From a young age, the fear of lurking sharks beneath seemingly serene waters was a constant for me. This anxiety was fueled by countless shark movies that vividly illustrated how nature's predators could disrupt tranquility at any moment. While the premise of shark films might seem straightforward—featuring unsuspecting vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or more sharks—many films miss the mark. However, when executed well, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of entering any body of water for a long time.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here are our picks for the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more thrilling creature features, don't miss 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 toward the disappointing, which makes films like Shark Night stand out for their competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, vacationers are terrorized by backwoods maniacs who've taken their Shark Week obsession to extreme levels by equipping ferocious sharks with cameras. The film's absurdity peaks with a Great White shark leaping from the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Originally titled "Shark Night 3D," it captures the essence of early 2010s horror—perfect for popcorn entertainment. Credit the late David R. Ellis for delivering this "better with booze" thrill, even if it's not the most polished film in the genre.
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 2 may not surpass the original, but in a genre with limited competition, it holds its own. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another menacing Great White that targets water skiers and beachgoers. While it leans more into action—leading to the replacement of the original director John D. Hancock—it continues the familiar narrative thread. Despite its flaws, the film offers thrilling sequences with exploding boats and underwater carnage, proving that a successful formula can indeed spawn a franchise.
Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
The Deep Blue Sea series includes two sequels, and Deep Blue Sea 3 marks a significant improvement over its predecessor. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists protecting Great White sharks face threats from mercenaries and bull sharks in this full-blown B-movie. The film features explosive action, including aerial Bull Shark battles, comedic character deaths, and an unexpectedly triumphant climax. The cast and crew deserve praise for elevating this direct-to-video sequel into a memorable piece of shark cinema that revels in its own absurdity.
The Meg (2018)
The Meg pits Jason Statham against a 75-foot-long prehistoric shark from the Mariana Trench. While the film could have benefited from a more mature rating and tighter storytelling, it delivers on its promise of aquatic horror spectacle. As the Megalodon threatens to demolish dive cages and research facilities, Statham employs his diving expertise to combat this ancient predator. With a diverse cast including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, and Ruby Rose, the film blends elements of Kaiju films with soap opera drama, making a significant impact despite its flaws. The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, did not meet the same standards and thus is excluded from our list.
Open Water (2003)
Unlike many shark films that rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water opts for authenticity by featuring real sharks. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, aimed to capture natural shark behavior. Their hands-on approach as cinematographers ensures a unique feel, distinct from more entertainment-focused shark movies. The film follows an American couple left stranded in shark-infested waters, offering suspense and a harrowing experience rather than action-packed thrills.
Bait (2012)
Bait sets itself apart by trapping characters in a supermarket during a tsunami, where they face off against Great White sharks. This Australian film blends effects and action to create tense, bloody aquatic thrills. The narrative adds an extra layer of tension with a robbery interrupted by the tsunami, forcing criminals and clerks to unite against their finned foes. Bait rivals films like Crawl in its unique subgenre of "When Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents."
47 Meters Down (2017)
The urgency of 47 Meters Down heightens the tension as two sisters, played by Mandy Moore and Claire Holt, find themselves trapped on the ocean floor during a shark diving expedition. The film's use of vast, dark underwater spaces and sudden shark attacks creates a nerve-wracking experience. Despite some repetitive scare tactics, the film captures the essence of effective shark cinema through its intense and suspenseful narrative.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Deep Blue Sea stands out with its 90s flair, featuring genetically enhanced Mako sharks and a gripping narrative about the consequences of human greed. The film's memorable cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J, adds to its appeal. Despite some dated CGI, the use of practical effects in scenes with sharks swimming through flooded corridors enhances the film's impact. Deep Blue Sea embraces its over-the-top nature, delivering a thrilling creature feature.
The Shallows (2016)
In The Shallows, Blake Lively faces off against a menacing shark in a gripping survival tale. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension using minimal settings, showcasing his skill in crafting suspenseful blockbusters. Lively's performance and the film's effective use of CG sharks create a terrifying experience. The Shallows is a testament to the power of focused storytelling and intense action.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg revolutionized the summer blockbuster with Jaws, a film that remains the pinnacle of shark cinema. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's suspenseful build-up and iconic scenes solidified its place in cinematic history. Jaws critiques the prioritization of tourism over safety, making it a timeless cautionary tale. Decades later, Jaws continues to be the definitive shark movie.
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 looking for even more shark movies to watch, there are quite a few currently in the works or announced. Here are some of the biggest upcoming shark movies we know about:
Fear Below - May 15, 2025Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025High Tide - TBCDangerous Animals - TBCWhen Is Shark Week in 2025?
Shark Week 2025 will take place from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel set to air a whole host of shark-related content.
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