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 surface. Shark movies fueled this paranoia, constantly reminding my younger self that nature's predators could strike at any time.

While the concept of shark movies—featuring vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or multiple sharks—seems straightforward, many films miss the mark. However, when done correctly, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that might make you wary of entering any body of water for a while.

So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here are our top picks for the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature thrills, check out our guide to the greatest 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, truly great films are rare, which is why Shark Night earns a spot on this list for its solid execution. Vacationers in the Louisiana gulf are terrorized by backwoods maniacs who have taken their Shark Week obsession to the extreme by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. It's over-the-top, with a Great White jumping out of the water to decapitate someone on a WaveRunner. Originally released as "Shark Night 3D," the film captures the early 2010s horror vibe perfectly, offering popcorn entertainment. The late David R. Ellis deserves credit for this enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, film.

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 stands out among sequels. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White shark that begins attacking water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, which led to the replacement of the original director, John D. Hancock, who wasn't suited for such sequences. It has its flaws, but it also features exploding boats and plenty of underwater carnage, making it a worthy continuation of the franchise.

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 two sequels, and Deep Blue Sea 3 significantly improves upon the second installment, echoing the original's charm. Scientists on the artificial island of Little Happy, attempting to protect Great White sharks, find themselves at odds with mercenaries and bull sharks. This B Movie delivers with martyrdom explosions, action-packed brawls, and one of the most surprising victories in recent shark cinema. The cast and crew deserve praise for surpassing expectations of direct-to-video sequels and delivering entertaining shark-themed chaos.

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 faces off against a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. While the film might have benefited from a more mature rating and tighter storytelling, it successfully delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The Megalodon's massive jaws threaten dive cages and underwater facilities, and Statham's expert diving skills are put to the test. The cast, including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, works to stop the prehistoric predator from turning beachgoers into snacks. Though The Meg 2 arrived in 2023, it didn't meet the original's standards and thus doesn't make our list.

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

Open Water distinguishes itself by using real sharks rather than mechanical or CGI ones. Filmmaker Chris Kentis and his wife, producer Laura Lau, who are avid scuba divers, aimed for authenticity in capturing natural shark behavior. This approach gives the film a unique feel compared to more action-focused shark movies. The story follows an American couple left stranded in shark-infested waters, offering suspense and tension rather than 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

Before Crawl featured alligators in a flooded crawl space, Bait had Great White sharks invading a supermarket during a tsunami. This Australian film cleverly mixes survival elements with thrilling action, as survivors use shopping carts and parking lots as makeshift diving gear and 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 aquatic predators, making Bait a standout in its niche.

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 urgency of 47 Meters Down heightens the panic in an already tense underwater escape scenario. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt play sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a disastrous shark diving expedition. The film uses the vast, dark ocean to create suspense, with sharks lurking in the shadows. It's a nerve-wracking experience that showcases the best of shark cinema's tension-building techniques.

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 reputation is cemented by its iconic moments, including LL Cool J's song referencing the film. The movie showcases genetically enhanced Mako sharks and the consequences of corporate greed. Despite some outdated CGI, the film excels with practical effects, like sharks navigating flooded hallways and kitchens. It's a classic creature feature that revels in its own absurdity, making it a beloved entry in the genre.

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 with minimal locations, using a rock formation, water, and a buoy to great effect. Lively's performance against a convincingly terrifying CG shark adds to the film's impact. The Shallows is a gripping, 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 revolutionized the summer blockbuster with Jaws, the undisputed king of shark movies. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's success was monumental, grossing over $476.5 million. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the iconic reveal of the shark named Bruce. This New England tale of a mayor prioritizing tourism over safety remains a chilling reminder of nature's dangers, ensuring Jaws' place as the greatest shark movie ever made.

Upcoming Shark Movies

For those looking for even more shark movies to watch, there are quite a few currently in the works or announced. Here are some of the biggest upcoming shark movies we know about:

• 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?

Shark Week 2025 will take place from July 6 to July 13, 2025, with the Discovery Channel set to air a whole host of shark-related content.