10 Best Snakes In Movie History, Ranked

Snakes have been associated with sin and villainy in media since time immemorial. Films are no exception, as can be seen from films like Anaconda and Snakes on a Plane, which features them as monstrous reptiles. When it comes to animated films involving anthropomorphic animals, snakes can again often appear as antagonists.

At the same time, these reptiles are sometimes depicted as positive characters, for a change. A prominent example would be Master Viper from the Kung Fu Panda series. In the end, irrespective of whether people like or dislike snakes, it’s clear that snake films are here to stay.

10 Piranhaconda (Piranhaconda)

What’s more dangerous than an anaconda? A piranhaconda! Centered around a creature that’s a hybrid between an anaconda and a piranha, Piranhaconda is one of those movies that is so bad that it’s good and its titular creature is, of course, one unique specimen of nature. The campy visual effects serve as the cherry on the top for b-movie enthusiasts, as it wreaks havoc wherever it goes.

From striking down helicopters to biting off heads with its razor-sharp teeth, the piranhaconda is a snake that seems to be absolutely hilarious and weirdly intimidating at the same time. All in all, it is an iconic hybrid that can join the likes of hilariously cheesy shark attack movies like Sharktopus and Dinoshark.

9 Sir Hiss (Robin Hood)

While Sir Hiss doesn’t actively attack his adversaries, the antagonistic advisor of Prince John can do his bidding with his hypnotic powers. After all, he manipulated the foolish Prince to start a whole Crusade, just so he could rule his kingdom.

In terms of his powers and physical appearance, Sir Hiss is very similar to Kaa from The Jungle Book. Still, the latter has gone on to become a way more popular snake than Sir Hiss. Niche Disney fans would still hold the medieval snake with great reverence.

8 Rattlesnake Jake (Rango)

In the dusty, deserted world of Rango, Rattlesnake Jake builds terror with his brutish strength and a Gatling gun attached to his rattle. His fiery weapon results in fast and accurate shots, while his own body moment is equally swift. If his presence wasn’t intimidating enough, he can even betray villains like the Mayor, who hired him as a hitman.

The Western Diamondback rattlesnake’s realistic character design, coupled with Bill Nighy’s voice acting in the movie, makes the character all the more iconic. His physical appearance itself sets him apart from other animated snakes.

7 Master Viper (Kung Fu Panda Franchise)

Much like the other characters of Kung Fu Panda, Viper is a master of martial arts as she embarks on several adventures with the Furious Five. However, the green tree viper is often overshadowed by the popularity of other peers, like Tiger and Mantis. Compared to such fighters, she doesn’t talk much.

At the same time, Viper is a unique combatant given how she blends her fighting skills with ribbon dancing. As the short film Secrets of the Furious Five reveals, she was always fond of ribbon dancing and even proficient at it from a young age. This aspect of her fighting style adds an unconventional aspect to Master Viper.

6 Jafar (Aladdin)

The classic Disney villain, Jafar is mostly present in Aladdin as a human wizard wielding a cobra-headed staff. However, when he attains the powers of the magic lamp, he turns into a gigantic red-hooded cobra.

Consumed by his lust for even more power, Jafar wishes to become a Genie and gets trapped in a lamp. Despite his folly, Jafar proved to be quite a scary foe in his snake form. For younger audiences, the bloodshot eyes and pointy fangs can induce chills.

5 Various (Snakes On A Plane)

As the film’s title suggests, Snakes on a Plane is filled with all sorts of snakes aboard an ill-fated flight. As the antagonists spray a special pheromone on the passengers, the snakes grow more aggressive and attack anyone and everyone in sight. Their victims include the pilots, a couple making love, FBI agents, and many others.

What is iconic about these snakes is the immense fandom they have generated. The movie takes place on an airplane and its ludicrous premise has made it a cult hit. Furthermore, the way these reptiles test the limits of Samuel L Jackson’s patience has again garnered many thrills and laughs.

4 Nagini (Harry Potter Franchise)

Nagini is one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes and probably the Dark Lord’s most loyal companion. As Voldemort can communicate in Parseltongue, he also possesses her to attack his enemies.

As a snake, her combat skills are unmatched and her swift moves allow her to defeat several wizards and witches. Her strength can also be realized from the time she tightly binds Harry Potter in her coils. Her venom is also very dangerous, as it causes mass blood loss and prevents the wound from healing, but can also be used in potions, as was seen when Peter Pettigrew used it, along with unicorn blood, to give Voldemort a physical form.

3 Kaa (The Jungle Book)

A villainous character from The Jungle Book, Kaa might look like a normal forest python, but his eyes carry the power of hypnotism. Aiming to eat Mowgli, he hypnotized the boy in two prominent scenes of the film. Even the panther Bagheera couldn’t keep his senses around the snake.

Despite his limited screen time, Kaa is definitely one of the most identifiable snakes in pop culture. The character’s song, “Trust In Me,” is also a musical classic in the pantheon of Disney animated films. The legacy of Kaa lives on as a new version of the character was voiced by Scarlett Johansson in the 2016 reboot.

2 Serpent Of Slytherin (Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets)

The Basilisk is a gigantic serpent in the Harry Potter universe with the most relevant one being the “Serpent of Slytherin.” If its poisonous fangs weren’t enough, it can even petrify people into a Medusa-like state with just a gaze.

As Harry and Ron encounter the magical snake in the Chamber of Secrets, the scene gets scarier as the Basilisk moves swiftly with its jaws wide open. Such is its venomous abilities that when Harry killed it with the sword of Godric Gryffindor, the poison from its fangs is absorbed by the blade and proves to be crucial in defeating Voldemort. Unfortunately, one of the fangs also pierces Harry, and its venom proved nearly deadly if it wasn’t for Fawkes’ tears. Harry later uses the fang to pierce Tom Riddle’s diary, another Horcrux.

1 The Anaconda (Anaconda)

The titular antagonist in Anaconda is easily one of the scariest snakes in a movie, as these gigantic reptiles are very much real. A gargantuan anaconda serves as the villain in the first film, boasting immense physical strength. Unlike other cinematic snakes, the anaconda doesn’t bite its prey. Instead, it is strong enough to wrap itself around the victim and swallow them whole.

However, what makes the anaconda legendary is the fact that it is not treated as a one-dimensional villain. Instead, the human characters are the ones that barge in its Amazonian environment to hunt the creature. Really, all that the anaconda does is defend itself, a task that the snake does with great expertise.

About The Author

Shaurya Thapa
(724 Articles Published)

Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. When it comes to Screen Rant, he writes lists on a wide array of subjects ranging from international films to mainstream Netflix series and comic book trivia. He also hosts a podcast called ‘BhindiWire’, an Indian parody of IndieWire.

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