Let’s take a trip down memory lane to the scorching summer of 1975, when a groundbreaking shark film ruled the cinemas and left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. Known as the pioneer of summer blockbusters, “Jaws” didn’t just captivate audiences but it sparked a whole new category: shark movies.
Following “Jaws,” the genre of shark movies underwent a remarkable transformation, moving past the horror films that had initially inspired Steven Spielberg and developing unique themes and motifs of its own. If you’re into films that maintain a more realistic approach, delving into the intense struggle between man and beast, or if you prefer a shark movie with an outrageous concept so unbelievable it feels like watching fiction, there’s something for every shark enthusiast out there!
By merging critiques from both enthusiasts and experts, along with our personal knowledge of the genre, we aim to present you with the cream of the crop. Ranging from profoundly impressive to amusingly absurd, here are our top 15 shark films, meticulously ranked.
USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage
Enthusiasts who appreciate shark-themed films will recall that Robert Shaw portrays Quint in “Jaws,” delivering a poignant monologue about his past on the ill-fated navy ship, the USS Indianapolis, during World War II. The real tale of this ship’s sinking is what underpins “USS Indianapolis: Men of Valor.
In this film, Nicolas Cage portrays Captain Charles McVay, tasked with overseeing the mission to transport components for the atomic bombs destined for Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Tragically, the Indianapolis is attacked by Japanese forces, leaving over 300 crew members adrift in the ocean’s mercy, with sharks closing in on the sunken vessel. The movie offers thrilling shark sequences, yet it also maintains a respectful tone for the true events that transpired, effectively portraying the lasting effects on those who miraculously survived.
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Tom Sizemore, Thomas Jane
Director: Mario Van Peebles
Rating: R
Runtime: 2h 8m
Where to watch: Fubo, The Roku Channel, Vix
Sharktopus
The title suggests that the movie leans towards the more humorous or absurd side of filmmaking. “Sharktopus” falls under the category of hybrid shark monster movies, combining a shark with an octopus to create a creature with multiple tentacles and teeth. This genetically engineered shark-octopus hybrid, designated as S-11, was designed for military use in naval combat. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before it begins causing chaos, targeting bikini-wearing beachgoers and unsuspecting tourists on a rampage of destruction.
As a gamer, I can vouch that Syfy hides some unique flicks, but “Sharktopus” stands out for me due to its impressive lineage. With Roger Corman’s name on it as a producer, it’s like the Holy Grail when we talk about indie, low-budget movies. Sure, it’s goofy and the storyline is as thin as a paper-thin wafer, but let me tell you, it dishes out more laughably gruesome deaths than you can count on your tentacles!
Cast: Eric Roberts, Kerem Bürsin, Sara Malakul Lane
Director: Declan O’Brien
Rating: TV-G
Runtime: 1h 29m
Where to watch: Fubo, Hoopla, Fandango at Home
Santa Jaws
In another words, we truly stand behind our statement that there’s a shark movie for every situation, and if you’re searching for an entertaining holiday film to mix things up this season, “Santa Jaws” is just the ticket! This movie revolves around a teenager named Cody (played by Reid Miller), who unexpectedly gets his wish of spending the holidays on his own – albeit in a way he hadn’t anticipated. The festive chaos begins when a holiday-themed shark starts targeting his entire family!
Beyond just being incredibly goofy enjoyable, “Santa Jaws” fully embraces its silliness from start to finish. It captures the rebellious essence that makes films like “Home Alone,” a cherished holiday tradition, and manages to be both an outstanding shark film and a delightful, seasonal viewing choice. After all, what could be more Christmasy than a shark sporting ornaments for teeth that emits sleigh bell sounds as it glides through the water.
Cast: Reid Miller, Courtney Lane Cummings, Jim Klock
Director: Misty Talley
Rating: TV-PG
Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hoopla, Pluto TV
Great White
Movies about sharks that opt for seriousness over silliness often follow a survival theme, and that’s exactly what “Great White” does. In this 2021 Australian film, a party of five tourists find themselves marooned on a seaplane. With no hope of rescue in the near future, they struggle to stay alive as a shark, or possibly several sharks, lurk nearby.
The idea behind this shark film isn’t entirely novel, as it shares many similarities with movies like “The Reef” and “Open Water”. However, it manages to be surprisingly impactful despite its familiarity. Featuring a compact cast and running for just 81 minutes, the movie effectively builds suspense and offers some impressive shark attacks, albeit with a plot that may feel somewhat predictable at times.
Cast: Katrina Bowden, Aaron Jakubenko, Kimie Tsukakoshi
Director: Martin Wilson
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 21m
Where to watch: Hoopla, Philo, Shudder
Bait
In a peculiar twist, the idea of “Bait” might initially seem ludicrous, yet surprisingly, it manages to hold its ground once you give in to its quirks. Picture this: A grocery store in Australia, struck by a tsunami. A motley crew of strangers find themselves thrown together, compelled to cooperate for their very survival. To avoid the encroaching floodwaters, they scramble up onto the store shelves. And here’s the kicker: a shark, swept in by the same devastating wave, is now lurking within the store as well.
