It’s no secret that sharks are one of the most feared predators of the sea, often portrayed as bloodthirsty monsters in film and entertainment. A prime example of this is the wildly popular Jaws movie franchise, which featured the iconic Great White Shark. But while these films can be terrifying, they can also be thrilling adventures that captivate audiences worldwide. So, if you’re looking for cinematic thrills, look no further.
Here’s a list of the best shark movies, both exciting and terrifying, featuring these apex predators.
Jaws Franchise
The Jaws franchise, which began with the original film released in 1975, is arguably the most successful and well-known shark movie of all time. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film took place off the coasts of a small New England town, and revolved around a massive great white shark that preys upon the locals. This one movie spawned four sequels and a variety of other spin-off series, making it one of the longest-running and most successful monster movie franchises ever created.
Deep Blue Sea
Deep Blue Sea is a 1999 science fiction-horror flick that stars Samuel L. Jackson, Saffron Burrows, and Thomas Jane. In this film, scientists genetically engineer a species of super-intelligent sharks and use them to search for a cure to Alzheimer’s. Though the experiment was successful, the sharks soon develop their own mind and begin to wip out everyone in sight. Deep Blue Sea is full of intense and fascinating action scenes that make for an incredibly thrilling ride.
Open Water
Open Water is a 2004 independent psychological thriller directed by Chris Kentis and stars Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis. The movie revolves around a couple who go on vacation and are accidentally abandoned while scuba diving. As they drift further away from shore, they soon realize they’re in the presence of a variety of different sharks. The film is extremely effective at conveying the feeling of profound dread and helplessness, which makes it a must-watch in the shark horror genre.
47 Meters Down
47 Meters Down is a 2017 horror-thriller directed by Johannes Roberts and stars Mandy Moore and Claire Holt. The movie tests the limits of the two sisters’ courage as they try to outlast the great whites lurking in the depths of the ocean. With intense scenes of mayhem and terror, it’s sure to make you grip your seat tight.
The Meg
The Meg is a 2018 science fiction-horror film directed by Jon Turteltaub and stars Jason Statham. It follows the journey of a group of scientists as they battle against an enormous 70-foot-long shark called the megalodon. Though the film received some unfavorable reviews, its action sequences and fight scenes between the Meg and Jason Statham’s character make it a thrilling watch.
The Shallows
The Shallows is a 2016 survival horror film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and stars Blake Lively as Nancy Adams. The movie follows Adams as she fights a great white shark while recuperating from an injury on a small, isolated rock. With intense camera shots and a brilliant performance by Lively, The Shallows is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
Soul Surfer
Soul Surfer is a 2011 biopic directed by Sean McNamara and stars AnnaSophia Robb. In the film, a young surfer girl is determined to get back into the water and continue her passion after she suffers a traumatic shark attack. Though the movie has a more heartfelt tone than the other films on this list, its inspiring tale does not shy away from depicting the impact of shark attacks.
Key Takeaways
From the classic Jaws franchise to the heart-stopping action of The Meg, shark movies have captivated audiences for years. They offer thrilling adventures and terrifying encounters that take viewers on an emotional roller-coaster. Whether you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride or an inspiring story of courage, shark movies are sure to provide. Check out our list above for some of the best shark movies for your viewing pleasure.
