Top Five Movie Remakes - Five Movie Remakes that Are Not to Be Missed

Making a movie is never a small task, but remaking a movie is even trickier. Every remade movie will be held to a different standard. Is it as good as the original? Will it leave viewers with a new and different vision of this movie? And most important, will the public actually embrace a new version of this flick?

The following five movies have passed the test. They have ranked high with viewers and found their own place in movie collections, movie chat rooms, blogs, and movie history.

Number Five: The Invasion (2007)

Coming in at number five is The Invasion. This remake of the cult classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers brings the original concept right up to current times. This time the story hits a whole new generation of moviegoers with a classic tale in a modern day world they will not only relate to, but believe in. Nicole Kidman is, by far, the biggest star in this flick; she is accompanied by Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, and Jackson Bond. Bond gained some attention playing the young son of Kidman, a boy who could potentially save mankind. It is a fun movie with good effects and can keep your attention right through to the end. Overall, The Invasion is a great remake with an up-to-date- touch.

Number Four: Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Heading up the list to number four is Romeo + Juliet. This 1996 remake, directed by the esteemed Baz Luhrmann, was nominated for multiple awards and boasted a truly start-studded cast. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play "the star-crossed lovers" with supporting roles played by greats like Harold Perrineau, John Leguizamo, Paul Sorvino, Brian Dennehy, Jamie Kennedy and Miriam Margolyes, among others. This version of Shakespeare's classic play blends its original dialogue with an ultra-violent, modern day mean streets type of setting. This is a look at a Shakespearean work through completely different eyes, maybe even a look at it through beer goggles, but nonetheless, it did pique the interest of many ages and introduced a classic in a whole new way. With all of it acclaim and such a talented cast this unusual remake definitely makes the "Top Five" list.

Number Three: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Coming in at number three is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This is a 2005 remake of one of my all-time childhood favorites, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Many of you may argue that this new and different version distorts the sweetness and happy-go-lucky, nicey-nice of the original with Gene Wilder. Well, you're right! While this take on the story takes on a dark and even slightly evil tone, it is just what we have all grown to expect from director Tim Burton. There are new scenes and backstory info that incite laughter for the visual hilarity; others make us laugh at the new Wonka gone weird. Johnny Depp was great as the snarky, semi-creepy, and maybe even anti-child, version of the candy man Willy Wonka. Young Charlie Bucket is played by Freddie Highmore. Other cast members include David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee and Noah Taylor. Not true to the original film, but bigger and better in so many ways, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes the list for great directing, perfect casting, the unusual and beautiful scenery, and most of all, a new twist on the classic.

Number Two: War of the Worlds (2005)

Number two on my list is the 2005 release of War of the Worlds. The original will always be the true classic, but Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin give the old story a new breath of life. It is completely action packed and the special effects are awesome. The overall plot is a bit predictable, with Cruise's character Ray Ferrier being a less than perfect father that turns into the hero dad by the end, but the journey getting there is spectacular for the viewer. Steven Spielberg is the director behind this gem, and I think he hit the mark. It is an updated, modern setting for an old classic tale we all know and love. Although nobody could ever top the true original radio broadcast of the tale or the pandemonium it incited, this remake of the movie version definitely does a great job.

Drum roll please...and the winner is - Cape Fear (1991)

This brings us to the number one spot, the top of the list, the head enchilada, the big cheese, my absolute, number one favorite remake of all time...Cape Fear, as directed by Martin Scorsese in 1991. This take on the original brings it to a new and frighteningly disturbing level. The character of Max Cady has to be the most sleazy, vile, and disgusting role ever played by Robert DeNiro. He actually makes your skin crawl and your stomach turn with some of his deliveries. The old black and white version of Cape Fear (Universal Pictures - 1962 release) was nothing compared to what we have here. If you've never seen the original you definitely should. Seeing it gives you the true appreciation for how much more sinister and creepy this updated version is. This award winner also features a high-profile cast and a nod to the original film with great stars like Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis, Gregory Peck, and Robert Mitchum.

There you have it...the top five movie remakes. If you haven't seen them, check them out. If you have, why not go back and watch them again? These remakes make the list for a variety of reasons, but the most important one of all is that they are all very well made and truly entertaining. Happy movie viewing!