Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Ranked

One of my earliest fears was of bodies of water that may or may not be hiding a people-eating shark beneath their calm surfaces. Shark movies intensified this paranoia by constantly reminding my younger self that nature's predators could strike at any moment.

While the concept of shark movies might seem straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or multiple sharks—many films struggle to capture the thrill. However, when done correctly, these films deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience that can make you wary of any body of water for weeks.

So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here are our top picks for the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature feature excitement, explore 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 is often filled with more flops than hits, but Shark Night earns its spot for being competently executed. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the film follows vacationers attacked by backwoods maniacs who weaponize sharks with cameras. It's over-the-top—like a Great White jumping out of the water to decapitate someone on a WaveRunner. Originally titled "Shark Night 3D," it embraces the early 2010s horror vibe, offering pure popcorn entertainment. Kudos to the late David R. Ellis for crafting this enjoyable, if not top-tier, shark flick.

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 the original, but it holds its own in a genre with few strong sequels. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White, this time targeting water skiers and beachgoers. The film is more action-oriented, which led to the departure of original director John D. Hancock. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers exciting boat explosions and underwater chaos with solid execution. When something works, why not build a franchise around it?

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

The Deep Blue Sea franchise includes two sequels, and Deep Blue Sea 3 markedly improves upon its predecessor. 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 martyrdom explosions, action-packed sequences featuring aerial Bull Shark attacks, and unexpected victories. Deep Blue Sea 3 exceeds expectations for direct-to-video sequels and offers a fun take on aquatic horror.

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 battles a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. While the film could have benefited from a more mature rating and tighter storytelling, it successfully delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The Megalodon's attempts to destroy dive cages and underwater facilities create thrilling tension, and Statham's diving expertise adds to the excitement. Despite some uneven performances, The Meg makes a significant splash with its blend of action and drama.

The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, failed to match the original's charm, being described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways." Consequently, it doesn't make our list of the best 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 computer-generated sharks, Open Water uses real sharks for a more authentic feel. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, captured natural shark behavior, serving as cinematographers to ensure the film's realism. The film follows an American couple stranded in shark-infested waters after their boat leaves them behind. It's less about action and more about suspense and realism, making it a compelling choice.

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

Before Crawl introduced the concept of being trapped with alligators during a hurricane, Bait featured survivors trapped in a supermarket with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian film showcases clever survival tactics, such as using shopping carts for diving gear, and blends tense aquatic thrills with bloody action. The added twist of a robbery interrupted by the tsunami creates a unique dynamic between criminals and survivors. Bait stands out in the subgenre 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

The ticking clock in 47 Meters Down heightens the tension of an already intense underwater escape. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt portray sisters trapped at the ocean floor after a disastrous shark diving expedition. The film uses the vast, dark underwater landscape to create nerve-wracking suspense, with sharks lurking in the shadows. It's a thrilling example of effective shark cinema, filled with scares that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

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

A film that's become a cult classic, Deep Blue Sea features genetically enhanced Mako sharks and a pharmaceutical experiment gone wrong. With a memorable cast including Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J, the movie delivers on creature-feature thrills. Despite some dated CGI, the practical effects and over-the-top plot make it a standout in the genre, embracing the absurdity of shark cinema.

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

Blake Lively delivers a standout performance in The Shallows, where she faces off against a relentless shark. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension using minimal locations, making every moment count. The film's realistic shark effects and Lively's compelling portrayal create a gripping and intense experience that holds up well over time.

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 genre and remains the pinnacle of shark movies. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's suspense and storytelling propelled it to a staggering $476.5 million at the box office. Jaws masterfully builds tension, showcasing the consequences of prioritizing tourism over safety. Decades later, it remains the definitive shark movie, with its impact still felt today.

Upcoming Shark Movies

For those eager for more shark movie thrills, several exciting projects are on the horizon. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:

• 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, which will run from July 6 to July 13, 2025. The Discovery Channel will feature a variety of shark-related programming throughout the week.