The highly anticipated, sure to be a cult classic, “Cocaine Bear” releases in theaters today, with the horror comedy inspired by a true story, where a bear hopped up on cocaine goes on a murderous rampage. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, and featuring one of the final performances from the late Ray Liotta, it’s sure to be a banger. After checking out the animal on a rampage flick, we recommend these other five killer animal flicks.
What are some of your favorite killer animal movies? Let us know.
Anaconda (1997)
Streaming On Paramount Plus, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video
You have Jennifer Lopez. You have Ice Cube. You have Kari Wuhrer. You have Owen Wilson. You have giant CGI Anacondas eating people. What more can you ask for? This schlocky snake film has been highly derided by many, but it’s a good old fashion monster movie through and through. The premise is simple, the action is great, the gore is plentiful, and Jon Voight does a great impersonation of Ricky Ricardo. I stole that joke from Roger Ebert. Did you know this movie has three sequels? Three!
Congo (1995)
Streaming On Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, Red Box
You have Bruce Campbell. You have Joe Don Baker. You have Tim Curry. And you have another schlocky cult classic that has been bashed for years. But damn it, I love it to pieces. This is one of the many films hoping to bank off of “Jurassic Park’s” success with a tale about mythical diamonds, ancient civilizations, and killer apes that about as violent as any you’ve ever seen before. The premise doesn’t make a ton of sense, but “Congo” is infinitely quotable, and ends on lasers blasting through killer apes. So even if you don’t like it you can’t say you’ve wasted your time.
Crawl (2019)
Streaming On Paramount Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Alexandre Aja dives head first in to the killer animal movie once again with “Crawl,” colliding a disaster picture with a nature run amok movie. In this one, Florida is overtaken by a massive storm, and a young girl finds herself stuck in a horrendous flood. In an effort to save her father, who is trapped in their home, she has to fend off against the elements. And, oh yes, there are a pack of hungry, murderous alligators lurking in the waters, ready to snatch up bystanders and survivors at every turn. The kills are vicious and Alexandre Aja is merciless with his protagonists, as they have to do battle with some really clever, blood thirsty gators.
Piranha 3D (2010)
Streaming On Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max
Alexandre Aja brings forth a truly vicious and gory remake of the cult classic and goes all out trashy with it. Set during spring break, a nest of prehistoric piranhas are accidentally unleashed. Now as they begin spreading and feasting on hapless vacationers and tourists, a local cop has to put a stop to their rampage before more blood is shed. Meanwhile, she also has to save her children, all of whom are being hunted by the vicious predators on a sinking boat. “Piranha 3D” is a gnarly and brutal remake with gore galore, and some darkly funny moments. Plus Jerry O’Connell goes full ham, which is always fun to witness.
Snakes on a Plane (2006)
Streaming On Apple TV, Redbox, Amazon Prime Video
It’s the internet meme, that became a running gag, that became an actual movie, “Snakes on a Plane” is a self aware horror comedy that knows exactly what it’s doing. Samuel L. Jackson plays Samuel L. Jackson as a cop who has to ship a criminal witness on a plane. But the local organized crime deliberately plants a horde of venomous snakes on his plane, intent on killing him. Now the survivors have to fight for their lives and evade the killer snakes that are oozing from every corner. “Snakes on a Plane” isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s damn fun, and you can’t beat “I have had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane!”