There’s something inherently terrifying about snakes. Maybe it’s their slithery movements, venomous fangs, or the way they can appear out of nowhere. Whatever it is, snakes have been the stars of some of the most thrilling and scary movies over the years. If you’re a fan of horror movies featuring these slippery serpents, this list is for you. Here are the seven best scary snake movies that will make you squirm in your seat and keep you on the edge of your bed. And as a bonus, we’ll throw in three more movies that are guaranteed to make your skin crawl!
1. Anaconda (1997)
Let’s start with the classic that introduced many of us to the fear of massive snakes: Anaconda. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, this film is about a documentary crew in the Amazon rainforest that becomes the target of a giant, man-eating anaconda. The snake in this film isn’t just big; it’s colossal, capable of swallowing people whole, and almost seems intelligent in its relentless pursuit of its prey.
Anaconda is a mix of campy horror and genuine scares, with plenty of over-the-top moments that make it a memorable creature feature. Jon Voight’s performance as the villainous snake hunter is both chilling and bizarre, adding an extra layer of creepy to the movie. The special effects, while a bit dated, still manage to elicit a few jump scares and gasps, especially when the snake attacks.
2. Snakes on a Plane (2006)
No list of snake movies would be complete without mentioning the outrageous and hilarious Snakes on a Plane. This movie stars Samuel L. Jackson as an FBI agent trying to protect a witness on a flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles. The twist? An assassin has released a crate full of deadly snakes onto the plane to kill the witness and everyone else on board.
Snakes on a Plane is pure B-movie fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing its ridiculous premise and delivering a wild ride full of laughs, screams, and some seriously gnarly snake attacks. This film is known for its memorable one-liners and over-the-top action scenes, making it a perfect movie for a fun, horror-themed movie night with friends.
3. Python (2000)
If you thought Anaconda was the last word in oversized snake horror, think again! Python brings another level of sci-fi horror with a genetically engineered python that escapes a lab and wreaks havoc on a small town. With its impressive size, speed, and intelligence, this snake is not your average reptile. The film stars Robert Englund, known for his role as Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, and he brings a touch of dark charisma to the proceedings.
Python combines elements of horror, science fiction, and dark humor, creating a bizarre but entertaining movie. The special effects are a mix of practical and early 2000s CGI, which adds to the movie’s campy charm. The snake attacks are creative and gory, making Python a cult classic for fans of creature features.
4. Venom (1981)
Long before Tom Hardy’s superhero version of Venom, there was another film with the same name that centered around a very different kind of terror. This 1981 British horror-thriller combines a kidnapping plot with a deadly black mamba snake loose in a house. When a kidnapping goes wrong, and the snake is accidentally released, the kidnappers and their hostage are trapped inside with one of the deadliest snakes in the world.
Venom is a tense, slow-burn thriller that relies on the genuine terror of a highly venomous snake. The suspense builds as the characters try to outwit the snake and each other, leading to a nerve-wracking finale. With its atmospheric setting and intense performances, Venom is a must-watch for fans of classic horror films.
5. Boa vs. Python (2004)
The early 2000s were a golden age for cheesy monster movies, and Boa vs. Python is one of the most entertaining of the bunch. This movie pits two genetically engineered snakes—a giant boa constrictor and an equally massive python—against each other in a battle for supremacy. The premise alone is enough to draw you in, but the film’s outlandish plot and action-packed sequences keep you hooked.
While Boa vs. Python isn’t winning any awards for its script or acting, it’s a blast to watch if you’re in the mood for some low-budget, creature-feature fun. The snake-on-snake battles are the highlight, featuring some hilariously over-the-top CGI that only adds to the movie’s charm. This is a perfect choice for fans of ridiculous horror movies with a healthy dose of humor.
6. Venomous (2001)
Venomous takes the snake horror genre in a slightly different direction, combining elements of a medical thriller with the terror of killer snakes. When a genetically modified snake escapes from a lab and starts spreading a deadly virus in a small town, chaos ensues. The film follows a doctor and a sheriff as they try to contain the outbreak and deal with the growing number of snake attacks.
What sets Venomous apart is its combination of creature horror and viral outbreak panic, making it feel like a mix between Outbreak and Anaconda. The snake attacks are intense and well-executed, and the added threat of a virus gives the film an extra layer of tension. If you’re a fan of medical thrillers and creature features, Venomous is worth a watch.
7. Mega Snake (2007)
If you love movies that are so bad they’re good, Mega Snake is the film for you. This 2007 creature feature follows a small town in Tennessee as it deals with a giant, man-eating snake that was accidentally released by a curious teenager. As the snake grows larger and more dangerous, the town’s residents must come together to stop it before it’s too late.
Mega Snake is pure, unadulterated B-movie fun. It embraces its ridiculous premise and low-budget effects, delivering a film that’s equal parts funny and terrifying. The snake attacks are over-the-top and gory, making it a great choice for fans of campy horror. Plus, it features a cameo from Snake Plissken himself, Kurt Russell, adding an extra layer of cool to the movie.
Bonus: 8. Jaws of Satan (1981)
For those who love a mix of the supernatural with their snake scares, Jaws of Satan is a perfect pick. This lesser-known gem from the early ’80s combines elements of horror, supernatural, and snakes to create a unique movie experience. The film follows a small-town priest who discovers that a series of mysterious deaths are caused by a king cobra possessed by Satan himself.
Jaws of Satan is unique in its blend of satanic horror and creature feature, making it a standout in the snake movie genre. The idea of a demonic snake adds an extra layer of dread, and the film builds a surprisingly creepy atmosphere. While it has its share of campy moments, it’s a genuinely eerie film with a few surprising scares. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Jaws of Satan is the perfect choice.
Bonus: 9. Snake Island (2002)
The horrors of Snake Island are very real. Set on a remote island off the coast of Africa, this movie plays on the fear of being trapped in a place swarming with venomous snakes. A group of tourists visiting the island soon find themselves fighting for their lives as they realize the snakes are not just aggressive, but seem to be acting in concert, as if driven by a sinister force.
What makes Snake Island unique is its blend of horror and adventure with a survival thriller twist. The film captures the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped with nowhere to hide and no one to help. The snake attacks are brutal and relentless, leaving viewers on edge as the tension builds throughout the movie. If you enjoy survival horror films with a reptilian twist, Snake Island is a must-watch.
Bonus: 10. The Snake Woman (1961)
If you’re looking for a vintage gem that combines classic horror elements with snake scares, look no further than The Snake Woman. This 1961 British film is set in a rural village in the early 20th century, where a mad scientist injects his pregnant wife with snake venom to cure her madness. The result? A daughter born with the ability to transform into a deadly snake.
The Snake Woman is a unique blend of gothic horror and creature feature, with an eerie atmosphere and an unsettling storyline. The film’s low-budget special effects add to its charm, giving it a classic B-movie feel. The titular Snake Woman’s transformations are creepy, and the movie’s black-and-white cinematography adds a layer of spookiness to the proceedings. If you’re a fan of classic horror films, The Snake Woman is a hidden gem worth uncovering.
Conclusion
Whether you love them or fear them, snakes have a way of slithering into our nightmares and making a lasting impression on the big screen. From the campy fun of Snakes on a Plane to the genuine chills of Venom and the supernatural scares of Jaws of Satan, there’s a snake movie out there for everyone. And with Snake Island and The Snake Woman adding even more variety, you’re sure to find a slithering scare
