Being THN’s resident gore and horror hound brings an added amount of pressure on myself. Unlike a lot of genre fans, I’m not adverse to seeing some of the films of my youth being remade, rebooted or re-imagined. I know I’ll always have those classics to look back on, and as long as a filmmaker can bring something special, unique and bold to the table, I’m willing to pay to see a scary story played out once again, or an iconic boogeyman back, hacking and slashing with a customary weapon of choice.

This year, like many others, will see a slew of genre remakes brought to the big screen. Most notable is a new take on William Lustig’s 1981 controversial serial-killer thriller, MANIAC (released 15th March), followed by a redo of Sam Raimi’s blood-soaked cult classic, EVIL DEAD (due 12th April). There are also Kimberly Peirce’s CARRIE and Jim Mickle’s WE ARE WHAT WE ARE to look forward to. All of which offer a promise to boast something genuinely refreshing, without retracing the same steps (although no doubt paying homage to the original material).

Which brings us nicely to the first part of THN’s countdown to our Top Ten horror remakes…

10. WILLARD (2003)

The excellent and underrated Crispin Glover puts his heart and (demented) soul into this fascinating take on 1971s WILLARD, to play the social outcast-turned-sociopathic title character. A film I first caught at an empty cinema in Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, WILLARD tells the story of a young man with the capability to control an army of rats, after suffering years of mental abuse from his domineering mother and boss. FINAL DESTINATION creator Glenn Morgan made his directorial debut in what was a cursed production that saw many actors dropping out, before Glover came in only days before shooting began. It deserved better, especially due to Glover’s own haunting cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Ben‘, which featured in the 1972 sequel.

9. THE RING (2002)

A huge international hit, director Hideo Nakata’s adaptation of Kôji Suzuki’s novel, RINGU, was always going to see Hollywood cash in on its success. MOUSEHUNT director Gore Verbinski seemed an odd choice to bring the terrifying story to screen. He didn’t disappoint though, as THE RING scared up well over $200 million worldwide, and with rising Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts headlining, Dreamworks were onto a winner. The film centred on journalist Rachel Keller, who becomes obsessed with tracking down a mysterious videotape, that is said to somehow kill an individual, seven days after viewing. Hideo Nakata was brought in to helm the disappointing sequel but couldn’t match this, never mind his own memorable effort.

8. THE BLOB (1988)

THE MASK director Chuck Russell’s remake of the Steve McQueen-led 1950s creature feature, may have dated badly (thanks to a marvellous Kevin Dillon perm), but there are impressive make-up effects, set-pieces and surprises in THE BLOB. It has a solid script by the then-little-known Frank Darabont (writer/director of modern masterpieces THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and THE GREEN MILE), and it was the first time we got a proper look at the gorgeous Shawnee Smith, who’d later appear in a number of the SAW films. Smith attempts to save the inhabitants of her small town from an ever growing (and glowing) human-consuming organism (no, not that hair-do), with the help of motorcyclist bad boy Dillion. His ENTOURAGE character ‘Drama’ would be proud of this “Victory”!

 7. PIRANHA 3D (2010)

Alexandre Aja’s take on Joe Dante’s flesh-eating fish feature takes the exploitation route, but goes more for fun than fear. Aja allows gore-effects masters Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger off the leash, as blood and guts fill some terrifically memorable, over-the-top scenes. There are some ace cameos from the likes of Richard Dreyfuss, Eli Roth and Christopher Lloyd, not forgetting that synchronised underwater sequence, with beauties Kelly Brook and Riley Steele. Plus, any film with the hilarious Adam Scott is worth the admission price alone.

6. I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (2010)

Hoping for some peace and quiet, and maybe a spot of inspiration, novelist Jennifer Hills (Sarah Butler) rents a remote, idyllic summer house before torturous events involving a group of rednecks spiral out of control. Much like the original I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, the update is never an easy watch due to some harrowing and tormented rape scenes. However, unlike the previous poorly acted effort, Jennifer’s appetite for revenge is corkscrew tension at its best, with some ingenious, vengeful set-pieces for each of her attackers. The inclusion of Andrew Howard’s sadistic new Sheriff adds some welcome human drama, as we see just how much trouble his selfish actions land him and his unknowing family in. Director Steven R. Monroe is currently at work on a sequel.

Keep it THN tomorrow and find out if any of your favourites are in our rundown of the final five. You can now find this HERE.