From a young age, the fear of bodies of water potentially harboring man-eating sharks beneath their serene surfaces gripped me. Shark movies amplified this fear, constantly reminding me that nature's unpredictability could strike at any moment. While the concept of shark films might seem straightforward—depicting vacationers, boaters, or divers being pursued by one or more sharks—many films fail to capture this thrill. However, when executed well, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of any body of water for weeks to come.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here's our curated list of the top 10 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)
In the world of shark movies, the ratio of quality to mediocrity leans heavily toward the latter, yet Shark Night earns its spot on our list with its competent execution. Set in the Louisiana gulf, vacationers face attacks from backwoods maniacs who've taken their Shark Week obsession to an extreme by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. The film's premise is absurd—a Great White jumping out of the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner—but it captures the early 2010s horror vibe perfectly, serving as popcorn entertainment. The late David R. Ellis deserves credit for this enjoyable, if not top-tier, shark flick.
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 2 may not surpass its iconic predecessor, but it holds its own in a genre with few contenders. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White shark that targets water skiers and beachgoers. More action-oriented than the original, this sequel features exploding boats and underwater carnage that keeps viewers engaged. While it has its flaws, Jaws 2 successfully continues the saga, proving that a good franchise can endure.
Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
Despite the franchise's previous stumble with Deep Blue Sea 2, Deep Blue Sea 3 rebounds impressively, echoing the spirit of the original. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists aiming to protect Great White sharks find themselves at the mercy of mercenaries and aggressive bull sharks. The film embraces its B-movie status with martyrdom explosions, action-packed sequences featuring aerial Bull Shark attacks, and even turns internet memes into character deaths. Deep Blue Sea 3 exceeds expectations for direct-to-video sequels, delivering absurd yet entertaining shark cinema.
The Meg (2018)
Jason Statham battling a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench is a spectacle that The Meg delivers well, despite its PG-13 rating and some narrative excess. The film showcases the threat of the ancient predator as it attempts to breach dive cages and underwater facilities, with Statham employing his expert diving skills to thwart it. Supported by a strong cast including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, The Meg blends elements of Kaiju films with soap opera drama, making it a thrilling blockbuster.
The 2023 sequel, The Meg 2, unfortunately didn't meet the same standard, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," and thus doesn't make our list of top shark films.
Open Water (2003)
Unlike many shark movies that rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water opts for authenticity, using real sharks to capture their natural behavior. Directed and written by Chris Kentis, who, along with his wife and producer Laura Lau, are passionate scuba divers, the film stands out for its realism. It follows an American couple stranded in shark-infested waters after their boat leaves them behind. While not action-heavy, Open Water is suspenseful and harrowing, offering a different kind of shark movie experience.
Bait (2012)
Bait offers a unique twist on the shark movie genre, trapping survivors in a supermarket flooded by a freak tsunami, where they must contend with agitated Great White sharks. Australia delivers a compelling fin flick as survivors fashion diving gear from shopping carts and parking lots become hunting grounds. The film blends effects to maintain tension and delivers bloody aquatic thrills. Adding to the mix, a robbery in progress forces criminals and clerks to collaborate against the underwater predators, making Bait a standout in its subgenre.
47 Meters Down (2017)
47 Meters Down heightens the tension with its ticking clock scenario, where sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt are trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving expedition goes wrong. The film masterfully uses the vast, dark underwater landscape to create a sense of isolation and dread, with sharks lurking in the shadows. It's a nerve-wracking experience that showcases the best elements of shark cinema.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Deep Blue Sea's reputation is encapsulated by LL Cool J's song about it, reflecting the film's 90s flair. It follows the chaos caused by genetically enhanced Mako sharks in a pharmaceutical experiment gone wrong. Despite some dated CGI, the movie excels with its practical effects and creature-feature thrills, making it a classic in the genre.
The Shallows (2016)
Blake Lively delivers a gripping performance in The Shallows, where she faces off against a relentless shark. Director Jaume Collet-Serra maximizes tension with minimal locations, showcasing his skill in crafting intense blockbusters. The film's CG shark remains convincingly terrifying, making The Shallows a standout in modern shark cinema.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg revolutionized the summer blockbuster with Jaws, the definitive shark movie. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's suspense and impact were unparalleled, grossing over $476.5 million. Jaws masterfully builds tension, culminating in the iconic confrontation with the shark named Bruce. Its enduring legacy as a cautionary tale about prioritizing profit over safety continues to resonate, making it the ultimate 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 eager for more shark-themed thrills, several exciting projects are on the horizon. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:
- Fear Below - Scheduled for release on May 15, 2025
- Beneath the Storm - Set to premiere on August 1, 2025
- High Tide - Release date to be confirmed
- Dangerous Animals - Release date to be confirmed
When Is Shark Week in 2025?
Mark your calendars: Shark Week 2025 is slated to run from July 6 to July 13, 2025. The Discovery Channel will broadcast a wide array of shark-related programming during this thrilling week.
