My earliest fears were sparked by the thought of lurking sharks beneath the seemingly tranquil surface of water bodies. This paranoia was fueled by countless shark movies that constantly reminded me that nature's predators could strike at any moment.

While the premise of shark movies often seems simple—vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or more sharks—many films fail to capture this thrill effectively. However, when executed correctly, these movies offer an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of entering any body of water for weeks.

So, prepare your Shark Spray because here's our list of the top 10 shark movies of all time. If you're craving more creature features, don't miss our guide to the best 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

The landscape of shark movies often leans toward the negative, but films like *Shark Night* manage to stand out for their general competency. Set in the Louisiana gulf, vacationers are terrorized by backwoods maniacs who attach cameras to aggressive sharks. The absurdity peaks when a Great White shark leaps from the water to decapitate someone on a WaveRunner. Originally released as "Shark Night 3D," the film captures the early 2010s horror vibe, offering popcorn entertainment. The late David R. Ellis deserves credit for this entertaining, if not groundbreaking, addition to the genre.

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 its iconic predecessor, but it holds its own in the shark movie genre. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White, this time targeting water skiers and beachgoers. The sequel leans more into action, which led to a change in directors, and continues the story effectively. While it has its flaws, the film delivers with exploding boats and intense underwater scenes, reinforcing the franchise's appeal.

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 *Deep Blue Sea 2*, *Deep Blue Sea 3* brings the franchise back to its thrilling roots. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists protecting Great White sharks face off against mercenaries and bull sharks. This B-movie delivers with dramatic explosions, action-packed fights, and unexpected shark-related victories. The cast and crew deserve praise for exceeding expectations and embracing the absurdity of 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 75-foot-long Megalodon in *The Meg*, a spectacle that lives up to its premise despite its PG-13 rating and some narrative flab. The film showcases thrilling scenes of the massive shark threatening dive cages and underwater facilities, with Statham using his diving expertise to combat the ancient predator. While the cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, delivers varying performances, *The Meg* successfully blends Kaiju elements with dramatic flair, making it a memorable blockbuster.

The sequel, *The Meg 2*, released in 2023, did not meet the same success. Described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," it fails to make our list of top 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 rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, *Open Water* uses real sharks to create an authentic experience. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, captured natural shark behavior, resulting in a film that stands out from more entertainment-focused counterparts. The story follows an American couple left stranded in shark-infested waters, offering suspense and realism over action.

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

*Bait* takes a unique approach by trapping survivors in a supermarket during a tsunami, with Great White sharks adding to the chaos. This Australian film cleverly uses shopping carts and parking lots as makeshift diving gear and hunting grounds. The blend of effects and action keeps the tension high, while a robbery subplot adds an intriguing twist. *Bait* stands alongside *Crawl* in the niche genre of "Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents."

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* adds urgency to its underwater escape scenario, with Mandy Moore and Claire Holt playing sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving expedition goes awry. The film masterfully uses the vast, dark ocean to build tension, with sudden shark attacks enhancing the suspense. It's a nerve-wracking experience that captures the essence 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* is a quintessential 90s shark movie, featuring genetically enhanced Mako sharks and a thrilling escape narrative. The film's cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J, adds to its appeal, despite some dated CGI. With practical effects and a focus on creature-feature thrills, *Deep Blue Sea* delivers a fun, if absurd, cinematic experience.

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

In *The Shallows*, Blake Lively faces off against a formidable shark in a tense, confined setting. Director Jaume Collet-Serra maximizes the film's limited locations to create a gripping narrative. Lively's performance and the effective use of CGI contribute to a film that remains thrilling and intense, proving that less can indeed be more 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

Steven Spielberg's *Jaws* revolutionized the summer blockbuster and remains the pinnacle of shark movies. Despite challenges with the mechanical shark, the film's suspense and storytelling prowess earned it over $476.5 million at the box office. *Jaws* masterfully builds tension, culminating in the iconic showdown with the Great White, Bruce. It's a timeless tale of human versus nature that continues to captivate audiences.

Upcoming Shark Movies

For those eager for more shark thrills, several films are currently in development or have been announced. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:

• Fear Below - Scheduled for release on May 15, 2025
• Beneath the Storm - Set to hit theaters 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! Shark Week 2025 is scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 13, 2025. The Discovery Channel will be airing a variety of shark-related content, so get ready for a week filled with aquatic excitement.