One of my earliest fears was rooted in the mysterious depths of bodies of water, where the possibility of a lurking people-eating shark always seemed to loom beneath the calm surface. This fear was amplified by countless shark movies that continuously reminded my younger self that nature's unpredictability could strike at any moment.
While the premise of shark movies—vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or more sharks—might seem straightforward, executing it effectively is a challenge. Yet, when done right, these films deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make even the bravest soul wary of entering any body of water for a long time.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here’s a curated list of the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature thrills, explore our comprehensive guide to the greatest 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
The landscape of shark movies often leans towards the negative, making films like "Shark Night" noteworthy for their basic competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the movie follows vacationers attacked by backwoods maniacs who take their Shark Week obsession to the extreme by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. It's outlandish—a Great White leaps out of the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Originally released as "Shark Night 3D," the film captures the early 2010s horror vibe, aiming for popcorn entertainment, which it achieves. Kudos to the late David R. Ellis for this enjoyable, if not top-tier, addition to shark cinema.
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 legendary predecessor, but in a genre with limited strong sequels, it holds its own. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another 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. Despite its flaws, it offers explosive boats and underwater carnage executed with skill. It reaffirms the franchise's potential, proving that if it ain't broke, it can still make waves.
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
The "Deep Blue Sea" franchise has seen its ups and downs, but "Deep Blue Sea 3" marks a significant improvement over its predecessor. The story revolves around scientists on the artificial island of Little Happy, protecting Great Whites, only to face threats from mercenaries and bull sharks. It embraces its B-movie status with martyrdom explosions, action-packed sequences involving aerial Bull Shark attacks, and unexpected twists that elevate it beyond typical direct-to-video fare. The film understands its role in delivering absurd yet entertaining shark cinema.
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
Imagine Jason Statham facing off against a 75-foot-long shark from the Mariana Trench. While "The Meg" could have benefited from a more intense rating and tighter narrative, it delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The film showcases the peril of a massive Megalodon trying to break through dive cages and underwater facilities, with Statham's diving expertise pitted against this ancient predator. Featuring a strong cast including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, the movie blends Kaiju Lite elements with engaging drama. Despite its flaws, "The Meg" makes a memorable impact.
The 2023 sequel, "The Meg 2," unfortunately didn't meet the original's standards, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways." Consequently, it does not feature on our list of top shark films.
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 mechanical or CGI sharks, "Open Water" seeks authenticity with real sharks. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, aimed to capture natural shark behavior. The film follows an American couple stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters after their boat leaves them behind. It may not be the most action-packed, but its suspense and realism create a harrowing 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" introduced us to alligators in a flooded crawl space, "Bait" trapped supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks during a freak tsunami. This Australian film blends effective effects with tense, bloody aquatic action. The tsunami also interrupts a robbery, forcing criminals and clerks to ally against the sharks. "Bait" stands strong in the niche genre of "Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents."
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" adds a ticking clock to the already tense scenario of an underwater escape. Sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt are trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving expedition goes wrong. The film effectively uses the vast emptiness of the underwater landscape to heighten the suspense, with sharks lurking in the dark. It's a gripping, nerve-wracking experience that exemplifies the best of shark cinema.
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
A film that inspires an LL Cool J song is bound to be memorable. "Deep Blue Sea" dives into the 90s with genetically enhanced Mako sharks and the fallout of pharmaceutical greed. Despite some dated CGI, the film excels with practical effects and creature-feature antics. It's a fun, thrilling ride that showcases karma's bite in the best way possible.
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 faces off against a formidable shark in "The Shallows." Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension using minimal locations—a rock formation, water, and a buoy. Lively's compelling performance, combined with the terrifying CG shark, makes "The Shallows" a standout. It's a gripping tale of survival that holds up exceptionally well.
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 revolutionized the summer blockbuster with "Jaws," which remains the pinnacle of shark cinema. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's success speaks for itself, grossing over $476.5 million. "Jaws" masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the iconic showdown with the shark named Bruce. This New England story about summer chaos and the clash between tourism and safety continues to keep audiences away from the water, haunted by the memory of Alex Kintner. Undoubtedly, "Jaws" stands as the best shark movie of all time.
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 scheduled to run from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel set to broadcast a wide array of shark-related programming.
