Shark movies have been thrilling and scaring us ever since Jaws came out in 1975 and changed the way we see the ocean. From intense survival stories to fun, over-the-top films, shark movies tap into our natural fear of these powerful sea creatures.
These films are exciting because they mix fear, suspense, and action. Some, like Jaws or The Shallows, are serious thrillers. Others, like Sharknado, are just wild and silly fun. While real shark attacks are rare (only five deaths were reported in 2022), these movies often make sharks seem like giant, angry monsters—just to boost the drama.
Whether you want a scary, edge-of-your-seat story or a fun, ridiculous shark adventure, this list has something for every shark movie fan.
The 11 Best Shark Movies, Ranked
Based on critical consensus, Rotten Tomatoes scores, and cultural impact, here’s our definitive list of the top 11 shark movies, from entertaining to iconic.
11. Sharknado (2013)
- Director: Anthony C. Ferrante
- Stars: Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, John Heard
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74% 12
- Why It’s Great: The ultimate “so bad it’s good” classic, Sharknado delivers absurd fun with CGI sharks raining from tornadoes onto Los Angeles. It’s campy, ridiculous, and spawned six sequels, cementing its cult status. Perfect for fans searching “funny shark movies.” 0 21
- Where to Watch: Check Showtime or rent on Amazon.
10. Shark Night 3D (2011)
- Director: David R. Ellis
- Stars: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Chris Carmack
- Rotten Tomatoes: Not highly rated, but a fan favorite 1
- Why It’s Great: This B-movie gem leans into its absurdity—sharks in a saltwater lake terrorize college kids, complete with a Great White decapitating a jet-skier. It’s pure popcorn entertainment for “shark horror movies” fans. 1
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Apple TV.
9. Bait 3D (2012)
- Director: Kimble Rendall
- Stars: Xavier Samuel, Sharni Vinson, Adrian Pang
- Rotten Tomatoes: Mixed, but praised for creativity 22
- Why It’s Great: A freak tsunami floods a supermarket, trapping shoppers with 12-foot Great Whites. Its novel setting and disaster-movie vibe make it a standout for “unique shark movies.” 19
- Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon or check streaming platforms.
8. Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)
- Director: John Pogue
- Stars: Tania Raymonde, Nathaniel Buzolic, Emerson Brooks
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73% 21
- Why It’s Great: This direct-to-video sequel surprises with action-packed shark attacks on an artificial island. It’s a B-movie done right, with bull sharks and memes-turned-deaths. Ideal for “underrated shark movies.” 1
- Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix or rent on Amazon.
7. The Meg (2018)
- Director: Jon Turteltaub
- Stars: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson
- Rotten Tomatoes: 46%, but a box-office hit 1
- Why It’s Great: Jason Statham vs. a 75-foot Megalodon? Sign us up. This sci-fi spectacle is big, dumb fun for “action shark movies” fans, though some find it toothless. 22
- Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime or rent on Apple TV.
6. 47 Meters Down (2017)
- Director: Johannes Roberts
- Stars: Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Matthew Modine
- Rotten Tomatoes: 54% 4
- Why It’s Great: Two sisters trapped in a shark cage 47 meters underwater face dwindling oxygen and circling Great Whites. Its claustrophobic suspense is perfect for “tense shark movies.” 21
- Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu or rent on Amazon.
5. Under Paris (2024)
- Director: Xavier Gens
- Stars: Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Anaïs Parello
- Rotten Tomatoes: Mixed, but a streaming hit 2
- Why It’s Great: This French thriller starts serious, then dives into over-the-top fun with mutant sharks in the Seine. A catacombs attack scene steals the show for “new shark movies 2024.” 2
- Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
4. Open Water (2003)
- Director: Chris Kentis
- Stars: Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71% 4
- Why It’s Great: Based on a true story, this minimalist nightmare follows a couple stranded in shark-infested waters. Its raw, documentary-style terror is a must for “realistic shark movies.” 10
- Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon or check Tubi.
3. Deep Blue Sea (1999)
- Director: Renny Harlin
- Stars: Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, Samuel L. Jackson
- Rotten Tomatoes: 59% 0
- Why It’s Great: Super-smart Mako sharks turn an underwater lab into a death trap. With Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic monologue and campy thrills, it’s a cult classic for “90s shark movies.” 21
- Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max or rent on Amazon.
2. The Reef (2010)
- Director: Andrew Traucki
- Stars: Damian Walshe-Howling, Gyton Grantley, Adrienne Pickering
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80% 12
- Why It’s Great: A capsized yacht leaves friends swimming through Great White territory. Real shark footage and grounded horror make it a top pick for “scary shark movies.” 0
- Where to Watch: Stream on Shudder or rent on Amazon.
1. Jaws (1975)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Stars: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97% 12
- Why It’s Great: The gold standard of shark movies, Jaws invented the summer blockbuster. Its suspense, John Williams’ score, and “you’re gonna need a bigger boat” line make it untouchable. A must for “classic shark movies.” 10
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon.
Honorable Mentions
- Jaws 2 (1978): A solid sequel with Roy Scheider, though not as iconic. 18
- The Shallows (2016): Blake Lively’s solo survival tale is gripping but just missed the top 11. 19
- Kon-Tiki (2012): A historical adventure with a tense shark scene, great for “shark adventure movies.” 10
How to Watch These Shark Movies
Most films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Peacock. Check Rotten Tomatoes or Fandango for real-time availability. 18 For “shark movies on Netflix 2025,” Under Paris and Deep Blue Sea 3 are current hits. Always verify regional access.
FAQs-
Q: What’s the scariest shark movie?
A: Jaws and Open Water top the list for raw terror due to their realistic stakes. 10
Q: Are there new shark movies in 2025?
A: No major 2025 releases surfaced, but Under Paris (2024) is a recent hit. Check X for buzz on upcoming titles. 2
Q: Where can I stream shark movies?
A: Netflix (Under Paris), Hulu (47 Meters Down), and Peacock (Jaws) are great starts. 15
Q: Why are shark movies so popular?
A: They tap into our fear of the unknown, amplified by exaggerated shark behavior and suspenseful setups. 19