To some, the 1990s seem like just yesterday. To others, they're a vintage decade with sparse technology and classic, "old" movies. Both can be true at the same time, and when it comes to films from that decade, there was a lot of variety, especially in the realm of horror. While some '90s horror movies didn't age well, some films, like Scream and Death Becomes Her, impacted the genre in an innovative way while playing with familiar themes.
With nostalgia being such a huge part of modern filmmaking, audiences have been drawn to well-known films being reimagined for a new millennium. Many '90s horror movies and their iconic scream queens have already seen sequels and reboots, with some franchises still going strong. Others have been tucked away for over three decades, just waiting for a fresh new take, and some are definitely primed to get updates.
10 Idle Hands (1999)
A Warning Against Prolonged Inactivity
Part of the popular teen horror comedy genre of the time, Idle Hands' fun premise has a lot to unpack. When lazy slacker Anton (Devon Sawa) finds out his hand is possessed by an ancient, murderous demon, he must fight to stop it before it hurts any more people in his life. It plays on the directionless feeling that a lot of young people were going through at the time, and it's definitely something that would resonate nowadays.
It plays on the directionless feeling that a lot of young people were going through at the time, and it's definitely something that would resonate nowadays.
There were quite a few laughs, mostly curtesy of the sidekicks played by Seth Green and Elden Henson, and the level of gore played into the genre really well. Luckily, Idle Hands is indeed getting a remake, which could focus more on the disassociation caused by social media and the cost of living crisis, with scope to dig a little deeper.
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Idle Hands is a horror-comedy directed by Rodman Flender. Released in 1999, the film follows 17-year-old stoner Anton, whose lack of ambition leads to unexpected chaos when his hand becomes possessed. Amid humorous and supernatural events, Anton must confront this demonic force threatening his way of life.
- Director
- Rodman Flender
- Release Date
- April 30, 1999
- Cast
- Seth Green , Devon Sawa , Jack Noseworthy , Elden Henson , Vivica A. Fox , Jessica Alba
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
The female representation could do with an update too. While Vivica A. Fox had somewhat of a plotline of her own, Jessica Alba was very much typecast as the basic cute love interest. With a plethora of young talent about, the casting could be quite interesting, allowing for an updated message, with potential cameos for those who enjoyed the original.
9 Arachnophobia (1990)
Eight-Legged Terrors That Terrorized An Entire Generation
A seemingly simple concept, yet so extremely effective. Making horrors based solely on people's fears could be a series in itself, but this creepy crawly film can still deliver a scare, all on its own. With real-life murder hornets and annual spider infestations, this type of scary movie is certainly due for a comeback.
Since the human characters weren't quite as at the forefront as the killer arachnids, it would be easy enough to create a reason for them to terrorize a family in the present day. This premise has the potential to frighten a whole new generation while educating them on the different kinds of species of spiders.
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Arachnophobia (1990) is a horror-comedy directed by Frank Marshall. The film follows a small-town doctor, played by Jeff Daniels, who discovers a deadly new species of spider that unleashes terror on the community. John Goodman co-stars as an eccentric exterminator brought in to combat the arachnid menace. The film combines elements of suspense and humor to depict the struggle against an unexpected and lethal infestation.
- Director
- Frank Marshall
- Release Date
- July 20, 1990
- Cast
- Jeff Daniels , Harley Jane Kozak , John Goodman , Julian Sands , Stuart Pankin , Brian McNamara
- Runtime
- 109 minutes
Spider-Man has made these creatures synonymous with superpowers and swinging on webs around New York, but films like this and the Fly show just how scary the natural world can be. If Jeff Daniels were to be involved in an Arachnophobia remake, that would be a great nod to the original.
8 Urban Legend (1998)
The One About The Mysterious Serial Killer
Following the popularity of teen slasher films of the decade, this particular one took the formula to more literal places. With the killer recreating deaths based on infamous urban legends, the viewers followed a group of college students as, one by one, they were targeted by the mysterious murderer. The cast included a few high-profile names of the '90s, including Joshua Jackson, Tara Reid, and Jared Leto, who thrived in teen roles of the era.
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Urban Legend is a 1998 horror film directed by Jamie Blanks. Centered on a series of gruesome murders at a New England university, the film follows a group of students as they unravel the connection between the killings and various urban legends. The ensemble cast includes Jared Leto, Alicia Witt, and Rebecca Gayheart, weaving suspense and fear through its exploration of modern folklore.
- Director
- Jamie Blanks
- Release Date
- September 25, 1998
- Cast
- Jared Leto , Alicia Witt , Rebecca Gayheart , Michael Rosenbaum , Loretta Devine , Joshua Jackson , Tara Reid , John Neville
- Runtime
- 99 Minutes
Urban Legend has remained one of those films that connoisseurs of the genre often return to as it's a perfect sort of time capsule. A remake could offer a clever play on the original source material, perhaps using it as part of the plot. The ending was a bit lackluster, so that's something that could be improved upon as well.
