25 Movies We Think Should Get a Reboot
Some movies are classics that should never be touched. They capture a specific time and place perfectly. Remaking them would be a mistake. Hollywood, however, loves to revisit old stories. They see potential in bringing a familiar name to a new generation of moviegoers. This can lead to big box office success.
But not all reboots are just about making money. Sometimes, a movie has a great idea but doesn’t quite work. The special effects might look dated, or the story could be stronger. A reboot can fix these problems. It can take a good concept and make it great. With modern technology and new perspectives, a reboot can give a story the treatment it always deserved.
Note: some of the movies on this list are already confirmed to get a reboot, like “Highlander.”
The Last Starfighter (1984)
“The Last Starfighter” is a beloved science fiction adventure. It tells the story of a teenager who discovers that his favorite arcade game is actually a recruitment tool for an interstellar war. He is then whisked away to another galaxy to become a real starfighter. The movie’s plot is a classic hero’s journey that still resonates with audiences today.
A modern reboot could greatly enhance the visual aspects of the film. While the original’s special effects were groundbreaking for their time, they now appear dated. With today’s CGI, the space battles and alien worlds could be brought to life in a spectacular way. The core story of an ordinary person becoming an extraordinary hero is timeless and could be retold with a fresh cast and updated effects for a new audience.
Eragon (2006)
The 2006 film “Eragon” was based on the first book of a popular fantasy series. The story follows a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg, leading him on an epic journey to free his land from an evil king. The books have a rich world and a dedicated fanbase, but the movie was not well-received by critics or fans.
A reboot, perhaps as a television series, could do justice to the detailed world-building of the book series. With more time to develop the characters and plot, a new adaptation could explore the story’s deeper themes and complex relationships. It would be a chance to create the faithful and epic fantasy adventure that fans have been waiting for.
The Rocketeer (1991)
“The Rocketeer” is a fun and stylish pulp adventure film set in 1930s Hollywood. It follows a stunt pilot who finds a top-secret rocket pack and becomes a high-flying hero. The movie has a charming, old-fashioned feel and a great sense of adventure. It has gained a cult following over the years for its exciting action and classic hero story.
A reboot could bring this classic hero to a new generation. The 1930s setting is a key part of the character’s appeal and should be kept. With modern special effects, the flying sequences could be even more thrilling. A new movie could also explore more of the Rocketeer’s comic book adventures, offering a fresh story while keeping the original’s spirit.
Demolition Man (1993)
“Demolition Man” is a science fiction action film about a tough cop and a dangerous criminal who are cryogenically frozen in the 1990s and wake up in a peaceful, utopian future. The movie is a fun mix of action and social commentary, with a lot of humor. It has become a cult classic for its unique vision of the future and its over-the-top action.
A reboot could have a lot of fun with the concept of a 1990s person waking up in the 2020s or beyond. The social commentary on political correctness, technology, and society could be updated for today’s world. This would provide a great opportunity for both exciting action and clever satire, just like the original.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
“Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” is a critically acclaimed naval adventure film. It is known for its historical accuracy and its focus on the relationship between a British captain and his ship’s surgeon during the Napoleonic Wars. The film is a masterful piece of filmmaking with stunning sea battles and strong performances.
While the original is a classic, the movie was intended to be the start of a franchise based on a long series of books. A reboot or a sequel could continue the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin. There are many more stories from the books that could be adapted, offering more thrilling naval action and rich character development.
The Black Cauldron (1985)
Disney’s “The Black Cauldron” is one of the studio’s darker and less successful animated films. Based on a series of fantasy novels, the movie has a dedicated cult following who appreciate its ambitious tone and departure from the typical Disney formula. The film’s troubled production led to a final cut that was not as strong as it could have been.
A live-action reboot could finally do justice to the rich source material of the books. With a more focused script and modern special effects, the world of Prydain could be brought to life in a truly epic way. This would be a chance for Disney to revisit one of its most interesting failures and turn it into a major fantasy franchise.
Flash Gordon (1980)
The 1980 “Flash Gordon” movie is a campy, colorful, and incredibly fun science fiction adventure. With its memorable Queen soundtrack and over-the-top style, the film has become a beloved cult classic. It tells the story of a football player who is whisked away to the planet Mongo to battle the evil Emperor Ming the Merciless.
A reboot could go in a few different directions. It could embrace the campiness of the original and create another fun, stylized adventure. Or, it could take a more serious approach, similar to modern superhero films, and focus on the epic space opera elements of the original comic strip. Either way, a new “Flash Gordon” could be a visually stunning and exciting blockbuster.
Waterworld (1995)
“Waterworld” was a hugely expensive film that was considered a box office disappointment at the time. It is set in a future where the polar ice caps have melted and the world is covered in water. The story follows a mysterious drifter who helps a woman and a young girl search for dry land. Despite its troubled reputation, the film has a unique world and some impressive action sequences.
