Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Ranked

From a young age, I harbored a deep-seated fear of bodies of water, constantly wary that beneath their serene surfaces lurked a shark ready to strike. This fear was only amplified by shark movies, which continuously reminded me that nature's unpredictability could surface at any moment.

The concept behind shark films seems straightforward—vacationers, boaters, or divers being hunted by one or more sharks—but many miss the mark. However, when these movies hit the right notes, they deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you hesitant to venture into any water for a while.

So, gear up with your Shark Spray. Here are our top picks for the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more thrilling creature features, explore our guide to the greatest monster movies.

Top Shark Movies of All Time

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10. Shark Night (2011)

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, the ratio of "alpha" to "minnow" leans heavily towards the negative, making films like Shark Night notable for their competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the movie follows vacationers who are attacked by backwoods maniacs with an extreme Shark Week obsession, using sharks equipped with cameras. While a Great White jumping out of the water to decapitate someone on a WaveRunner might seem over-the-top, the film nails the early 2010s horror vibe. Originally titled "Shark Night 3D," it's the perfect popcorn entertainment, thanks to the late David R. Ellis.

9. Jaws 2 (1978)

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 doesn't surpass the original, it holds its ground in a field with little competition. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another Great White, this time targeting water skiers and beachgoers. More action-oriented than its predecessor, the film faced a change in direction when John D. Hancock was replaced for not fitting the action style. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers familiar storytelling with thrilling underwater action and exploding boats.

8. Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)

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

Following the disappointing Deep Blue Sea 2, Deep Blue Sea 3 brings the franchise back to its thrilling roots. Set on the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists face off against mercenaries and bull sharks. This B-movie delivers explosive action, including aerial Bull Shark tag-team fights, comedic deaths, and a surprising victory. The cast and crew deserve applause for exceeding expectations in this entertaining direct-to-video sequel.

7. The Meg (2018)

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

Jason Statham takes on a 75-foot-long Megalodon from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. While a more intense rating and tighter storytelling could have elevated the film, it still delivers as a blockbuster aquatic horror spectacle. The film showcases the peril of the Megalodon's massive jaws against dive cages and research facilities, with Statham using his diving expertise to combat the ancient predator. Despite some uneven performances, The Meg makes a significant impact.

2023's The Meg 2 failed to match the original's success, being criticized for being "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," and thus, it does not make our list of top shark films.

6. Open Water (2003)

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

Unlike many shark films that rely on mechanical or CGI sharks, Open Water uses real sharks for authenticity. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, captured natural shark behavior, adding a unique realism to the film. It follows an American couple stranded in shark-infested waters, delivering suspense and harrowing realism over action.

5. Bait (2012)

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

Bait traps supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks following a tsunami, showcasing Australia's knack for thrilling shark films. The survivors use shopping carts for diving gear, and the parking lot becomes a hunting ground. The film blends tense, bloody aquatic action with a robbery subplot, making it a standout in the "Animals Attack in Trapped Locations" genre.

4. 47 Meters Down (2017)

Director: 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, intensifying the panic as two sisters, played by Mandy Moore and Claire Holt, are trapped on the ocean floor during a shark diving mishap. The film excels in using the vast, dark underwater landscape to heighten suspense and deliver genuine frights.

3. Deep Blue Sea (1999)

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 epitomizes 90s creature-feature madness, featuring genetically enhanced Mako sharks and a pharmaceutical experiment gone awry. Despite some outdated CGI, the film's practical effects and memorable performances, including Samuel L. Jackson's iconic role, make it a classic. LL Cool J's song about the film is testament to its impact.

2. The Shallows (2016)

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

Blake Lively faces off against a formidable shark in The Shallows, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. With minimal locations and intense tension, the film showcases Lively's compelling performance against a terrifying CGI shark. The Shallows remains a gripping and intense shark movie that stands the test of time.

1. Jaws (1975)

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

Steven Spielberg's Jaws transformed the summer blockbuster genre and remains the definitive shark movie. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's suspense and iconic moments have kept it at the top for decades. Jaws is a cautionary tale of summer madness and the consequences of prioritizing tourism over safety, with the memory of Alex Kintner's fate still chilling audiences.

What is the best shark movie of all time? -----------------------------------------

Jaws 2Deep Blue Sea 3BaitShark NightThe MegOpen Water47 Meters DownDeep Blue SeaThe ShallowsJawsSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

AnswerSee ResultsLooking for more horror movies with teeth? Take a look at our guide to the best vampire movies of all time next or dive into our favorite dinosaur movies.

Upcoming Shark Movies

For those eager for more shark-centric thrills, several new films are on the horizon. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming shark movies:

Fear Below - May 15, 2025Beneath the Storm - August 1, 2025High Tide - TBDangerous Animals - TB

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 offering a full lineup of shark-related programming.