The Railway Children returned to the big screen this month after 52 years and encouraged extended families to visit their closest movie theater for a family-friendly screening guaranteed to pull on their heartstrings, especially after the passing of one of the original’s stars, Bernard Cribbins.
The 1970s classic earned a place in viewers’ hearts when it brought to life E. Nesbit’s novel of the same name through its heartwarming representation of childhood adventure and family. The recent remake has been welcomed back with open arms by many fans who have patiently awaited a modern take on this classic flick, prompting other viewers to reminisce on other childhood classics that have undergone the same modern transformation, and here are just 10 of their favorites.
Cheaper By The Dozen (2022)
Stream On Disney+
Cheaper By The Dozen dates back as far as 1948 when the novel under the same name was released and later hit the silver screen in 1950, but it’s the 2003 version with Steve Martin that is most remembered. Inspired by the real-life Gilbreth family, the movie utilizes comedy to showcase how two parents navigate jobs, life, and their numerous children.
The 2003 version engrained itself in many viewers’ heads due to Steve Martins’s ability to coach all 12 of his children to play football alongside the chaos inside their house. However, the recent remake contains a blended family that strives for a more diverse and inclusive casting while also attempting to stay true to its comedic and heartwarming roots, which is exactly what it does.
The Witches (2020)
Stream On Prime Video
The Witches is one of the best movies about witchcraft to date, albeit the most terrifying too, with the movie being responsible for ruining the childhood of every ’90s baby. The 1990 fantasy flick follows Luke as he learns about three evil witches who seek to turn all the children into mice, but Robert Zemeckis sought to terrify even more children.
The original version of The Witches was known for its intricate special effects makeup that left many younger viewers with nightmares, due to Roal Dahl, who created the blueprint for these spine-chilling characters within his book of the same name. While the 2020 version also garnered a lot of attention for its fear-inducing special effects makeup, it also faced some controversy. Yet it remained close to its predecessor, which pleased many fans of the iconic childhood throwback.
Matilda (2022)
Available On Netflix Later This Year
Matilda has become a face many viewers know and love from their childhood, with many fans even testing to see whether they themselves have magic powers. This childhood favorite follows Matilda as she discovers she has telekinetic powers that soon become her lifeline as she battles against her horrible parents and frightening headteacher.
The movie was beloved for many reasons and continues to be spoken about even today due to its ability to represent some darker issues while also employing humor to provide fans with a satisfying happy ever after. The modern take on Matilda is due to hit screens later this year and has paid homage to some memorable scenes from the original in its trailer, resulting in many fans excitedly anticipating the remake.
The Karate Kid (2010)
Stream On Prime Video
The Karate Kid exploded onto viewers’ screens in 1984 and was loosely inspired by screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen’s real-life experience. The action-packed flick tells the story of Daniel, who requires the help of Mr. Miyagi to teach him karate to defend himself against his school bully, encouraging many fans to take up Karate.
While the 1984 version is considered a cult classic that is difficult to top, the 2010 remake won fans over with incredible performances from Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan that mirrored Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita’s onscreen chemistry. Both versions of The Karate Kid have firmly cemented themselves within the cinematic hall of fame by delivering an exciting yet thought-provoking viewing experience that leaves its viewers with a new insight on life.
Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)
Stream On Disney+
If one were to rank every Macaulay Culkin movie from worst to best, Home Alone would definitely occupy the top spot due to his performance as Kevin being so iconic.
While the Home Alone franchise has proven to be a popular one, fans weren’t particularly excited about the remake due to it not starring the lovable Macaulay Culkin, with some even suggesting that it is a movie that should not be remade. However, the 2021 remake surprised its viewers by being as funny and eccentric as the original, resulting in many fans sharing their excitement that their children have access to the same hilarious Christmas story they did.
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005)
Stream On Now Cinema
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory fed both younger and older viewers’ love of all things sweet by creating an onscreen chocolate factory that brought fans’ imaginations to life. The movie was originally released in 1971 and while Gene Wilder’s version was mind-blowing for its time, Johnny Depp’s performance as Willy Wonka captivated fans just the same in 2005, which was closer to Dahl’s original story.
Both movies took viewers on an adventure of chocolate while also providing many heartwarming moments due to Charlie’s likable personality and his grandad being the one to accompany him. Both versions are still loved by fans, but the remake was able to deliver a somewhat slicker viewing experience due to its ability to access higher-quality special effects, giving the much-loved classic a revamp.
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017)
Stream On Prime Video
The 1995 Jumanji is one movie that was secretly a horror movie and caused many younger viewers to have nightmares but still return to the film for a rewatch. Starring the late Robin Williams, the movie follows Alan who after becoming trapped within the game Jumanji, seeks the help of Judy and Peter to free him.
The 2017 version exceeded fans’ expectations with its all-star cast, who softened the original movie’s fear factor while remaining loyal to its action-packed plot. The original Jumanji has a special place in viewers’ hearts, yet it’s safe to say the 2017 version is one of the best remakes to date, resulting in the same audience being enticed back in years later.
Four Kids And It (2020)
Stream On Now Cinema
Four Kids And It is the 2020 remake of Five Children And It and like The Railway Children was adapted from an E.Nesbit novel. The original movie was released in 2003 and followed the five children as they moved in with their uncle where they unexpectedly discover a sand fairy capable of granting wishes.
This enchanting flick’s remake proved to be just as magical as the first movie by capturing the goofy but wise sand fairy perfectly through the voice of Michael Caine. Four Kids And It gave the movie a modern transformation that was inclusive of different family times by replacing the original storyline of war with a blended family that was more representative of contemporary life.
Peter Pan (2003)
Stream On Prime Video
The 2003 version of Peter Pan is one of the best live-action remakes of an animated film and tells the enchanting story of the boy who never grew up. Peter Pan was originally written as a play in 1904, before becoming a novel in 1911, and eventually hit screens in 1953 as a Disney animated flick.
The 1953 version proved to entertain fans through its high-quality animation style and intriguing visuals that showcased the movie’s affinity with visual storytelling. While the 1953 movie was a hit, in 2003 Peter Pan was remade as a live-action and employed stunts alongside costumes to captivate viewers. The movie clung to the same magic as the original, showcasing that remakes can be just as impressive as the original.
The Railway Children Return (2022)
Available In Movie Theaters
The Railway Children was originally released in 1970 and was adapted from the 1907 novel by E.Nesbit, the story follows three children as they move to Yorkshire with their mother after their father is suspected of being a spy.
The 1970 version is considered a childhood classic that homes in on a time when children didn’t have access to technology and used their imaginations, which is what makes it such a nostalgic watch for many older viewers. However, after 52 years away, The Railway Children has proved itself as a remake by encapsulating the same old-timey vibe as the first flick while also incorporating more modern humor that appealed to both younger and older viewers.
