My earliest fears were sparked by bodies of water that might conceal a lurking, people-eating shark beneath their serene surfaces. Shark movies intensified this paranoia, constantly reminding my younger self that nature's unpredictable order could strike at any moment. While the concept of fin flicks—vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by sharks—seems straightforward, many films fall short. However, when executed well, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that will make you wary of entering any body of water for a long time.
So, arm yourself with Shark Spray. Below is a curated list of the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature-feature excitement, 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, rent from Apple TV and more
In the realm of shark movies, the ratio of "alpha" to "minnow" leans heavily towards the underwhelming, yet Shark Night manages to swim onto our list due to its basic competence. The film follows vacationers in the Louisiana gulf who fall victim to backwoods maniacs obsessed with Shark Week, to the extent of attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. It's over-the-top—a Great White even decapitates a man on a WaveRunner—but captures the early 2010s horror vibe perfectly (think: popcorn entertainment). The late David R. Ellis deserves credit for delivering this "better with booze" bite of jawesomeness, even if it's not the most dazzling offering 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
While Jaws 2 doesn't surpass its legendary predecessor, it holds its own in a genre where sequels often struggle. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another menacing Great White that targets water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, which led to the departure of the original director, John D. Hancock, but it maintains a familiar narrative thread. Despite its flaws, it offers thrilling boat explosions and underwater chaos executed with enough skill to justify its spot on this list. If it ain't broke, why not expand 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
Surprisingly, there are two Deep Blue Sea sequels, and Deep Blue Sea 3 marks a significant improvement over its predecessor. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, the film follows scientists attempting to protect Great White sharks from mercenaries and bull sharks. It's unapologetically a B Movie, featuring explosive martyrdom, action-packed fights with aerial bull shark tag-teams, and character deaths inspired by internet memes. This entry delivers an unexpectedly triumphant moment in shark movie history, exceeding expectations for direct-to-video sequels and embracing its role as entertaining shark cinema.
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 faces off against a 75-foot-long shark from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. While a more mature rating and tighter storytelling could have enhanced the film, it still delivers as a thrilling aquatic horror spectacle. The Megalodon's massive jaws threaten dive cages and research facilities, as Statham uses his diving expertise to combat this ancient predator. The ensemble cast, including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, attempts to prevent the shark from turning beachgoers into snacks. The film blends Kaiju-like elements with soap opera drama, fulfilling its blockbuster promise.
The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, unfortunately, didn't match the original's appeal. Our review described it as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," thus it doesn't 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 authenticity by using real sharks. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, aimed to capture natural shark behavior. Their personal involvement as cinematographers ensures a raw, immersive experience. The film follows an American couple stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters after their boat leaves them behind. It's less action-packed but intensely 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 featured a family trapped with alligators during a hurricane, Bait trapped people inside a supermarket with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian film showcases survivors using shopping carts and parking lots to create diving gear as they become prey. The blend of effects maintains the tension and gore, while a robbery in progress adds a twist as criminals and clerks must unite against the aquatic threat. Bait stands out as a thrilling entry in the niche of "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 heightens the panic as sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt find themselves trapped on the ocean floor after a failed shark diving expedition. The film masterfully uses the vast, dark underwater landscape to build tension, with sharks lurking in the shadows. It's a nerve-wracking, gripping experience that showcases the best of shark cinema's suspense.
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
A testament to its impact is LL Cool J's song inspired by it. "Deepest, bluest, my hat is like a shark's fin" perfectly captures the 90s vibe of Deep Blue Sea, a film about genetically enhanced Mako sharks and the disastrous consequences of corporate greed. Despite some dated CGI, the movie features practical effects of sharks in flooded hallways and kitchens. Deep Blue Sea revels in the delightful absurdity of creature features, delivering a memorable blend of action and karma's biting justice.
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 confronts a formidable shark with stunning intensity. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension using minimal locations—a rock, water, and a buoy—creating a gripping narrative. Lively's performance against a convincingly terrifying CG shark elevates the film, making it a standout in shark cinema. The Shallows dives into a seemingly hopeless scenario with relentless 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, which remains the pinnacle of shark cinema. Despite challenges with the mechanical shark, the film's suspense and impact led to a staggering $476.5 million at the box office. Jaws masterfully builds tension, culminating in the iconic appearance of the shark, named Bruce. This New England tale of a town prioritizing tourism over safety is chilling enough to keep audiences away from the water, with scenes like Alex Kintner's attack still hauntingly fresh. Decades later, Jaws remains the definitive shark movie.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more spine-chilling films, check out our guide to the best vampire movies of all time, or explore our favorite dinosaur movies.Upcoming Shark Movies
For those eager for more shark-themed cinematic thrills, here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:
Fear Below - May 15, 2025Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025High Tide - TBCDangerous Animals - TBCWhen Is Shark Week in 2025?
Mark your calendars for Shark Week 2025, which will run from July 6 to July 13, 2025. The Discovery Channel will host a variety of shark-related programming during this time.
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