The issue with ‘Bait’ is that it has an excessive number of characters to connect with deeply, but it stands out as unique compared to most shark movies you might have seen. Disregard the details of how and why specific supermarket sections would flood, and simply immerse yourself in the chaos that unfolds.
Cast: Xavier Samuel, Sharni Vinson, Adrian Pang
Director: Kimble Rendall
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to watch: Prime Video, Fubo, The CW
Sharknado
Few films manage to start off as apparently poor quality, only to later prove themselves to be actually good, but “Sharknado” is precisely that kind of movie. It’s not the case of ‘so bad it’s good,’ as this film has garnered a dedicated fanbase which suggests it deserves genuine praise. The Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 77% supports this notion.
Title preparation gives a good idea: A tornado houses sharks, yes, you read that right… any doubts? The film “Sharknado” is absurd, cheesy, and camp, yet incredibly entertaining with some of the most outrageous kills ever captured on screen. This movie is best enjoyed in a rowdy theater or at home with friends and plenty of drinks, if possible. The brilliance of “Sharknado” lies in its self-awareness: it understands its own nature and delivers its ridiculous premise with unabashed stupidity.
Cast: Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, John Heard
Director: Anthony C. Ferrante
Rating: TV-14
Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to watch: Prime Video, Fubo, Hoopla
Kon-Tiki
This Norwegian-produced film went relatively unnoticed when it debuted in 2012, yet it offers a surprisingly robust contribution to the genre of shark movies. The movie is inspired by real events and takes its title from the ship captained by Norwegian scientist Thor Heyerdahl (portrayed by Pål Sverre Hagen). Blending elements of old-school adventure films with historical narrative, sharks remain central to this tale, but they’re not the only danger that an intrepid group of explorers must contend with.
In the film “Kon-Tiki,” unlike most shark movies, there’s a strong feeling of authenticity since it’s based on real events. Unlike the sharks being manipulated by a tornado, they are simply an ominous presence in the story, striking when opportunities arise rather than acting with deliberate planning as often portrayed in other shark films. “Kon-Tiki” isn’t a film filled with extravagant kill scenes or humor, quite the contrary; it’s a serious piece that deserves your attention.
Cast: Pål Sverre Hagen, Anders Baasmo, Gustaf Skarsgård
Director: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 58m
Where to watch: Hoopla, Fandango at Home, Plex
The Meg
Sure thing! “In simpler terms, ‘The Meg’ isn’t just about sharks; it’s a movie centered around the megalodon, a massive prehistoric creature that looks like a shark on steroids. It’s a bit like ‘Jurassic Park’, but with a shark twist, and it’s absolutely thrilling! The visual spectacle alone is worth watching, but add Jason Statham to the mix, and you’ve got yourself an unbeatable combination.
The Meg” – A film that maximizes the idea of ‘the more, the better’, successfully delivering as an action-packed movie for the Statham fans while offering a thrilling shark encounter with a bite to spare. This movie playfully uses genre conventions and, let me tell you, watching Statham on top of this massive creature, brandishing a harpoon, is quite the spectacle and justification enough for the ticket price.
Cast: Jason Statham, Bingbing Li, Rainn Wilson
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 53m
Where to watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
47 Meters Down
This film cleverly merges various sources of fear simultaneously, striking a chord with viewers’ anxieties about tight quarters, deep waters, and sharks. It also incorporates key features that enhance the suspense of a shark movie: A compact group of characters, a restrictive environment, and a life-or-death struggle for survival.
In Mexico during their vacation, sisters Lisa (portrayed by Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt) find themselves lured into a shark-cage diving adventure. Unfortunately, what was meant to be a once-ina-lifetime experience swiftly transforms into a terrifying ordeal as their cage unexpectedly sinks to the ocean floor. The movie, titled “47 Meters Down”, maintains a tense and gripping atmosphere due to its real-time setting, as the oxygen tank levels steadily decrease. With depleting oxygen levels being only one of their problems, they also have to deal with the constant presence of sharks in the area. While the movie could have been even more impactful had it fully embraced a bleak ending, it remains an engaging watch.
Cast: Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Matthew Modine
Director: Johannes Roberts
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 29m
Where to watch: Prime Video
Under Paris
In a different take on the “bigger is better” style popularized by “The Meg,” the 2024 movie “Under Paris” amplifies this approach not through an enormous shark, but by featuring multiple sharks and the chaos that ensues when they cross paths with participants in a swimming leg of a triathlon event on the River Seine, potentially leading to numerous casualties.
The film “Under Paris” has a strong connection to reality, which makes it more believable even when it strays into fantastical territory. In 2024, the Olympic Games were held in Paris, and the triathlon depicted in the movie is presented as a crucial event that must take place, regardless of any obstacles like sharks, to demonstrate Paris’ readiness to host international sporting events. Although the film isn’t flawless, it serves as evidence that the genre still has potential, and the triathlon scene is visually stunning… and undoubtedly thrilling for both the viewers and the sharks.
