With 2023 quickly approaching its end, we're reflecting on some of our favorite music and movie remakes of the year. Let's go back through the ones we really loved and what makes them so incredible.
Our Favorite Remakes of 2023
Not all remakes are created equal, and some are pretty bad (nobody asked for the 1998 remake of Psycho). But there are plenty of them that are actually worth your time! Whether they're nearly identical to their predecessors or riff off of the original to make something modern and refreshing, these 2023 song and movie remakes are a lot of fun.
1. Disney's The Little Mermaid
Disney released a live-action remake of The Little Mermaid this year, and it's every bit as magical as you would hope. I'm so happy they kept the original soundtrack, and I can't get enough of Halle Bailey's vocals!
2. "Creepin'" by 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, and The Weeknd
One of the most notable music remixes this year came from Metro Boomin', 21 Savage, and The Weeknd for "Creepin'". Released in December 2022, it climbed its way to the top of the charts in 2023.
It's hard to beat the original "I Don't Want To Know" by Mario Winans, but this one's still a bop, especially when that beat drops.
3. Fatal Attraction (TV Show)
The original Fatal Attraction film came out in 1987 starring Glenn Close and Michael Douglas. It was an instant classic and is still great today. The TV show remake on Paramount+, starring Lizzy Caplan and Joshua Jackson, doesn't beat the original. But it was entertaining and thought-provoking, diving into the long-term consequences of Daniel's affair with Alex, as well as Alex's "origin story".
4. "Just a Girl" by Florence and the Machine
Look, nobody's going to beat No Doubt's original "Just a Girl". But ... Florence and the Machine's eerie version featured in Yellowjackets is pretty haunting, and left an impression on us. The lyrics seem to have a whole new meaning.
5. Fall of the House of Usher (TV Show)
If you're a horror fan, hopefully you were able to catch Netflix's Fall of the House of Usher. Mike Flanagan directed the modern-day retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's classic tale (or you can consider this a remake of the movie from 1960). There was so much to love about this show, from the unsual characters to their creative deaths, and the mystery behind the why. I had to hold myself back from binge-watching this one so I could enjoy it for longer.
6. Super Mario Bros
Everyone was talking about the animated Super Mario Bros movie that came out this year, with kids and parents equally obsessed. But doesn't anybody remember the (kind of weird) live-action version that came out 30 years prior in 1993? Both films are based on the video game, so we're considering the 2023 movie a remake. And in this case, it's actually the better version.
7. "Fast Cars" by Luke Combs
It's hard to imagine another version of "Fast Car" besides Tracy Chapman's original. But Luke Combs's 2023 rendition is still beautiful and emotional, which is why it's been a favorite for so many this year.
8. The Color Purple
No, this isn't a remake of the 1985 film — it's an adaption of the Broadway musical (all based on the novel by Alice Walker). If you can't make it to the live show, you can catch The Color Purple in theaters starting on Christmas Day. I'm adding this one to my list of must-see movies. And yes, that's Halle Bailey once again!
9. Peter Pan and Wendy
Peter Pan is a classic story that gets its fair share of adaptations, remakes, and spinoffs. Disney+ released a new version titled Peter Pan and Wendy back in April.We like that this one focuses on Wendy too, because really, this story is just as much about her!
10. Fallout Boy's "We Didn't Start the Fire"
"We Didn't Start the Fire" is among Billy Joel's greatest hits. It captured a snapshot of what was going on in the world when it was released in 1989. So, Fallout Boy released an updated version that covers everything between that song's release and now. Millennials will find this version pretty relatable (since we lived through all of these events), but the original will always hold a special place in our hearts.
2023 Brought a Lot of Great Song & Movie Remakes
Some people think creating remakes just means we can't come up with original ideas anymore. But a good remake is an artwork of its own; its purpose is to make you think and feel differently about a concept than the original (no matter which version you prefer).
Your entire experience of a film can be swayed by the director and actors and their interpretation of a movie, or a musician who changes up the lyrics or the sound of a popular song. That said, we think these 2023 remakes are worth venturing into to see how they make you feel.
