’90s Movies That Deserve A Reboot

Discussing the topic of reboots has often sparked debate among viewers. They vary greatly, ranging from questionable TV reboots that seemed unnecessary, to versions that surpassed the original’s quality. However, many critics, journalists, and enthusiasts argue that the high volume of these productions in recent decades reflects a lack of creativity on the part of film studios. On the other hand, plays and musicals on stage are frequently revived with fresh casts, directors, and designers, offering intriguing new interpretations like a modern take on “Hamlet” or showcasing the exceptional talent of artists such as Sutton Foster in a revival of “Anything Goes.” This ongoing tradition enriches the world of theatercraft. So, why does it seem that reboots and remakes in cinema and television elicit a different response compared to stage productions?

One reason for this is that reboots are often created with the goal of being easily marketable and cost-effective for production studios. They tend to choose projects that may not necessarily require a comeback. These could be movies or shows that were already strong initially, lack relevance to current themes, or have basic, unoriginal concepts that didn’t stand out in the first place.

Instead of rebooting projects that fell short in execution but showed great creativity, or those that were visionary philosophically or technologically, studios could potentially win more audience appreciation by focusing on these types of intellectual properties.

Barb Wire (1996)

As a dedicated fan, I must express my gratitude for the captivating performances of Hulu’s 2022 limited series, “Pam & Tommy,” and her 2024 independent film, “The Last Showgirl.” These works have ignited a long-overdue resurgence in Pamela Anderson’s acting and performing career. Although Anderson wasn’t the star of “Pam & Tommy” (the role was brilliantly played by Lily James), the series brought to light the exploitation and misogyny that once threatened Anderson’s promising acting career. Intriguingly, it even re-enacted scenes from Anderson’s 1996 film, “Barb Wire,” a production based on a Dark Horse Comics character, which I now realize played a significant role in Anderson’s career taking a downturn.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “In the far-off future, I find myself in the role of Barb Wire, a tough bar owner with a heart of gold. The movie takes me on a rollercoaster ride, filled with dodging unwanted advances and taking down foes. Along the journey, I’m assisting a scientist who’s trying to flee to Canada.

Regrettably, “Barb Wire” didn’t fare too well in theaters, nor did it win any accolades from critics. Critics like Roger Ebert pointed out that its storyline closely resembled a small film called “Casablanca.” Despite its flaws, I believe with a skilled team onboard for a remake, this movie could resonate deeply with audiences – especially considering its Second American Civil War backdrop.

Virtuosity (1995)

Artificial Intelligence may currently be a subject of humor due to its quirks portrayed in movies and TV shows, often used as an excuse by kids to avoid homework. However, the impact of AI on entertainment will prove lasting. In time, society will experience profound changes due to this technology, a topic frequently addressed in science fiction narratives across popular culture. Despite numerous stories about AI, there is one 1990s action movie with significant potential for a reboot, given its AI-centric plot has become even more relevant in today’s world.

In “Virtuosity,” Denzel Washington stars as police officer Parker Barnes, who is arrested and remanded to prison after he accidentally killed several bystanders in his pursuit of the political terrorist who murdered his wife and daughter. While in prison, Barnes is recruited to help develop an AI called SID. Originally intended to train police officers in virtual reality, SID is an amalgam of various violent criminals throughout history — including the man who killed Barnes’ family. Obviously, SID is an evil mastermind that can’t be contained by normal people, and Barnes must give chase. The story needs some editing, but the misuse and mismanagement of AI doesn’t seem like such an unrealistic scenario to explore these days.

Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)

These times don’t seem to bring the usual enthusiasm among teenagers. The concerns about the severe consequences of global warming and the solitude brought on by excessive social media use have led Gen-Z to feel less optimistic than ever about their future. Unlike previous generations who found a sense of unity through iconic teen movies like “Animal House” for boomers or “Ten Things I Hate About You,” “Mean Girls” for millennials, it appears that the spirit of hope and excitement that comes from envisioning an open-ended future filled with possibilities is not as prevalent among young people now. This may be due to the fact that they are not experiencing the same level of optimism that has traditionally accompanied their age group.

For late Gen-X and early millennial audiences, ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ was a defining teen movie. As time passes, this film has only grown in popularity. If remade today, it could serve as an excellent blueprint for a modern teen flick. However, the remake wouldn’t be a direct copy of the original, nor would it feature characters similar to those in the first film, given that the original ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ might not strike a chord with today’s teens as it once did. Instead, reimagined as a tribute to the final night of adolescence – high school graduation – it could offer a genuine glimpse into what it means to be a teenager in 2025.

