The 5 Best Sci-Fi Movie Remakes of All Time, Ranked
Science-fiction is one of the most enduring genres in cinema, famous for showcasing imaginative technologies. This genre often presents profound questions about humanity, exploring complex themes relevant to audience perspectives. Numerous sci-fi films have shared these reflections with their times, but many have faded, leading to modern remakes that reinterpret central ideas.
While some remakes have failed to impress or seemed unnecessary, the following five reimaginings effectively breathe new life into classic narratives. These films range from profound thought experiments to entertaining spectacles. They demonstrate that revisiting established concepts can be a creative endeavor driven by artistic integrity.
5. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Remaking a genre classic like the 1956 Invasion of the Body Snatchers takes immense bravery. The 1978 version has gained iconic status, arguably surpassing the original in quality. Based on Jack Finney's novel, the film unfolds in San Francisco, where a group discovers aliens are replacing humans with emotionless duplicates.
The film employs strong performances and gritty, almost documentary-style camerawork that engages viewers. Its haunting sound design enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere, maintaining its creepiness to this day. This remake deepens the exploration of themes initially touched upon in the original 1956 film.
4. The Fly (1986)
Both adaptations of The Fly are notable entries in the science-fiction horror genre. The story centers on an ambitious scientist whose experiment with a teleportation device entangles his DNA with that of a housefly. The horrific transformation disrupts his life as he desperately seeks to undo the mutation, leading to troubling psychological changes.
While the 1958 film focuses on emotional turmoil, David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake accentuates body horror. Jeff Goldblum’s character gradually becomes a disturbing human-fly hybrid, highlighting both visual scares and psychological depth, making both films engaging explorations of sci-fi horror.
3. Dune (2021)
Although Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is more a fresh adaptation than a straightforward remake, it successfully addresses the challenges earlier versions faced. Recognized as one of the greatest cinematic experiences, this film captures the epic scale and emotional richness of Frank Herbert’s novel.
Set in a distant future, House Atreides governs the desert planet Arrakis to extract spice. When Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) faces betrayal, he and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) seek revenge amidst treachery. Showcasing stunning visuals and rich character development, both Dune and its sequel exemplify cinema's grand possibilities in aligning with sci-fi narratives.
2. The Thing (1982)
Many great sci-fi remakes merge horror with science fiction, exemplified by John Carpenter’s The Thing. This film follows a group of scientists in Antarctica battling a shape-shifting alien that assumes their friends' forms, creating tension around trust and survival.
This film excels with its meticulous suspense and graphic terror, evolving into a timeless horror classic despite its initial mixed reception. The film draws from John W. Campbell's story Who Goes There? and serves as a remake of the 1951 film The Thing from Another World. A prequel in 2011 re-explored the narrative.
1. Solaris (1972)
Solaris is often viewed as a secondary adaptation rather than a direct remake, yet Steven Soderbergh’s 2002 film considers it a reinterpretation. There are few films as mesmerizing or thematically rich as Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1972 Solaris.
The narrative follows a psychologist sent to investigate the unravelling crew on a space station orbiting Solaris, a mysterious ocean world. Upon arrival, he encounters vivid memories and emotions brought to life. The film's 167-minute runtime allows deep exploration of its themes regarding the human condition and knowledge limits. While celebrated as the premier adaptation of Stanisław Lem’s novel, it also exists alongside a 1968 Soviet television adaptation.
Earlier, SSP told about all Harry Potter movies: ranked from worst to best.