For nearly half a century, sharks have been terrorizing our screens and infiltrating our nightmares, thanks in no small part to the iconic film “Jaws.” Since Steven Spielberg‘s spine-chilling classic, the world of cinema has never been safe from these fearsome marine predators. From heart-pounding thrillers to over-the-top action spectacles, shark movies have continued to captivate audiences, feeding their appetite for underwater danger. As we dive into the depths of Shark Week, it’s time to sink our teeth into a definitive ranking of the top 10 shark movies ever made. Brace yourself for a cinematic journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with larger-than-life sharks and nail-biting suspense that’ll make you think twice about that next ocean swim.
‘Bait’ (2012)
In 2012, “Bait” emerged as a refreshing twist on shark movies, breaking away from the conventional “Jaws” template. Directed by Kimble Rendall, the film introduced an out-of-nowhere tsunami that flooded a grocery store, trapping a group of survivors inside. As they struggle to find an escape route amidst the waterlogged aisles, an additional danger looms: a deadly great white shark lurking in the submerged store. While “Bait” may have received criticism for its chintzy effects and wavering identity between a disaster film and a shark movie, its originality and daring premise made it stand out among other entries in the genre. Audiences were taken on a thrilling and gripping ride, experiencing a unique blend of suspense and terror as they witnessed the characters’ efforts to evade the menacing predator. Despite its flaws, “Bait” offered a fresh take on the age-old shark movie formula, proving that sometimes it takes a creative departure from the norm to make waves in the cinematic ocean.
’47 Meters Down’ (2017)
In 2017, “47 Meters Down” offered audiences a gripping and suspenseful underwater thriller. The film revolves around two sisters, played by Mandy Moore and Claire Holt, who embark on a cage-diving adventure in Mexico to witness sharks up close. However, their excitement quickly turns into a nightmare when the cage plummets to the dark ocean floor, leaving them stranded with limited oxygen and surrounded by menacing sharks. What sets “47 Meters Down” apart is its effective use of lighting, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the murky depths of the ocean. The film skillfully builds tension as the sisters must find a way to escape the cage and survive the perilous journey back to the surface. Directed by Johannes Roberts, the movie delivers on its promise of heart-pounding moments, making it a standout addition to the shark movie genre.
‘Deep Blue Sea 3’ (2020)
Released in 2020, “Deep Blue Sea 3” proudly continues the tradition of the B-movie franchise with its wild and outrageous shark attacks. Tania Raymonde takes on the role of the leader of a team of video-blogging environmentalists situated on a man-made island in the Mozambique Channel. However, things take a thrilling turn when her marine biologist ex, portrayed by Nathaniel Buzolic, arrives with a group of hunters, determined to track down a trio of genetically engineered, highly intelligent bull sharks. Surprisingly, viewers find themselves rooting for the sharks in this action-packed adventure. The film offers an entertaining mix of marine peril and intense sequences, making it a delightful addition to the franchise’s shark-filled mayhem.
‘Jaws 2’ (1978)
Released in 1978, “Jaws 2” faced the daunting challenge of living up to the original “Jaws” without the directorial prowess of Steven Spielberg and the absence of two key actors. However, unlike its later sequels, this follow-up managed to avoid being mere chum in the water. The shark remains a formidable and destructive force, even engaging in an intense showdown with a helicopter. What makes this sequel noteworthy is the return of Roy Scheider, reprising his role as the determined police chief. Despite being voted out by the authorities who doubt the existence of another deadly predator, Scheider’s character takes it upon himself to save the day once again. “Jaws 2” proves to be a thrilling continuation of the original story, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with its gripping shark-centric action.
