10 Comic Book Movies That Deserve A Remake

In the era of superhero cinema, several movies from comic book movie history would benefit from a contemporary update. Comic book movies have become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, especially with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Universe drawing audiences worldwide. However, not every comic book movie has enjoyed the same success or critical acclaim, and many adaptations from the past fall short of the compelling stories and visuals that modern adaptations offer.

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While superhero stories dominate the landscape, comic book adaptations encompass a wide range of genres, from horror and fantasy to noir and pulp. This has led to a diverse range of movies that have not enjoyed the budgets of blockbuster superhero movies like Superman. Some movies, like the DCU’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, are already set for a remake or reboot and thus won’t be included here. Instead, this article looks at adaptations that deserve another chance on the big screen and why now is the perfect time.

10 The Spirit (2008)

Directed By Frank Miller

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After the successes of Sin City and 300, which captured the essence of their comic sources with rich visuals and stylized grit, The Spirit felt like a step backward. Directed by Frank Miller, who was celebrated for his work on Sin City, The Spirit attempted to bring Will Eisner’s iconic character to life. However, it missed the mark with its two-dimensional storyline and shallow character arcs, producing a movie that was all style and no substance.

Though it retained the dynamic visual style of its predecessors, The Spirit didn’t delve into the nuanced storytelling that made the original comic so compelling. A modern remake could rectify these issues by building a stronger narrative and balancing visual style with deeper character development. This could bring The Spirit back to the spotlight, particularly with the rise of neo-noir storytelling in the mainstream.

9 Masters of the Universe (1987)

Directed By Gary Goddard

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The original Masters of the Universe movie was a letdown for many who expected a faithful rendition of the beloved comic book and animated series. Instead of focusing on the mystical world of Eternia and its colorful characters, the film centered on Earth and introduced mostly original characters, leaving the heart of the He-Man universe untouched. However, despite its shortcomings, the film still managed to offer a fun adventure, proving that the world of He-Man has cinematic potential.

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A Masters of the Universe remake could stay truer to the source material. It could bring He-Man, Skeletor, and the magical land of Eternia to life with modern visual effects and a script that honors its origins. With today’s technology and storytelling techniques, a new Masters of the Universe film could deliver a faithful yet innovative adaptation that immerses audiences in the rich, high-fantasy setting that made the franchise so popular. A Masters of the Universe remake has been in development hell since 2007 with no end in sight.

8 Watchmen (2009)

Directed By Zack Snyder

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Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen is one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels, often lauded for its mature themes and complex characters. When Zack Snyder adapted it into a movie in 2009, it polarized audiences and critics. While Snyder stayed visually faithful to the source material, many felt that the film lacked the narrative depth that made the graphic novel so powerful. The dense, gritty story can be challenging to follow without prior knowledge of the source, and the film’s tone didn’t capture all of the nuances that make Watchmen so impactful.

A remake could focus on making the story accessible without sacrificing its dark, philosophical underpinnings. Since the Watchmen universe has had a resurgence in popularity – especially after the HBO series, which serves more as a sequel than a direct adaptation – a new film could explore the narrative from a fresh angle. A remake could potentially capture what made the original so revolutionary in comic book history.

7 Dick Tracy (1990)

Directed By Warren Beaty

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First introduced in comic strips in the 1930s, Dick Tracy quickly became an iconic detective character and one of the most recognizable comic book figures. The 1990 Dick Tracy film, directed by and starring Warren Beatty, brought the colorful world of the detective to life with technical flair. The prosthetics and practical effects were certainly impressive for their time, and the striking color scheme feels very ahead of its time.

Nevertheless, a modern-day Dick Tracy remake could improve upon these, using updated practical effects and technology. The noir resurgence and advancements in digital effects would lend themselves perfectly to Dick Tracy’s world, allowing for a visually engaging and narratively compelling remake that captures the intrigue and drama of the character’s detective adventures. Considering that he is one of the oldest and most popular comic book characters ever, the character deserves a 21st Century entry.

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6 Swamp Thing (1982)

Directed By Wes Craven

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The Swamp Thing character has been adapted numerous times, but no version has truly done justice to its horror origins. Early adaptations, such as Wes Craven’s Swamp Thingcaptured some of the character’s eerie charm but were held back by budget limitations. Meanwhile, later adaptations, leaned more into the superhero formula and lost the horror aspect that best defines Swamp Thing’s story. A DCU Swamp Thing reboot was announced in January 2023, however very little has been confirmed

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A modern remake that embraces the horror roots of Swamp Thing would be an exciting addition to the comic book movie landscape. With the right budget and creative direction, a new Swamp Thing film could blend the character’s superhero elements with horror more effectively, providing an unsettling and thought-provoking narrative that taps into ecological themes and the mystique of the swamp setting. With the rise of R-rated comic book movies and forays into horror with projects like Agatha All Along, the time is perfect for a proper Swamp Thing movie.

