15 Things Horror Remakes Did Better Than The Original

Suspiria (1977) is a great horror film that's full of energetic scares, powerful violence and brilliant visuals, but it is very much a visceral experience that's light on story and only runs for 90 minutes.

In contrast, the superb 2018 remake packs a much more intellectual, dramatic punch thanks to its layered, haunting story, heightened complexity and historical context.

Admittedly, the historical stuff doesn't always work, but other than that this is one of the most interesting horror films of recent times. The great performances, especially from Tilda Swinton, also stick out compared to the good but not massively memorable acting in the original.

The original is a kaleidoscopic, brightly coloured nightmare that never lets up in its intensity, but the remake manages to combine fantastic visuals and horrifying violence with a very engrossing and powerful story about national trauma, guilt, motherhood and power, so the remake is far better on a narrative level.

Overall, which is better? It's a close one but, with many apologies to the original, it's arguable that the remake is better since it's such an unusual, artful and entertaining film and it also has a better climax. Still, both are essential viewing.