1986 Hit Film Ranked Among 'Best Horror Movies of All Time' Is a Remake
Among the decades of released horror films, there are always a select few that fans know by name instantly. Director David Cronenberg, known as an originator of body horror, released a 1986 sci-fi film that would become a horror movie classic, and was originally a remake of its 1958 predecessor.
In the late '80s, Jeff Goldblum had already dabbled in the sci-fi horror genre with the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. By 1986, he starred in The Fly alongside Geena Davisand John Getz. The film has been ranked by Rotten Tomatoesas one of the "Best Horror Movies of All Time" with a 94% rating and at No. 59 on the list. The storyline for the film is well known among fans, having originally been a George Langelaan's 1957 short story of the same name and a 1958 film of the same name.
The Fly follows the brilliant but eccentric scientist Seth Brundle, played by Goldblum, as he invents a set of telepods capable of instantaneous teleportation between them. Brundle soon meets a science journalist named Veronica "Ronnie" Quaife (Davis) and shows her the device. The invention isn't 100% ready as it's unable to fully transport living beings. The Fly takes a turn when Brundle makes some modifications and uses the machine, unaware that a fly was in the other pod.
His DNA becomes fused with the insect, and at first, he experiences enhanced strength and energy, but he soon undergoes a horrifying transformation. His body and mind deteriorate-turning him into a grotesque human-fly hybrid.
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The Fly was originally filmed in 1958 with director Kurt Neumann and David Hedison in the leading roles. It did well at the box office, having makde $3 million against its $325,000 budget. Many fans can agree that the 1986 remake is what gained more cult classic acclaim, earning $60 million against its $9 million budget. It also led to an Oscar for Best Makeup, and the tagline, "Be afraid. Be very afraid," became a pop culture hit.
"David Cronenberg combines his trademark affinity for gore and horror with strongly developed characters, making The Fly a surprisingly affecting tragedy," said Rotten Tomatoes about the film. With other critics describing the remake as one that surpasses the original and exceeds the potential of the original short story.
The film's storyline went through a few creative changes before it was greenlit by 20th Century Fox. The role of Brundle was also originally proposed for Pierce Brosnan before it was shot down, and later offered toJohn Malkovich, John Lithgow, Michael Keaton, and even Richard Dreyfuss. Goldblum was offered the role at the suggestion of Cronenberg, and for being the only actor willing to wear prosthetics.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 8:48 AM.