare on Elm Street example. Yes, the sequels are kinda lame and the remake is absolutely awful. Yet the very best Nightmare sequel (Wes Craven’s New Nightmare) is precisely a sorta sequel/reboot, and it couldn’t possibly be ignored by a discussion of the original and its legacy. So, you’re a Cracked horror fan? Very well then, enjoy.