10 Movie Remakes Nobody Wanted (That Were Actually Pretty Good)
8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory from 1971 is a beloved children's film, and perhaps Gene Wilder's most celebrated role. So the decision to remake the film with a new actor stepping into Wilder's shoes was sure to be a questionable move. That's until Tim Burton and Johnny Depp signed on.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, released in 2005, became an instant modern classic. After finding a golden ticket in a Wonka chocolate bar, young Charlie Bucket, and four other lucky children, are invited to tour Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory. Over time the children succumb to greed and lose their place on the tour. All except Charlie Bucket as he understands the value of life over riches.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory teaches an important lesson to children, and is a story that deserves to stay relevant for each new generation. Johnny Depp has had plenty of memorable roles, but Willy Wonka shouldn't be forgotten when talking about his iconic turns, and Tim Burton's knack for the weird and wonderful makes this remake more mesmerizing than the original.
The story benefits from the modern technology as well. The special effects created for the factory make this world feel more believable than the slightly outdated mise-en-scene of the 1970s. Along with favorable reviews, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory earned an impressive $475 million at the worldwide box office proving that this remake was a success.