5 Spawn (1997)

Directed By Mark A.Z. Dippé

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When Spawn was first adapted into a film in 1997, it was met with disappointment. The character, a wildly popular dark antihero from Image Comics, was supposed to bring an edgy, horror-infused presence to the superhero genre. However, the film fell short due to a combination of limited special effects, a weak script, and a lack of true horror elements.

With today’s more mature audiences and advancements in CGI, a Spawn remake would finally offer the dark, gritty, and atmospheric film the source material deserves. Spawn’s story is perfect for a modern adaptation that dives into its horror themes and moral ambiguity. The character’s ties to hellish realms and his role as a tragic antihero would be a refreshing change from the standard superhero fare, especially if the film embraced an R-rating in the wake of successful movies like Deadpool & Wolverine.

4 From Hell (2001)

Directed By The Hughes Brothers

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From Hell, adapted from Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell’s graphic novel, delves into the twisted world of Jack the Ripper, blending crime and horror with psychological complexity. While the 2001 film starring Johnny Depp made an admirable attempt, it lacked the dark, detailed approach that made Moore’s graphic novel so compelling. Though certainly visually attractive, the film simplified and omitted many elements from the source material.

A From Hell remake could restore the layered storytelling and explore the socio-political themes that permeate Moore’s work. It could also lean further into the graphic novel’s starker and selective use of color using modern CGI. By sticking closer to the graphic novel’s narrative style and using modern horror techniques, a new From Hell adaptation could delve into the sinister heart of the story, capturing the brutality and mystery of the Ripper era and Campbells grisly designs.

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3 Dark Phoenix (2019)

Directed By Simon Kinberg

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The “Dark Phoenix Saga” is one of the most beloved storylines in X-Men comics, following Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix, a force of pure destruction. Despite the significance of this storyline, the X-Men film franchise has attempted to adapt it twice, both times failing to capture the original’s gravity. The first attempt, in X-Men: The Last Stand, omitted all the cosmic elements and buried the narrative in a secondary mutant “cure” story.

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The second attempt, Dark Phoenix, was closer to the original story but didn’t allow audiences enough time to foster a connection with Jean Grey for her descent to truly hit home. With the MCU timeline introducing mutants, a new Dark Phoenix film could use its resources and expertise to honor Jean Grey’s transformation. By allowing Jean’s character to develop before she becomes the Phoenix, the MCU could finally do justice to one of Marvel’s most significant story arcs.

2 The Phantom (1996)

Directed By Simon Wincer

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Lee Falk’s The Phantom, introduced in 1936, is one of the earliest comic book superheroes, predating even Batman and Superman. The 1996 film adaptation of The Phantom, starring Billy Zane, attempted to bring the jungle hero’s pulp-inspired adventures to the big screen but struggled with outdated effects and a lackluster plot. The movie was campy and fun, but it didn’t capture the full scope of The Phantom’s legendary status and is placed firmly with the spandex era of superhero movies.

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A modern remake could embrace the classic pulp elements of the character while giving him a grittier edge. With a fresh script and modern special effects and costumes, a Phantom remake could capture the adventure, mystery, and legacy that make him a unique character. This version could introduce new audiences to The Phantom’s thrilling tales while respecting his origins as one of the genre’s first superheroes.

1 Darkman (1990)

Directed By Sam Raimi

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Sam Raimi’s Darkman, is a unique entry in the superhero movie genre, blending superhero and horror elements in a story about a scientist seeking revenge after a brutal attack leaves him disfigured. Though not originally from on a comic book, Darkman was a gloomy superhero movie inspired by the 1930s Universal horror movies. It was critically praised and has developed a cult following, despite its limited budget and early special effects capabilities.

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With a modern remake, Darkman could embrace its horror roots more fully, using current CGI and practical effects to depict the character’s tragic story in a more visceral way. A remake could also dive deeper into the psychological aspects of the character, updating the revenge-driven narrative with modern technics. A Darkman remake would be a refreshing change from the modern superhero pantheon, particularly if Raimi returned to direct.