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 fueled this paranoia, constantly reminding my younger self that nature's order could strike at any moment.

While the concept of shark movies—vacationers, boaters, or divers hunted by one or more sharks—seems straightforward, many films fail to capture the thrill. When executed well, however, these movies deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that can make you wary of any body of water for weeks.

So, prepare your Shark Spray. Here are the 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature-feature excitement, check out our guide to the greatest monster movies.

Top Shark Movies of All Time

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Shark Night (2011)

Image credit: Rogue
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

The landscape of shark movies is often dominated by the forgettable, but Shark Night earns its place for its competent execution. Set in the Louisiana gulf, vacationers are attacked by backwoods maniacs who have taken their Shark Week obsession to an extreme by attaching cameras to ferocious sharks. The absurdity peaks when a Great White leaps from the water to decapitate a man on a WaveRunner. Originally released as "Shark Night 3D," the film captures the early 2010s horror vibe, offering popcorn entertainment. Kudos to the late David R. Ellis for delivering this enjoyable, if not top-tier, shark flick.

Jaws 2 (1978)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 may not surpass its iconic predecessor, it stands out in a field where competition is scarce. Roy Scheider returns to protect Amity Island from another menacing Great White that targets water skiers and beachgoers. The film leans more into action, which led to the original director John D. Hancock being replaced due to his inability to handle such sequences. Despite its flaws, Jaws 2 offers familiar storytelling with exciting boat explosions and underwater carnage, proving that a successful formula can indeed be franchised.

Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
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 successfully recaptures the spirit of the original. On the artificial island of Little Happy, scientists trying to protect Great White sharks encounter mercenaries and bull sharks that threaten their safety. This B-movie delight includes martyrdom explosions, action-packed brawls with aerial Bull Shark attacks, and even turns comical memes into character deaths. Deep Blue Sea 3 delivers an unexpectedly thrilling ride, surpassing expectations for both direct-to-video sequels and the genre of absurd shark cinema.

The Meg (2018)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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 faces off against 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 chompers threaten dive cages and underwater facilities, with Statham using his diving expertise to combat the ancient predator. The ensemble cast, including Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, and Cliff Curtis, tries to prevent the shark from devouring beachgoers. The Meg blends Kaiju Lite elements with soap opera dramatics, making a satisfying splash.

In 2023, The Meg 2 was released but failed to meet the original's standards, described as "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways." Consequently, it does not make our list of the best shark films.

Open Water (2003)

Image credit: Lions Gate Films
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 an authentic feel. Filmmaker Chris Kentis and his wife, producer Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, aimed to capture natural shark behavior. They also served as cinematographers, ensuring the film's realism. The story follows an American couple stranded miles from shore in shark-infested waters. While not the most action-packed, Open Water is suspenseful and harrowing, offering a unique take on the genre.

Bait (2012)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
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

Before Crawl, Bait set the stage for "Animals Attack in Trapped Locations During Freak Weather Incidents." A tsunami traps supermarket patrons and workers with Great White sharks, leading to a thrilling blend of effects and tension. Survivors use shopping carts to create diving gear, while parking lots become hunting grounds. The added twist of a robbery interrupted by the tsunami forces criminals and clerks to collaborate against the aquatic threats. Bait stands out as a strong entry in recent shark cinema.

47 Meters Down (2017)

Image credit: Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures
Director: 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

47 Meters Down intensifies the underwater escape scenario with a ticking clock element. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt portray sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a disastrous shark diving expedition. The film's use of dark, aquatic nothingness heightens the tension as sharks emerge from the shadows. The sisters' struggle to maneuver without attracting sharks creates a nerve-wracking, white-knuckle experience that exemplifies the best of shark cinema.

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 embodies 90s outrageousness with its tale of genetically enhanced Mako sharks and pharmaceutical mishaps. The film's cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J, battles to escape their own creation. Despite some dated CGI, the practical effects of sharks floating down hallways and in flooded kitchens add to the film's charm. Deep Blue Sea embraces creature-feature absurdity, delivering a memorable showcase of karma's sharp teeth.

The Shallows (2016)

Blake Lively faces off against a formidable shark in The Shallows. Director Jaume Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension using limited locations, showcasing his skill as a contemporary blockbuster filmmaker. Lively's performance against a convincingly terrifying CGI shark elevates the film. The Shallows delivers an intense, unflinching survival story that leaves no room for excess, aging gracefully like fine yacht wine.

Jaws (1975)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 revolutionized the summer blockbuster with Jaws, which remains the pinnacle of shark cinema. Despite challenges with the animatronic shark, the film's success—grossing $476.5 million—speaks volumes. Jaws masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the introduction of the iconic shark, Bruce. The story of a New England town prioritizing tourism over safety during the 4th of July is chilling, with the memory of Alex Kintner's fate still haunting viewers. Decades later, Jaws stands unchallenged as the best shark movie ever made.

For more horror thrills, explore our guide to the best vampire movies or dive into our favorite dinosaur movies.