The 1980s produced a slew of unforgettable classics that have left an indelible stamp on film history. The allure of these wonderful films was so strong that the producers attempted countless remakes in order to cash in on their success. Fans have not always been impressed by remakes, and they have rarely lived up to the original’s standards.
However, some of these attempts were successful, and some of the most well-known film projects from the 1980s are currently being reproduced. We’ve gathered a number of what we think you’ll find to be noteworthy remakes from the golden age in this video.
Candyman
Helen is a sceptical graduate student researching local traditions and myths about Candyman, a homicidal one-armed spirit with a hook for a hand. If his name is repeated five times in front of a mirror, he emerges, and the people in the neighbourhood are terrified of him. Helen doesn’t believe in the stories and tries to summon Candyman. However, soon a series of horrible murders point to the fact that the legend might be true!
Bernard Rose wrote and directed this eerie tale about a vengeful spirit. It was a huge hit with horror aficionados, prompting Jordan Peele, a well-known horror hybrid maestro, to try his hand at a quasi-remake/spiritual sequel. It was supposed to come out in the fall of 2020, but the COVID pandemic pushed it back.
The plot is unknown, but based on the trailer and teaser, we can deduce that Anthony, the baby Helen saved from Candyman in the first film, returns to the region and is once again haunted by Candyman. If rumors are to be believed, Helen, too, is a part of the story, and Tony Todd, the veteran actor who played Candyman back in the day, is set to reprise his role. The direction is being handled by Nia Da Costa, who made her directorial debut with Little Woods and proved her skills.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been cast as Anthony, and other actors include Coleman Domingo and Nathan Steward-Jarrett. If there is one thing that can be said with certainty, it is that Jordan Peele is disregarding all prior sequels of Candyman and carving his own path to further the lore.
Highlander
Connor MacLeod was an immortal swordsman who could only be killed by beheading and was born in the Highlands of Scotland around 1518. One of his brutal opponents follows him through time, and an antique shop owner in modern-day New York City realises that he is Connor MacLeod from the 16th century. He faces his opponent one more time as the two fight for the spiritual ability to know everything. Can Connor win it once and for all?
The action-packed, exhilarating content that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats has earned this fantasy-adventure film cult status over time. Many people adore this film, which stars Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert and is ready for a modern remake.
We’ve received word that a remake of this great 1980s hit is soon to hit theatres. The burden of responsibility has been placed on the skilled shoulders of Chad Stahelski, the director of John Wick. According to him, the ongoing global pandemic hasn’t slowed down the production of the remake, but we believe that the movie is still in the early stages.
As for Chad Stahelski, it would be the first time that he would direct something that is not John Wick related, but his wealth of experience would come in handy. After all, we don’t want our beloved memories of Highlander to be trashed, do we!
The Howling
The cops employ Karen White to track down a serial killer who has been harassing her over the phone. Karen is transported to a distant mountain retreat to heal from the trauma, despite the fact that the killer is shot. However, something seems to be amiss with the residents of the region. Karen soon makes a terrifying discovery about the identity of the people who may not be what they seem!
Despite being an entertaining werewolf film, The Howling is sometimes neglected due to the release of other masterpieces such as An American Werewolf in London in the same year. Joe Dante directed this terrifying horror film, which had some very terrifying scenes as well as excellent special effects.
Who wouldn’t want to see such a treasure remade now? Your wishes have been granted, as it is reported that Andy Muschietti, the director of It, will be in charge of the proceedings. He is believed to be in negotiations with Netflix to remake this werewolf thriller. He is just the right man for the job because if we have observed anything from It and It Chapter Two, it is his ability to toy with suggestive horror.
Andy also emphasizes on human characters and their psychological horror to raise the spook quotient, and that is just what we want for someone remaking The Howling! However, with news coming in about Andy Muschietti being signed for The Flash movie under Warner Bros., it might be some time before we see this movie go on the floors.
Blade
Blade is a half-vampire, half-mortal guy who lives in an universe where humans and vampires coexist. He’s on a quest to exterminate the evil vampires lead by Deacon, who has planned a horrible takeover for the humans. Blade must suppress his urge for human blood and fight relentlessly to keep the balance.
He is supported by his loyal mentor Whistler, and it is up to the two to put an end to Deacon’s nightmarish scheme! This is one of many people’s favourite vampire-slaying films, and it’s the ideal example of how a comic book film should be created! When Marvel Studios announced the revival attempt at their Phase 4 presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, fans of the film were in for a treat.
If rumours are to be believed, the film’s release date will be October 7, 2022. It would be the perfect complement to the Halloween season, and the preparations are strong to make this a success. Mahershala Ali, the Oscar-winner, has been roped in to play Blade, and we couldn’t imagine anyone better suited to replace Wesley Snipes for the role. The director hasn’t been announced yet, and we hope that the right man is assigned the job of leading the movie to the heights of the original classic!