7 Anaconda (1997)
The Pre-SyFy SyFy Movie About A Giant Snake
It's been a while since a good snake-based horror hit the screens, and this Jennifer Lopez vehicle was an entertaining ride. The fear could be felt as the group traveled down the river, and the flash of a face seen through the anaconda's skin is still a harrowing memory. Scary movies don't always have to be about serial killers or paranormal events.
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As Jaws has proved, nature can be just as scary, if not more so. There is a lot that can be done with this film to make it work in the modern day, which is why it's good news that an Anaconda remake is in development. A focus on the natural world rebelling against humans who take advantage of it could make for a terrifying concept.
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When a documentary crew get captured by a snake hunter in the depths of the Amazon jungle, they find themselves forced to face the wrath of a giant green anaconda. The 1997 cult classic starring Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, Ice Cube, Eric Stoltz, Owen Wilson, and Jonathan Hyde spawned three sequels and a crossover with Lake Placid.
- Director
- Luis Llosa
- Release Date
- April 11, 1997
- Cast
- Jon Voight , Jennifer Lopez , Ice Cube , Owen Wilson
- Runtime
- 90minutes
There's scope for bigger snakes, or even a group of them. As technology has come a long way since 1997, more gore could be introduced into the equation, allowing for an even scarier concept. As they did with Jon Voight in the original, casting a legacy actor to bring some gravitas to the story could help get more eyes on it.
6 Leprechaun (1993)
Terror At The End Of The Rainbow
"Bad" horror films are extremely popular on a cult level. B-movies like Troll 2, universally considered one of the worst movies of all time, have grown a particular type of audience that would gravitate to a film such as Leprechaun as well. It fully embraced the comedic elements, ramping up the camp, and requiring a lot of suspension of disbelief. All in all, the film isn't good, but it's entertaining in its own way.
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A comedic horror film released in 1993, Leprechaun stars Warwick Davis and Jennifer Aniston in this first installment of the long-running franchise. A decade ago, a man stole a pot of gold from a leprechaun but invites tragedy when the leprechaun seeks vengeance and the return of his gold. Fast forward to the present day, a new family takes up residence in the old house for a summer vacation until a friend accidentally frees the creature, inviting disaster into their lives.
- Director
- Mark Jones
- Release Date
- January 8, 1993
- Cast
- Robert Hy Gorman , Mark Holton , Ken Olandt , Jennifer Aniston , Warwick Davis
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
If a visionary was to take this classic piece of terrible cinema and, in a fully self-aware way, was able to place the story in modern times, that could be quite brilliant. If Jennifer Aniston or Warwick Davis were to be involved in any sort of way, that would really make for must-see viewing. There are also definitely bridges to be mended with any Irish viewers after the original, so an updated storyline could do wonders for that relationship.
5 The People Under the Stairs (1991)
Created By Horror Master Wes Craven
Quite a few horror films in the 1990s utilized comedy to ground all the scariness. This was to differentiate themselves from the formulaic stories and sequels of the '80s and bring a fresher approach to a new decade. Wes Craven, a master of horror, tied these concepts together in this disturbing tale of cannibalism and gentrification. While the film wasn't the biggest hit for Craven, it did well at the box office and has amassed a loyal viewership over the years.
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In the 1991 horror comedy The People Under the Stairs, a young boy breaks into a creepy house to steal money to save his family from eviction, but soon discovers that the house is occupied by a pair of psychotic murderers and their captive children. The film is written and directed by Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street creator Wes Craven.
- Director
- Wes Craven
- Release Date
- November 1, 1991
- Cast
- Ving Rhames , A.J. Langer , Wendy Robie , Everett McGill , Sean Whalen , Brandon Quintin Adams
- Runtime
- 102 minutes
The socio-economic topics would work extremely well nowadays, and, with Jordan Peele handling the People Under the Stairs remake, there's even scope for abandoning the humor altogether. A modern-day remake could be a purely terrifying, gory horror film rooted in realism and a threat that resonates with many. It's high time a remake wasn't just a vehicle for nostalgia but made a whole new statement for a brand-new generation.
4 The Faculty (1998)
Taking Over The World One High School At A Time
Some '90s teen romantic comedies based their stories on famous novels, while horrors would play on older concepts from the same genre. Heavily influenced by Invasion of the Body Snatchers, this slick thriller is packed with exciting chase scenes, inventive gore, and a cast of characters who do not trust each other one bit. The high school setting allows for a more localized story, while still making viewers feel on edge.