A reboot could explore the fascinating world of “Waterworld” in more detail. With modern CGI, the flooded world and the floating cities could be even more impressive. A new story could also delve deeper into the mythology of this post-apocalyptic world, creating a compelling and visually spectacular adventure.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
“The NeverEnding Story” is a classic fantasy film from the 1980s that has captivated audiences for generations. It follows a young boy who reads a magical book and becomes part of the story, which is about a young warrior’s quest to save the land of Fantasia from a destructive force called the Nothing. The film is known for its imaginative creatures and its heartfelt story.
The original movie only covers the first half of the book it is based on. A reboot could adapt the entire novel, offering a more complete and faithful version of the story. With today’s special effects, the magical world of Fantasia and its inhabitants could be brought to life in a way that was not possible in the 1980s.
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
“Flight of the Navigator” is a charming science fiction adventure about a 12-year-old boy who is abducted by an alien spaceship and returns to Earth eight years later without having aged. The film is a fun and exciting story with a lot of heart, and it has become a beloved classic for many who grew up in the 1980s.
A modern reboot could update the story for a new generation while keeping the sense of wonder and adventure that made the original so special. The alien spaceship and its quirky AI pilot could be redesigned with modern visual effects. The core story about a boy’s journey through time and his friendship with an alien is a timeless concept that could easily be retold.
Labyrinth (1986)
“Labyrinth” is a fantasy film known for its imaginative puppetry by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and a memorable performance by David Bowie as the Goblin King. The story follows a teenage girl who must navigate a magical maze to rescue her baby brother. The film has a dedicated cult following and is a beloved piece of 1980s fantasy.
While the original is a classic, a reboot could expand on the rich and imaginative world of the Labyrinth. With a new story and characters, a modern film could explore different parts of this fantasy realm. It would be a chance to introduce a new generation to the magic and creativity of Jim Henson’s world.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
The 2003 movie “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” was based on a popular comic book series that brings together famous literary characters to form a Victorian-era superhero team. The movie was not well-received and strayed significantly from the source material. The comic books offer a much darker and more complex take on the concept.
A reboot that is more faithful to the original comics could be a huge success. The dark and gritty tone of the source material would be a perfect fit for a modern, more mature superhero film. A new adaptation could explore the complex characters and intricate plots of the comics, creating a unique and compelling cinematic universe.
Tron (1982)
“Tron” was a groundbreaking film that was one of the first to use extensive computer-generated imagery. It tells the story of a computer programmer who is transported inside a digital world and must fight for his life in a series of gladiatorial games. The film’s unique visual style and an original concept have made it a cult classic.
While the sequel “Tron: Legacy” continued the story, a full reboot could reimagine the digital world for the modern era. With the advancements in technology and the internet, a new “Tron” could explore themes of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and our relationship with the digital world in a way that is even more relevant today.
Highlander (1986)
“Highlander” is a fantasy action film about a group of immortal warriors who have been fighting each other for centuries. The movie is known for its iconic Queen soundtrack and its catchphrase, “There can be only one.” The film’s mix of historical flashbacks, modern-day action, and epic sword fights has made it a fan favorite.
The “Highlander” franchise has had several sequels and a television series, but a modern reboot could bring a fresh take to the concept. With a bigger budget and modern filmmaking techniques, the sword fights and historical battles could be even more spectacular. A new film could also delve deeper into the mythology of the immortals and create a new, epic saga.
The Goonies (1985)
“The Goonies” is a beloved adventure-comedy about a group of kids who discover an old treasure map and go on a quest to find pirate gold. The film is a classic of the 1980s and is known for its humor, heart, and sense of adventure. It has a special place in the hearts of many who grew up with it.
While a sequel has been rumored for years, a reboot could introduce the story to a new generation of kids. A modern “Goonies” could feature a new group of friends on a new adventure, but with the same spirit of fun and friendship that made the original so great. It would be a chance to create a new classic for today’s young audiences.
Starship Troopers (1997)
“Starship Troopers” is a science fiction action film that is also a sharp satire of militarism and fascism. The movie follows a group of young soldiers in a futuristic war against giant alien insects. The film is known for its over-the-top violence and its clever social commentary, which was not fully appreciated by all audiences at the time of its release.
A reboot could take a different approach to the source material. The original novel is a more serious work of military science fiction, and a new film could be a more faithful adaptation. Alternatively, a reboot could lean into the satirical elements of the first film, updating the social commentary for the 21st century and creating a new, thought-provoking sci-fi action movie.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
“Conan the Barbarian” is a classic sword-and-sorcery film that made Arnold Schwarzenegger a star. The movie is a gritty and violent tale of a barbarian warrior seeking revenge on the sorcerer who killed his family. The film’s epic score and its brutal action have made it a landmark of the fantasy genre.
