7 Snake Horror Films You Might Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong presents seven lesser-known snake movies that may have slipped under your radar…

      While shark-themed horror films often take the spotlight, snakes, with their slithery and venomous nature, merit recognition too. Notable snake films like Anaconda and Snakes on a Plane certainly deserve a mention. Additionally, there are movies with memorable snake scenes, such as Indiana Jones’s fear of snakes in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s character in Hard Target, who swiftly knocks out a charging rattlesnake. However, what about the snake films that didn’t achieve mainstream success or have faded from cinematic memory? With that in mind, here’s a curated list of seven snake-themed movies you may not have encountered…

      **Venom (1981)**

      Initially directed by Tobe Hooper, who left early in production citing "creative differences," Piers Haggard took over to complete Venom. Despite its title, it doesn’t initially feel like a snake film, especially in the beginning. The story is crafted like a kidnapping narrative involving the maid Louise Andrews (Susan George) and chauffeur Dave (Oliver Reed) plotting with the international criminal Jacques Müller (played menacingly by Klaus Kinski) to abduct a boy (Lance Holcomb) in exchange for a hefty ransom.

      As the plot unfolds, it shifts into a hostage drama within a townhouse surrounded by police, creating a tense atmosphere. Adding to the chaos is a deadly black mamba that is loose inside the house, stalking its prey. The blend of psychological thriller and snake-related horror works effectively, supported by a strong cast delivering solid performances.

      **Fangs (1974)**

      Although the title Fangs is quite generic for a snake movie, Art Names brings a distinctively odd, grindhouse-style B-movie essence to his sole directorial effort. The narrative follows Snakey Bender (Les Tremayne), an eccentric older man fond of snakes who enjoys entertaining children. When he isn’t tending to his snakes, he joins his friend Burt (Richard Kennedy) for their weekly John Philip Sousa concert. However, Burt’s decision to prioritize his new wife over their routine leaves Snakey feeling resentful.

      Interestingly, the snakes aren't the antagonists; instead, Fangs delves into the bizarre aspects of human nature. The film showcases oddball characters, including the snake-obsessed Ms. Williams (Bebe Kelly) and the Palmer siblings (Alice Nunn’s Sis and Bruce Kimball’s Bud), grocery store co-owners who dominate Williams. It also features a revenge subplot centered on Snakey’s quest for vengeance against those who wronged him.

      **Calamity of Snakes (1982)**

      This film is certainly not for the faint-hearted, particularly those with ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) who might want to avoid Calamity of Snakes. Directed by Chi Chang (also known as William Cheung Kei), this Taiwan and Hong Kong joint production does not shy away from the overt brutality and violence associated with snakes. Instead of relying on special effects, it uses real, live snakes to enhance authenticity.

      The narrative unfolds as a grim tale of nature turning against humanity, centering on a cocky real estate developer who refuses to call for fire department assistance to handle a snake den on his construction site. Instead, he employs an excavator, killing the snakes with the help of construction workers. This marks the beginning of a bloody retaliation against those responsible for the massacre, as the snakes seek revenge. The film's violence is graphic, especially during a confrontation involving an old snake handler and a giant python.

      **Jennifer (1978)**

      This supernatural horror film echoes Brian De Palma’s 1976 classic Carrie, featuring a teenage outcast plagued by bullies at school, a fanatically religious parent, supernatural powers, and a revenge plot. In contrast to Carrie’s telekinesis, Jennifer (Lisa Pelikan) uses her psychokinetic ability to control snakes as weapons.

      While director Brice Mack may not possess De Palma’s flair, he still draws a compelling performance from Pelikan as the timid Jennifer, while Amy Johnston effectively plays the infamous school bully. Like Carrie, the film methodically portrays Jennifer's struggles with bullying until she reaches her breaking point. The climax features Jennifer embracing her powers to exact revenge on her tormentors through manipulating snakes.

      **Curse II: The Bite (1989)**

      Despite having a Roman numeral in its title, Curse II: The Bite is unrelated to its predecessor. The plot follows a young couple (Clark played by J. Eddie Peck and Lisa by Jill Schoelen) who take a risky shortcut through an abandoned nuclear test site in Arizona, home to dangerous snakes—specifically, radioactive ones.

      A pivotal moment occurs when Clark is bitten by one of the snakes, leading to a grotesque transformation into a hideous creature. Director Frederico Prosperi (Fred Goodwin) successfully establishes an