One of my earliest fears was of bodies of water that might be hiding a people-eating shark beneath their calm surfaces. Shark movies fueled this paranoia, constantly reminding my younger self that nature's predators could strike at any moment.
The concept of shark movies seems straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or more sharks. Yet, many films miss the mark. When executed well, however, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that makes you wary of entering any body of water for a long time.
So, get your Shark Spray ready. Here are the top 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature-feature thrills, explore our guide to the greatest monster movies.
Top Shark Movies of All Time
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10. 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, or rent from Apple TV and more
The ratio of "alpha" to "minnow" in shark movies leans heavily toward the negative, making films like Shark Night notable for their general competence. Vacationers in the Louisiana gulf are attacked by backwoods maniacs who escalate their Shark Week obsession by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. It's absurd—a Great White leaps out of the water and decapitates a man on a WaveRunner. Originally billed as "Shark Night 3D," the film captures the early 2010s horror vibe (read: popcorn entertainment) and delivers on it. Credit the late David R. Ellis for this "better with booze" bite of jawesomeness, though it's not the shiniest lure in the tackle box.
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 doesn't surpass its predecessor, but it stands out in a field with little competition. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White that starts preying on water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, which led to the original director John D. Hancock being replaced as he wasn't suited for these sequences. It's a familiar continuation with its issues, yet offers exploding boats and underwater carnage executed well enough. If it ain't broke, why not turn it into a 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
Yes, there are two Deep Blue Sea sequels. Deep Blue Sea 3 significantly rebounds from the disappointment of Deep Blue Sea 2, echoing the original's sharky thrills. Scientists on the artificial island of Little Happy, tasked with protecting Great White sharks, encounter mercenaries and bull sharks that threaten their safety—a full-on B Movie. The film includes martyrdom explosions, action brawls with aerial Bull Shark tag-teams, comical memes leading to character deaths, and one of the most unexpected victories in recent shark flicks. Kudos to the cast and crew of Deep Blue Sea 3 for delivering well above expectations, not only for direct-to-video sequels but for absurd shark cinema that knows 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
Jason Statham facing a 75-foot-long shark from the Mariana Trench? The Meg could have been sharper if it weren't toned down to PG-13 and trimmed some narrative fat, but as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle, it delivers on its ancient premise. Danger looms as the massive Megalodon's chompers threaten dive cages and underwater facilities, with Statham using his diving expertise to confront the not-so-extinct predator. A strong cast including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis tries to prevent the Megalodon from turning beachgoers into snacks—some more successfully than others—as the film mixes Kaiju Lite elements with oddly endearing soap opera drama. It's all there in the package, making The Meg a grand enough splash.
The sequel, The Meg 2, arrived in 2023 but failed to match the original's impact. Our review labeled it "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," so it doesn't make 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 Jaws, which used a mechanical shark, and countless others that opted for CGI, Open Water goes for authenticity with real sharks. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, avid scuba divers themselves, aimed to capture natural behavior, serving also as cinematographers. The film's unique approach, driven by their passion for scuba diving, distinguishes it from more entertainment-focused entries on this list. It follows an American couple left stranded in shark-infested waters when their boat departs without them. Though not the most action-packed, it's suspenseful and harrowing.
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 trapped people in a flooded crawl space with alligators during a hurricane, Bait trapped supermarket patrons and workers with agitated Great White sharks during a freak tsunami. Australia delivers one of the better recent shark flicks, with survivors fashioning diving gear from shopping carts and parking lots becoming hunting grounds. The blend of effects keeps the aquatic thrills tense and bloody as the action unfolds. The tsunami also interrupts a robbery, forcing criminals and clerks to collaborate against the swimming killers. Bait is as gripping as Crawl, fitting into the niche subgenre of "When Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents."
47 Meters Down (2017)
Image credit: Entertainment Studios Motion PicturesDirector: Johannes Roberts | Writer: Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera | Stars: Mandy Moor, 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.
The ticking clock in 47 Meters Down intensifies an already frantic underwater escape. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt play sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a disastrous shark diving expedition, unable to move without attracting sharks. The film effectively uses the vast, dark aquatic landscape to create suspense, with sharks lunging into frame. It's nerve-wracking and gripping, using familiar methods to heighten the terror 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
When a movie inspires an LL Cool J song, you know it's good. "Deepest, bluest, my hat is like a shark's fin" captures the 90s vibe of Deep Blue Sea, which features genetically enhanced Mako sharks and corporate greed. The cast battles to escape their own creation, with even Samuel L. Jackson falling prey. Despite some outdated CGI, the film offers plenty of practical shark effects in flooded hallways and kitchens. Deep Blue Sea embraces creature-feature absurdity in the best way, highlighting karma's razor-sharp teeth.
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 formidable shark in The Shallows. Jaume Collet-Serra proves his mastery in crafting intense blockbusters, using minimal locations (a rock, water, a buoy) to ramp up tension. Lively's compelling performance against a menacing CG shark adds to the film's lasting impact. The Shallows leaves no room for excess, diving straight into a desperate scenario and delivering unrelenting intensity.
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 revolutionized the summer blockbuster with Jaws, the undisputed king of shark movies. Despite challenges with the animatronic Great White, the film's success, grossing over $476.5 million, was well worth it. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the reveal of the predator named Bruce. This New England tale of summertime chaos illustrates the consequences of prioritizing tourism over safety, making it a timeless classic that continues to keep audiences away from the water.
AnswerSee ResultsLooking for more horror movies with teeth? Check out our guide to the best vampire movies of all time or dive into our favorite dinosaur movies.Upcoming Shark Movies
For those eager for more shark-themed cinematic adventures, several films are on the horizon. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:
- Fear Below - May 15, 2025
- Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025
- High Tide - To Be Confirmed
- Dangerous Animals - To Be Confirmed
When Is Shark Week in 2025?
Shark Week 2025 will run from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel set to broadcast a variety of shark-related programming.
