Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Made
My earliest fears were shaped by the ominous thought of what might lurk beneath the seemingly calm surface of bodies of water—specifically, people-eating sharks. This fear was amplified by shark movies that continuously reminded me, as a child, that nature could strike unpredictably at any moment.
The concept of shark movies often seems straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or more sharks. Yet, many films struggle to execute this premise effectively. However, when done right, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you hesitant to venture into any body of water for a long time.
So, prepare your Shark Spray, because here's our curated list of the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more thrills from the creature-feature genre, explore our guide to the greatest monster movies.
Top Shark Movies of All Time
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10. Shark Night (2011)
The landscape of shark movies often leans towards the underwhelming, making films like Shark Night stand out for their basic competence. In this film, vacationers in the Louisiana gulf find themselves under attack from backwoods maniacs who have taken their Shark Week obsession to extremes by equipping sharks with cameras. The absurdity reaches a peak when a Great White leaps from the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Marketed as "Shark Night 3D," it captures the early 2010s horror vibe, aiming for popcorn entertainment, which it achieves. David R. Ellis deserves credit for delivering this "better with booze" thrill, even if it's not the most polished option out there.
Jaws 2 (1978)
While Jaws 2 doesn't surpass the original, it holds its own in a genre where quality sequels are scarce. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another menacing Great White, this time targeting water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, a shift that led to the original director's departure, but it maintains a continuity in storytelling that fans appreciate. Despite its flaws, it features thrilling boat explosions and underwater chaos executed with skill. If the original formula works, why not build a franchise?
Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
The Deep Blue Sea series boasts two sequels, with Deep Blue Sea 3 making a significant recovery from its predecessor. On the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists working to protect Great White sharks face off against mercenaries and bull sharks. This B Movie offers a wild ride with heroic sacrifices, action-packed shark battles, and unexpected twists that elevate it above typical direct-to-video fare. The cast and crew deserve applause for delivering an entertaining take on aquatic horror that exceeds expectations.
The Meg (2018)
Jason Statham battling a 75-foot-long shark from the Mariana Trench is a spectacle that The Meg delivers, even if the film's PG-13 rating and some narrative bloat temper the excitement. The film showcases the peril as the massive Megalodon threatens dive cages and underwater research facilities, with Statham using his diving prowess to combat this ancient predator. With a robust cast including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, The Meg blends elements of Kaiju Lite with dramatic flair, making it a thrilling blockbuster despite its imperfections.
In 2023, The Meg 2 hit the screens, but it failed to capture the magic of the original, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways" in our review. Consequently, it doesn't make our list of the best shark movies.
Open Water (2003)
Unlike many shark films that rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water opts for authenticity by using real sharks. Directors Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, leveraged their expertise to capture genuine shark behavior, serving also as cinematographers. The film's unique approach sets it apart, telling the harrowing tale of an American couple left stranded in shark-infested waters. Though less action-oriented, its suspense and realism make it a gripping watch.
Bait (2012)
Bait showcases a thrilling scenario where a tsunami traps supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks. This Australian film cleverly blends survival tactics, such as using shopping carts as diving gear, with intense action as the tsunami also interrupts a robbery, forcing criminals and clerks to unite against the aquatic threat. Its blend of effects and tension places it alongside films like Crawl in the unique subgenre of "When Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents."
47 Meters Down (2017)
The urgency of a ticking clock intensifies the suspense in 47 Meters Down, where sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt find themselves trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving mishap. The film masterfully uses the vast, dark underwater environment to create tension, with sharks emerging from the shadows to heighten the fear. Its effective use of suspense and scares solidifies its place in shark cinema.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Deep Blue Sea is synonymous with 90s extravagance, featuring genetically enhanced Mako sharks and the consequences of corporate greed. The film's cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J, faces the chaos they've unleashed, with Jackson's iconic demise adding to the film's memorable moments. Despite some dated CGI, the practical effects of sharks navigating through flooded corridors keep the film thrilling and entertaining.
The Shallows (2016)
In The Shallows, Blake Lively faces off against a formidable shark, with director Jaume Collet-Serra expertly building tension from limited settings. Lively's compelling performance against a convincingly menacing CG shark makes the film a standout. The Shallows masterfully crafts an intense and gripping narrative, leaving no room for excess.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg's Jaws revolutionized the summer blockbuster and remains the pinnacle of shark cinema. Despite challenges with the mechanical shark, the film's suspense and storytelling prowess earned it a staggering $476.5 million at the box office. Jaws masterfully builds tension, showcasing the consequences of prioritizing tourism over safety. Decades later, it remains unrivaled as the best shark movie ever made.
AnswerSee ResultsLooking for more horror movies with teeth? Take a look at our guide to the best vampire movies of all time next or dive into our favorite dinosaur movies.Upcoming Shark Movies
For those craving more shark thrills, several exciting projects are on the horizon. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:
Fear Below - May 15, 2025Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025High Tide - TBCDangerous Animals - TBCWhen Is Shark Week in 2025?
Mark your calendars for Shark Week 2025, running from July 6 to July 13, 2025. The Discovery Channel will be showcasing a range of shark-themed content to keep you entertained and informed.
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