ANACONDA (2025) is coming to theaters, and you do not want to miss out on this monster horror-comedy. This movie feels like it was made by fans and for fans. A perfect treat starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. Full of snakes, pop culture references, and pitch-black comedy. Read our full 2025 Anaconda movie review here!
ANACONDA (2025) is not a reboot, but rather a wonderful spiritual spin-off. It’s coming to theaters for Christmas 2025, and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s for the whole family as long as your youngest family members aren’t too young. It’s filthy in all the best ways… and quite violent at times.
As a fan of the horror and comedy hybrid genre (and monster movies), this was such a treat for me to watch. I laughed out loud many times, while also jumping in my seat quite a few times. Obviously, any horror-comedy that manages both is a success.
Continue reading our 2025 Anaconda movie review below. Find it in US theaters from December 25, 2025.
Original, funny, and wild
If you wanted the anacondas of the 1997 movie to be bigger, then you’re in luck with this 2025 Anaconda movie. This is a deliciously original comedy full of action and monster horror, but never too scary. Jumpscares are there, but not the “horror” of your typical horror movie. Basically, a classic horror-comedy setup inspired by the 1997 monster horror movie.
The story in this 2025 movie is about lifelong best friends, Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd), who have always dreamed of making movie magic together. Specifically, they’ve always wanted to remake the movie these genre fans call their all-time favorite: Anaconda from 1997.
Life didn’t pan out as they wanted, so while Griff takes whatever acting job he can get, Doug makes wedding videos. Or “films”, as he calls them. Sadly, the people getting married are never on board with his creative ideas. As a result, they are both closing in on a midlife crisis, so they decide to go for it.
They are going to make an indie reboot of the 1997 box office hit. Easier said than done, but they have their childhood friends with them, Claire (Thandiwe Newton) and Kenny (Steve Zahn). Together, all four head into the Amazon to start filming, which is when things get real: A giant anaconda appears, turning their chaotic movie set into a deadly (but funny) nightmare.
This is NOT a reboot
I love that this 2025 Anaconda is billed as not being a reboot, because it definitely isn’t. However, it is very clearly related to the movie in that wonderful meta-sense. It also lays all the groundwork for the many pop culture references sprinkled throughout the movie.
And no, you don’t have to know the original, but it definitely makes the viewing experience of this Anaconda 2025 so much better. I actually rewatched the 1997 box office hit a couple of days before screening this 2025 version, just to get ready for this 2025 movie, and I am so happy I did.
You will get so much more out of it if you rewatch the 1997 movie. Not least the comments about Jon Voight’s character choices and the characters who survived the ordeal of the original. Just a little tip.
Watch Anaconda 2025 in theaters
This 2025 horror-comedy comes from director Tom Gormican, who also wrote the screenplay with Kevin Etten. Tom Gormican most recently had success with The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, starring Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal.
Despite this not being a reboot or a sequel, it’s obviously still based on the 1997 movie Anaconda, so credit is due to the writers of that movie as well. The 1997 movie was written by Hans Bauer and Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr. While the 1997 movie is a straight-up monster movie with monsters, I preferred everything about this 2025 movie.
If you usually like Jack Black and Paul Rudd, then this is a no-brainer. And if you enjoy a solid monster movie or a horror-comedy, then this is the perfect treat for you. Just as it was for me.
Anaconda (2025) is out in theaters on December 25, 2025.
Details
Directed by: Tom Gormican
Written by: Tom Gormican & Kevin Etten
Based on Anaconda Written by: Hans Bauer and Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr.
Cast: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello
Plot
THIS IS NOT A REBOOT. It is an entirely original comedy, inspired by the cinematic ‘classic’ “Anaconda,” that features Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd), who have been best friends since they were kids and always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite movie. When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally go for it, they head deep into the Amazon to start filming. But things get real when an actual giant anaconda appears, turning their comically chaotic movie set into a deadly situation.
📺 Watch trailer
- Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials – Series Review | Netflix - January 15, 2026
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – Review (3/5) - January 15, 2026
- Dust Bunny – Movie Review (3/5) - January 14, 2026
