The 10 Best Horror Remakes of the 2010s, Ranked
The 2010s was an era that saw numerous horror classics reimagined for new audiences. Here’s a run-down of the 10 best horror remakes from that decade, ranked according to cinematic craftsmanship, audience reception, and their fresh take on the source material.
1.”It” (2017) – Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of Stephen King’s terrifying novel about the sinister entity Pennywise earned widespread acclaim for its chilling atmosphere and strong performances, especially by Bill Skarsgård.
2.”Suspiria” (2018) – Luca Guadagnino’s reinterpretation of Dario Argento’s giallo masterpiece dazzled critics with its haunting visuals and a mesmerizing soundtrack by Thom Yorke. Tilda Swinton’s multi-character performance is a standout.
3.”Evil Dead” (2013) – Fede Alvarez paid homage to Sam Raimi’s classic while cranking up the gore and tension, resulting in a relentless modern horror experience that respects its roots.
4.”The Crazies” (2010) – Breck Eisner directed this underrated reboot of George A. Romero’s tale of a town plagued by insanity, achieving both box-office success and positive reviews for its tight pacing and suspenseful story.
5.”Let Me In” (2010) – Matt Reeves’ English-language version of the Swedish “Let the Right One In” manages to maintain the original’s bleak tone and delicate handling of its young protagonists’ bond amidst horror.
6.”The Thing” (2011) – While technically a prequel, Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.’s film captures much of what made John Carpenter’s 1982 film so iconic, with modern effects bringing new life to the shape-shifting alien menace.
7.”Maniac” (2012) – This visceral remake by Franck Khalfoun provides a first-person perspective on a serial killer’s mind, with Elijah Wood stepping away from his “nice guy” image in a disturbing performance that anchors the film.
8.”Poltergeist” (2015) – Gil Kenan’s update on the haunted house narrative didn’t outshine Tobe Hooper’s original but offered effective jump scares and a polished contemporary look that found favor with some horror fans.
9.”Fright Night” (2011) – This remake by Craig Gillespie balances humor with horror successfully, thanks partly to Colin Farrell’s charismatic turn as vampire-next-door Jerry Dandrige, making it a fun yet scary watch.
10.”Pet Sematary” (2019) – Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer’s take on another Stephen King novel may have strayed from source material events but delivered sufficient chills and an unsettling atmosphere to merit inclusion among notable remakes.
These films remind us that with a respectful nod to their origins and inventive modern filmmaking techniques, remakes can stand out as memorable contributions to the horror genre in their own right.