While there was a reboot in 2011, it failed to capture the spirit of the original. A new adaptation could go back to the source material of Robert E. Howard’s stories and create a more faithful and compelling version of the character. A new “Conan” movie could be a dark and epic fantasy adventure for a modern audience.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
“Big Trouble in Little China” is a unique and entertaining mix of action, comedy, and fantasy. It stars Kurt Russell as a truck driver who gets caught up in a mystical battle in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The film is known for its witty dialogue, its memorable characters, and its over-the-top martial arts action.
A reboot could capture the same fun and quirky tone as the original while updating the action and special effects. The key would be to find a new actor who can bring the same charm and humor to the role of Jack Burton. A new “Big Trouble in Little China” could be a fresh and exciting action-comedy for a new generation.
Short Circuit (1986)
“Short Circuit” is a fun and heartwarming science fiction comedy about a military robot who gains sentience after being struck by lightning. The robot, Number 5, escapes from the lab and befriends a young woman who helps him learn about the world. The film is a classic of the 1980s and is known for its humor and its charming robot protagonist.
A modern reboot could explore the theme of artificial intelligence in a way that is even more relevant today. The design of the robot could be updated with modern robotics, and the story could reflect our current relationship with technology. A new “Short Circuit” could be a funny and thought-provoking film for the whole family.
Gremlins (1984)
“Gremlins” is a classic horror-comedy about a young man who receives a strange creature as a pet. The creature, a mogwai, comes with a set of important rules, which are inevitably broken, leading to a horde of mischievous and destructive gremlins terrorizing a small town. The film is a perfect blend of humor and horror and has become a holiday classic.
While the original is beloved, a reboot could take the concept in a new and interesting direction. With modern special effects, the gremlins could be even more menacing and creatively chaotic. A new film could also explore the mythology of the mogwai and gremlins in more detail, creating a new and exciting horror-comedy for today’s audiences.
Logan’s Run (1976)
“Logan’s Run” is a science fiction film set in a seemingly utopian future where everyone lives a life of pleasure and ease. However, there is a catch: life must end at the age of 30. The story follows a “Sandman” whose job it is to hunt down those who try to escape their fate. The film is a classic of 1970s science fiction and is known for its imaginative vision of the future.
A reboot of “Logan’s Run” could be a visually stunning and thought-provoking film. The themes of youth, mortality, and societal control are as relevant as ever. With modern visual effects, the futuristic city and the world outside could be brought to life in a spectacular way. A new film could also delve deeper into the psychological and philosophical aspects of the story.
The Crow (1994)
“The Crow” is a dark and stylish comic book adaptation about a musician who is resurrected to avenge his and his fiancée’s murders. The film is known for its gothic atmosphere, its kinetic action sequences, and the tragic death of its star, Brandon Lee, during filming. “The Crow” has a dedicated cult following and is considered a landmark of 1990s cinema.
A reboot of “The Crow” has been in development for many years, and for good reason. The core story of love, loss, and revenge is timeless and powerful. A new film could be a more faithful adaptation of the original comic book, which is even darker and more poetic than the 1994 movie. It would be a chance to create a new and visually stunning gothic masterpiece.
Enemy Mine (1985)
“Enemy Mine” is a science fiction film about two enemy pilots, a human and an alien, who crash-land on a desolate planet and are forced to rely on each other to survive. The film is a powerful story about prejudice, friendship, and understanding. It is a thoughtful and emotional sci-fi drama that has a lot of heart.
A reboot of “Enemy Mine” could be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The alien character, Drac, could be brought to life with modern makeup and special effects. The story’s themes of overcoming differences and finding common ground are more relevant than ever. A new film could be a powerful and moving science fiction tale for a new generation.
Krull (1983)
“Krull” is a science fantasy film about a prince on a quest to rescue his bride from a powerful entity called the Beast. The Beast travels the galaxy in a mountain-like spaceship, the Black Fortress, which teleports to a new location every day. The prince must find a mythical, five-bladed weapon called the Glaive to defeat his enemy.
The movie is a fun mix of “Star Wars” and “The Lord of the Rings,” but its ambition was limited by the technology of the 1980s. A modern reboot could finally do justice to the epic scale of the story. With today’s visual effects, the Black Fortress, the alien landscapes, and the Beast itself could be truly spectacular, turning this cult classic into the major fantasy epic it was always meant to be.
Explorers (1985)
some
“Explorers” is a science fiction fantasy film about three young boys who build their own spaceship from a Tilt-A-Whirl car. They travel into space and encounter strange alien life. The film captures a sense of childhood wonder and the excitement of discovery. It is known for its creative alien designs and the charming performances of its young cast.
A reboot could recapture the spirit of adventure and imagination that made the original special. The story of kids taking a homemade spaceship on an incredible journey is timeless. With a new cast and updated special effects, a modern “Explorers” could inspire a new generation of dreamers and adventurers.
