10 Sci-Fi Movies That Should Be Remade
Given that we live in a time in which Hollywood remakes and reboots run rampant, it’s considered taboo to clamor for one. But the truth of the matter is, there are a lot of decent films that have been made over the years that simply could’ve been better.
Sony’s remake of Total Recall (or a reinterpretation of Philip K. Dick’s We Can Remember it For You Wholesale, if you prefer) comes off as a bit too soon in the remake department for some, and others simply like Paul Verhoeven’s original enough for what it is that a remake seems unnecessary. Either way, if this is what Hollywood wants to do, we should at least point them in the right direction. Here are 10 sci-fi films that warrant a remake.
10. The Running Man (1987)
With Total Recall now up to bat, you can wager that studios are looking closely at whatever properties they own that feature the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger should Sony succeed. I would nominate The Running Man.
While most films on this list should be remade because they were flawed films, this ‘80s dystopian flick that nowadays can be described as The Hunger Games meets American Gladiators is just fine being the campy cult classic it is. I envision a remake would be in that same sickly comic spirit, only darker and a bit more ultra-violent. Given the connection to The Hunger Games don’t be surprised if you hear about a remake sooner than later. Maybe it will even come out in 2019, when the original takes place.
Ideal Director(s): Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes), The Hughes Brothers (The Book of Eli)
9. Dune (1984)
Sci-fi fans have been clamoring for a remake of Frank Herbert’s epic novel since the original came out. Its production took 10 years and when it finally came to fruition, it was mired in creative control controversy, leading esteemed director David Lynch to sever himself from the final cut.
The road to a remake has been no less arduous. Peter Berg started with Paramount in 2008 and dropped out a year later. Taken director Pierre Morel took the helm in 2010 and then stepped out. Paramount killed the project in 2011.
It’s clear that a big name with an even bigger vision would need to take the reigns to bring Dune back to the big screen. Perhaps even more important is a writer capable of working with dense source material such as Steve Kloves of the Harry Potter movies.
Ideal Director(s): Peter Jackson, Neill Blomkamp (District 9)
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