8 Forgotten Horrors That Deserve a Remake Instead of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'

We are all tired of remakes of classics, and another one was recently released – the new I Know What You Did Last Summer. Meanwhile, more interesting projects remain out of the producers' spotlight – it's the forgotten gems of the 80s and 90s that deserve a new look.

1. 'The Relic', 1997

IMDb Score: 5.8/10

An influential group of sponsors has gathered for a dinner party at the Chicago Museum of Natural History. Meanwhile, an ancient South American artifact arrives in the cargo hold, with a mutated creature hiding inside.

The murders begin immediately, yet neither the museum director nor the police are willing to believe that the monster is responsible.

The Relic is, in many ways, a traditional horror about a monster, but it features an atypical location. It is not a forest or laboratory, but a museum. It is this setting that makes The Relic a promising candidate for a remake.

2. 'The People Under the Stairs', 1991

IMDb Score: 6.4/10

A boy nicknamed Fool and his friends break into the home of a wealthy couple who rents housing to the poor at exorbitant prices.

Inside, they find not money, but rather, crippled children who had been locked up for years. Meanwhile, when the owners return, they sense uninvited guests and begin a hunt.

Wes Craven's The People Under the Stairs was ahead of its time and is now considered one of the earliest examples of social horror. Jordan Peele has admitted that it is one of his favorite horror movies and has mentioned that he would like to remake it.

3. 'Urban Legend', 1998

IMDb Score: 5.6/10

Fear has gripped the university campus – one after another, students are dying in ways that mirror popular urban horror stories. Natalie understands that some madman is inspired by local legends, but no one believes her.

The concept of the movie has incredible potential today because urban legends have evolved into numerous creepypastas that can be used in a remake.

4. 'House on Haunted Hill', 1999

IMDb Score: 5.6/10

Businessman Stephen throws a party in a former mental hospital. He invites five strangers to participate in a challenge: if they spend the night in the building, they will receive one million dollars.

At first, it seems that the guests will be frightened by the creepy decorations and legends, but there is more to it than that. The building is actually alive and doesn't like having strangers around.

Who wouldn't want to see a horror movie version of Squid Game with supernatural elements?

5. 'Happy Birthday to Me', 1981

IMDb Score: 6.0/10

Ginny is an excellent student and one of the most popular students at an elite private school. Suddenly, her life begins to fall apart – her privileged friends are being killed one by one.

As her birthday approaches, Ginny begins to lose touch with reality. Suspicion falls on everyone, including Ginny herself.

Despite its typical slasher premise, Happy Birthday to Me is a disturbing thriller with a surprisingly modern level of psychological insight.

6. 'Disturbing Behavior', 1998

IMDb Score: 5.7/10

Steve moves with his family to a new town, where he immediately senses that something is wrong. The kids and teens seem too perfect and their behavior seems rehearsed. All this is due to the local psychologist who promotes obedience therapy.

With the help of the rebellious Rachel, Steve discovers that behind their outward well-being is a terrible experiment in reprogramming their personalities.

Disturbing Behavior focuses on the main fear of 1990s teenagers – conformity. The movie plays with the conventions of zombie horror as it explores suppression as a form of violence.

7. 'Prom Night', 1980

IMDb Score: 5.3/10

While playing hide-and-seek in an abandoned building, a girl accidentally dies. The other children swear that they will never tell anyone what happened.

Six years later, the now-grown schoolchildren begin dying one by one during prom. Kim, the sister of one of the deceased, tries to figure out what happened before it is too late.

Essentially, Prom Night is a precursor to I Know What You Did Last Summer – here, collective guilt triggers violence and revenge, too.

8. 'The Changeling', 1980

IMDb Score: 7.1/10

After the death of his wife and daughter, composer John moves to a mysterious mansion, hoping to start a new life. However, the house seems intent on driving the newcomer away, filling the air with frightening sounds.

John soon learns about the tragic fate of a child who died in the house and the influential family that hid his death for some reason.

The melancholic atmosphere, twisted plot about covering up the past, and lack of clear antagonist make The Changeling similar to modern slow burners.