Over a hundred years ago, Frankenstein’s monster came to life in the pages of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, and a new genre of fiction was born… Science-fiction. Sci-fi stories continue to be relevant to this day due to the many warnings they have for the future of the world as well as the carefully constructed commentary about contemporary issues.
Beyond the visually stunning illustrations of possible futures and the variety of characters that make up these stories, the remakes on the following list carry with them the essence of their source material while expanding on the themes present with new methods and technologies.
Many of these films have been reappraised and embraced by critics and audiences since their initial release. Here are some of the most underrated sci-fi movie remakes ever made.
14 The Time Machine (2002)
One of many H.G. Wells adaptations, The Time Machine is a 2002 remake starring Guy Pearce and Samantha Mumba. Dr. Alexander Hartdegen (Pearce) is a researcher who devotes his time to creating a time machine after the callous murder of his wife.
Inadvertently, the machine takes him almost 800,000 years into the future where he comes across a newly populated Earth and a community of humans known as the Eloi. Along with an Eloi named Mara (Mumba), Alex works to protect the remaining humans from the Morlocks, ape-like creatures attempting to use the Eloi for breeding purposes.
A Harmless Yet Inquisitive Adaptation
Unlike the 1960 film, the 2002 rendition includes the inventor’s motive for creating the time machine. While critics at the time did not appreciate the romantic storyline woven into the film, the inclusion of said connection helped ground the film in reality. Furthermore, the lore behind the Eloi and the Morlocks offers an interesting look at the possibilities of humanity’s future and the harmful systems than can be replicated without prior intervention.
Stream The Time Machine On Prime Video
13 RoboCop (2014)
RoboCop sees Joel Kinnaman (Altered Carbon) portraying the famed ’80s hero. The film takes place in a near-future United States where corporations like “OmniCorp” have introduced robotic soldiers to wield and win wars overseas. After suffering a near-fatal attack, Detroit officer Alex Murphy (Kinnaman) is selected and morphs into a controversial hero that incites discussions about human rights, corruption, and violence.
A Socially Relevant Superhero Film
The remake of RoboCop may be one of the more culturally relevant films for its predictions about the alarming marriage between technology, law enforcement, and unchecked bias. Aside from Kinnaman’s convincing portrayal, the film interrogates conflict resolution, corporate greed, and the violation of human rights under the guise of security.
Despite the lukewarm reviews, the film benefits from engaging in conversations about privacy, security, and technology, even if it doesn’t get everything right.
12 Death Race (2008)
Death Race
- Release Date
- August 22, 2008
- Runtime
- 89
Death Race sees Jason Statham, Natalie Martinez and Tyrese in a post-apocalyptic United States where economic collapse has enabled the rise of privatized prisons. The titular race is broadcast to all as a chance to win their freedom. Jenson Ames’ (Statham) life is turned upside down after being falsely imprisoned and subsequently coerced into participating in the Death Race in hopes of reuniting the remainder of his family.
A Bleak Battle For Freedom
Coming to terms with the gruesome fatalities that define the race toward freedom, Jensen grapples with his quest to prove his innocence and the lives that are doomed as a result. Conversations surrounding freedom, human rights and corporate greed are anything but new.
However, Death Race offers chilling battles for action fans to appreciate while also incorporating complex characterization and biting critiques of the incarceration process.
Stream Death Race On Prime Video
11 War of the Worlds (2005)
War of the Worlds is yet another revival of an H.G. Well classic. The film-friendly version finds Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) working while tending to his children. In the midst of his shift as a longshoreman, an extraterrestrial army begins their invasion of Earth. In hopes of reuniting his children with their mother, Ray weaves through the Big Apple, barely evading the tripod machines that threaten to destroy New York.
Humanity Under Siege, In New Lenses
The source material is considered to be a science fiction classic due to it being one of the earliest examples of literature depicting a war between humans and an extraterrestrial race.
Written as a commentary on imperialism and reportedly inspired by European colonization of Aboriginal Tasmanians, the themes of the story ring true to this day. The relevance of the messages behind War Of The Worlds helps bolster the film from just another adaptation to an enthralling, anti-war film that examines the collective interests of humanity.
Stream War Of The Worlds On Paramount+
10 Vanilla Sky (2001)
Vanilla Sky (2001)
4/5
Tom Cruise and Cameron Crowe reunite after “Jerry Maguire” for “Vanilla Sky,” the story of a young New York City publishing magnate who finds himself on an unexpected roller-coaster ride of romance, comedy, suspicion, love, sex and dreams in a mind-bending search for his soul.
