Video summary
Horror Remakes vs. Originals: Which Ones Are ACTUALLY Better?
Main summary
Key takeaways
Overview
The video is a debate-style countdown where the host argues—pair by pair—whether a horror remake is better than the original (or sometimes a tie). He frames remakes as either:
- Necessary updates for modern audiences, or
- Disrespect toward the source material.
He repeatedly urges viewers to fight back in the comments while insisting they stay respectful.
Key Highlights & Winners (Host’s Reasoning)
Ringu (1998) vs. The Ring (2002)
The host says The Ring is heavily Americanized: it’s filmed in the U.S., uses a different cast, replaces Sadako with Samara, and leans into a grittier, colder tone with more jump scares. Despite these differences, he still gives the edge to The Ring, defending the remake’s effectiveness “despite purists.”
Jon (2002) vs. The Grudge (2004)
Because both films share the same director and the story is very similar, he calls it a near “copy-and-paste” remake situation. However, he says the American version has a louder, more intense energy. Winner: Tie
The Blob (1958) vs. The Blob (1988)
He argues the remake improves execution dramatically by shifting the monster’s origin to a government biological experiment. Deaths feel more brutal, and the effects are especially effective—disgustingly practical. Winner: Remake wins
The Fly (1958) vs. The Fly (1986)
He praises Cronenberg’s gradual, heartbreaking body-horror transformation and emphasizes the emotional depth and relationship focus. He also argues a future version would be spoiled by CGI/AI. Winner: Remake wins
Night of the Living Dead (1968) vs. the 1990 Remake
He calls the remake excellent and close to the original “beat-for-beat,” but he prefers the original’s raw, organic black-and-white feel and the impact of Dwayne Jones’s performance. Winner: Original wins
The Thing (1951/Another World) vs. The Thing (1982)
He argues the 1982 film expands the paranoia, distrust, isolation, practical body horror, and the “anyone could be it” terror so strongly that it isn’t even a fair comparison. Winner: 1982 wins
Invisible Man (1933) vs. Invisible Man (2020)
He explains they’re only loosely connected beyond the name. The 1933 film is about madness and murder, while the 2020 film focuses more on stalking/abuse dynamics using advanced tech and a different thematic question. Winner: Tie
The Hills Have Eyes (1977) vs. (2006)
He keeps the core idea of civilized vs. savage, but argues the 2006 remake cranks the violence into uncomfortable territory: stronger mutants tied to nuclear experiments, more disgusting appearances, and more emphasis on survival. Winner: Remake wins
The Crazies (1973) vs. The Crazies (2010)
He says the original is often overlooked, but the remake streamlines it into a more effective survival-horror film. He also notes stronger emotional payoff as friends are turned. Winner: Remake wins hard (and he calls it one of the best horror remakes of all time, though it’s under-discussed)
House on Haunted Hill (1959) vs. (1999)
He loves the 1999 remake as a fun late-90s comfort horror. He notes it swaps the haunted mansion for an abandoned psychiatric hospital and leans into a darker vibe. He also highlights representation, celebrating that a Black character (Tay Dig) survives. Winner: Remake wins
Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) vs. (2003)
He says the 2003 remake feels polished and Hollywood-looking, while the original feels dirty, disturbing, and almost documentary-like. Even though the remake is gory, he finds the original more disturbing thanks to its low-budget grain and what it leaves to the imagination. Winner: Original wins
Evil Dead (1981) vs. Evil Dead (2013)
He describes 2013 as a remake/reimagining and argues both versions have “special” qualities:
- 1981 has a gritty, documentary/snuff vibe.
- 2013 is more brutal and polished, but still distinct.
Winner: Even
IT (1990 miniseries) vs. IT (2017)
He criticizes the 1990 miniseries for aging (“made for TV”) and suggests it may feel scary mostly due to childhood nostalgia. He still respects Tim Curry’s Pennywise, but insists Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is the superior overall performance. Winner: IT (2017) is the greatest horror remake of all time
Standout Jokes / Personality Moments
- He uses hype/attitude sign-offs like “my boy / gang / OGs.”
- He jokes that future remakes will lean on AI/CGI instead of “handmade practical effects,” quipping it would be “AI to all be damned.”
- He makes a memorable aside calling Eric (from Evil Dead) a “dumbass” for reading the cursed book.
- He highlights horror representation—especially in House on Haunted Hill (1999)—and praises moments when Black characters survive.
Main Takeaway
Across the countdown, the host tends to reward remakes that:
- keep or sharpen the core terror,
- upgrade execution, especially via practical effects and atmosphere,
- or reframe the story with a stronger emotional/survival focus.
Personality Featured
- Stone the Gray — “your friendly neighborhood horror guy,” host of the video.