Darkman (1990)

It’s no wonder that the 1990’s film “Darkman” was made by renowned director Sam Raimi, given his reputation for horror and superhero movies. This undervalued masterpiece skillfully combines these genres around a unique character created by Raimi – Dr. Peyton Westlake (played by Liam Neeson). In the movie, Westlake is a scientist who invents a substance to help burn victims with synthetic skin. After a series of unfortunate events, Durant, a criminal boss, burns down Westlake’s lab and tries to kill him. The explosion leaves Westlake disfigured, but an experimental treatment he receives gives him pain relief, increased strength, and heightened emotions.

In modern entertainment, both horror and superhero films are highly favored, with movies like “The Substance” and “A Different Man,” which garnered multiple 2025 Oscar nominations, showcasing the popularity of body horror, a specific sub-genre that “Darkman” delves into. Critics generally appreciated this film, and it managed to earn back its $14 million production cost multiple times over. However, unlike some of Raimi’s other projects, “Darkman” didn’t quite achieve the lasting cultural impact, making a remake a possible option. A well-executed revamp of “Darkman” would honor the original while enhancing and polishing its thematic aspects, and perhaps even see Liam Neeson reprise his role for a cameo. Interestingly enough, there might be plans for a remake at Universal.

The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)

Recently, Eddie Murphy has been delving back into some of his past films, with a fresh “Beverly Hills Cop” installment and a continuation of “Coming to America,” both of which are widely acclaimed as his standout successes. It could be interesting to investigate lesser-known movies of his, such as “The Distinguished Gentleman,” although it wasn’t one of Eddie Murphy’s biggest box office hits ever. Despite earning $86 million, it didn’t measure up to many of his other films. The story revolves around a character named Thomas Jefferson Johnson (played by Murphy), who deceitfully enters Congress following an unexpected death and confusing ballot. Upon arriving, he discovers that Congress is filled with people as dishonest as him.

The film received harsh criticism from critics, with Entertainment Weekly’s review commenting that “the movie lacked any biting satire in its depiction of congressional swindlers; they came across as mere caricatures in pricey suits.” A remake would require significant effort, but given the current political atmosphere in America, a biting satire about an unscrupulous individual who deceives his way into Congress (and surprisingly proves to be more reliable than many career politicians) could resonate deeply with contemporary viewers. Moreover, a reboot has the potential to accurately reflect the current sentiments (overwhelmed, cynical, despairing, etc.) of the American public.

Strange Days (1995)

In her essay titled “Strange Days: An Analysis of Production and Distribution Methods in Hollywood,” Romi Stepovich points out several factors contributing to the box office flop of the movie “Strange Days.” These included unstable financing during pre-production and ineffective marketing. The film, though not inherently flawed, suffered from a multitude of issues that commonly arise when producing a high-budget action film in Hollywood. Notably, Roger Ebert gave it four stars for its advanced portrayal of technology, while Entertainment Weekly appreciated the visuals despite finding the narrative predictable. Regrettably, “Strange Days” fell short of recovering its $42 million production cost and almost derailed Bigelow’s career.

Strange Times” – The Film

Set in 1999 Los Angeles, a city grappling with high crime rates and the emergence of an innovative technology called SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device). This technology allows individuals to record their lived experiences, even sensations, onto small discs that others can use to relive those moments. The concept resembles technology seen in the “Cyberpunk: 2077” game and is increasingly being developed by tech companies in the field of virtual and augmented reality. A remake of “Strange Times” isn’t bound to follow the original storyline, but the cinematic and visual elements could be significantly improved using modern special effects technology. Additionally, today’s audience has a broader understanding of technology compared to 1995.

Event Horizon (1997)

Not all films gain popularity during their release; some do not. The movie “Event Horizon” falls into the latter group, as it struggled to recoup its production costs at the worldwide box office and received mostly negative reviews from critics. While they appreciated the film’s early stages, many critics pointed out that the quality and sophistication decreased as the plot progressed. However, this movie has become known for blending science fiction and horror genres in film. The initial poor performance of “Event Horizon” has left modern fans perplexed, as it features a talented cast (including renowned genre icons like Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill), an intriguing concept, and distinctive horror aspects. Unfortunately, mainstream audiences were not prepared for the unique experience offered by “Event Horizon.

In the year 2047, the narrative unfolds around a rescue vessel named Lewis and Clark, who are drawn into an unexpected mission when they receive a distress call from the vanished Event Horizon, a spaceship that was believed to be lost for good seven years prior. If the concept of conducting a rescue operation in the depths of space doesn’t already give you chills, the signal received is primarily composed of terrifying screams and howls. Upon their arrival, the Lewis and Clark crew finds gruesome evidence of a massacre onboard the Event Horizon. The story takes a darker turn from there, as it could easily be reimagined for modern horror audiences in 2025, even though another “Event Horizon” film might not hit theaters, a television adaptation is currently being developed at Amazon.

