I can't believe I'm writing this, but "Anaconda" is the best comedy I've seen this year. No, it's not making my list of the best movies I've seen in 2025, but this meta-reboot of the so-bad-it-might-actually-be-good 1997 horror movie had me laughing so hard I cried. More than once.
Now, I'll fully admit, this movie didn't have a high bar to clear. The 1997 original wasn't particularly good, the other movies in the franchise might be worse, and I did not have high expectations of a reboot that seems to have the singular goal of making fun of how Hollywood makes movies. And to be honest, the meta commentary is, at times, the weakest part of this movie. But as a comedy, it's undeniably successful, even if it's absolutely unhinged.
Wait, is 'Anaconda' a reboot, sequel or remake?
Before we dive into what I loved about "Anaconda," let's answer the important question: is this a reboot, sequel or remake?
Technically, you could argue it's a sequel. This movie exists in a world where the 1997 movie "Anaconda" was made by Sony, which also produced this 2025 take on the franchise. But it's not like the events of that movie are canon to this follow-up, so it's not really a sequel.
Instead, this is a reboot of "Anaconda," and one that pokes fun not just at its predecessor, but the filmmaking industry writ large. It stars Paul Rudd as Griff, a background actor who has appeared in shows like "SWAT" and who, frankly, isn't particularly good. His best friend is Doug (Jack Black), a wedding videographer in their hometown of Buffalo who stayed at home and never realized his Hollywood dreams.
That all changes, though, when Griff reveals to Doug and their childhood friends Kenny (Steve Zahn) and Claire (Thandiwe Newton) that he's shockingly acquired the rights to the 1997 movie "Anaconda." They then pack their bags for the Amazon, where they meet Santiago (Sleton Mello), a professional snake wrangler providing the anaconda that they'll be using to make their indie movie version of the 1997 blockbuster. They also meet Ana (Daniela Melchior), a woman who claims to be their riverboat captain but clearly isnt quite who she seems.
I could not stop laughing at 'Anaconda'
Light spoilers for "Anaconda" (2025) ahead
This movie has basically two goals: make fun of Hollywood and make you laugh. Often it does both at the same time, but while the meta-commentary sometimes falls flat, the comedy is almost always guaranteed to elicit a laugh.
Are there flaws with the movie? Yes. It's arguably more funny than good, though by no means is it a bad movie. As I mentioned, it's too meta at times, and despite being just 99 minutes runs longer than it needs to. Ironically, it falls victim to the same Hollywood tropes it's satirizing. There are unnecessary cameos, more storylines than needed and it can't help itself from occasionally putting a hat on a hat.
But again, this movie is so funny. You're laughing more often than you're not. My favorite comedic moments included someone gifting Doug the actual lotion and basket from "The Silence of the Lambs" for his birthday, which scored probably the first big laugh in my screening. Then there's the scene where Griff, who is taking on the male lead in this indie reboot of "Anaconda," has to act with Santiago's prop snake and absolutely cannot handle it. Finally, there's a scene where Doug has to run from a predator in the jungle with a dead wild boar taped to his back, only it turns out the boar isn't dead.
That moment probably got the biggest laughs in the theater, and marked the second or third time I cried from laughing. I cannot stress enough that I laughed so hard I cried multiple times during this movie. I physically couldn't stop myself from having a blast. And, despite being absolutely hysterical, the movie scores a few jump scares once Griff, Doug and the crew start getting attacked by a massive anaconda that's been following them through the jungle. If you love a fun time at the movies, go see "Anaconda" (2025) at the theaters this Christmas break.
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