Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Ranked

My earliest fears were sparked by the thought of lurking sharks beneath the serene surface of any body of water. Shark movies, with their relentless reminders of nature's unpredictable dangers, only intensified this childhood paranoia.

While the premise of shark movies might seem straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by sharks—many films struggle to capture the essence of this thrilling genre. However, when executed well, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of any water for weeks.

So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here's our curated list of the top 10 shark movies of all time. For more thrills, 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

In the world of shark movies, the ratio of hits to misses leans heavily towards the latter. Shark Night earns its spot on our list for its competent execution. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the film follows vacationers who fall victim to backwoods maniacs obsessed with Shark Week, who attach cameras to ferocious sharks. The absurdity peaks with a Great White jumping out of the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Marketed 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 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 its iconic predecessor, 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 leans more into action, which led to the original director's departure, but it maintains a familiar narrative thread. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers thrilling boat explosions and underwater carnage, proving that a successful franchise can be built on a solid foundation.

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 has seen its ups and downs, but Deep Blue Sea 3 marks a significant improvement over 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 explosive martyrdom, action-packed brawls featuring aerial Bull Shark attacks, and unexpected victories. The cast and crew deserve praise for exceeding expectations, offering a thrilling blend of aquatic horror and entertainment.

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 excels as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The Megalodon's massive jaws threaten 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 Lite and soap opera elements. The Meg delivers on its promise, making a significant impact.

The sequel, The Meg 2, released in 2023, did not meet the same standards, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," and thus does not feature on 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 achieve authenticity. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, captured natural shark behavior, serving as cinematographers to ensure realism. The film follows an American couple stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters. While not action-packed, Open Water is suspenseful and harrowing, offering a unique take on the genre.

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, Bait trapped survivors in a supermarket with Great White sharks during a tsunami. This Australian thriller showcases survivors using shopping carts for diving gear and turning parking lots into hunting grounds. The blend of effects keeps the tension high and the action bloody. The added twist of a robbery interrupted by the tsunami forces criminals and clerks to unite against the sharks. Bait stands out 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 Moor, 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 underwater escape scenario, heightening the panic. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt play sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving mishap. The film uses the vast, dark underwater landscape to create tension, with sharks lurking in the shadows. It's a nerve-wracking, white-knuckle experience that showcases the best 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's impact is evident in LL Cool J's song about it, capturing the film's 90s flair. The movie follows a team battling genetically enhanced Mako sharks, created by a pharmaceutical company. Despite some dated CGI, the film excels with practical effects, showcasing sharks in flooded hallways and kitchens. Deep Blue Sea embraces the creature-feature genre's absurdity, delivering thrilling entertainment.

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 faces off against a formidable shark in The Shallows. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension using minimal locations, showcasing his skill in crafting intense blockbusters. Lively's performance against a convincingly terrifying CG shark elevates the film. The Shallows is a gripping, intense experience that stands the test of 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 revolutionized the summer blockbuster with Jaws, the undisputed king of shark movies. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's success was undeniable, grossing over $476.5 million. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the iconic reveal of the shark, named Bruce. This New England tale of summer chaos and mayoral negligence remains a chilling reminder of nature's power, keeping audiences away from the water decades later.

Upcoming Shark Movies

For those eager for more shark-themed cinema, several exciting projects 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: Shark Week 2025 will run from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel broadcasting a variety of shark-related content.