From a young age, I harbored a deep-seated fear of bodies of water, constantly worried about the lurking presence of people-eating sharks beneath their tranquil surfaces. This paranoia was fueled by countless shark movies that incessantly reminded me that nature's order could strike at any moment. While the concept of a shark flick might seem straightforward—featuring vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or more sharks—many films miss the mark. However, when executed correctly, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of entering any water body for quite some time.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here's our curated list of the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more thrilling creature features, don't miss our guide to the greatest monster movies.
Top Shark Movies of All Time
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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 often tilts toward the negative, making films like Shark Night stand out for their general competence. The plot involves vacationers in the Louisiana gulf being terrorized by backwoods maniacs who indulge their Shark Week obsession by equipping ferocious sharks with cameras. The absurdity peaks when a Great White leaps from the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Originally billed as "Shark Night 3D," the film captures the essence of early 2010s horror—perfect for popcorn entertainment. David R. Ellis deserves credit for delivering this "better with booze" bite of jaw-dropping fun, even if it's not the most polished piece in the genre.
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 own in a genre where sequels often falter. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from yet another Great White that targets water skiers and beachgoers. The film shifts toward more action-packed sequences, which led to the replacement of the original director, John D. Hancock. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers explosive boats and underwater carnage with enough execution 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 disappointing Deep Blue Sea 2, Deep Blue Sea 3 impressively rebounds, recapturing the essence of the original. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists working to protect Great White sharks find themselves at odds with mercenaries and bull sharks. This B-movie delivers with martyrdom explosions, action-packed fights featuring aerial bull shark attacks, and a surprising twist that ranks among the most memorable in recent shark cinema. The cast and crew of Deep Blue Sea 3 exceed expectations for direct-to-video sequels, offering a thrilling take on the genre that embraces its 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
The Meg pits Jason Statham against a 75-foot-long prehistoric shark from the Mariana Trench. While the film's PG-13 rating and some narrative excess might dampen the thrill, it still delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The Megalodon's massive jaws threaten dive cages and research facilities, with Statham's diving expertise crucial to stopping this ancient predator. Supported by a robust cast including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, the film blends Kaiju-lite elements with engaging soap opera drama. The Meg makes a significant splash, even if it doesn't reach the depths of perfection.
In 2023, The Meg 2 hit theaters, but it failed to match the original's impact, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways" in our review. 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 opts for real sharks to achieve authenticity. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, used their expertise 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. While not action-packed, Open Water is suspenseful and harrowing, setting it apart from more entertainment-focused shark movies.
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 a family trapped with alligators during a hurricane, Bait showcased survivors trapped in a supermarket with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian gem blends tension and gore as survivors use shopping carts for diving gear and parking lots become hunting grounds. The film's action ramps up as a robbery is interrupted by the tsunami, forcing criminals and clerks to unite against the aquatic predators. Bait matches the intensity of Crawl, carving a niche in the "Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents" subgenre.
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 intensifies the panic of an underwater escape with a ticking clock. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt play sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a failed shark diving expedition. The film effectively uses the vast emptiness of the ocean to heighten tension, with sharks emerging from the darkness to attack. It's a nerve-wracking, white-knuckle experience that showcases 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
Deep Blue Sea's iconic status is reinforced by LL Cool J's song about it, capturing the film's 90s flair. The movie centers on genetically enhanced Mako sharks and the disastrous consequences of pharmaceutical greed. Despite some dated CGI, the film excels with practical effects, showing sharks navigating flooded hallways and kitchens. Deep Blue Sea embraces creature-feature absurdity in the best possible way, making it a standout in the genre.
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
In The Shallows, Blake Lively faces off against a menacing shark in a tense showdown. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds suspense using minimal locations—a rock formation, water, and a buoy. Lively's performance against a realistically terrifying CG shark elevates the film, making The Shallows a gripping experience that stands the test of 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's Jaws revolutionized the summer blockbuster genre and remains the pinnacle of shark cinema. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's success, earning $476.5 million at the box office, speaks volumes. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the unforgettable appearance of the shark named Bruce. This New England tale critiques the prioritization of tourism over public safety, making it a timeless classic that still deters people from beaches.
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 looking for even more shark movies to watch, there are quite a few currently in the works or announced. Here are some of the biggest upcoming shark movies we know about:
Fear Below - May 15, 2025Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025High Tide - TBCDangerous Animals - TBC
When Is Shark Week in 2025?
Shark Week 2025 will take place from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel set to air a whole host of shark-related content.
