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Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Made

Author : Olivia Update : May 20,2025

One of my earliest fears was of bodies of water that may or may not be hiding a people-eating shark beneath calm surface views. Shark movies fueled that paranoia by reminding my younger self, time and again, that the world's natural order could strike at any moment.

While the concept of fin flicks might seem straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or multiple sharks—many films struggle to capture the thrill effectively. However, when executed well, these movies deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience that can make you wary of any body of water for quite some time.

So, grab your Shark Spray. Here are the top 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature thrills, explore our guide to the greatest monster movies.

Top Shark Movies of All Time

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Shark Night (2011)

Image credit: Rogue
Director: 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 often-disappointing realm of shark movies, Shark Night earns its spot for general competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, vacationers face attacks from backwoods maniacs who take their Shark Week obsession to the extreme by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. The film's absurdity peaks with a Great White jumping out of the water to decapitate someone on a WaveRunner. Marketed originally as "Shark Night 3D," it captures the early 2010s horror vibe perfectly, offering popcorn entertainment. Kudos to the late David R. Ellis for delivering this "better with booze" bite of jaw-dropping fun, even if it's not the most polished offering.

Jaws 2 (1978)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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 its predecessor, but in the sparse field of shark movie sequels, it holds its own. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White, this time targeting water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, which led to the original director John D. Hancock's departure. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 delivers with exploding boats and underwater carnage, making it a worthy addition to the franchise.

Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Director: 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

Following the disappointing Deep Blue Sea 2, Deep Blue Sea 3 makes a strong comeback, echoing the original's thrill. On the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists trying to protect Great White sharks encounter mercenaries and bull sharks. The film embraces its B-movie roots with martyrdom explosions, action-packed brawls, and unexpected character deaths. It's a delightful surprise in the world of direct-to-video sequels and absurd shark cinema, fully understanding its entertainment value.

The Meg (2018)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: 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 versus a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench is a premise that promises excitement. While the PG-13 rating and some narrative bloat temper the thrill, The Meg still delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The film showcases the peril of the Megalodon's massive chompers as they threaten dive cages and underwater facilities. With a cast including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, The Meg blends Kaiju Lite elements with soap opera drama, making a significant splash despite its flaws.

The sequel, The Meg 2, arrived in 2023 but didn't match the original's impact, being described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways." As such, it doesn't make our list of the best shark films.

Open Water (2003)

Image credit: Lions Gate Films
Director: 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 real sharks to achieve authenticity. Filmmaker Chris Kentis and his wife and producer, Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, aimed to capture natural shark behavior. Their dual roles as cinematographers ensured a realistic portrayal. The film follows an American couple left stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters, offering a suspenseful and harrowing experience rather than action-packed thrills.

Bait (2012)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
Director: 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 characters with alligators during a hurricane, Bait confined them with Great White sharks in a flooded supermarket after a tsunami. Australia delivers one of the better recent shark movies, where survivors use shopping carts and parking lots as makeshift diving gear. The film blends effects to maintain tension and bloodshed, with a robbery in progress adding a unique twist. Bait stands as a strong entry in the "Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents" subgenre.

47 Meters Down (2017)

Image credit: Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures
Director: 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 adds a ticking clock to its underwater escape scenario, intensifying the panic as Mandy Moore and Claire Holt play sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving mishap. The film's use of aquatic nothingness and pitch-black waters heightens the tension, with sharks lunging into frame. It's a nerve-wracking, white-knuckled experience that exemplifies the best 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

Deep Blue Sea's impact is so significant that it inspired an LL Cool J song. The film dives into the chaos caused by genetically enhanced Mako sharks and pharmaceutical greed. Despite some dated CGI, the practical effects and the cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, make it a memorable creature feature. Deep Blue Sea embraces its outrageousness, delivering thrilling "nonsense" that showcases karma's sharp teeth.

The Shallows (2016)

Blake Lively faces off against a formidable shark in The Shallows, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. With limited locations—a rock formation, water, and a buoy—Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension. Lively's performance against a convincing CG shark adds to the film's intensity. The Shallows is a gripping, high-tension experience that showcases Collet-Serra's skill in crafting compelling blockbusters.

Jaws (1975)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: 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 shark, the film's suspense and pacing are unparalleled, earning over $476.5 million at the box office. Jaws masterfully builds tension, culminating in unforgettable scenes that keep viewers away from the water. The tale of a New England town prioritizing tourism over safety remains a chilling reminder of nature's power, solidifying Jaws as the best shark movie ever made.

For those eager for more horror with bite, check out our guide to the best vampire movies or dive into our favorite dinosaur movies.