From a young age, the fear of lurking sharks beneath seemingly tranquil waters gripped me, a fear intensified by the relentless reminders from shark movies. These films often depict vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or multiple sharks, yet many fail to capture the true essence of this thrilling genre. When executed well, shark movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can leave you wary of any body of water for weeks.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here's our curated list of the top 10 shark movies of all time. For those craving more creature thrills, don't miss our guide to the greatest monster movies.
Top Shark Movies of All Time
11 Images
10. Shark Night (2011)
In the realm of shark movies, the scales often tip towards mediocrity, yet Shark Night manages to secure a spot for its competent execution. The film follows vacationers in the Louisiana gulf who fall victim to backwoods maniacs obsessed with Shark Week, who attach cameras to ferocious sharks. A scene where a Great White leaps out of the water to decapitate a WaveRunner rider underscores the film's ridiculousness. Marketed initially as "Shark Night 3D," it encapsulates the early 2010s horror vibe perfectly, delivering popcorn entertainment. Credit to the late David R. Ellis for this "better with booze" thrill, even if it's not the most polished entry in the genre.
Jaws 2 (1978)
While Jaws 2 doesn't surpass its predecessor, it stands out 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. More action-oriented than the original, the film's direction shifted due to the need for such sequences, resulting in a familiar yet engaging continuation. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers thrilling moments with exploding boats and underwater chaos, solidifying its place in the franchise.
Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
Despite being the third installment, Deep Blue Sea 3 impressively recovers from the disappointment of its predecessor. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists protecting Great White sharks face mercenaries and aggressive bull sharks. The film embraces its B-movie status with explosive martyrdom, action-packed shark battles, and unexpected victories. It surpasses expectations for direct-to-video sequels, delivering entertaining shark cinema that knows its value.
The Meg (2018)
The Meg pits Jason Statham against a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench. While the film's PG-13 rating and some narrative bloat could be improved, it delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The film showcases the Megalodon's threat to dive cages and research facilities, with Statham's diving expertise pitted against this ancient predator. A talented cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, attempts to stop the shark from turning beachgoers into snacks. The Meg fulfills its promise of thrilling, large-scale shark action.
The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, did not meet the expectations set by the original, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," and thus does not make our list of the best shark films.
Open Water (2003)
Unlike many shark films that rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water uses real sharks for authenticity. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, captured natural shark behavior to create a gripping narrative. The film follows an American couple stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters after their boat leaves them behind. While not action-heavy, Open Water delivers suspense and realism that sets it apart.
Bait (2012)
Bait combines shark thrills with a unique setting—a supermarket flooded by a tsunami. Survivors, including criminals and clerks, must navigate the flooded store and parking lot while evading Great White sharks. The film's effective use of effects and tension creates a gripping experience, positioning Bait as a standout in the "trapped with animals during extreme weather" subgenre.
47 Meters Down (2017)
47 Meters Down adds a ticking clock to its underwater escape narrative, heightening the panic as sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt are trapped on the ocean floor during a shark diving expedition. The film effectively uses the vast, dark ocean to create tension, with sudden shark attacks keeping viewers on edge. It's a masterclass in building suspense and delivering genuine frights.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Deep Blue Sea is a quintessential 90s creature feature, with genetically enhanced Mako sharks causing chaos in a research facility. The film's memorable cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J, battles to survive their own creation. Despite some dated CGI, the film's practical effects and thrilling sequences make it a beloved entry in shark cinema, embracing its "nonsense" with enthusiasm.
The Shallows (2016)
In The Shallows, Blake Lively faces off against a menacing shark in a tense, confined setting. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds suspense using minimal locations, showcasing Lively's compelling performance against a convincingly terrifying CGI shark. The film's relentless pace and intense atmosphere make it a standout in the genre.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg's Jaws revolutionized the summer blockbuster with its gripping tale of a Great White shark terrorizing a New England town. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's suspenseful pacing and iconic moments, like the Alex Kintner attack, have cemented its status as the ultimate shark movie. Jaws remains a timeless classic, proving that when it comes to shark films, it's still the king.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more thrilling cinematic experiences, 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 cinema, several exciting projects are on the horizon:
- Fear Below - May 15, 2025
- Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025
- High Tide - To be confirmed
- Dangerous Animals - To be confirmed
When Is Shark Week in 2025?
Shark Week 2025 is scheduled to run from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel hosting a lineup of shark-related programming.
