Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Ranked

From childhood fears sparked by the deceptive tranquility of water surfaces to the thrill of cinematic suspense, shark movies have a unique way of captivating and terrifying audiences. These films often play on a simple premise—humans encountering sharks in their natural habitat—but when executed well, they deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make even the bravest of us wary of the water.

So, grab your Shark Spray and dive into our curated list of the top 10 shark movies of all time. For those seeking more thrills, don't miss our guide to the greatest monster movies.

Top Shark Movies of All Time

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10. 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 world of shark movies, where quality can be hit or miss, Shark Night earns its spot through sheer entertainment value. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the film follows vacationers who become targets of backwoods maniacs obsessed with sharks, even going as far as attaching cameras to these predators. The absurdity reaches its peak with a Great White leaping out of the water to decapitate a WaveRunner rider. Marketed initially as "Shark Night 3D," this film captures the early 2010s horror vibe perfectly, making it a fun, if not the most sophisticated, entry in the genre. Kudos to the late David R. Ellis for delivering a "better with booze" thrill ride.

9. 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

While Jaws 2 may not surpass its iconic predecessor, it holds its ground as a worthy sequel in a genre where competition is scarce. Roy Scheider reprises his role, this time defending Amity Island from another menacing Great White. The film ups the ante with more action-packed sequences, which led to a change in directors, and continues the story effectively. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers thrilling boat explosions and underwater chaos that keep the franchise afloat.

8. 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

The Deep Blue Sea franchise sees a notable resurgence with its third installment, which bounces back from the less impressive second film. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists protecting Great White sharks face off against mercenaries and bull sharks. The result is a quintessential B-movie experience, complete with explosive action, comedic character deaths inspired by memes, and an unexpectedly triumphant conclusion. Deep Blue Sea 3 exceeds expectations for direct-to-video sequels and delivers on the promise of entertaining shark cinema.

7. 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

The Meg pits Jason Statham against a colossal 75-foot-long shark from the Mariana Trench. While the film could have benefited from a more mature rating and tighter storytelling, it remains a thrilling blockbuster spectacle. The action is intense as the Megalodon threatens dive cages and research facilities, with Statham using his diving expertise to combat the ancient predator. The ensemble cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, adds depth to the film's mix of Kaiju-like action and soap opera drama. Despite its flaws, The Meg makes a significant impact in the shark movie genre.

The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, did not meet the same success, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways" and thus does not make our list.

6. 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

Open Water stands out for its use of real sharks, eschewing CGI for a more authentic experience. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, captured natural shark behavior to create a film that feels genuine and terrifying. The story follows an American couple stranded in shark-infested waters, delivering suspense and realism rather than the typical action-packed fare. The result is a harrowing tale that lingers long after the credits roll.

5. 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, Bait set the stage for thrilling animal attack films set during natural disasters. The film traps supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks during a tsunami, blending action and suspense. Survivors ingeniously use shopping carts and parking lots to fend off the predators, while a robbery adds an extra layer of tension. Bait stands as a testament to Australia's contribution to the genre, offering a gripping experience akin to Crawl.

4. 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 the already tense scenario of being trapped underwater with sharks. The film follows sisters Mandy Moore and Claire Holt as they navigate the ocean floor after a disastrous shark diving expedition. The use of darkness and minimalistic settings heightens the suspense, creating a nerve-wracking experience that showcases the terror of shark encounters.

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 creature feature, complete with genetically enhanced Mako sharks and a memorable LL Cool J song. The film follows a team of scientists battling to survive their own creation, with even Samuel L. Jackson falling prey to the sharks. Despite some dated CGI, the practical effects and thrilling sequences make it a standout in shark cinema, embracing the genre's inherent absurdity to great effect.

2. The Shallows (2016)

Image credit: Sony Pictures
Director: 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

The Shallows showcases Blake Lively's gripping performance as she faces off against a relentless shark. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension using minimal settings, creating an intense and relentless experience. The film's use of CGI does not detract from its terrifying impact, cementing it as a modern classic in shark movie lore.

1. 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

Jaws remains the pinnacle of shark movies, revolutionizing the summer blockbuster genre. Steven Spielberg's use of suspense and the iconic mechanical shark, despite its challenges, resulted in a film that still terrifies audiences today. The story of a New England town's battle against a deadly Great White shark captures the tension between economic interests and public safety. Decades later, Jaws stands as the definitive shark movie, a testament to Spielberg's mastery of suspense and storytelling.

For more thrilling cinematic experiences, check out our guide to the best vampire movies or dive into our favorite dinosaur movies.

Upcoming Shark Movies

For fans eagerly awaiting more shark-themed thrills, several films are on the horizon:

• 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?

Mark your calendars for Shark Week 2025, scheduled from July 6 to July 13, 2025, as the Discovery Channel prepares to broadcast a week full of shark-related content.