Animal attack movies have a storied history, from Steven Spielberg's Jaws redefining the genre in 1975 to cult classics like Lake Placid and Congo in the '80s and '90s. But in recent years, the genre has been mostly dormant, with only a few standout entries like Crawl keeping the flame alive. Now, indie filmmaker James Nunn is bringing the thrills back with Hungry, a new Prime Video thriller that puts a terrifying spin on one of nature's most underestimated creatures: the hippopotamus.
Released this week on Amazon's streaming platform, Hungry has quickly become a fan favorite, climbing to the number four spot on Prime Video's overall top 10 and ranking as the second most-watched movie on the service, just behind Apocalypse Z: New World. The film's clever title, which evokes the classic board game Hungry Hungry Hippos, is no accident—the trailer even jokes that the hippo "isn't here to play games." But the title is more than just a nod to nostalgia; it sets the tone for a movie that's equal parts thrilling and darkly humorous.
A Fresh Take on the Animal Attack Genre
What sets Hungry apart is its choice of antagonist. While sharks, alligators, and snakes have dominated the genre, hippos are rarely given the spotlight, despite being one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. The film capitalizes on this by presenting a rogue hippo that terrorizes a group of tourists in the Louisiana bayou. It's a premise that might seem far-fetched—hippos aren't native to the region—but the movie cleverly explains the animal's presence by the time the credits roll, leaving viewers with a satisfying, if not entirely plausible, resolution.
The story follows a group of friends on a trip to New Orleans who decide to take an off-the-books alligator tour. Things go awry when they venture into uncharted waters and find themselves stalked by a hippo on a rampage. The creature picks them off one by one, turning what was supposed to be a fun excursion into a fight for survival. At just 93 minutes, Hungry is a brisk, efficient thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome, and the special effects are surprisingly solid for a low-budget production.
Why Hippos Make Perfect Movie Villains
Hippos are often portrayed as docile, lumbering creatures, but in reality, they're responsible for more human deaths in Africa than lions, elephants, or crocodiles. Hungry leans into this terrifying truth, presenting the hippo as a relentless predator that hunts not out of hunger—since hippos are vegetarians—but seemingly for sport. This adds a layer of psychological horror, as the characters realize they're not dealing with a hungry animal, but a malevolent force of nature.
The film's success on Prime Video is a testament to the enduring appeal of animal attack movies, a genre that has seen a resurgence in recent years with hits like Crawl and the unforgettable opening scenes of some of the best horror thrillers. It also joins a growing list of Prime Video thrillers that grab you from the start, proving that you don't need a big budget to deliver big scares.
A Must-Watch for Thriller Fans
While Hungry may not reinvent the wheel, it's a welcome addition to the genre, offering a fresh twist on a classic formula. The film's pacing is tight, the tension is palpable, and the hippo—rendered with impressive CGI—is genuinely menacing. It's the kind of movie that reminds you why animal attack films have endured for decades, and it's perfect for a weekend binge.
If you're a fan of thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, Hungry is now streaming on Prime Video. And if you're looking for more recommendations, check out our list of must-watch shows on Prime Video or dive into the thriller novels that deserve a miniseries. For now, though, Hungry is the talk of the streaming world, and it's easy to see why.
