gayatrissingh It’s no secret that Hollywood loves a good remake. And while books and older films often get the reboot treatment, there’s a special fascination with foreign films. Sometimes it’s about introducing a great story to a wider audience. Other times, it’s about making money off a proven hit. Either way, the result is often the same question: did Hollywood improve the original, or just water it down?
Let’s explore some famous Hollywood remakes of foreign films, compare them with the originals, and see where each one stands.
1. The Departed (2006) vs. Infernal Affairs (2002)
Martin Scorsese’s The Departed is widely praised, even winning him an Oscar. But the original Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs is tighter, slicker, and arguably more suspenseful. Both are excellent in their own ways, but if you prefer a faster pace and lean storytelling, Infernal Affairs might win. If you’re into gritty character depth, The Departed has the edge.
2. Let Me In (2010) vs. Let the Right One In (2008)
The Swedish film Let the Right One In is haunting and subtle, a vampire tale wrapped in loneliness and childhood trauma. The American remake Let Me In is solid, but it leans a bit more on horror tropes and dramatic flair. While both versions are worth watching, the original sticks with you longer thanks to its quiet intensity.
3. The Ring (2002) vs. Ringu (1998)
Japan’s Ringu brought a wave of J-horror to global attention. Its eerie atmosphere and psychological fear were groundbreaking. The Hollywood version, The Ring, took the core concept and amped up the visuals, and it worked. Naomi Watts delivered a strong lead, and the movie scared a whole new audience. In this case, the remake holds its own and may even outshine the original for Western audiences.
4. Vanilla Sky (2001) vs. Open Your Eyes (Abre Los Ojos) (1997)
Open Your Eyes is a Spanish film with a surreal story about identity, dreams, and perception. Vanilla Sky, starring Tom Cruise, is nearly a scene-for-scene remake with a bigger budget and more polish. But something about the original’s rawness makes it more gripping. The remake isn’t bad, but it feels slightly overproduced in comparison.
5. The Birdcage (1996) vs. La Cage aux Folles (1978)
La Cage aux Folles is a classic French comedy about a gay couple trying to impress conservative in-laws. The American version, The Birdcage, puts Robin Williams and Nathan Lane front and center, and they deliver. While the remake is broader and louder, it captures the heart of the original and adapts it beautifully to a 90s American context.
6. Quarantine (2008) vs. [REC] (2007)
The Spanish horror film [REC] is fast, terrifying, and inventive. Quarantine, its American remake, follows the original almost shot for shot but loses some of the gritty realism and urgency. The acting in [REC] feels more raw, making it more terrifying. If you’re a horror fan, start with the original.
7. Dinner for Schmucks (2010) vs. The Dinner Game (Le Dîner de Cons) (1998)
The French film Le Dîner de Cons is subtle and funny in a dry, clever way. Dinner for Schmucks, on the other hand, turns up the volume and aims for slapstick. Steve Carell is great, but the charm of the original is lost in translation. This is one of those cases where the Hollywood remake misses the point.
8. Brothers (2009) vs. Brødre (2004)
The Danish original, Brødre, is a powerful and emotional film about two brothers and the fallout of war. The Hollywood version, Brothers, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire, tries hard but can’t match the emotional depth of the original. Brødre is understated and heartbreaking; the remake is more melodramatic.
9. Three Men and a Baby (1987) vs. Trois Hommes et un Couffin (1985)
The French comedy Trois Hommes et un Couffin inspired this American hit. Three Men and a Baby was a box office success, bringing the concept to mainstream audiences. While the original has its charm, the remake added charisma through its star-studded cast and relatable humor. This is a rare case where the remake may actually be more fun to watch.
10. True Lies (1994) vs. La Totale! (1991)
James Cameron’s True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is an action-comedy classic. The original French film La Totale! was a low-key comedy with a similar plot but far less action. Cameron blew it up (literally and figuratively), turning it into a blockbuster. While purists may prefer the French version’s tone, the Hollywood remake delivers big entertainment.
Why Hollywood Remakes Foreign Films
There’s a practical reason behind these remakes: subtitles and foreign languages can be a barrier for many audiences. Studios see an opportunity to retell a good story in a way that’s more marketable in the U.S. and other English-speaking markets.
But while the intent is often commercial, some remakes genuinely try to reinterpret the original. When done with care and vision, they can stand on their own or even surpass the original.
So, Which Is Better?
It depends. Some Hollywood remakes honor the original while giving it a new flavor. Others miss the subtlety, context, or charm that made the original special. And in rare cases, the remake takes the concept and elevates it to something new entirely.
If you’re a movie lover, the real answer is: watch both. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how storytelling changes across cultures, and how the same idea can be told in completely different ways.
Final Thoughts
Hollywood remakes of foreign films are always a gamble. Sometimes they bring hidden gems to the spotlight. Other times they flatten what made the original special. But whether you’re Team Original or Team Remake, it’s clear that good stories cross borders, and they deserve to be told in many voices.
