Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Made

My earliest fear was sparked by the calm surfaces of bodies of water, haunted by the thought of a lurking, people-eating shark. Shark movies played a significant role in intensifying this paranoia, constantly reminding my younger self that the natural world could strike unexpectedly at any moment.

The concept behind shark movies might seem straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or more sharks—yet, many films struggle to capture this thrill effectively. When executed well, these movies deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience that can make you wary of entering any body of water for a long time.

So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here's a curated list of the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more thrills with creatures, explore our guide to the greatest monster movies.

Top Shark Movies of All Time

11 Images10. 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 world of shark movies, the balance often tilts towards the less impressive. Shark Night, however, earns its spot on this list for its solid execution. The film follows vacationers in the Louisiana gulf who are terrorized by backwoods maniacs obsessed with Shark Week, going so far as to attach cameras to ferocious sharks. The plot is absurd—a Great White decapitates someone on a WaveRunner—but it captures the essence of early 2010s horror entertainment. The late David R. Ellis deserves credit for delivering this fun, if not top-tier, shark flick.

9. 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 the genre. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White terrorizing water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, which led to the original director John D. Hancock's departure. While it has its flaws, Jaws 2 offers thrilling boat explosions and underwater carnage, maintaining the franchise's momentum.

8. 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

Despite the disappointing second installment, Deep Blue Sea 3 brings the franchise back to its roots. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists face off against mercenaries and bull sharks. The film embraces its B-movie status with thrilling action, including martyrdom explosions, aerial shark attacks, and unexpected twists. Deep Blue Sea 3 exceeds expectations for a direct-to-video sequel, delivering enjoyable shark cinema.

7. 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 takes on a colossal 75-foot Megalodon from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. While the film could have benefited from a more mature rating and tighter storytelling, it succeeds as a thrilling aquatic horror spectacle. The cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, works to stop the ancient predator from devouring beachgoers. The Meg delivers on its promise, making a significant impact in shark cinema.

The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, did not meet the same success, being described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways." As a result, it doesn't make it onto our list of the best shark films.

6. 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 use mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water opts for authenticity by featuring real sharks. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, passionate scuba divers, ensured natural behavior in their film. The result is a suspenseful and harrowing tale of an American couple stranded in shark-infested waters, offering a unique and intense viewing experience.

5. 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, Bait showcased a unique scenario where survivors are trapped in a supermarket with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian film blends tense aquatic thrills with a compelling narrative, as survivors use shopping carts and parking lots to survive. The addition of a robbery interrupted by the tsunami adds an extra layer of tension, making Bait a standout in the genre.

4. 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 heightens the suspense with a ticking clock element as two sisters, played by Mandy Moore and Claire Holt, are trapped on the ocean floor during a shark diving expedition. The film's use of the dark, vast underwater landscape adds to the tension, delivering a nerve-wracking experience that showcases the best of shark cinema.

3. 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 90s charm is encapsulated by LL Cool J's song about the film, reflecting its blend of outrageousness and entertainment. The movie follows a team fighting to survive after their genetically enhanced Mako sharks turn against them. Despite some dated CGI, the practical effects and thrilling sequences make it a memorable creature feature.

2. 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 menacing shark in The Shallows, a film that masterfully builds tension from limited locations. Director Jaume Collet-Serra maximizes the suspense, showcasing Lively's compelling performance against a convincingly terrifying CGI shark. The Shallows remains a gripping and intense entry in shark cinema.

1. 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

Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg, revolutionized the summer blockbuster and remains the pinnacle of shark cinema. Despite challenges with the mechanical shark, the film's suspenseful build-up and iconic scenes have kept audiences away from beaches for decades. Jaws continues to be the benchmark for shark movies, proving its enduring legacy.

Upcoming Shark Movies

For those eager for more shark-themed thrills, several exciting 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 for Shark Week 2025, airing from July 6 to July 13, 2025. The Discovery Channel will bring you a full lineup of shark-related programming, ensuring a week filled with thrilling content.