- Release Date
- December 14, 2001
- Runtime
- 2h 16m
Vanilla Sky takes a spontaneous incident and transforms it into an hour-long inquiry into the age-old debate about reality and perception. After getting into a horrific accident that leaves him disfigured, the once wealthy and conventionally attractive David Aames (Tom Cruise) faces a new set of challenges. While pursuing the genuine and kind Sofia (Penélope Cruz), David experiences confusing encounters that only leave him questioning his entire existence.
A Divisive Dive Into One’s Discernment, Or Lack Thereof
A remake of the 1997 Spanish film, Open Your Eyes, the film was initially written off as a puzzling attempt to recapture the magic of its source material. However, fans found the film to be an ambitious exercise that offered them an unforgettable conclusion that further begs them to engage with the themes of the film rather than leaving David with a definite ending.
Gaining a cult following throughout the years, Vanilla Sky marries a disorienting sequence of events with believable portrayals, resulting in a misunderstood maze through a hazy train of thought.
Rent Vanilla Sky on Apple TV+
9 The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
The Thirteenth Floor shines a light on three different storylines. Set in the past, present and future, the film introduces Mr. Fuller (Armin Mueller-Stahl), a wealthy man based in Los Angeles who stumbles across an incriminating piece of evidence that shatters his initial perception of the world around him.
He seeks assistance from a close confidante and, together, they discover a web of lies and secrets that further disrupt their existing relationship with the reality they have come to understand.
An Adult Friendly, Action-Packed Puzzle
A remake of the German miniseries World on a Wire, The Thirteenth Floor is another overlooked story that blends science fiction with neo-noir. Aside from the aesthetically pleasing visuals and the earnest personal relationships that enhance the tale at hand, The Thirteenth Floor succeeds in creating thrilling moments that set the foundation for a thought-provoking conclusion.
Rent The Thirteenth Floor On Prime Video
8 Body Snatchers (1993)
Abel Ferrara’s Body Snatchers sees the famous Finney-penned novel reinterpreted once again for audiences in the 90s. Tasked with investigating a remote military base for toxins, Steve Malone (Terry Kinney) brings his family along. Once they arrive, his daughter Marti (Gabrielle Anwar) and her new friend Jean (Christine Elise) begin to pick up on the mysterious attitudes of some of their parent’s peers, suspecting them of being kidnapped and replaced by aliens.
A Classic Revisited With A Stroke Of Authenticity
Body Snatchers faced some criticism for plot issues but managed to impress audiences with convincing visual effects and the characters’ authenticity. Instilling just enough dread into the audiences, the 1993 iteration has maintained its status as an underrated, yet fascinating story due to an additional desire to convince audiences to consider the discrepancies of the world around them and an investment in maintaining the frightening attributes of the source material.
Rent Body Snatchers On Prime Video
7 The Blob (1988)
The Blob takes a familiar tale and expands on the existing lore with fresh faces. Chronicling the nefarious exploits of an amoeba-like alien after crash landing on Earth, The Blob largely focuses on three teens: Brian (Kevin Dillon), Meg (Shawnee Smith) and Paul (Donovan Leitch) attempting to evade the all-consuming predator to various degrees of success.
As they get into multiple, near-fatal encounters, the truth about the Blob’s origin emerges, causing more discord in the small Californian town.
A Clever, Alien Invasion Remake
The 1988 iteration fared much worse than the original film despite earning mixed-to-positive reviews. With a humorous tone woven into the much more dramatic nature of the story, critics and audiences were divided on its impact on the progression of events. Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of the battle against the Blob and the final twist make the remake distinctly enjoyable for anyone who appreciates a balance between comedy, realism, and terror.
6 Dredd (2012)
Dredd
- Release Date
- September 7, 2012
- Director
- Pete Travis
- Cast
- Karl Urban , Rachel Wood , Andile Mngadi , Porteus Xandau Steenkamp , Jason Cope , Emma Breschi
- Runtime
- 96
Dredd sees the metallic comic book hero lifted from the pages of its source material for a live-action film starring Karl Urban as the titular hero. Set in Mega-City One, a futuristic city-state that covers the Eastern Seaboard, the film largely chronicles the law enforcer’s endeavors to bring a violent drug empire to its knees. Alongside Urban, Lena Heady and Olivia Thirlby star as the main antagonist and deuteragonist respectively.
A Gritty, Bleak Adaptation
The remake of the Judge Dredd universe offers enough action-packed scenes to keep audiences invested. Much like the 80s franchise, the true marvel of Dredd is its ability to remain true to the source material by reanimating the deadpan humor, adrenaline-boosting combat scenes, and notable satire embedded in the original comics.
Coupled with the convincing performances from the leads, Dredd stands as an engaging film that intertwines the mythical components of a character like Dredd with the very real and human experiences with corruption, violence and addiction.
5 The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008)
The Day The Earth Stood Still is the 2008 remake of the 1951 film of the same name. Attempting to change human perception towards environmental protection, Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) comes across Helen (Jennifer Connelly) and her stepson Jacob (Jaden Smith) who, little by little, help Klaatu come to understand the varied experiences and aspirations that largely define humanity.