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The Faculty is a 1998 horror mystery film directed by Robert Rodriguez. The plot centers on newspaper photographer Casey Connor, played by Elijah Wood, who sees his high school nurse alive after she was murdered. Since its release in the late '90s, The Faculty has become a cult classic, with many claiming it's one of Rodriguez's most underrated films.
- Director
- Robert Rodriguez
- Release Date
- December 25, 1998
- Cast
- Clea DuVall , Josh Hartnett , Jordana Brewster , Laura Harris , Elijah Wood
- Runtime
- 104 minutes
The cast included a lot of up-and-coming actors, as well as established stars, which could easily be emulated in a remake. The Host, tried to revive the "body snatcher" movement, but the dystopian setting and dreary locations didn't quite have the polish needed to make it exciting. Weaving social media platforms and a commentary on personality disorders could shed a new light on this type of horror and, in capable hands, could make for a very special story.
3 Misery (1990)
A Psychological Roller Coaster About An Obsessive Fan
Stephen King's stories get revisited rather often, most recently with the It movies. While the original Misery is arguably close to perfect, with Kathy Bates and James Caan giving incredible performances, it could be time to revisit this psychological roller coaster. Rob Reiner created a bleak and disturbing atmosphere that captivates viewers to this day.
Misery has a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
But, as has been seen with newer takes on Hannibal Lecter and reinventing Suspiria, there are ways of putting a fresh spin on a well-respected film. Modern-day fan culture, and the constant obsession with celebrity are ripe for the picking when it comes to horror stories. A Misery for the new millennium could include an influencer, an actor or a pop star.
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Based on the Stephen King novel, Misery is a 1990 horror movie centered around fictional writer Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who gets trapped by his biggest fan, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who tortures him until he rewrites the finale of his famous novels.
- Director
- Rob Reiner
- Release Date
- November 30, 1990
- Cast
- Richard Farnsworth , James Caan , Lauren Bacall , Frances Sternhagen , Kathy Bates
- Runtime
- 107 minutes
The obsessive fan could be more savvy with technology, making it seem like the famous person was safe and sound, whilst enduring immeasurable psychological torment. There are many fascinating options that could be explored, preferably with Kathy Bates returning in some capacity.
2 The Craft (1996)
They Are The Weirdos, Mister
This film has technically had quite a recent remake on TV, but it wasn't very good and, apart from one short scene, had very little to do with the original. When it came out in the '90s, the cultural impact the film had on younger viewers was huge. It started a whole fashion trend, got people even more interested in the history of witchcraft, and empowered a generation of girls and women.
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The characters were imperfect but interesting, and the horror still has the potential to make one's skin crawl. A beloved cult classic such as The Craft could do with a type of remake that fully honors its legacy.
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The Craft is a 1996 teen horror movie starring Robin Tunney, Neve Campbell, Fairuza Balk, and Rachel True. The Andrew Fleming-directed film focuses on a group of outcasts at an LA high school who practice witchcraft and create their own coven. The film received mixed reviews but was a surprise hit at the box office for Columbia.
- Director
- Andrew Fleming
- Release Date
- May 3, 1996
- Cast
- Neve Campbell , Fairuza Balk , Robin Tunney , Rachel True
- Runtime
- 101 Minutes
Ironically, The Craft: Legacy did not. Utilizing more of the original cast members could help, exploring the darkness that dwells inside some people who have been damaged, and injecting the edge that was so evident in the 1996 version are all things that should be addressed in a proper remake.
1 The Sixth Sense (1999)
"I See Dead People" Is One Of The Most Iconic Lines In Cinema History
The Sixth Sense's mind-bending twist was one of the most impactful ones in movie history. Audiences could not believe that the main character had been one of the ghosts all along, and were collectively aghast. Letting slip this huge spoiler was one of the most effective ways of ruining someone's theater experience, and people would go in for a second viewing just to see how they could have missed the signs.
It was so groundbreaking and clever, that recreating it would be near impossible. However, that's exactly what makes this eerie story primed for a remake.
It was so groundbreaking and clever, that recreating it would be near impossible. However, that's exactly what makes this eerie story primed for a remake. If M. Night Shyamalan were to either write or authorize a sequel or a remake, there are so many imaginative ways to make it shocking once more.
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Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense is a psychological thriller about a young boy who can see and communicate with ghosts. Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who tries to help Cole, played by Haley Joel Osment, while grappling with his own personal demons. The movie features a twist ending that has become iconic in pop culture.
- Director
- M. Night Shyamalan
- Release Date
- August 6, 1999
- Cast
- Bruce Willis , Toni Collette , Haley Joel Osment , Olivia Williams , Donnie Wahlberg
- Runtime
- 107 minutes
The twist would have to be even more elaborate and unexpected, the stakes would be higher and there's plenty of scope for more jump scares to make the hair on the back of the neck stand up. A reimagining of this film could be unpredictable in the best possible ways.