Disastrous Déjà Vu: 5 Remakes That Were Better the First Time

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Written By Amanda Anthony

Amanda is a freelance writer passionate about horror and fantasy films. When she’s not writing about the latest celebrity hijinks and epic on-screen moments, you can find her watching Blumhouse films through the delicate fibers of a protective blanket. Amanda lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband, kiddos, and goofy golden doodle, Ripley.

A recent spike in reboots brings many nostalgic favorites to light once more. Unfortunately, some haven’t stood the test of time. Here are the top regrettable remakes to avoid on movie night.

The Mummy

The Mummy
Image Credit: Chiabella James at Universal Pictures

 

Tom Cruise makes a fine film. He’s known for performing his stunts and dedicating himself to his fans. Despite this, The Mummy (2017) fell flat compared to the 1999 cult classic. It gets top marks for high action and adventure but misses the mark on a captivating storyline. Comeback King, Brendan Fraser (The Whale), and screen queen, Rachel Weisz (Black Widow) delivered sensational on-screen chemistry that simply can’t be duplicated.

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing
Image Source: Guy D’Alema at the American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

 

Who could possibly replicate the 1980s nostalgia of Patrick Swayze’s Johnny Castle and Jennifer Gray’s Baby Houseman in Dirty Dancing (1987)? Abigail Breslin (Zombieland) and Colt Prattes (A Snow White Christmas) tried their hand in the 2017 remake and failed. The ABC musical couldn’t recreate the essence of this summer romance. At least it wasn’t as bad as the 2004 sequel Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004).

Overboard

Overboard
Image Credit: Diyah Pera from MGM and Pantelion

 

Did you even live through the 80s if you didn’t fall for Overboard (1987)? This is no Jaws ripoff, but a rom-com for the ages. Wealthy heiress Joanna (Goldie Hawn) is entrapped by Jack of all trades Dean (Kurt Russel) when she falls off a yacht and loses her memory. The 2018 remake with Anna Faris (House Bunny) and Eugenio Derbez (The Valet) attempts a gender swap and fails miserably to capture the magic. This is not the Overboard we know and love.

The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap
Image Credit: Disney

 

The Parent Trap (1961) was the epitome of a family-friendly movie. Hailey Mills doubles as separated twins, Sharon and Susan, who meet at summer camp. The two hatch a plan to reunite their divorced parents and live happily ever after. The movie was remade in 1998 with Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls) reprising the roles of the twins. Stick to the original if you want a quirky summer flick to share with the family.

Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures

 

Ghostbusters (1984) is a movie icon. The blockbuster hit inspired a 1989 sequel, video games, comic books, animated series, and countless Halloween costumes. It also inspired a modern remake. In 2016, Bridesmaids (2011) costars Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, along with Kate McKinnon (The Spy Who Dumped Me) and Leslie Jones (Coming 2 America) took up the gauntlet as a team of ghost-busting scientists in New York City. We wish they hadn’t. The new film lacked originality and left us wanting.

The 20 Best Romance Movies of All Time: Love Stories That Captivated Our Hearts

Pride and Prejudice Focus Features
Image Credit: Focus Features

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The Truman Show Paramount
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

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Bohemian Rhapsody 20th Century
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox

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