With the release of “Shark Night 3D,” moviegoers will be introduced to a group of attractive young actors who will most likely be systematically eaten by the film’s titular monster. In truth, the term “monster” isn’t appropriate since sharks actually exist. Turning an animal into a movie monster isn’t a new concept, and is less popular than having fictional creatures like vampires or Godzilla wreak havoc. Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” is “Shark Night 3D’s” most obvious influence and was cinema’s first summer blockbuster. Over 35 years later, it remains one of the most famous examples of real-life animals engaging in filmed villainy. There are countless others, but here are some of recent movie history’s most notorious ones.
“Jurassic Park”
Two decades after “Jaws,” Spielberg would once again force a bunch of people to flee from a charging animal. This time, however, they were fleeing on land, not water. The most curious thing about this film is that people seem to forget that dinosaurs actually existed. They might not be available for comment at the moment, but they were certainly real.
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
Sure they have genetically enhanced brains, but they’re unchanged enough to still be considered actual animals. While not quite villains, the apes in this film eventually become antagonistic.
“Anaconda”
In terms of tone, “Anaconda” is the most similar flick to “Shark Night 3D” on this list. The best parts of this 1997 film involve Jon Voight as the creepy human baddie and seeing a pre-“American Idol” Jennifer Lopez fight a snake. Ice Cube also summons all his acting talent to deliver the classic line, “There’s snakes out there this big?”
“Arachnophobia”
This well-made horror-comedy from 1990 seems to have been completely forgotten, which is a shame because it features a strong cast, some good scares, and the creepiest clothes hanger ever put on film.
“Snakes on a Plane”
“Snakes on a Plane” is a strange movie that combines elements from about a dozen genres including horror, action, and comedy. It might be hard to classify, but one thing is undeniable: There are a lot of snakes in it and they do a lot of not-so-nice things.
Though unlikely, it’s possible that you could bump into any one of these creatures while out for an evening stroll. (Except, of course, the dinosaurs.) If the above films have taught audiences one thing about these animals it’s this: Don’t get too close or you just might become another footnote in horror film history.