The Game (1997)

Renowned filmmaker David Fincher is recognized for creating intricate, suspenseful thrillers and deep, contemplative dramas. The 1997 movie “The Game,” featuring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn, revolves around Nicholas Van Orton (Douglas), a wealthy man who becomes increasingly preoccupied with his father’s death as he nears the same milestone birthday, 48, at which his father took his own life. On this birthday, Nicholas encounters his distant brother, Conrad (Penn), who presents him with an invitation to participate in a secretive game offered by Consumer Recreation Services (CRS). Initially thinking he’s been denied access to the game, Nicholas later questions whether he’s still living within reality.

The movie ‘The Game’ is an outstanding demonstration of a narrative that thrives in the cinematic medium. It’s a 128-minute enigma skillfully crafted by Fincher, showcasing his knack for portraying the tense environment surrounding a man on the brink of mental collapse. Not only is it a good film that resonated with both viewers and critics, but it also represents one of Fincher’s more profound works, implying that a remake wouldn’t significantly tarnish his cultural impact. As of now, Universal is developing a TV series based on the film, yet ‘The Game’ remains an experience that seems designed for the big screen. If you watch the original and find the story a bit confusing, here’s an article to help clarify the ending of ‘The Game.’

Liar Liar (1997)

In today’s era, when AI-generated falsehoods and questionable news sources cast doubt on the very concept of truth, it could be highly advantageous for viewers to revisit the humorously titled “Liar Liar.” This film, starring Jim Carrey as Fletcher Reede, a divorce attorney who is fond of his son Max (Justin Cooper), often falls short in honesty. A missed birthday party leads Max to wish that his father would be incapable of telling a lie for an entire day. Due to the magic of cinema, Max’s wish is granted; not only can Fletcher no longer lie, but he also cannot hide or distort the truth in any way. As a result, Fletcher must confront the repercussions of his long-standing deceit.

The original film “Liar Liar,” starring Jim Carrey, was a box office success due to his popularity and positive critic reviews (it holds an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes). A remake seems unnecessary as it has already proven itself, but the concept of a character who cannot lie is intriguing. In 2025, imagine a reboot with a protagonist being a public relations executive instead of a lawyer. What if their honesty was met with disbelief? Can you envision the struggle of someone who can’t lie yet finds it challenging to convince others of their truthfulness? This could be an interesting exploration in a potential “Liar Liar” reboot.

Dark City (1998)

Released just a year before ‘The Matrix,’ and sharing many similar themes and visual styles, ‘Dark City’ was a sci-fi film that initially flopped at the box office but has since gained a devoted fanbase. Directed by Alex Proyas and starring Rufus Sewell, the movie centers around a man named John Murdoch (Sewell), who wakes up in a hotel bathtub with amnesia. The story follows Murdoch as he navigates mysterious characters trying to capture him and uncover his identity. Notably, ‘Dark City’ has a darker, more gothic atmosphere than ‘The Matrix,’ which suits the subtler acting performances of its cast.

1) The movie “Dark City,” much like “The Matrix,” has visually comparable scenes and shares many similar storylines. However, its conclusive and optimistic ending sets it apart from its spiritual predecessor, making it a potential candidate for a reboot. Released in 1998, the film performed well at the box office, received multiple award nominations, and was praised by critics. If “The Matrix” had not been released a year later with a more captivating cast and a less verbose script, “Dark City” might have become a cornerstone of science fiction. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Currently, a television series adaptation of “Dark City,” as announced by its original director Alex Proyas, is in the early stages of development.

Office Space (1999)

The movie ‘Office Space’ is far from forgettable or subpar; it boasts a dedicated fanbase and garnered favorable reviews from numerous critics. USA Today aptly summed up the film’s charm by stating, “If you’ve ever held a job, you’ll find humor in this ode to office drones.” The film effectively portrays the monotonous dissatisfaction of working an office job and sheds light on overworked service workers in America through Jennifer Aniston’s memorable portrayal of burnt-out server Joanna. Two decades later, it remains a popular choice and has inspired numerous internet memes that continue to resonate.

Although many fans eagerly anticipate a cinema release for “Office Space 2”, its creator, director, and writer, Mike Judge, has expressed little interest in making a sequel. However, a potential reboot set in a post-pandemic world is not entirely out of the question. The culture of Gen X American offices was significantly influenced by the emergence of mobile technology such as cellphones and laptops during the time when “Office Space” premiered. Fast forward 20 years, and office culture underwent a drastic shift due to the rise of the gig economy and extended periods of pandemic-induced quarantine. A new iteration of “Office Space” could reflect the atmosphere experienced by a different generation of working Americans in this modern context.

2025-02-28 23:03