A shark swimming in the sea (LuckyStep/Shutterstock)
You either love them or hate them—we’re talking shark movies. These flicks tap into our primal fear of what lurks in the deep, offering us a thrilling mix of suspense, terror, and action. From the iconic Jaws that started it all to today’s modern hits, we can’t seem to look away. Whether you’re here for the nail-biting suspense or love a good monster movie, we’ve rounded up the six best shark movies that will generate the most excitement. We gathered the insights of film critics across seven websites to come up with our list, so grab some popcorn (and maybe a life jacket) and dive in! If we missed any of your favorites, drop them in the comments below.
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The six best shark movies for all thrill seekers
1. “Jaws” (1975)
No surprise! This Steven Spielberg classic still sets the standard for shark movies almost 50 years later. Sure, the animatronics may not be state-of-the-art anymore, but critics at Rotten Tomatoes agree that the story is timeless. It’s perfectly crafted and has just the right amount of scares to rival any modern blockbuster.
It’s hard to top a classic. Forbes still ranks this film as the best, not only for its sharp screenplay, but also for John Williams’ iconic soundtrack and unforgettable lines like “You’re going to need a bigger boat.”
When you hear the word “shark movie,” most people immediately think of Jaws. IGN agrees This film remains the ultimate shark flick that continues to captivate audiences and influence filmmakers.
2. “The Shallows” (2016)
If you are a Blake Lively fan, “The Shallows” is a must-see. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes praise it as “lean and solidly made,” with Lively delivering a powerful performance that elevates this shark thriller above the ordinary. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, it’s a ride of nasty suspense.
Released in 2016, this film hasn’t been around as long as the others on our list, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the potential to be a classic. Vulture says this film offers a fresh take on the shark attack genre and bears no resemblance to Jaws. The film follows Blake Lively as Nancy, a medical student stranded just feet from shore but held captive by a determined great white shark. Lively’s gripping performance and Serra’s focused direction create a thrilling survival story that stands out for telling a shark story all its own.
The Shallows is not based on a true story; however, Forbes says the film has all the right ingredients to instill fear and terror. If you’re looking for a shark movie that will scare the crap out of you, this is the film for you. It’s truly a remarkable thriller.
3. “Deep Blue Sea” (1999)
Even Samuel L. Jackson can’t avoid becoming shark bait in this thrilling shark movie that IGN says combines practical effects with ’90s charm. You really can’t go wrong with a movie that has a song about it by LL Cool J.
“Deep Blue Sea” has become such a cult hit that it is often cited as the second best shark movie after “Jaws.” Director Renny Harlin, known for “Cliffhanger” and “Die Hard 2,” knew he had to go big – so he made his shark a foot longer than the legendary 25-foot great white shark. With an all-star cast, Forbes believes the film will deliver action-packed suspense and twists that critics and fans alike will appreciate.
One scene can make a movie unforgettable, and “Deep Blue Sea” does that perfectly, according to Vulture. Samuel L. Jackson’s epic monologue about the danger they’re in is suddenly interrupted, leaving the audience shocked. It’s a moment that defines Renny Harlin’s 1999 thriller, in which genetically modified sharks outsmart a stranded crew, and this jaw-dropping scene alone makes the film worth watching.
4. “47 Meters Down” (2017)
As Vulture puts it: What can go wrong when sisters Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt) spice up their Mexican vacation with a questionable shark dive? Well, a lot – especially when their cage plummets 150 feet to the ocean floor. With dwindling oxygen, a cage that’s now a trap, and circling sharks, this film is a nightmare for anyone suffering from claustrophobia. The real scare? These sharks don’t have to be megalodons to be absolutely terrifying.
Using pitch-black waters to hide lurking sharks, this film masterfully builds nerve-racking suspense as two sisters are swallowed by the abyss. The horrors may be familiar, but they pack a punch and showcase the best of shark cinema. IGN calls the film a thrilling experience from start to finish.
Forbes warns that 47 Meters Down may be too intense for some viewers. Critics found the characters underdeveloped, but the film’s nerve-wracking realism makes it a must-see for fans of shark movies.
5. “The Meg” (2018)
This Chinese-American co-production, directed by Jon Turteltaub (“The Knights Templar”), is a global blockbuster that is sure to appeal to audiences everywhere. Although the film features an international cast, the real star is a resurrected megalodon – a prehistoric shark that puts even great whites to shame. Although it’s not very gory, critics at Men’s Health guarantee that the stunning shark effects make the film a thrilling experience for viewers.
Despite the PG-13 rating, “The Meg” is still very exciting, according to IGN, thanks to the star-studded cast and the impressive visual effects. The film offers an entertaining mix of action and dramatic moments. It causes a sensation, even if “The Meg 2” doesn’t quite live up to the original.
As IndieWire notes, if anyone can take on a 75-foot water killer, it’s Jason Statham. In the film, he plays rescue diver Jonas Taylor, who goes deep into the Mariana Trench to save survivors of a not-quite-extinct megalodon. The film is based on Steve Alten’s 1997 novel and was eventually made by Warner Bros. after Disney passed on it.
6. “Open Water” (2003)
“Open Water” is the last movie you should sink your teeth into. Vulture says the film, titled “The Blair Shark Project,” is a gripping 2004 thriller that turns its low budget into a chilling strength. With each terrifying, up-close-and-personal moment, “Open Water” captures the horror of their situation without unnecessary frills.
And here’s the kicker: This film stars real sharks. Real sharks? Absolutely! Unlike the mechanical beast in Jaws, this film amplifies the terror with real sharks, thanks to filmmaker Chris Kentis and producer Laura Lau’s obsession with diving. The result? A harrowing, suspenseful thriller that will take your breath away, says IGN.
And the film is actually based on true events! According to IndieWire, the suspense begins even before the first shark appears on screen. When a group of divers become stranded on their tour boat, they gradually become overwhelmed by fear of the unknown – until the real danger arrives, teeth and all. It’s a slow-moving thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
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