One of my earliest fears was the lurking danger beneath the seemingly calm waters, possibly hiding a people-eating shark. Shark movies played a significant role in fueling this childhood paranoia, constantly reminding me that nature's predators could strike at any moment.
The concept of shark movies might seem straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or multiple sharks—yet many films fail to capture this thrill. When executed well, however, these films deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of any body of water for a long time to come.
So, grab your Shark Spray and prepare for a dive into cinematic terror. Here are our picks for the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature-feature excitement, explore our 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 more towards the forgettable than the memorable, but Shark Night manages to stand out for its basic competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the film follows vacationers attacked by backwoods maniacs who take their Shark Week obsession to extreme levels by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. The absurdity peaks with a Great White leaping from the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Originally marketed as "Shark Night 3D," it captures the early 2010s horror vibe perfectly—think popcorn entertainment. Kudos to the late David R. Ellis for delivering this "better with booze" bite of jawesomeness, even if it's not the most polished.
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 the original, but it holds its ground in a genre with few strong sequels. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another menacing Great White, this time targeting water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, which led to a change in directors from John D. Hancock, who couldn't handle the action-heavy sequences. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 delivers with exploding boats and underwater carnage, making a compelling case for continuing the franchise.
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
Yes, there are two Deep Blue Sea 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 mercenaries and bull sharks. It's full-on B-movie territory with martyrdom explosions, action-packed brawls, and comedic character deaths. This sequel not only exceeds expectations for direct-to-video releases but also delivers a memorable victory in the world of shark cinema. Kudos to the cast and crew for understanding and embracing the film's entertainment value.
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
Jason Statham battles a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. While the film could have benefited from a more daring PG-13 rating and tighter storytelling, it succeeds as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The Megalodon's massive chompers threaten dive cages and research facilities, and Statham's diving skills are put to the test against this prehistoric predator. The cast, including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, adds depth to the film's blend of Kaiju Lite action and soap opera drama. The Meg delivers the thrills it promises, making a notable splash.
2023 saw the release of The Meg 2, but it didn't meet the original's standards. Our review described it as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," so it doesn't make 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 movies that rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water uses real sharks to create a sense of authenticity. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, captured natural shark behavior to enhance the film's realism. This approach sets Open Water apart, presenting an American couple stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters. While not the most action-packed, it's suspenseful and harrowing, making for a gripping watch.
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 trapped people with alligators during a hurricane, Bait trapped supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian film delivers a thrilling mix of effects and action, as survivors use shopping carts and parking lots to fend off the sharks. The film's unique blend of disaster and horror, where criminals and clerks must unite against the aquatic predators, ranks it alongside Crawl 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 an already tense underwater escape scenario. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt play sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving expedition goes wrong. The film's use of dark, vast underwater landscapes heightens the suspense as sharks lurk in the shadows. It's a nerve-wracking experience, showcasing the true terror 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
Deep Blue Sea's reputation is solidified by LL Cool J's iconic song about it. The film dives into the absurdity of genetically enhanced Mako sharks and pharmaceutical greed, with a cast fighting to survive their own creation. Despite some dated CGI, the practical effects and creature-feature fun make it a memorable watch. Deep Blue Sea embraces its over-the-top nature, delivering a thrilling ride.
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 performance against a convincingly terrifying CG shark makes The Shallows a standout film. It's a relentless, intense experience that holds up well over time.
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, the undisputed king of shark movies. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's impact was undeniable, grossing over $476.5 million. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the iconic showdown with the shark named Bruce. This New England tale of summer chaos and a mayor's disregard for safety continues to terrify audiences, proving that Jaws remains 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 cinema, several exciting projects are on the horizon. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:
- 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 set to broadcast an array of shark-related programming.
