Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Made
Author: Mila
Apr 28,2025
My earliest fears were deeply rooted in the mysterious depths of bodies of water, where the serene surface might be hiding a menacing shark. This childhood paranoia was only intensified by countless shark movies, constantly reminding me that nature's predators could strike at any moment.
The concept of shark movies might seem straightforward—featuring vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or more sharks—but not all films manage to capture this thrill effectively. When executed well, however, shark movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of any water body for quite some time.
So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here's a curated list of the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more thrills involving other creatures, explore our guide to the greatest monster movies.
Top Shark Movies of All Time
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10. Shark Night (2011)
Shark movies often struggle to balance quality and entertainment, but Shark Night earns its spot for sheer competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the film follows vacationers who are hunted by backwoods maniacs with a twisted obsession with Shark Week, attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. The absurdity peaks with a Great White leaping from the water to decapitate someone on a WaveRunner. Marketed as "Shark Night 3D," it embraces the early 2010s horror vibe, delivering popcorn entertainment. David R. Ellis's direction turns this into a fun, if not spectacular, shark movie experience.
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 2 may not outshine its predecessor, but it holds its own in the genre. With Roy Scheider reprising his role, the film returns to Amity Island, where another Great White terrorizes water skiers and beachgoers. More action-oriented than the original, it faced directorial changes but manages to continue the story effectively. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers thrilling boat explosions and underwater carnage, making it a solid entry in the franchise.
Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
Deep Blue Sea 3 marks a significant improvement over its predecessor, bringing back the essence of the original film. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists protecting Great White sharks face threats from mercenaries and bull sharks. This B-movie delivers with explosive martyrdom, action-packed shark fights, and unexpected twists. The cast and crew deserve applause for exceeding expectations, offering a blend of aquatic horror and entertainment that fans of the genre will appreciate.
The Meg (2018)
The Meg pits Jason Statham against a colossal 75-foot-long shark from the Mariana Trench. While a PG-13 rating and some narrative bloat might have toned down the excitement, the film still delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. With a strong cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, The Meg showcases thrilling encounters as they attempt to stop a Megalodon from treating beachgoers like snacks. Despite its flaws, it makes a memorable splash in shark cinema.
2023 saw the release of The Meg 2, but it failed to meet the original's standards, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways" in our review. Consequently, it does not feature on our list of top shark movies.
Open Water (2003)
Open Water distinguishes itself by using real sharks to capture authentic behavior, a departure from the mechanical and CGI sharks in other films. Directed by avid scuba divers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, the film follows an American couple left stranded in shark-infested waters. Its focus on suspense and realism sets it apart, offering a harrowing experience that lingers with viewers.
Bait (2012)
Bait offers a thrilling premise, trapping supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian film skillfully blends effects to maintain tension and excitement as survivors use improvised diving gear to survive. The added twist of a robbery interrupted by the disaster adds to the chaos, making Bait a standout in the genre of animal attack films set during extreme weather events.
47 Meters Down (2017)
47 Meters Down adds a ticking clock to its underwater escape scenario, intensifying the panic as sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt find themselves trapped on the ocean floor. The film's use of darkness and the looming threat of sharks create a nerve-wracking experience, showcasing the terror of being surrounded by the unknown depths.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Deep Blue Sea is a testament to 90s creature features, with genetically enhanced Mako sharks wreaking havoc in a research facility. The film's blend of practical effects and campy thrills, highlighted by LL Cool J's memorable performance and song, makes it a beloved entry in the genre. Despite some dated CGI, it remains a fun and thrilling watch.
The Shallows (2016)
The Shallows showcases Blake Lively in a tense battle against a relentless shark. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds suspense within a confined setting, making the most out of minimal locations. Lively's performance and the film's effective use of CGI create a gripping and intense experience that stands the test of time.
Jaws (1975)
Jaws remains the undisputed king of shark movies, revolutionizing the summer blockbuster genre. Steven Spielberg's masterful use of suspense, despite challenges with the mechanical shark, resulted in a film that still captivates audiences. The story of a New England town grappling with a deadly predator during peak tourist season is as thrilling today as it was in 1975, solidifying Jaws as the best shark movie ever made.
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 - TBCWhen 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.
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