Foreign movies with american remakes

American remakes mainly exist to bring stories that have already found success in other cultures to audiences in the United States and around the world. Often, the original versions face language barriers, narrative style differences, or cultural gaps that make it harder for them to reach American screens. While many fans prefer the authenticity of the originals, American remakes serve as a gateway, allowing these incredible stories to reach a wider audience. Here’s a selection of seven titles that underwent this transformation and are available to watch online.

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Oldboy

Oldboy

5.8/10
1h44min
R
2013
Action
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Amazon Prime Video StoreApple TV (iTunes)

This remake, directed by Spike Lee, offers a fresh take on the cult South Korean classic. Josh Brolin stars as a man imprisoned for 20 years without explanation who, upon release, plunges into an obsessive quest for answers and revenge. Though it lacks the visceral impact of the original, the film delivers an intense and twist-filled experience for fans of psychological thrillers.

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The Upside

The Upside

7/10
2h5min
PG-13
2019
Comedy
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Apple TV (iTunes)
Subscription:
Amazon Prime Video

Based on a true story, the French film depicts the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver from the outskirts. The American remake, starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, presents the same story in a light, accessible way for U.S. audiences, highlighting the chemistry between the leads and infusing it with a characteristic touch of humor.

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CODA

CODA

8/10
1h51min
PG-13
2021
Drama
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Subscription:
Amazon Prime Video

CODA (2021), winner of the Oscar, tells the story of a young hearing girl in a deaf family who must choose between music and family. The film is inspired by the French La Famille Bélier (2014), which also tenderly explores the young woman’s world and family bonds through music.

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The Guilty

The Guilty

6.3/10
1h30min
R
2021
Thriller
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Subscription:
Netflix

The Danish film The Guilty (2018) is an intense psychological thriller set almost entirely inside an emergency call center, following an operator trying to solve a kidnapping case. The American version, also titled The Guilty (2021), stars Jake Gyllenhaal and preserves the claustrophobic tension, adapting the story for U.S. audiences with its own nuances, delivering equally gripping suspense and drama.

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Insomnia

Insomnia

7.2/10
1h58min
R
2002
Thriller
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Rent or Buy:
Apple TV (iTunes)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of the Norwegian film stars Al Pacino as a detective investigating a murder in a town where the sun never sets. The psychological tension builds alongside the character’s growing guilt, in a compelling story about morality and redemption.

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