3. The Fly
The original 1958 The Fly is a solid if dated take on a daft premise, ending in an aptly ironic way that is nevertheless rendered moot by David Cronenberg's more visceral and grotesque interpretation, which also happens to be superbly acted by leads Gina Davis and Jeff Goldblum. While the game-changing special effects are astounding to look - and wince - at, it really is the unexpected emotional dimension that Cronenberg brings here that allows it to easily surpass the David Hedison-starring original. Goldblum's complex, disturbing, and ultimately affecting performance as a man undone by his own blind ambition is enhanced by Davis' heartbreaking turn as the woman can do nothing but look on as her partner slowly transforms into a revolting shadow of his former self. Its haunting final moments - in which Goldbum's Seth Brundle begs to be killed - is a meshing of the vile and the heartfelt that is rarely realised in cinema.