Cast: Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Léa Léviant
Director: Xavier Gens
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 1h 44m
Where to watch: Netflix
Open Water
The film “Open Water” emphasizes simplicity and delivers on its promise with striking effectiveness. Drawing inspiration from actual events, it portrays a harrowing situation where two divers find themselves stranded in waters teeming with sharks during a scuba-diving expedition. The realistic feel of the movie is enhanced by its modest production budget, and what might shock you is that the sharks depicted in this film are genuine creatures.
Since the filmmakers opted to use real sharks rather than digital or mechanical ones, their actions are authentic – thus, “Open Water” may not offer the grand visual spectacle common in other films on this list. What it delivers instead is an intensely suspenseful and hauntingly terrifying tale, complete with a somber and emotionally charged ending that lingers long after the credits roll.
Cast: Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein
Director: Chris Kentis
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 19m
Where to watch: Fubo, Hoopla, Kanopy
Deep Blue Sea
Deep Blue Sea” swiftly plunges into shark-filled action and hardly slows down until the finale. It boasts an unforgettable on-screen demise (and if you’ve watched it, you’ll recall that scene vividly), as well as a catchy rap song related to the movie during the credits – what else could one ask for?
The film revolves around a group of researchers working with sharks in a marine lab to develop a treatment for Alzheimer’s. However, when the genetically enhanced sharks start attacking, the scientists must quickly flee their underwater facility before they either drown or become prey. Despite some outdated CGI visuals, “Deep Blue Sea” remains incredibly enjoyable, and that timeless entertainment factor is what keeps it fresh.
Cast: Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: Renny Harlin
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 45m
Where to watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
The Reef
2010’s film “The Reef” belongs to the subcategory of survival-at-sea shark movies. However, what sets it apart from other films of its kind is a notable depth in character interactions. The characters exhibit an authentic chemistry that makes them both relatable and endearing. Instead of being mere victims destined for gruesome encounters with sharks, they become integral parts of the narrative, making the story captivatingly engaging.
Similar to “Open Water”, “The Reef” incorporates genuine shark footage, enhancing the sense of apprehension and disquiet throughout the film. Unlike other movies where sharks perform unrealistic acts such as leaping from the water to devour humans, their presence here is palpable without needing explicit visuals. Often, it’s not the constant exposure to the menacing entity that creates fear but merely acknowledging its existence, which makes “The Reef” all the more terrifyingly effective.
Cast: Damian Walshe-Howling, Gyton Grantley, Adrienne Pickering
Director: Andrew Traucki
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hoopla
The Shallows
Numerous critiques, including one for Indiewire, have proclaimed “The Shallows” as the finest shark film since ‘Jaws,’ and in truth, there isn’t another movie that can truly match up to Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic. However, “The Shallows” comes very close. It fulfills many of the requirements for a successful shark movie: A tight-knit yet skilled cast, an adequate number of attacks to satisfy horror enthusiasts, and a gripping survival element that keeps viewers on tenterhooks.
In a Mexican beach, Blake Lively portrays Nancy, a surfer going through introspection after her mother’s demise. After catching one last wave, she gets knocked off her board due to an encroaching shark attracted by a decaying whale carcass in the shallow waters. The story revolves around Nancy’s struggle to stay alive and make it back to shore amidst this predator. Despite being essentially about a woman on a rock with a circling shark, its simplicity gives it an edge of suspensefulness. Although the ending strains the film’s realism slightly, “The Shallows” remains engaging due to Lively’s acting and intense shark scenes.
Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Angelo Josue Lozano Corzo
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to watch: Starz, Philo
Jaws
It’s hard to imagine a time when “Jaws” won’t be hailed as the greatest shark movie ever made. Since its release in 1975, the genre has explored countless directions, yet audiences continue to return to the film that sparked it all. To this day, “Jaws” remains as gripping and captivating as it was then – a rare instance of lightning-in-a-bottle magic that can’t be recreated.
The story of “Jaws” unfolds on the made-up island of Amity, a location that relies heavily on summer tourists. However, when a shark takes the life of a young swimmer, Police Chief Martin Brody (portrayed by Roy Scheider) struggles to persuade the Mayor (Murray Hamilton) to close the beaches for safety. Despite the shark’s repeated attacks, it is only when more lives are at stake that Brody feels compelled to embark on a perilous journey out to sea, accompanied by visiting marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and experienced local fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw).
What makes “Jaws” stand out as an exceptional shark film is its unique structure. The initial part of the movie showcases the shark terrorizing the peaceful island town, while the latter half offers a gripping game of man vs. beast in a chase sequence. While it boasts impressive shark scenes, what truly sets “Jaws” apart is the richness of its elements beyond just sharks. This includes well-developed characters, humorous moments that alleviate tension, haunting music, and exceptional storytelling. In essence, “Jaws” is a flawlessly crafted film.
Cast: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw
Director: Steven Spielberg
Rating: PG
Runtime: 2h 4m
Where to watch: Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
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2025-05-28 21:34