From childhood, the fear of lurking sharks beneath deceptively calm waters was a constant, fueled by countless movies that hammered home the unpredictability of nature's apex predators. Shark films, with their seemingly straightforward premise of unsuspecting humans hunted by these ocean beasts, often miss the mark. Yet, when executed well, these movies offer an exhilarating thrill ride, leaving audiences wary of any water body for weeks afterward.
Prepare your Shark Spray; here's our curated list of the top 10 shark movies that have stood the test of time. For more creature-feature excitement, don't miss our comprehensive guide to the best monster movies.
Top Shark Movies of All Time
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10. Shark Night (2011)
Image credit: RogueDirector: David R. Ellis | Writer: Will Hayes, Jesse Studenberg | Stars: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Chris Carmack | Release Date: September 2, 2011 | Review: IGN's Shark Night review | Where to watch: Peacock, free with ads on Pluto TV and The Roku Channel, rent from Apple TV and more
In the vast sea of shark movies, quality can be elusive. Shark Night earns its spot through sheer competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, vacationers are terrorized by local fanatics who have taken their Shark Week obsession to dangerous heights by rigging sharks with cameras. The film's absurdity peaks with a Great White decapitating a man on a WaveRunner. Originally marketed as "Shark Night 3D," it captures the essence of early 2010s horror, offering popcorn entertainment that's best enjoyed with a drink. Kudos to David R. Ellis for delivering a fun, if not the most polished, shark flick.
Jaws 2 (1978)
Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: Jeannot Szwarc | Writer: Carl Gottlieb, Howard Sackler | Stars: Roy Scheider, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton | Release Date: June 16, 1978 | Review: IGN's Jaws 2 review | Where to watch: Rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Jaws 2 may not surpass its iconic predecessor, but it holds its own in a genre where sequels often falter. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White, this time targeting water skiers and beachgoers. While more action-oriented, the film maintains a familiar narrative thread. Despite its flaws, the sequel delivers with exploding boats and intense underwater scenes, solidifying its place in the franchise.
Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Home EntertainmentDirector: John Pogue | Writer: Dirk Blackman | Stars: Tania Raymonde, Nathaniel Buzolic, Emerson Brooks | Release Date: July 28, 2020 | Where to watch: Rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Following the disappointment of Deep Blue Sea 2, Deep Blue Sea 3 brings the franchise back to its thrilling roots. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists face off against mercenaries and bull sharks. This B-movie extravaganza features explosive action, aerial shark attacks, and memorable character deaths inspired by internet memes. It's a testament to the cast and crew's dedication that this direct-to-video sequel exceeds expectations, delivering a fun and entertaining shark movie.
The Meg (2018)
Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: Jon Turteltaub | Writer: Dean Georgaris, Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber | Stars: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson | Release Date: August 10, 2018 | Review: IGN's The Meg review | Where to watch: Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rentable on Apple TV and more
Jason Statham faces off against a colossal 75-foot Megalodon from the Mariana Trench. While The Meg could benefit from a sharper script and a more intense rating, it excels as a thrilling aquatic horror spectacle. The film's tension builds as the massive shark threatens dive cages and underwater research stations, with Statham's diving prowess on full display. The ensemble cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, adds depth to this blend of Kaiju-lite thrills and soap opera drama, making for a satisfying blockbuster experience.
The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, failed to match the original's success, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," and thus does not feature on our list.
Open Water (2003)
Image credit: Lions Gate FilmsDirector: Chris Kentis | Writer: Chris Kentis | Stars: Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein | Release Date: October 26, 2003 | Review: IGN's Open Water review | Where to watch: Hoopla, VIX and VUDU Free (with ads), or rentable on other platforms
Unlike many shark films that rely on CGI or mechanical sharks, Open Water uses real sharks to capture authentic behavior. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, avid scuba divers themselves, aimed for realism, serving as cinematographers to ensure the film's natural feel. The result is a suspenseful and harrowing tale of an American couple left stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters, offering a unique and intense viewing experience.
Bait (2012)
Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Kimble Rendall | Writer: Russell Mulachy, John Kim | Stars: Xavier Samuel, Sharni Vinson, Adrian Pang | Release Date: September 5, 2012 | Where to watch: fuboTV, Starz, or rentable on other platforms
Before Crawl, Bait set the stage for animal attack films set during extreme weather events. Trapped in a supermarket during a tsunami, survivors face off against Great White sharks using improvised diving gear made from shopping carts. The film's blend of effects and action creates a tense and bloody experience, with the added twist of a robbery in progress forcing criminals and victims to unite against their aquatic adversaries. Bait stands out as a thrilling entry in the "Animals Attack in Trapped Locations" subgenre.
47 Meters Down (2017)
Image credit: Entertainment Studios Motion PicturesDirector: Johannes Roberts | Writer: Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera | Stars: Mandy Moore, Claire Holt | Release Date: June 12, 2017 | Review: IGN's 47 Meters Down review | Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, or rentable on other platforms
47 Meters Down heightens the tension with a ticking clock scenario, as sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt find themselves trapped on the ocean floor after a disastrous shark diving trip. The film masterfully uses the vast, dark underwater landscape to create a nerve-wracking experience, with sudden shark attacks adding to the relentless suspense. It's a testament to effective shark cinema, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Image credit: Warner Bros.Director: Renny Harlin | Writer: Duncan Kennedy, Donna Powers, Wayne Powers | Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Saffron Burrows | Release Date: July 28, 1999 | Review: IGN's Deep Blue Sea review | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and more
Celebrated by an LL Cool J song, Deep Blue Sea embodies 90s camp with its story of genetically modified Mako sharks and pharmaceutical greed. The film's ensemble cast struggles to survive their own creation, with even Samuel L. Jackson falling victim to the sharks. While the CGI may show its age, the practical effects and over-the-top plot make Deep Blue Sea a beloved entry in the genre, showcasing the fun of creature-feature absurdity.
The Shallows (2016)
Image credit: Sony PicturesDirector: Jaume Collet-Serra | Writer: Anthony Jaswinski | Stars: Blake Lively | Release Date: June 21, 2016 | Review: IGN's The Shallows review | Where to watch: Starz, or rent on Amazon and other platforms
Blake Lively delivers a standout performance in The Shallows, facing off against a menacing shark. Director Jaume Collet-Serra expertly builds tension using minimal locations, creating an intense survival story. Lively's portrayal, combined with the film's effective use of CGI, makes The Shallows a gripping and memorable shark movie, aging gracefully like fine wine.
Jaws (1975)
Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: Steven Spielberg | Writer: Peter Benchley, Carl Gottlieb | Stars: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss | Release Date: June 20, 1975 | Review: IGN's Jaws review | Where to watch: Rentable on Amazon and other platforms
Steven Spielberg's Jaws not only revolutionized the summer blockbuster but remains the definitive shark movie. Despite the challenges of working with an uncooperative mechanical shark, the film's suspense and iconic moments, like the unforgettable 4th of July beach scene, have left an indelible mark on cinema. Jaws masterfully builds tension, making it the undisputed king of shark movies, even decades after its release.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more thrilling cinema, explore our guide to the best vampire movies or dive into our favorite dinosaur movies.Upcoming Shark Movies
For those eager for more shark-themed thrills, here are some highly anticipated upcoming shark movies:
- Fear Below - May 15, 2025
- Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025
- High Tide - TBC
- Dangerous Animals - TBC
When Is Shark Week in 2025?
Mark your calendars: Shark Week 2025 is scheduled from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel set to broadcast an array of shark-related programming.
