My earliest fears were sparked by the mysterious depths of water, where a shark might lurk just beneath the serene surface. This paranoia was fueled by countless shark movies, constantly reminding me that nature's predators could strike at any moment. While the concept of shark movies might seem straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or more sharks—many films fail to capture the thrill. Yet, when executed well, these films offer an adrenaline-pumping experience that makes you wary of entering any body of water for quite some time.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Below, we dive into the top 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature thrills, 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
In the realm of shark movies, the balance between "alpha" and "minnow" leans heavily towards the latter, but Shark Night manages to make the cut for its general competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, vacationers are terrorized by backwoods maniacs who've taken their Shark Week obsession to an extreme by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. The film's absurdity peaks when a Great White leaps from the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Originally billed as "Shark Night 3D," it perfectly captures the early 2010s horror vibe—ideal for popcorn entertainment. Thanks to the late David R. Ellis, this film offers a fun, albeit not the most sophisticated, thrill.
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 iconic predecessor, but it holds its own in the shark movie genre. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White that targets water skiers and beachgoers. This sequel leans more into action, a shift that led to the original director, John D. Hancock, being replaced. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers thrilling sequences with exploding boats and underwater carnage, continuing the saga with enough flair to justify its place in 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
Following the disappointment of Deep Blue Sea 2, Deep Blue Sea 3 makes a significant comeback, echoing the thrills of the original. On the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists protecting Great White sharks clash with mercenaries and bull sharks. This B-movie delivers with explosive martyrdom, action-packed brawls featuring aerial Bull Shark attacks, and unexpectedly clever character deaths. The cast and crew deserve praise for exceeding expectations for a direct-to-video sequel, offering a delightful mix of absurdity and entertainment.
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 faces off against a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. Though the film could have been more intense with an R-rating and tighter storytelling, it excels as a blockbuster spectacle. The massive shark threatens dive cages and underwater facilities, while Statham uses his diving expertise to combat this prehistoric predator. A talented cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, attempts to protect beachgoers from becoming snacks. The Meg blends Kaiju-lite elements with soap opera drama, delivering on its promise of a thrilling aquatic adventure.
The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, did not meet the original's standards, failing to make our list due to its "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways" approach.
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 uses real sharks to achieve authenticity. Directed by avid scuba divers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, the film captures genuine shark behavior, setting it apart from more entertainment-focused entries. An American couple is left stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters, creating a suspenseful and harrowing experience rather than an action-packed one.
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 featured alligators in a flooded crawl space, Bait trapped supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian thriller showcases survivors using shopping carts for diving gear and turning parking lots into hunting grounds. The blend of effects maintains tension and delivers bloody thrills, especially as a robbery is interrupted, forcing criminals and clerks to unite against the sharks. Bait matches the intensity of Crawl, fitting into a niche of "When 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 Moor, 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 its underwater escape narrative, heightening the panic. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt portray sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving mishap, forced to navigate without attracting the attention of lurking sharks. The film masterfully uses the vast aquatic expanse and darkness to create tension, delivering nerve-wracking scares and highlighting the essence of true 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 cemented by the LL Cool J song it inspired, reflecting its 90s flair. The film follows a team combating genetically enhanced Mako sharks after a pharmaceutical experiment goes awry. Despite some dated CGI, the movie delivers with practical shark effects and creature-feature thrills. Deep Blue Sea captures the essence of "nonsense" in the best way, making the most of its razor-sharp premise.
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, a testament to Jaume Collet-Serra's skill in creating intense, focused thrillers. Using minimal locations, the film maximizes tension, with Lively's compelling performance and the still-terrifying CG shark making it a standout. The Shallows dives into an almost hopeless scenario with relentless intensity, aging gracefully as a modern classic.
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 transformed the summer blockbuster with Jaws, the undisputed king of shark movies. Despite challenges with the mechanical shark, the film's impact was undeniable, grossing $476.5 million. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the iconic confrontation with the Great White named Bruce. The story of a New England town's struggle between tourist revenue and public safety remains chillingly relevant. Decades later, Jaws remains the pinnacle of shark cinema.
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 eagerly anticipating more shark-themed cinema, several films 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 set to run from July 6 to July 13, 2025. The Discovery Channel will broadcast a wide array of shark-related content, ensuring a week filled with thrilling aquatic adventures.
