‘Snakes on a Plane’ and our favorite monster mash-up movies
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“Snakes on a Plane” tapped into two of many people’s biggest fears — flying and snakes — and launched its own B-movie mash-up subgenre. The film hit theaters Aug. 18, 2006, and took the top spot at the box office that weekend, earning $15 million. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of “Snakes on a Plane’s” release, here are some of our favorite mash-up monster movies from the big and small screens.
“Snakes on a Plane,” 2006
Venomous snakes are released on a passenger plane transporting a key trial witness. Luckily, FBI agents are also on board. The film features one of Samuel L. Jackson’s most memorable quotes.
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“Snakes on a Train,” 2006
The pre-release hype surrounding “Snakes on a Plane” inspired this direct-to-video affair involving snakes, a train and a Mayan curse.
“Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus,” 2009
Scientists encounter not one but two giant prehistoric creatures that battle it out. This film launched a “Mega Shark” franchise, and the monster has gone on to battle other foes such as Crocosaurus, Mecha Shark and Kolossus.
“Sharktopus,” 2010
Scientists create a half-shark, half-octopus but their attempts at playing God backfire when they are unable to keep the monster under control. “Sharktopus” kicked off its own franchise with follow-up installments seeing the creature fight against other hybrid monsters including Pteracuda and Whalewolf.
“Sand Sharks,” 2011
What’s scarier than a shark? A shark that can swim through sand. Think “Jaws” meets “Tremors.”
“Piranhaconda,” 2012
A scientist angers a pair of piranha-anaconda hybrid creatures by stealing their egg and other people pay the price.
“Sharknado,” 2013
Even natural disasters can be amplified by adding sharks. The freak weather-monster phenomenon first touched ground in Los Angeles, but three films later fans know that not even landlocked Las Vegas is safe from a sharknado attack.
“Poseidon Rex,” 2014
Treasure hunters accidentally awaken an undiscovered dinosaur-monster while exploring the bottom of the ocean. This Tyrannosaurus rex-like dino can swim and can kill on land and underwater.
“Lavalantula,” 2015
A swarm of giant, lava-breathing tarantulas are unleashed on Los Angeles following violent volcanic eruptions to remind us spiders are terrifying too. And yes, there is a sequel.
Twitter: @tracycbrown
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