Get ready to be shocked—the Anaconda franchise is back, and it’s slithering its way to the top of the box office charts! But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this reboot a worthy successor to the 1997 original, or just another cash grab? Let’s dive into the details and let you decide.
The 2025 Anaconda reboot has officially surpassed the $100 million mark at the global box office, becoming only the second film in the franchise to achieve this monumental feat. Starring Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello, the movie takes a meta twist as the cast attempts to make their own Anaconda film—with predictably disastrous (and hilarious) results. According to Deadline, the film has raked in $50.4 million domestically and $51.2 million internationally, totaling $101.6 million worldwide. This marks the first time since the 1997 original, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube, that an Anaconda movie has crossed the $100 million threshold. Speaking of the original, it remains the franchise’s highest-earner with a global gross of $137 million, while the 2004 sequel, Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, trailed far behind with $70.3 million.
And this is the part most people miss: The other Anaconda films released between 2004 and 2025 were made-for-TV movies, skipping theatrical releases entirely. Titles like Anaconda 3: Offspring (2008), Anacondas: Trail of Blood (2009), and Lake Placid vs. Anaconda (2015) premiered on the Syfy channel, leaving them without official box office records. But the 2025 reboot, with its reported $45 million budget, isn’t just hitting franchise milestones—it’s also turning a profit. Released on Christmas Day, it’s held its own against heavy hitters like Avatar: Fire and Ash, The Housemaid, Marty Supreme, and Five Nights at Freddy's 2.
Critics have been divided, with the film earning a 51% score on Rotten Tomatoes. ScreenRant’s Gregory Nussen called it ‘Funny and surprisingly sweet yet ultimately as boneless as a snake.’ However, audiences have been far more enthusiastic, giving it a 76% Popcornmeter score and praising its over-the-top comedy and standout performances from Black, Rudd, and Zahn. This continues Jack Black’s streak of box office successes, following hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($1.3 billion worldwide in 2023) and A Minecraft Movie ($958.2 million in 2025). While Anaconda won’t reach those astronomical heights, it’s still a solid win for the actor and the franchise.
Here’s the real question: With the reboot’s success, could we see more Anaconda films in the future? And if so, will they lean further into comedy rather than horror? Nothing’s confirmed yet, but the possibilities are as endless as the Amazon rainforest. Directed by Tom Gormican and written by Kevin Etten and Gormican, this 100-minute adventure proves that sometimes, even the most unlikely franchises can strike gold—again.
What do you think? Is the Anaconda reboot a refreshing twist or a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
