5 Remakes That Are Better Than the Originals: 'Dune,' 'Scarface' and More

Everyone loves to get mad at unnecessary cash-grab remakes - but what about when the remake is actually better than the original?

Indeed, a lot of the time remakes only exist to callously mine IP, but now and then a true work of art emerges from an original movie that needed a little extra oomph.

Watch With Us has curated a list of five remakes that handily surpass their forebears.

Our first pick is a classic: Scarface starring Al Pacino, which is adapted from the 1932 movie of the same name.

‘Scarface' (1983)

Dune stars Timothée Chalametas Paul Atreides, a young man born into a destiny he is only just beginning to understand. Paul is the son of Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) of the esteemed House Atreides, and the Atreides family is tasked with overseeing the desert planet Arrakis by Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken, in Dune: Part Two). However, the Duke and Lady Jessica quickly realize their task was actually a plot to destroy them on behalf of the evil Harkonnens. As Paul's power becomes clearer, he understands he must not only save his family, but also the galaxy.

David Lynch gave it the old college try when adapting Frank Herbert's beloved sci-fi novel back in 1984, but rushed storytelling and studio meddling left it hacked to bits. Over 30 years later, Denis Villeneuve delivers the world of Dune as it was meant to be seen. Beautifully rendered landscapes, immersive world-building, and storytelling that is both faithful and accessible all help 2021's Dune to be an impressive upgrade. The film is a sci-fi epic that is both artistically rich and entertaining.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM.