11 Horror Remakes Better Than The Original
9. The Crazies
George A. Romero is directly responsible for launching the zombie sub-genre, which is why he's hailed as one of the most influential directors in horror.
So, when unknown director, Breck Eisner, decided to revitalise Romero's underrated sci-fi thriller, The Crazies, expectations weren't exactly high (especially since the only film he helmed at the time was the box-office bomb, Sahara).
Against the odds, Eisner's version knocked it out of the park.
As before, 2010's The Crazies begins with a small town being contaminated by a bioweapon, turning the locals into psychotic murderers. The remake substitutes the various subplots of the original for one clear-cut narrative, focusing on a sheriff called David and his wife, Judy. A lot of time is dedicated to the duo's relationship with one another and the community, grounding the story. You really care when the pair are in danger, making the overarching threat scarier. The political subtext is still present but subtly woven in, allowing the narrative to remain front and centre.
Most importantly, 2010's The Crazies is thoroughly unsettling, blending slow-burn dread with bursts of grisly violence. Although Romero's classic is enjoyable, Eisner is a better horror.