Remakes and reboots are all the rage as studios rely on the resurrection of popular films to pique the interest of nostalgic fans and new audiences alike, and it’s no different for the horror gender. Despite criticism against remakes as a way to make money, the remake resurgence remains strong. The horror film genre is particularly filled with remakes of cult classics and iconic slashers that bring beloved horror franchises to life and revive forgotten and underrated terrifying films.
While it’s understandable to be wary of remakes of beloved films, revisiting classics can sometimes allow for new and equally interesting interpretations. There have been some horror movie remakes that have managed to find their voice while also honoring the original story, although that doesn’t always happen. The list of upcoming horror remakes includes projects that have been in development for some time, as well as films that are expected to premiere soon.
10
Arachnophobia (1990)
Arachnophobia is a horror comedy that serves as the perfect classic that could benefit from a modern remake. The 1990 film directed by Frank Marshall and starring Jeff Daniels and John Goodman explores the common fear of spiders and creepy crawlies to create a terrifying yet hilarious film about an outbreak of deadly spiders. Arachnophobes may prefer to avoid the spider invasion horror movie, but for those who aren’t bothered by arachnids, Arachnophobia is a fun and scary adventure with an exciting remake on the horizon.
Arachnophobia inspired a video game of the same name and a remake of the film has been in the works since 2018. Since the announcement of a remake of Arachnophobia, there were few updates about the film until it was revealed that Marshall would return as executive producer and that Christopher Landon would serve as writer and director. It is not clear when Arachnophobia the remake will be released because no other updates have been shared since February 2023.
9
The Bubble (1958)
The science fiction horror film The bubble is set to get another remake following an amoeba-like alien who lands on Earth and begins consuming everything and everyone in its way, getting bigger and bigger after each consumption. As a giant, all-consuming specimen that cannot be destroyed and is difficult to contain, the Blob is a terrifying, unstoppable creature that strikes fear into the hearts of audiences. The bubble inspired and influenced many horror films with its use of a gelatinous blob as the villain and science fiction elements in horror.
A remake of The bubble directed by Chuck Russell was released thirty years after the release of the original film. The remake did not achieve the same level of success as the original. Since 2009, The Blob The new remake has faced a turbulent journey as directors and producers have changed. From 2024, David Bruckner will direct The bubblesecond remake.
8
The People Under the Stairs (1991)
Acclaimed Director Jordan Peele Set to Remake Director Wes Craven’s Chilling Horror-Comedy The people under the stairs. Peele, director of Come out, we, and No, received critical praise for his horror films containing social commentary. This stellar track record solidifies Jordan Peele as the perfect director to remake The people under the stairs. The original 1991 film perfectly combined comedy and horror, along with depictions of themes like racism, class inequality, and gentrification.
In 2020, it was confirmed that producer Win Rosenfeld and legendary director Jordan Peele will remake The people under the stairs. Three years later, it was announced that Ezra Claytan Daniels would be the film’s writer. Under Peele’s leadership, a modern remake of The people under the stairs could use the dark and horrendous setting to criticize current social issues, like its predecessor.
7
Faces of Death (1978)
The horror movie world Faces of Death made its mark on horror history with its unique pseudo-documentary style and shocking, controversial content. Faces of Death follows the narrator, pathologist Francis B Gross (Michael Carr) as he tries to understand death. The unusual horror film has cemented its place as one of the most popular mondo films and gained a cult following. Faces of Death spawned several sequels and a contemporary remake of the controversial horror film.
The next Faces of Death remake directed by Daniel Goldhaaber will star Barbie Ferreira, best known for her role in Euphoria, and Dacre Montgomery, best known for his role in Strange things. The modern version of the pseudo-documentary horror film Faces of Death will follow a woman moderating a digital platform after coming across what appears to be a group reenacting the deaths from the original film. Faces of Death The remake boasts an exceptional cast and potential to explore the impact of technology and social media, making it a highly anticipated and unique horror film remake.
6
The Wolf Man (1941)
The Wolf ManThe 1941 gothic horror film is an iconic werewolf classic that influenced the way Hollywood portrays lycanthropes and helped establish popular werewolf mythology. The Wolf Man follows Larry Talbot, aka the titular Wolf Man, played by Lon Chaney Jr., after he is bitten and transformed into a bloodthirsty werewolf. The dark and violent werewolf film received critical praise and its popularity spawned sequels and a 2010 remake titled The Werewolf.
