Top 10 Shark Movies Ranked to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Jaws'

Amelia Foster
Jun 15, 2025
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of "Jaws," the article ranks the top 10 shark movies of all time, excluding made-for-TV flicks like "Sharknado." The list includes titles such as "Deep Blue Sea 3," "Meg 2: The Trench," "Jaws 2," "The Meg," "The Reef," "Open Water," "Under Paris," "The Shallows," "Deep Blue Sea," and, of course, "Jaws" at the top spot.
Top 10 Shark Movies Ranked to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Jaws'

Half a century ago, beaches changed forever. Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" didn't just become a box office phenomenon; it ingrained a primal fear into the collective consciousness. The summer blockbuster was born, and the silver screen became a feeding ground for ever-more inventive (and often ridiculous) man-eating shark tales.


To commemorate the 50th anniversary of "Jaws," we're diving deep into the chum-filled waters of shark cinema. We're separating the great whites from the guppies to bring you our definitive ranking of the top 10 shark movies ever made. Note that we're sticking to theatrically released films, so while we respect the sheer audacity of "Sharknado," it won't be appearing on this list.

  • Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)

The "Deep Blue Sea" franchise embraced its B-movie roots a long time ago, and this third installment is a prime example. Expect genetically engineered sharks, questionable science, and a surprising amount of fun as you find yourself actively rooting for the sharks' success.

  • Meg 2: The Trench (2023)

The first half may drag, but once "Meg 2" commits to being a full-blown creature feature, it delivers. Jason Statham is back battling not just megalodons, but also giant octopuses and other monstrous threats. The highlight? "Fun Island," which becomes anything but a relaxing vacation spot.

  • Jaws 2 (1978)

Following up "Jaws" was a Herculean task, but this sequel manages to deliver some solid thrills. Roy Scheider returns as Chief Brody, battling both a new great white and the disbelief of his community. The shark itself is incredibly destructive, even taking on a helicopter.

  • The Meg (2018)

The main draw of "The Meg" is watching Jason Statham take on a massive prehistoric shark, and it delivers on that front. However, getting to the action takes some time. A team of researchers unleashes the Meg while exploring new ocean depths, leading to chaos on a massive scale.

  • The Reef (2010)

This Australian thriller offers a grounded and terrifying take on shark encounters. When a group of friends is stranded at sea after their boat capsizes, they must swim for safety while being stalked by a real (not CGI) great white shark. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are incredibly high.

  • Open Water (2003)

"Open Water" uses the realism of actual sea life to create a truly unnerving experience. A couple on a scuba diving trip is accidentally abandoned at sea, and they must face the elements, jellyfish, and circling sharks as they struggle to survive. It's a stark and emotionally challenging film.

  • Under Paris (2024)

This Netflix offering is a surprisingly enjoyable B-movie with some clever "Jaws" homages. When a shark begins terrorizing the city's catacombs, a scientist and a cop team up to stop it before a major triathlon is ruined. Expect plenty of mayhem and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting more.

  • The Shallows (2016)

A visually stunning film that pits Blake Lively against a relentless shark in a beautiful but deadly setting. Her character, a pre-med student, must use her wits and resourcefulness to survive after suffering a severe leg injury. A scene-stealing seagull adds a touch of humor to the tense situation.

  • Deep Blue Sea (1999)

While the premise of super-intelligent sharks may seem ridiculous, "Deep Blue Sea" embraces the silliness and delivers an entertaining thrill ride. The sharks are cunning and deadly, leading to some truly memorable and shocking moments. The film also features one of the most unexpected and iconic death scenes in shark movie history.

  • Jaws (1975)

The undisputed king of shark movies, "Jaws" remains a masterpiece of suspense and terror. From John Williams' iconic score to the unforgettable performances of Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw, the film is perfect in every way. "Jaws" transcends the creature feature genre to become a complex drama about fear, courage, and the power of the human spirit.