Resident Evil
The powerful Umbrella Corporation has a top-secret research lab where genetically altered pharmaceuticals are being developed for use as biological weapons and medical purposes. When a virus escapes the hospital and turns the personnel into hungry, aggressive zombies, a horrific situation develops.
he corporation sends in a military unit to seal the facility and shut down the computer before getting out. They meet Alice, a mysterious woman suffering from memory loss due to exposure to nerve gas. Can they successfully escape from the facility that is under the siege of the zombies?
Resident Evil was an exception to the rule, as movies based on video games are frequently derided. We can’t seem to get enough of this brand, despite a dozen games, six live-action films, and a plethora of fan literature.
Paul Anderson wrote and directed the preceding six films, and he established a high bar for himself. This 1998 survival-horror story is all set to be remade by Constantin Film, and their spokesperson had stated that the story will take you back to the fateful night when it all started. It will stay faithful to the Capcom games and allow you to relive the experience one more time.
The cast is pretty exciting and is a powerhouse of talent with the likes of Robbie Amell, Kaya Scodelario, and Hannah John-Kamen, in key roles. With Johannes Roberts as the writer and director, you can expect flashbacks of the terrifying visceral experience you had when you first played the games or watched the original movie!
Evil Dead Rise
A group of five college mates embark on a camping trip to an isolated cottage in the middle of nowhere. They find the region eerie, and something strange about the surroundings catches their attention.
In the cellar, they discover an audiotape along with old scripts. Upon playing the audio, they unknowingly summon demons that possess them and cause gory mayhem. Only one of them manages to survive the slaughter that takes place after the legion of spirits and demons are released.
The incredible success of Sam Raimi’s picture The Evil Dead made the cash registers ring. It was quickly followed by two sequels, a remake, and a television show. Now, a reboot aimed at preserving the original’s glory is about to hit theatres. Bruce Campbell revealed some information about the impending remake in an interview.
He also gave away some narrative details when he stated that the protagonist would be a woman in charge this time. She would try with all her might to save her family as they are threatened by the evil forces. The cast is still a mystery, but although Bruce Campbell’s character has been recast, he would still make an appearance.
The suspense of a group of regular people battling with invincible evil forces will be the highlight yet again. It will be directed by Lee Cronin, but we have no words for a formal release date as of now! If you have enjoyed the entertaining flicks from the franchise, you are probably as eager as we are for the movie to hit the theatres.
Lethal Weapon 5
The original Lethal Weapon film followed detective Martin Riggs, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after the death of his wife. He’s teamed up with Roger, and the two put their differences aside to take on a massive drug trafficking gang. The reckless Riggs and the experienced Roger forms a great team and apprehends some of the most hardened and dangerous criminals in Los Angeles.
In the truest sense of the word, Lethal Weapon was a classic. Some of the biggest actors of the time, such as Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, were the protagonists in this entertaining buddy-cop action drama. Fans were quickly won over by the intriguing plot and intelligent characters, and three sequels to the original were released in a short period of time.
However, there has been a 20-year hiatus since Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998! The long wait is about to come to an end, as word has arrived that Lethal Weapon 5 will be released soon. The director, Richard Donner, was initially skeptical about the 5th installment of the franchise, but the producer has recently revealed that the movie is on track to being made.
He suggested that this would be the last movie in the series, and to make it special, they would retain the original cast. However, both Danny Glover and Mel Gibson are now too old to play such action-oriented roles. For now, all we know is that Richard Donner is working on the script, and the makers are keen to have the original cast play their roles.
Masters Of The Universe
Skeletor, the wicked robot, is nearly invincible and plots to take over the world. He’s kidnapped the Sorceress, and the only thing standing in his way is the all-powerful He-Man. He, along with his friends, must rescue the Sorceress and save the world from the evil plans of Skeletor.
For us, He-Man has been an almost emotional journey, and seeing Dolph Lundgren flex his muscles as the powerful hero was awe-inspiring back in the day. With a remake of Masters of the Universe in the works, one of our first worries was who would play He-Man. So far, Noah Centineo has been confirmed to play He-Man, and he is said to be working hard to bulk up for the role.
The charge of direction would lie with Adam and Aaron Nee, and they would have to put in their best efforts for a cinematic revival of this classic superhero. Over time, we have seen games, movies, and cartoon shows about this character, and it is time to embrace the plot one more time! Hopefully, the makers will be able to do justice to the legacy of He-Man!
Firestarter
A couple took part in a medical study that looked into psychic talents. Later, they had a pyrokinetic daughter, which appears to be a result of the research. The little girl can start fires by simply thinking about it, and the government takes a keen interest in her abilities.
