The list below, which I have created in no particular order, is a compilation of films which I feel should never be remade. They are films which I believe to be modern classics that will be listed in various film lists and books due to their wonderful nature. This list is most likely going to be part one of a three part series so hit the jump to check out the criteria for the list along with the list itself.
The one basic requirement I had for potential candidates is that they had to hit theaters within the years 1995 to 2005 which would allow us to see if the film can stand a certain test of time. I also excluded animated films because remakes never seem to happen in the animated realm, only sequels are ever made. The reason I made this the main constraint it that between 1990 and 1994 there were so many iconic films made that they could make up their own list (Forrest Gump, The Professional, Shawshank Redemption, Terminator 2, Pulp Fiction etc.) Additionally, I excluded films like the Lord Of The Rings trilogy because of how much time and money was put into each film, no studio wants to go through that kind of hell again and there are very few directors that would be given the resources to do so.
Please feel free to comment and debate the list but now, without further ado, I present to you the top ten modern films that should never be remade (in no particular order)
The Matrix (1999) -a modern classic that, when you think about it, is so complex and so deeply rooted into our society that any attempt to touch this existential film would be a crime against humanity. It also pretty much launched the slow motion era with that whole bending over backwards bullet scene.
La vita è Bella (Italy-1997) -The epitome of a perfect movie, this one has it all: Comedy, drama, romance, and suspense all rolled up into a WWII masterpiece. It is one of the few films that will directly hit every emotion you have inside your body in much of the way UP almost did in its first ten minutes. Roberto Benigni’s film is truly legendary in all aspects of the cinematic game.
Titanic (1997) -A film that is tied for the most Oscar wins probably won’t get remade sometime soon but that won’t stop anybody from suggesting it long after Cameron’s dead. Does the Wizard of Oz remake news ring any bells? This was a disaster film whose love story had so much emotion invested in it that it left audience members crying endlessly in theaters, and multiple times I may add. Keep in mind that Kate Winslet may have been the first woman many young boys saw naked on a screen. How many women have that claim to fame? Also, imagine being the director trying to top the man that helped both re-invent motion capture 3d technology and created Terminator. That’s a laugh.
Fight Club (1999) -I know when it comes to college this is the one film you can literally find in every room. That right there says something of its power and how much Norton and Pitt have made an impression on the millennials, or on Generation Y. The story is complex, fun, and exciting that you find it hard not to topple over your seat by the time you make it to the end (that’s if you haven’t read the book). I couldn’t imagine Taylor Lautner or Chris Pine playing Pitt’s character, it just wouldn’t be right. Middle ages men and women love this film because of either the crazy fighting that the men participate in or because of Pitt’s body. This is one of those films that should definitely be left alone.
City of God (Brazil-2002) -One of the best foreign films ever made that isn’t based around romance but rather around brotherhood and survival. It’s a phenomenal crime drama that doesn’t revolve around the mafia, but instead around favela gangs in the heart of Brazil. This is the film that initiated my love of foreign films and is quite possibly one of the greatest foreign films ever made since 2000.
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (China-2000) -If I was Chinese and Americans decided to remake this film I would cut off all exports to America until they finally conceded to my wishes. This is a martial arts epic with a script that’s as good as its acting and fighting, a rare feat in the world of action cinema. Additionally, if Americans remade Ang Lee’s film (after he dies of course), it would be like remaking The Godfather or Shawshank Redemption, people would simply protest in the streets.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) -How can anyone realistically top the opening scene of this movie? It’s almost scary how realistic the storming of Normandy scene was, you even had veterans in theaters saying “whoa, is this happening right now?” We all know that a remake would just be FUBAR so I really don’t need to give any more reasons as to why this shouldn’t be remade.
Gladiator (2000) -How many movies can say they can make men tear up and possibly even cry? Very few, but this is one of them. It’s also one of the coolest movies to hit the screen in modern times. It takes the concept of a gladiator, a terrific story and even one of the best actors of my generation, Russell Crowe, and puts them all together resulting in a cinematic tour de force. Think of this, how many truly memorable Greco Roman era pieces can you remember over the past 20 years that comes even remotely close to the caliber of Gladiator? Troy and Alexander The Great were nothing compared to this. I stand by my decision for this to be marked as untouchable
The Truman Show (1998) -Hear me out on this one. After hitting it big, this was Jim Carrey’s first true drama and it blew everyone out of the park which is what, I think, makes it so special. Replacing Jim Carrey’s quirky demeanor would be a pretty tough feat but the whole concept behind the film was rather original. Reality shows weren’t exactly the norm so, really, this film was ahead of its time and just makes it more relevant in today’s society. If anything it should be re-screened/marketed to the younger audience of the information age.
The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005) -This is the comedy that defined a generation and led to countless other raunchy sex comedies since its birth. Judd Apatow couldn’t have found a better virgin than Steve Carell, with his hairy chest and all. It’s the priceless comedic moments and the endless quotes that make this film such a difficult one to replace. The only way they could try and top the chest waxing scene is if they waxed the guys balls…for real. Good luck finding a qualified actor willing to do that.
Honorable mention: Oldboy (South Korea-2003) It’s just too good to be remade and the fact that it’s part of a trilogy means that Hollywood would probably want to exploit it resulting in Hollywood infuriating me even further. I love Spielberg but for the love of god please leave this film alone. There is an aspect of Asian films that can’t be replicated with white people/America and while I can’t describe it, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about after you watch this film.
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