Moviegoers never tire of the action movie genre, which explains why fans revisit a number of acclaimed action films time and time again. The '90s in particular had quite a few action films that are now certified classics, including Total Recall and Point Break. But for every successful action film, just as many bombed in the eyes of critics and audiences alike – some in a spectacular fashion.
However, there are a number of action films released in the '90s that deserve a remake. Some of these movies had great concepts but lacked the right execution; others could be improved through the use of modern special effects, and some could take their story in a new direction. Whatever the method of execution, these remakes could become the classics the originals never got to be.
10 Freejack Could Be A More Satirical Sci-Fi Action Hit
Loosely based on Robert Sheckley’s novel Immortality, Inc., Freejack stars Emilio Estevez as Alex Furlong – a racecar driver from the year 1991 who's transported to the then-future of 2009 right before his death. In this future, mercenaries called “bonejackers” are hired to bring people from the past who are just about to die to 2009. This is so the almost-deceased can serve as new bodies for the wealthy and ill.
Furlong escapes and goes on the run, becoming what’s called a “freejack.” All the while, he's pursued by a top bonejacker named Victor Vacendak (Mick Jagger). While Freejack is entertaining, it feels especially derivative of other futuristic sci-fi films like Blade Runner. A remake could keep the man-on-the-run approach but with more of the humor and satire from Sheckley’s novel.
9 John Carpenter's Vampires Could Use More Bite
Horror legend John Carpenter helmed this film, which stars James Woods as Jack Crow, the tough leader of a group of vampire hunters who work in service of the Vatican. When a legendary vampire slaughters his team, Jack is forced to team up with a young priest to take out the bloodsucker before he finds a relic that allows vampires to exist in sunlight.
Carpenter's film has some fun action set pieces, but that's all it really has going for it. The film primarily suffers from a lack of character development alongside its extremely masculine, mean-spirited tone. Perhaps a remake could benefit from a more likable tone while not skimping on the horrific thrills or having three-dimensional characters.
8 A New Tank Girl Film Could Be Wackier Than The Original
Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett's zany comic series, Tank Girl, made the jump to the big screen in 1995 with a film starring Lori Petty as the titular antiheroine. However, the comic's success didn't translate to the film. It received a pretty mixed reception from critics and bombed at the box office.
The success of fast-paced and irreverent comic book adaptations like Deadpool are proof a Tank Girl film can work and do right by the comic's brand of insanity. A new film would benefit from an inventive director onboard, the involvement of Martin and Hewlett, and more modern special effects, all of which could allow for the kind of ridiculous antics that weren't possible in the original film.
7 What Film Deserves A Remake? The Shadow Knows...
With superheroes dominating both film and TV, it’s time for more of the older pulp heroes to claim some of the spotlights. This includes The Shadow, who hasn’t been seen onscreen since the 1994 film adaptation starring Alec Baldwin. While the film is underrated, a modern film featuring the character wouldn’t be a bad option either. A new adaptation of The Shadow that remains a superhero period piece but also includes elements of classic film noir and gothic horror could strike awe and excitement into the hearts of moviegoers.
6 Steel Could Be Reforged Into A Much Better Film
DC Comics character, John Henry Irons, was a weapons designer who discovered his technology was being used to harm innocents. Inspired by Superman, Irons donned a super-powered suit of armor and became the superhero, Steel. The popularity of the character resulted in an unsuccessful 1997 film adaptation starring basketball superstar, Shaquille O’Neal.
In the years since, superhero films have evolved through the use of CGI and modern special effects, allowing them to do things that would've been impossible back in 1997. A new take on Steel could succeed in ways the original film couldn’t, such as having the hero don an improved, comic-accurate suit that’s created through CGI and motion-capture technology.
5 A New Take On Barb Wire Could Fit In With The Superhero Crowd
Based on the Dark Horse comic, Barb Wire was meant to be a star-making turn for Pamela Anderson, but critics and audiences didn't agree. Among the film's many faults, there's the fact the plot of the film bears far too many similarities to Casablanca. This is unnecessary when the comic has more than enough material to draw from.
For example, the comic is set in and alternate version of Earth that's more technologically advanced and overflowing with superhumans, most of whom are criminals Barbara "Barb Wire" Kopetski must deal with on a regular basis. A Barb Wire remake that more closely follows its source material could stand out in the crowded superhero landscape if given a unique voice and attitude.
4 Johnny Mnemonic Could Use An Upgrade
Writer William Gibson is best known for being one of the pioneers of cyberpunk fiction. He later adapted his short story "Johnny Mnemonic" into a film back in 1995, which starred Keanu Reeves. The film wasn't a success by any means, but it's gotten a somewhat warmer reception among modern genre fans in recent years. With the cyberpunk genre still beloved by many, there's potential for a remake of Johnny Mnemonic to succeed where the original didn't, especially when it comes to special effects, action set pieces, and adherence to the original story.
3 Zorro Deserves To Ride Again
Like The Shadow, Zorro is another pulp hero who deserves a return to the public eye. There are rumors about a crossover film featuring both Jamie Foxx's Django Freeman from Django Unchained and Antonio Banderas's Alejandro Murrieta/Zorro from 1998's The Mask of Zorro. If that film doesn't pan out, it wouldn't be a bad idea to make an entirely new Zorro film, perhaps one starring the original Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega. As long as such a film remains faithful to the character's swashbuckling nature and his desire to protect the downtrodden, Zorro could become popular once again.
2 A New Spawn Film Has Unlimited Potential
When it comes to popular comic characters not owned by Marvel or DC, Al Simmons/Spawn is one of the most iconic. Aside from an acclaimed HBO animated series, he hasn't found a lot of success outside the comics, though not for lack of trying. A film based on Spawn was released in 1997, and it's still reviled to this day.
Ever since the film was released, Spawn's creator Todd McFarlane has spoken of a desire to make a new Spawn film he'd personally write and direct, though this project remains stuck in development hell. If or when a new Spawn film is made, it could certainly benefit from today's refined special effects, as well as a creative team who can translate the horror and fantasy aspects of the comics to the screen in the right way.
1 Last Action Hero Could Be A Bigger Hit
Arnold Schwarzenegger's satirical meta-action comedy Last Action Hero was a massive flop upon its release in 1993, but it's much better than its reputation would have viewers believe. For example, it includes several clever jokes at the expense of Schwarzenegger's star persona and the over-the-top nature of action films. Still, a remake wouldn't be a big mistake at all.
A new take on Last Action Hero starring someone like Dwayne Johnson could go even further with its satire, poking fun at the tropes of modern action films, Johnson's persona, and how the action blockbuster genre is eclipsed by superhero films to some degree. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are the perfect directing duo to handle a remake like this.