Hollywood Films Involving Snakes
Hollywood's Top 10 Most Thrilling Snake Films
Snakes have slithered their way into Hollywood, captivating audiences with their menacing presence and deadly allure. These reptiles have become iconic in horror and adventure films, from giant anacondas to venomous vipers. Let’s delve into the spine-chilling journey and discover the best Hollywood snake films celebrating the most thrilling snake moments on the silver screen.
Greatest Movies Involving Snakes Made in Hollywood
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | Grossing $330 Mn Part 1 (2010); $1.3 Bn Part 2 (2011)
These cinematic gems comprise the two-part adaptation of J. K. Rowling’s 2007 novel, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, concluding the acclaimed Harry Potter film series.
Directed by David Yates, these movies chronicle Harry Potter’s quest, at Dumbledore’s behest, to locate and destroy Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes – keys to his immortality.
Daniel Radcliffe stars throughout the franchise as the titular character, alongside Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
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While snakes aren’t central to any single instalment of the franchise, an integral character named Nagini, a snake, plays a pivotal role. Its scenes are intense and suspenseful, especially knowing it is both a deadly predator and a crucial part of Voldemort's plan.
The franchise’s final chapter earned acclaim, securing the Best Special Visual Effects accolade at the British Academy Film Awards. Part 1 has an IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 77%, while Part 2 is rated 8.1/10 on IMDb and holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 96%.
The Jungle Book | 2016 | Grossing USD 966 Million
Directed and produced by Jon Favreau, this fantasy adventure film is a live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved 1967 animated classic. Neel Sethi shines as Mowgli, the orphaned human child guided by his animal mentors. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery while navigating the perilous threats of Shere Khan.
Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o, Christopher Walken, and Giancarlo Esposito lend their talents through motion capture and voice performances in the film.
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In ‘The Jungle Book’, Kaa the python is a hypnotic and deadly predator. The fear she instils comes from her ability to manipulate and deceive Mowgli, making her a lurking, ever-present threat in the jungle apart from Shere Khan.
Celebrated for its ground-breaking visual effects, this movie garnered prestigious awards at the Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Critics' Choice Awards. The film has an IMDb rating of 7.4/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark | 1981 | Grossing USD 354 Million
This famous action-adventure movie stars Harrison Ford stars as Indiana Jones, an intrepid archaeologist. The U.S. government enlists him to locate the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis harness its formidable powers.
Apart from Ford, the action-adventure movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Paul Freeman, Karen Allen, Ronald Lacey, Denholm Elliott, and John Rhys-Davies.
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Although not a snake-focused film, the unforgettable scene of Indiana Jones and Marion sealed into the snake-infested Well of Souls remains one of cinema's most iconic snake moments.
The legendary film earned five Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects. The movie boasts an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%.
Beowulf | 2007 | Grossing USD 196.4 Million
Bringing the Old English epic poem Beowulf to life, Robert Zemeckis produced and directed this animated fantasy film. The action film features the voices of popular actors like Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, Ray Winstone, Brendan Gleeson, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover, and Alison Lohman.
The movie delves into the legendary exploits of Beowulf, a renowned monster hunter who ventures to Denmark to confront a terrifying beast. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn, plunging him into a shocking experience unlike any he has ever faced before.
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While not entirely focused on snakes, ‘Beowulf’ includes a terrifying depiction of the monster, which has serpent-like qualities. However, the main twist awaits the audience in the end, weaving a sense of epic horror more than any snake movie.
Anaconda | 1997 | Grossing USD 136.8 Million
Directed by Luis Llosa, this adventure horror film features an ensemble cast including Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, Ice Cube, Owen Wilson, Eric Stoltz, and Jonathan Hyde.
The movie follows a documentary crew in the Amazon rainforest led by a skilled snake hunter in pursuit of a colossal, mythical green anaconda.
The suspenseful atmosphere, combined with the snake's sheer size and strength, creates a sense of dread. The film's use of practical effects and animatronics makes the snake appear more realistic and menacing, heightening the horror.
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