Favorite Classic Movie Remakes

By Gabrielle Meyer

In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm sharing a list of classic movie remakes.

I love classic movies, so I'm a little skeptical when they are remade. Surprisingly, some of them are done very well (maybe even better than the original, like Father of the Bride or Little Women), and other times they fall a little short (like Yours, Mine, and Ours). I'm usually disappointed when the remake doesn't even resemble the original, but in those instances, I try to see the remade movie as a completely different story and analyze it on its own merits.

If you're looking for a good movie to curl up and enjoy this weekend, consider some of the movies on my list. I'd love to hear what you think.

Original: The Philadelphia Story 

Released: 1940

Starring: Cary Grant, Katherine Kepburn, & James Stewart

Remake: High Society ~ Musical

Released: 1956

Starring: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, & Frank Sinatra

My Opinion: Both movies are about a rich woman who is about to remarry in a high-profile wedding, but her ex-husband (who happens to be her neighbor), and a tabloid reporter, show up and threaten her plans. They also help her discover the truth about herself.  Both are equally amazing, with top-notch movie stars. 

Original: Bachelor Mother

Starring: Ginger Rogers & David Niven

Released: 1939 

Remake: Bundle of Joy ~ Musical

Starring: Eddie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds

Released: 1956

My Opinion: These movies are about a single, working girl who finds a baby, which is mistakenly assumed to be hers. Her employer feels obligated to keep her on at the department store, thinking she’s a single mother, though he was just about to let her go. Both are excellent, though I love Ginger Rogers. 

Original: The Parent Trap

Starring: Haley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, & Brian Keith

Released: 1961

Remake: The Parent Trap

Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, and Natasha Richardson

Released: 1998

My Opinion: Both movies are about twin girls who were separated as babies when their parents divorced, and were accidentally reunited at camp. The comedy that ensues when they switch places to get their parents back together is priceless. I love both versions, but there is no replacing Haley Mills! I do enjoy the modern edge to the newer version, though.

Original: Father of the Bride

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, and Elizabeth Taylor

Released: 1950

Remake: Father of the Bride

Starring: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short

Released: 1991

My Opinion: Both movies are about a father who has to face the reality of his oldest child's impending wedding--and all the hilarity involved in planning the celebration. By far, this is my favorite movie ever remade. I love the original cast, but the modern cast is even more hilarious and easier to relate to. 

Original: Father's Little Dividend

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, and Elizabeth Taylor

Released: 1951

Remake: Father of the Bride Two

Starring: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short

Released: 1995

My Opinion: Both movies are sequels to the above mentioned movies and focus on a man who is about to become a grandfather for the first time--but the second version has a twist! He is also going to be a father, again. I love the remake of this one! Such a cute story--I could watch it over and over again.

This is a short list of my favorite classic movie remakes! There are plenty more, but for now, I'd love to now if you've seen any of these movies and what you think about the remakes.

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events.

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