Reboots and remakes have become a mainstay in Hollywood. It seems like there are no original ideas anymore, and every movie is based on something else. We’ve seen a lot of hits and misses in the last few years when it comes to reboots and remakes. Some breathe fresh life into beloved classics, appealing to new and nostalgic audiences. Others, however, leave moviegoers scratching their heads, wondering why anyone thought rehashing a fan favorite was a good idea. Whether they succeed or flop, these films generate strong opinions and sometimes even controversy. Today, we’re breaking down five reboots and remakes that nailed the formula and five that fell flat on their faces. From thrilling updates to those lifeless efforts that missed the spark of the originals, here's your guide to the hits and misses of reimagined cinema.

5 That Got It Right

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

When George Miller decided to revisit his own creation, fans were understandably nervous. Could a reboot decades after the original trilogy hold up? The answer was a resounding “yes.” Mad Max: Fury Road roared onto screens in 2015 with breathtaking action and stunning visuals that captivated audiences and critics alike. Charlize Theron’s Furiosa stole the show with her fierce, unforgettable performance, and practical effects elevated the film’s relentless action sequences. Fury Road set the gold standard for remakes by winning six Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing and Best Production Design.

2. IT (2017)

Adapting one of Stephen King’s most famous horror novels was no easy task, but IT succeeded in floating to the top. Some creative liberties were taken (such as updating the story’s timeline to the 1980s), but these changes helped make The Losers' Club more relatable to modern audiences. Bill Skarsgård’s chilling, unpredictable portrayal of Pennywise the Clown brought fresh terror to the character and elevated the film beyond typical horror fare. Balancing emotional depth with genuine scares, IT proved that remakes could honor and adapt the source material for new generations.

3. The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012)

After the campy failures of the 1990s, Batman was in dire need of revival. Enter Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, which gave the Caped Crusader a gritty, grounded update. Christian Bale delivered a complex and haunted Bruce Wayne, and Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight was the perfect portrayal of chaos and menace. With intelligent storytelling and grounded realism that reshaped the superhero genre, this reboot showed how depth and a darker tone could elevate familiar stories into pop-culture legends.

4. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Smooth, stylish, and filled with charm, Steven Soderbergh’s remake of Ocean’s Eleven transformed a Rat Pack-era heist movie into one of the coolest films of the 2000s. George Clooney and Brad Pitt led an ensemble cast that delivered humor, intrigue, and dazzling chemistry. The smart twists and irresistible banter elevated this reboot far above its predecessor and set the standard for modern heist films, making it as clever as it was entertaining.

5. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

When it was announced that a reboot of the 1995 Robin Williams' classic was in the works, fans worried the heart of the original might be lost. But Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle took a bold direction, updating the game’s concept to a video game format. The result was a wildly fun thrill ride. Performances from Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan blended humor and emotion, introducing the world of Jumanji to a whole new generation.

5 That Missed the Mark

1. The Mummy (2017)

Universal Studios' attempt to launch the Dark Universe fell apart when Tom Cruise’s The Mummy hit theaters. Overstuffed and confused, the movie tried to serve as both a horror adventure and a setup for a cinematic universe featuring classic monsters. Instead, it failed at both, lacking the eerie charm of the 1932 original and the fun thrills of the 1999 Brendan Fraser-led reboot. Critics panned it for its incoherent storytelling and bland performances, and audiences largely stayed away.

2. Ghostbusters (2016)

Expectations were high when Paul Feig rebooted Ghostbusters with an all-female team. With comedy greats Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones onboard, the film had plenty going for it. Unfortunately, awkward pacing, a weak villain, and the overuse of CGI special effects weighed it down. The movie also faced a wave of vitriolic backlash online, unrelated to its quality, as some targeted its gender-swapped leads. While it had moments of humor and heart, the film ultimately couldn’t rise above the negativity or match the charm of the original.

3. The Lion King (2019)

Hyped as a visually stunning reimagining of Disney’s beloved animated classic, The Lion King became one of the more polarizing remakes. The photorealistic visuals were undeniably impressive, but critics noted that the hyper-realistic animal expressions lacked the emotional depth of the original. Despite following the story almost beat-for-beat, the remake missed the heart and warmth that made the 1994 version a treasure.

4. Charlie’s Angels (2019)

The 2000 Charlie’s Angels may have been campy, but it was fun and self-aware. Unfortunately, the 2019 reboot failed to find that same balance. Aiming for a more modern, feminist angle, the film lacked the excitement and charisma of previous versions. Though Elizabeth Banks did solid work behind the camera as director, the film’s humor felt flat, and the action sequences weren’t memorable.

5. RoboCop (2014)

The 1987 RoboCop was a masterclass in blending sci-fi action with biting social commentary about corporate greed and media culture. The 2014 remake, though flashy and updated for modern audiences, was a watered-down version of its predecessor. Stripping away much of the dark humor and sharp satire, it became a generic action movie that lacked the soul of the original.