My earliest fears were rooted in the mysterious depths of water, where the lurking possibility of a shark could transform serene surfaces into scenes of terror. Shark movies intensified this childhood paranoia, constantly reminding me that nature's predators could strike without warning.
The concept behind shark movies might seem straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or multiple sharks—but executing it effectively is a challenge many films fail to meet. When done right, however, these films deliver a thrilling experience that can make you wary of any body of water for a long time to come.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here are our top picks for the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature thrills, 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 realm of shark movies, the balance between quality and quantity often leans towards the latter, but Shark Night manages to make the list thanks to its general competence. The film follows vacationers in the Louisiana gulf who are terrorized by backwoods maniacs obsessed with Shark Week, to the extent of attaching cameras to aggressive sharks. It's over-the-top—think a Great White jumping out of the water to decapitate someone on a WaveRunner. Originally billed as "Shark Night 3D," the movie embodies early 2010s horror, aiming for popcorn entertainment, which it successfully delivers. The late David R. Ellis deserves credit for this "better with booze" bite of jaw-dropping action, even if it's not the most polished film out there.
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 2 may not surpass its predecessor, but it stands out in a field with little competition. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White shark that targets water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, a shift that cost original director John D. Hancock his job due to his inability to handle such scenes. Despite its flaws, it offers familiar storytelling, exploding boats, and intense underwater sequences. When a formula works, why not expand it into a franchise?
Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
The Deep Blue Sea franchise has seen its ups and downs, but Deep Blue Sea 3 marks a significant improvement over its predecessor. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists working to protect Great White sharks face off against mercenaries and aggressive bull sharks. This B-movie delivers with explosive action, aerial shark battles, humorous character deaths inspired by memes, and an unexpected triumph in the world of shark films. The cast and crew deserve recognition for exceeding the expectations set for direct-to-video sequels and delivering entertaining shark cinema.
The Meg (2018)
Jason Statham battling a 75-foot-long shark from the Mariana Trench is the stuff of cinematic dreams. While The Meg could have benefited from a more mature rating and tighter storytelling, it excels as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The film showcases the peril of a massive Megalodon attacking dive cages and underwater facilities, with Statham's expert diving skills pitted against this ancient predator. A talented cast, including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, attempts to prevent the Megalodon from turning beachgoers into snacks, with varying success. The film blends elements of Kaiju Lite with soap opera-like drama, making a memorable splash despite its flaws.
2023 saw the release of The Meg 2, but the sequel fell short of the original's impact. According to our review, it's "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," thus missing out on a spot on our list of the best shark films.
Open Water (2003)
Unlike many shark films that rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water opts for real sharks to capture authentic behavior. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and his wife and producer, Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, ensured the film's naturalistic feel by handling the cinematography themselves. The result is a film that stands apart from the more sensational entries on this list, following an American couple left stranded in shark-infested waters. While less action-packed, it's a suspenseful and harrowing experience.
Bait (2012)
Bait predates Crawl, trapping supermarket patrons and staff with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian film cleverly uses the setting to create tension and chaos, with survivors using shopping carts for diving gear and parking lots as hunting grounds. The blend of practical and digital effects keeps the action thrilling and bloody, especially with the added twist of a robbery being interrupted by the disaster. Bait stands tall alongside Crawl in the niche genre of "Animals Attacking in Trapped Locations During Extreme Weather."
47 Meters Down (2017)
47 Meters Down heightens the panic with its ticking clock scenario, trapping two sisters on the ocean floor after a failed shark diving trip. The film uses the vast, dark underwater landscape to create nerve-wracking tension, with sudden shark attacks emerging from the shadows. It's a gripping, suspense-filled journey that showcases the terror of shark encounters.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
A film that inspires an LL Cool J song is undoubtedly memorable. "Deepest, bluest, my hat is like a shark's fin" perfectly captures the 90s flair of Deep Blue Sea, where genetically enhanced Mako sharks wreak havoc due to pharmaceutical greed. Despite some dated CGI, the film's use of practical effects in scenes like sharks swimming down hallways or through flooded kitchens adds to its charm. Deep Blue Sea embraces the fun of creature-feature absurdity, showcasing the sharp bite of karma.
The Shallows (2016)
Blake Lively faces off against a formidable shark in The Shallows, showcasing the masterful direction of Jaume Collet-Serra. With minimal locations—a rock formation, water, and a buoy—Collet-Serra builds intense suspense. Lively's compelling performance, combined with a convincingly terrifying CGI shark, makes The Shallows a standout film that holds up well over time. It's a relentless, gripping tale of survival against all odds.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg revolutionized the summer blockbuster with Jaws, the undisputed king of shark movies. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's success, grossing $476.5 million, speaks volumes. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, holding back the shark until the perfect moment. This tale of a New England town's summer turned deadly due to a mayor's greed for tourist dollars is as chilling now as it was then. Jaws remains the pinnacle of shark cinema, a testament to Spielberg's genius.
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 films are in development or have been announced. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:
Fear Below - May 15, 2025Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025High Tide - TBCDangerous Animals - TBCWhen Is Shark Week in 2025?
Mark your calendars: Shark Week 2025 will run from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel set to broadcast a wide array of shark-focused programming.
