Surprising Movie Remakes You Didn’t Know About

What if I told you that some of your favorite movies were actually remakes and you didn’t even know it? You know those flicks that you’ve watched, loved, and considered “original”? Well, sometimes, the truth is a bit different. Here’s a list of great movies that were secretly remakes, and some of them may surprise you!

Sleepless (2017) – A Remake of Sleepless Night (2011)

So, I was on a flight from Atlanta to Las Vegas, and I decided to watch Sleepless with Jamie Foxx. It’s one of those action movies set in Vegas, and when I’m flying, I usually prefer to watch something I wouldn’t pay for on a bigger screen. But halfway through, I realized Sleepless was a remake of a French film called Sleepless Night. Now, don't get me wrong, the Jamie Foxx version is fine, but Sleepless Night is WAY better. The action’s more intense, and the pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you liked Sleepless, definitely check out the original—it’s worth reading the subtitles!

The Revenant (2015) – A Remake of The Man in the Wilderness (1971)

Now, here's one that’s a bit tricky. The Revenant is based on the same story as the 1971 film The Man in the Wilderness, which was inspired by the true story of Hugh Glass, a man left for dead in the wilderness. The Revenant takes inspiration from a more recent book, but the core of the story is nearly identical to the 1971 film. It’s not exactly a traditional remake, but it’s a modern retelling of the same tale. Still, many people don’t realize this connection!

The Departed (2006) – A Remake of Infernal Affairs (2002)

Here’s a well-known remake that many people don’t realize. The Departed, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, is a direct remake of a Hong Kong film called Infernal Affairs. While the basic story remains the same—a cop and a gangster trying to outsmart each other—the American version is tailored to the Irish mob in Boston. This is one of those remakes that is done so well it almost outshines the original. Definitely a must-watch if you haven’t seen it yet!

Romeo + Juliet (1996) – A Modern Take on Shakespeare

Technically, Romeo + Juliet is based on Shakespeare’s play, but Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation with Leonardo DiCaprio took it to a whole new level. With a modern setting, guns, and a unique twist on the classic love story, this one is a fresh take on a centuries-old tale. It’s not a traditional remake, but it’s a new version of a well-known story that really resonates with modern audiences.

I Am Legend (2007) – A Remake of The Omega Man (1971)

Will Smith’s I Am Legend might seem like a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre, but it’s actually a remake of a 1971 film called The Omega Man, starring Charlton Heston. The basic premise is similar: a solitary man fighting off mutated creatures in an empty city. While I Am Legend definitely modernizes the story, it’s fascinating to see where the concept came from. If you’re into post-apocalyptic films, The Omega Man is worth checking out—just be prepared for that old-school vibe!

The Thing (1982) – A Remake of The Thing from Another World (1951)

John Carpenter’s The Thing is considered a classic, and for good reason. It’s one of the best horror films ever made, but what many people don’t know is that it’s a remake of the 1951 film The Thing from Another World. While the stories aren’t exactly the same, the basic concept—an alien creature hiding out in the Arctic—is there. Carpenter’s version may have improved on the original, but it’s still rooted in the past.

12 Monkeys (1995) – A Remake of La Jetée (1962)

Terry Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys might seem like an original concept, but it’s actually based on a French short film called La Jetée. The film is a post-apocalyptic story with time travel, and while 12 Monkeys takes that idea and expands it into a full feature, it’s a direct remake of the short. If you haven’t seen the original, it’s definitely worth watching—it’s a perfect example of how a short film can inspire a legendary movie.

A Fistful of Dollars (1964) – A Remake of Yojimbo (1961)

Here’s a big one: A Fistful of Dollars, the classic spaghetti Western starring Clint Eastwood, is actually a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo. The two films share so many similarities that the creators of A Fistful of Dollars were sued for using the same story without permission—and they lost! Despite this, A Fistful of Dollars became one of the most iconic Westerns of all time, and it’s amazing to see how Kurosawa’s samurai film was adapted for the Wild West.

Final Thoughts

So, as you can see, remakes are more common than you might think, and they don’t always get the credit they deserve. Some of the best films in Hollywood are actually retellings or reimaginings of earlier works. The key is to appreciate them for what they bring to the table and how they honor the original material while adding something new. And sometimes, the remake is just as good—if not better—than the original.

If you’ve got a favorite movie that’s secretly a remake, share it in the comments below. Let’s build a list of great films you might have missed, and don’t forget to subscribe for more movie insights and recommendations!