We’ll admit it, we’re movie snobs and, as such, tend to approach remakes with a healthy dose of cynicism. Motion Picture history is rife with examples of films that should have been left alone. Coupled with Hollywood’s tendency toward stultifying strings of formula films, movie sameness is not welcome here.

That is, unless the filmmaker brings something new to the table. A stronger cast, enhanced f/x, a more polished production; whatever the case may be, some remakes do manage to raise the bar. We think these ten movie remakes are better than the previous versions:

1. Cape Fear (1991) – The original film noir classic of 1962  starring Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck is a classic. All the more reason to appreciate the pulsating chemistry between Robert  DeNiro’s chilling Max Cady and his prey, played by Juliette Lewis in Martin Scorcese’s  remake.
2. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) – An excellent cast (including an unbilled Robert Duvall) give this remake of the 1956 horror classic an added dose of sociological paranoia and suspense. Actor Kevin McCarthy and director Don Siegel from the original, have cameos in this gripping version.
3. Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – This Frank Oz treatment of the 1960 original benefits from a much bigger budget than Roger Corman had to work with, and uses it to create a lush, rollicking musical production.
4. The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) – A  remake of the Steve McQueen 1968 original pairs Pierce Brosnan with Rene Russo for some steamy on-screen chemistry. Add in a smart script and sharper plot, and you’ve got a clear winner.
5. The Fly (1986) – In addition to incredible make-up and f/x work, this remake of the 1958 original brings a depth to the main characters and storyline that makes the horror all the more visceral for us.
6. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) – One of two movies on our list whose original and remake were made by same director. Alfred Hitchcock’s remake succeeds with a bigger budget and stronger cast well enough for the master himself to state, “Let’s say that the first version is the work of a talented amateur and the second was made by a professional.”
7. 3:10 to Yuma (2007) – Far more complex and character-driven than the original, this version still delivers on the action in this homage to old-style Westerns. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale give three-dimensional performances that the original lacks, in our opinion.
8. A Star is Born (1954) – As a vehicle for reviving Judy Garland’s career, it provided a role in which the star was simply electrifying. James Mason as her over-bearing alcoholic husband  is spot-on as well. The 1937 original starred Janet Gaynor and Fredric March.
9. The Ten Commandments (1956) – A star-laden cast and stunning special effects for its time, this remake is the second on our list to be done by the same director as the original, this time Cecil B. DeMille. Whereas the original heads off into a morality tale in its second half, this version remains true to the story itself. An ideal platform for an epic DeMille classic.
10. My Fair Lady (1964) – An infectiously joyous musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and the 1938 film of the same name, this remake is quite possibly the greatest musical of all time. Witty scripting, lovely performances by the entire cast, and lush production round out the package.