‘The Meg’ (2018)
Released in 2018, “The Meg” delivers the thrilling hand-to-fin combat audiences crave as action hero Jason Statham takes on a colossal, 75-foot-long prehistoric shark. However, the journey to this epic showdown proves a bit arduous. The film follows a group of researchers exploring new depths off the coast of Shanghai, whose actions inadvertently unleash the terrifying Megalodon. Initially corny and earnest, the story takes a dramatic turn as the gigantic shark wreaks havoc on ships and unsuspecting people in inner tubes. “The Meg” provides the adrenaline-pumping spectacle of a monster shark wreaking havoc, making it a must-watch for fans of creature feature films and epic underwater battles.
‘The Reef’ (2010)
In the 2010 film “The Reef,” a group of Australian friends embarks on a sailing trip to Indonesia, but their journey takes a treacherous turn when their yacht crashes on a coral reef, leaving them stranded in the vast ocean. Determined to survive, they face the daunting task of reaching a nearby island for safety. However, their predicament becomes even more harrowing and tense as they encounter a clever and menacing great white shark, which adds a thrilling layer of danger to their already dire situation. Notably, the film uses a real shark instead of relying on CGI, heightening the authenticity of the terrifying encounters. With gripping suspense and the presence of a headless giant turtle corpse, “The Reef” offers an intense and chilling underwater survival experience for audiences.
‘Open Water’ (2023)
The Sundance Film Festival showcased a breakout film that took realism to another level by incorporating real sea life into its worst-case vacation scenario. In this gripping narrative, a married couple embarks on a scuba expedition with the hope of mending their relationship, only to find themselves stranded in a perilous situation. With jellyfish stings and circling sharks adding to the mounting tension, the film delves into the unnerving reality of their predicament, exploring authentic emotions and forcing them to make incredibly difficult decisions in their battle for survival. This thought-provoking and suspenseful film leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, experiencing the harrowing journey of the couple as they confront the true depths of human resilience in the face of adversity.
‘The Shallows’ (2016)
Prepare to be captivated by the stunning beauty of this shark movie, as it presents a paradise-like setting of surfing with Blake Lively. However, the idyllic atmosphere takes a terrifying turn when her character becomes the prey of a ravenous shark. With a scene-stealing seagull as her only companion, she must bravely tend to a severe leg bite, showcasing her resourcefulness as a pre-med student. Utilizing her intelligence and a flare gun, she cleverly thwarts the shark’s menacing intentions, turning the tide in her favor. This visually striking film not only delivers on its picturesque backdrop but also serves up heart-pounding suspense and an impressive display of survival instincts, making it an unforgettable experience for audiences.
‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999)
Embrace the delightful absurdity of this sci-fi thriller, where the premise revolves around exceptionally intelligent sharks bred as part of Alzheimer’s research. While the concept may sound far-fetched, the movie fully embraces its own silliness, creating an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Witness the hilarity of a shark using a man strapped to a gurney as an unconventional battering ram, adding to the over-the-top charm of the film. Moreover, be prepared for a jaw-dropping and gloriously gruesome movie death that catches audiences off guard, leaving them in awe of its unexpected intensity. This shark-filled adventure delivers a blend of humor, thrills, and surprises, making it a one-of-a-kind spectacle that leaves viewers thoroughly entertained.
‘Jaws’ (1975)
“Jaws” stands tall as a seafaring masterpiece, unmatched by any other shark movie, owing to its flawless execution. As Hollywood’s pioneering summer blockbuster, it excels in every aspect, from inducing sheer terror to the unforgettable symphony of John Williams’ score, which sustains the tension even in the absence of the toothy predator. What sets this film apart, transforming it into a captivating shark-infested drama, is the trio of main characters. Chief Brody, portrayed by Roy Scheider, brings a compelling depth to the role of a top cop facing unimaginable challenges. Richard Dreyfuss embodies the nerdy oceanographer Matt Hooper, adding a touch of intellect to the enthralling narrative. And the incomparable Robert Shaw delivers an Ahab-esque portrayal of the relentless hunter, Quint. Together, their performances elevate “Jaws” to the realm of cinematic greatness, making it an enduring classic that leaves an indelible mark on the audience’s psyche.