Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Ranked

If you've ever felt uneasy glancing at tranquil waters, fearing the unseen predator lurking beneath, you're not alone. Shark-themed films have long amplified this primal fear, constantly reminding us of nature's untamed power. While many shark movies rely on the simple premise of unsuspecting vacationers falling prey to a relentless shark, not all succeed in delivering the intended thrills.

When done correctly, however, these films can be pulse-pounding experiences that leave you wary of every ripple in the ocean. So grab your Shark Spray and prepare for a deep dive into the top ten shark movies of all time. For more monster movie excitement, check out our guide to the greatest creature features.

The Best Shark Movies of All Time

11 Images10. Shark Night (2011)

Image credit: RogueDirector: 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

Despite its reputation for being a forgettable entry in the genre, Shark Night earns a spot for its general competence. Set in the Louisiana gulf, the story follows vacationers targeted by maniacs who attach cameras to sharks, turning their obsession into deadly reality. The film's exaggerated moments, like a Great White leaping out of the water to decapitate someone on a Jet Ski, capture the campy charm of early 2010s horror. Even if it’s not the most polished entry, Shark Night remains a guilty pleasure for fans of cheesy shark flicks.

9. Jaws 2 (1978)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 falls short of surpassing its predecessor, it still holds its own as a solid sequel. Roy Scheider reprises his role as Chief Brody, tasked with protecting Amity Island from another Great White menace. With more action-oriented sequences and a familiar narrative structure, the film delivers enough excitement to satisfy fans. Although it lacks the original’s finesse, Jaws 2 compensates with thrilling boat explosions and underwater carnage, proving that sometimes, sequels can deliver on their promise.

8. Deep Blue Sea 3 (2020)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Home EntertainmentDirector: 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

Direct-to-video sequels rarely impress, but Deep Blue Sea 3 bucks the trend. Following scientists on the artificial island of Little Happy, the film pits them against mercenaries and genetically modified bull sharks. The result is a chaotic blend of explosions, action, and dark humor, with an unexpected twist that keeps viewers engaged. Despite its low-budget origins, the film manages to deliver thrills that exceed expectations, proving that even lesser-known shark flicks can pack a punch.

7. The Meg (2018)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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 in The Meg, a blockbuster spectacle that combines action and horror. While the film could have benefited from stronger storytelling and a grittier tone, its sheer scale and visual effects make it a memorable experience. With a stacked cast and high-stakes scenarios, The Meg successfully captures the terror of an ancient predator, even if it occasionally leans into clichés.

2023 saw the release of The Meg 2, but it failed to match the original’s success. According to IGN’s review, the sequel is "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways," leaving it off our list.

6. Open Water (2003)

Image credit: Lions Gate FilmsDirector: 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 CGI, Open Water opts for realism by using actual sharks. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, ensure the film captures authentic underwater behavior. The result is a tense and harrowing experience, following an American couple stranded in shark-infested waters after their boat mistakenly leaves them behind. Without flashy action sequences, Open Water relies on psychological dread, making it one of the most unsettling shark movies.

5. Bait (2012)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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

Set during a freak tsunami, Bait traps survivors in a supermarket with Great White sharks. Combining practical effects with intense action, the film explores survival instincts as criminals and civilians team up to fend off predators. With its claustrophobic setting and unpredictable plot twists, Bait stands out as one of the better recent entries in the "animals attack" subgenre.

4. 47 Meters Down (2017)

Image credit: Entertainment Studios Motion PicturesDirector: 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.

With a ticking-clock element amplifying the tension, 47 Meters Down keeps audiences on edge as two sisters struggle to survive after a shark-diving expedition goes awry. Shot almost entirely underwater, the film excels in creating suspense through isolation and darkness, with sharks lunging into frame at crucial moments. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt deliver strong performances, elevating the film beyond its predictable premise.

3. 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 remains a cult classic thanks to its outrageous premise and memorable lines. A group of scientists experiments with genetically enhanced Mako sharks, leading to chaos aboard a research facility. Despite its dated animation, the film’s practical effects and over-the-top moments make it a standout in the shark genre. Samuel L. Jackson’s unforgettable demise cements its status as a must-watch for fans of creature features