They kill her mother but under-estimate the lengths to which the father-daughter duo would go to protect each other! It is a face-off between the power of the gun and the power of the mind!
This sci-fi horror film, based on a Stephen King storey, was surprisingly impressive. A youthful Drew Barrymore’s performance gave zing to the flowing storey. The re-release of this captivating picture is welcome news for many who admired the novel premise back in the day.
Things became evident when Zac Efron got on board with the project that involves big names like Universal, Blumhouse, and Weed Road Productions. Keith Thomas will be the director, and the makers wish to recreate the popularity of the first movie in 1984. With an Oscar-winning producer Akiva Goldsman teaming up with Jason Blum, we expect nothing short of a mesmerizing movie on offer.
The Crow
Eric is a minor rock musician whose life is turned upside down when he and his fiancée are murdered. A crow transports his restless soul to the netherworld so that he can exact vengeance on those who murdered him.
The crow takes him through the land of the living and guides him to the killers who are brought to justice by Eric. However, the leader of the killers learns about the legend of the crow, and Eric’s time on Earth is limited. Can he get justice for his lover before it is too late?
The Crow is notable not just for being an engaging film, but also for being the final work of the talented Brendon Lee, who died in a car accident while filming. According to what we’ve learned, the picture is getting a relaunch after being on hold for almost a year.
The Crow Reborn was rumoured to be the title of the picture, which was meant to be directed by Corin Hardy and starring Jason Momoa. The plan never materialized, and Momoa left the project leading to further delays. Currently, we hear that a new director would be roped in, although no word about the final selection has come in.
Comic book adaptations aren’t the easiest to implement, and for this remake that will come in the near future, we hope the makers stay true to the source. It is also important to cast the right actor for the pivotal role of Eric. Even with the follow-up movies and TV series, we just can’t seem to get enough of the story!
Scarface
Tony Montana begins as an immigrant in the United States and quickly rises to the head of the drug cartel. He gains in power as a drug boss in Miami, but his opponents grow in number as well. His ego grows, blinded by power, and soon he turns some powerful people against him. The rise and fall of Tony’s drug empire have been brilliantly captured in this gripping crime drama.
Scarface is undoubtedly one of the best films in the genre, and Al Pacino cemented his reputation as the protagonist with a brilliant performance. The astute, dangerous, and flawed crime lord was a guy you’d both like and despise! This popular film is getting a reboot, and it’ll be in capable hands.
Luca Guadagnino, the Oscar-nominated director, will collaborate with Universal Pictures to re-create the enchantment of the 1980s. He has been profusely praising the script and screenplay written by the Coen brothers and seems to be pretty excited about working on this project as his next venture. He has also hinted that the story will have modern-day relevance and elaborate on the current social climate.
Michael B. Jordan is rumored to play the protagonist, and he would have his task cut out, filling Al Pacino’s shoes! We are waiting with bated breath to observe how this all-time-classic is dealt with in today’s times!
Escape From New York
Crime has risen by leaps and bounds in a fictional planet, and Manhattan has been turned into a maximum-security jail. The President of the United States’ Air Force One crashes in the area, and he must now be rescued. The mission is assigned to a one-eyed bank robber who is new to prison life.
If he can get the job done within 23 hours, then he would be granted a pardon. He must now set out in the dangerous city teeming with immoral criminals and save the President and his own life!
This film, directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, was in a different league entirely. More of this sci-fi action thriller would not be a terrible idea, and a remake is exactly what the doctor ordered! The script for a remake of this 1981 hit has been assigned to Leigh Whannell. The main hero in the story is the one-eyed robber, and Whannell has some interesting suggestions as to who can take over the role.
He wants the son of Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, to play the role. However, he might have said it in jest, and no formal word has come in regarding the cast for the upcoming film. Given the popularity of the Kurt Russell hit, the makers would have to ensure that they perfect everything so that fans are not disappointed with the new outing.
Flight Of The Navigator
A 12-year-old boy goes away for eight years and then emerges. He looks to have journeyed into the future and hasn’t aged at all when he emerges! At the same time, when he comes back, a flying saucer is found, and David from NASA manages to connect with an alien ship. What adventures did the young boy have with the alien ship, or are they not related events at all?
Remakes of The Flight of the Navigator are nearly as old as the film itself. Filmmakers have been eager to start work on this project since 2009, and Disney tasked Colin Trevorrow, the director of Jurassic World, with the task. However, Disney appears to have other priorities, with Star Wars films taking precedence over this idea.
After all these years in the doldrums, the rights for the movie have been taken by Lionsgate and The Henson Company. If reports are offering any truth, then the showrunner of Lucifer, Joe Henderson, is working on the screenplay for the reboot. The story could be a new one, with just a similar concept, and could also be somewhat of a sequel. We can’t wait to see the magic that modern-day special effects will add to this timeless classic!