A Sincere Story of Understanding
Initially met with scathing reviews, The Day The Earth Stood Still managed to modernize the premise of the source material by exchanging Cold War critiques with much more relevant discussions about environmental degradation. Klaatu’s misanthropic attitudes may be expected from someone not of this Earth.
It not only mirrors many sentiments of various people but also sets the foundation for Klaatu to essentially become “more human” over time as he comes to understand the contradictory yet sensible aspects of human thought, a general consideration for others, and the importance of familial bonds.
Stream The Day The Earth Stood Still On Hulu
4 Frankenstein (2015)
Frankenstein takes the unforgettable tale and transforms it into a modern look at identity and abandonment. After creating Adam (Xavier Samuel), Victor (Danny Huston) and Elizabeth (Carrie-Ann Moss) Frankenstein quickly discards him due to their perceived failure in creating a human in their image. Grappling with the rejection, Adam attempts to navigate the world on his own.
Carrying the brain of an infant, however, complicates his journey of self-discovery, leading to gruesome stand-offs and tragic realizations about living as the other and its impact on identity.
A Melodramatic, Touching Exploration of Demonization
Upon release, Samuel in particular has been hailed for his portrayal of the naive and tortured Adam and for great reasons too. His spectacular portrayal in the film is both convincing and highly evocative. Capturing the sense of loneliness and confusion that come with naivety and abandonment, Samuel enhances the familiar story, in conjunction with a premise that brings a refreshing perspective to the famous Mary Shelly story.
Stream Frankenstein on Peacock
3 The Invisible Man (2020)
The Invisible Man sees the H.G. Wells novel, and the subsequent 1933 film, reimagined for modern audiences. After escaping from the controlling Adrian Grifin (Oliver Jackson Cohen), Cecilia Kass’ (Elisabeth Moss) finds herself in an eerie predicament.
After news of her husband’s passing, Cecilia finds herself in the middle of inexplicable experiences that leads her to conclude that the story behind Adrian’s supposed death is not all that it is chalked up to be. In pursuit of the truth, Cecilia finds herself struggling against a vile cycle of gaslighting and further abuse.
A Chillingly Authentic Story Of Survival
The remake of The Invisible Man owes much of its success to the stellar writing and performances that helped buoy the strong messages about abuse, gaslighting and the illusion of justice. Cleverly leaning into science fiction, the film doesn’t get lost in the technology but rather uses it to enhance existing dialogue about the difficulties of escaping abusive relationships, difficulties that many brush aside until it is too late.
Stream The Invisible Man On Prime Video
2 Parallel (2024)
Parallel is a 2024 film that finds Danielle Deadwyler as Vanessa, a woman grieving the loss of her child. Left to pick up the pieces of the traumatic event, Vanessa stumbles upon an eye-opening experience.
After Vanessa, her husband Alex (Aldis Hodge), and his brother Martel (Edwin Hodge), escape to the lake house in hopes of healing, the former discovers the existence of parallel universes, coming into contact with a violent version of herself. As she delves deeper into the multiverse, Vanessa struggles between letting her adventures offer healing or letting it consume her entirely.
A Disturbingly Stimulating Thriller
Adapted from a 2019 Chinese film named Parallel Forest, the film was penned and produced by the Hodge brothers and has been in production since 2021. With the lead roles also taking on executive roles, the film overall benefits from a seemingly genuine interest in the story itself and themes of loss, family, free will and privacy.
From Vanessa’s range of emotions as she’s walking on a metaphorical tightrope towards closure and the breathtaking depiction of their daunting adventures, Parallel stands as a relatable yet concept-heavy delight.
Stream Parallel On Prime Video
1 Solaris (2002)
Solaris
- Release Date
- November 27, 2002
- Runtime
- 99
Solaris initially appears as yet another remake, the film in question being its 1972 predecessor. Nonetheless, the adventures of the pensive and isolated Dr. Chris Kelvin (George Clooney) reveals itself as a breathtaking conversation about the might of memory, loss, and how both are influenced by the introduction of technology.
Clooney and McElhone are joined by the likes of Vila Davis, Jeremy Davies and Ulrich Tukur in a fascinating film that maintains a conversation with the 1961 novel that inspired the 1972 and the 2002 films.
A Stellar Convergence Of Time
Throughout the film, phantoms of the researchers’ respective pasts appear and pose universal questions about the true power of love and memory. However, Kelvin’s grappling with the truth in comparison to his reimagination of his previous life offers a truly compelling epic set in space. The technology that surrounds the characters helps accentuate the already compelling epic through space, completed with a bittersweet ending that paints an idealistic portrait of love.
Stream Solaris On Max