The upcoming reboot of the 1941 film titled Wolf Man will star Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner in the lead roles. The Horror Reboot Wolf Man follows Blake (Abbott) and his wife Charlotte (Garner) and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) after they move into Blake’s childhood home and face a werewolf attack. Things take a terrifying turn after Blake is attacked by the beast and begins transforming into the creature, putting his family in danger. The reboot movie Wolf Man is set to be released on January 17, 2025.
5
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Jack Arnold’s 1954 monster horror film Creature from the Black Lagoon is set to return to screens in the form of a remake. Originally released in black and white and 3D Creature from the Black Lagoon follows a group of scientists who, during an expedition in the Amazon rainforest, end up facing a prehistoric creature that resides underwater. The Creature, also known as Gill-man, quickly became an iconic monster in horror media, spawned sequels, and inspired Guillermo del Toro’s critically acclaimed film. The Shape of Water.
Fans of Creature from the Black Lagoon The hope for a modern remake has faced a turbulent journey, as several remake attempts were canceled and never had the chance to be produced. In 2024, it was announced that filmmaker James Wan was in talks to direct the remake of the monster horror film. The modern retelling of Creature from the Black Lagoon has endless potential, as the film’s plot and setting can delve deep into the horrors of environmental issues.
4
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
The film Bride of Frankenstein is a gothic science fiction horror adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Bride of Frankenstein follows Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) as he is forced to continue his experiments and create the Monster’s Bride. Bride of Frankenstein is a sequel to the 1931 James Whale film Frankenstein. Despite only a few minutes of screen time, Elsa Lanchester’s performance and appearance as The Bride instantly made her an icon. With her lightning-streaked hair and fierce expressions, the Bride of Frankenstein has solidified herself as an LGBTQ+ icon and groundbreaking character.
The next horror movie The Bride! Mary Shelley’s classic tale will soon be resurrected. Maggie Gyllenhaal leads the project as writer, director and producer. The Bride! is a standalone remake that will provide more backstory for The Bride, who will be played by Jessie Buckley. Oscar winner Christian Bale will star opposite Buckley as Frankenstein’s monster as he desperately searches for love. The long-awaited remake The Bride! is set to be released on September 26, 2025.
3
Frankenstein (1931)
1931 gothic science fiction horror film by James Whale Frankenstein follows scientist Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) as he attempts to create a living being from the body parts of deceased individuals. His creation of the grotesque and terrifying but misunderstood monster wreaks havoc on the village and Frankenstein’s life. Frankenstein’s Monster will be resurrected once again as celebrated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro helms the upcoming remake of Frankenstein.
Guillermo del Toro’s take on the classic horror story will not be a direct adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel, leaving him room to make creative changes to the story. Guillermo del Toro’s opinion Frankenstein is an eagerly awaited remake of the story, as the legendary filmmaker initially expressed his interest in creating a remake in 2007. Oscar Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi will play Frankenstein’s Monster. A behind-the-scenes image of Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein promises a bold and visually gorgeous stylized remake.
2
Train to Busan (2016)
The South Korean zombie horror film Train to Busan premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival before being released in South Korea in July 2016. The zombie apocalypse film quickly garnered international attention and critical acclaim. Train to Busan follows a group of passengers whose journeys and lives are turned upside down when a zombie outbreak threatens the lives of everyone in the country. Action-packed zombie horror Train to Busan won hearts by exploring themes of family, class, selflessness and sacrifice. Train to Busan The success spawned a prequel and a sequel.
The English remake of Train to Busan, entitled The last train to New York, was scheduled to be released on April 21, 2023. However, The last train to New York release date has been postponed and no new date has been confirmed so far. Unlike the other upcoming horror remakes, The last train to New York is a remake of a semi-recent film. The remake of Train to Busan it won’t be able to rely on nostalgia to drum up interest and will have to find its voice as the American version of the beloved film.
1
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Terror (1922)
Director FW Murnau Nosferatu: a symphony of horror is a silent film that follows Count Orlock (Max Schreck), a macabre vampire with abnormally elongated fingers and frightening behavior that strikes fear and terror into the hearts of audiences. The unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula is considered one of the most influential horror films and shaped how terrifying vampire horror films could be. Nosferatu: a symphony of horror It stood out from other vampire films for its use of disease and plague, making it a classic in dire need of a modern reimagining.
Nosferatu: a symphony of horror has inspired several remakes, including the upcoming Robert Eggers-led film Nosferatus. The next horror The remake stars Bill Skarsgard as the nefarious Count Orlock and Lily-Rose Depp as the woman the vampire is in love with and terrorizing. The new Nosferatus the film is scheduled to be released on December 25, 2024.