Top 10 Shark Movies Ever Ranked

If you've ever been gripped by the fear of the unknown lurking beneath calm waters, you're not alone. Shark movies have long fueled this paranoia, reminding us over and over again that nature can strike at any moment. While many shark films rely on a simple premise—vacationers, boaters, or divers under attack by one or more sharks—few manage to execute it effectively. However, when done right, these films deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that leaves you wary of stepping foot in the ocean for weeks.

So, grab your Shark Spray and prepare for the ultimate deep dive into the world of fin flicks. Here are the top 10 best shark movies of all time. For more creature thrillers, check out our guide to the greatest monster movies.

Top 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 uneven reputation among shark movies, Shark Night manages to hold its own with solid execution. Set against the backdrop of the Louisiana gulf, the film follows vacationers targeted by maniacs who attach cameras to sharks for maximum chaos. The opening sequence, where a Great White leaps out of the water and decapitates someone on a Jet Ski, perfectly captures the film's over-the-top spirit. Originally titled "Shark Night 3D," it screams early 2010s horror vibes, delivering popcorn-worthy entertainment. Credit the late David R. Ellis for crafting a guilty pleasure that's best enjoyed with a drink in hand.

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 not surpassing the original, Jaws 2 holds its ground as a worthy sequel. Roy Scheider reprises his role as Chief Brody, protecting Amity Island from another Great White terrorizing the beaches. More action-packed than its predecessor, the film leans heavily into suspenseful sequences and explosive moments. Although it lacks the original's finesse, it compensates with thrilling boat explosions and underwater carnage. If it ain't broke, why not build on it?

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

Deep Blue Sea 3 revives the franchise's sharky charm after the disappointment of its second installment. Set on an artificial island called Little Happy, scientists clash with mercenaries and bull sharks in a high-stakes battle. The film combines over-the-top action, comedic deaths, and unexpected twists, delivering a surprisingly enjoyable B-movie experience. Kudos to the cast and crew for turning absurdity into a memorable entry in the shark genre.

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 from the Mariana Trench in The Meg. Despite being toned down to PG-13, the film delivers a thrilling aquatic spectacle. Statham's expert diving skills clash with a prehistoric predator intent on wreaking havoc on beachgoers. A stacked cast, including Li Bingbing and Rainn Wilson, attempts to foil the Megalodon's plans. While the film sacrifices depth for spectacle, it remains an entertaining watch.

2023 saw the release of The Meg 2, but unfortunately, it failed to recapture the magic of the original. According to our review, it's "bigger and badder in all the wrong ways."

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 movies that rely on CGI or animatronics, Open Water opts for authenticity by using real sharks. Filmmakers Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, both avid scuba divers, aimed to capture natural shark behavior. Their efforts resulted in a raw and unsettling experience, focusing on a couple stranded miles offshore after being accidentally abandoned by their dive boat. While not action-packed, the film's suspense and realism leave a lasting impact.

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

Before Crawl introduced alligator attacks during a hurricane, Bait trapped people inside a flooded supermarket during a tsunami. Survivors fend off Great White sharks using makeshift diving gear, creating a tense and bloody atmosphere. The film cleverly blends effects with practical stunts, keeping the thrills high. Bonus points for featuring criminals and clerks working together against their aquatic attackers.

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.

47 Meters Down builds tension with a ticking clock mechanic, adding urgency to an already harrowing underwater escape. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt star as sisters trapped on the ocean floor after a shark diving expedition goes awry. The film expertly uses a pitch-black environment to heighten the suspense, with sharks lunging into frame at unexpected moments. Its nerve-wracking intensity keeps viewers on edge.

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 stands out as a cult classic thanks to its outrageous premise and memorable performances. Genetic experiments gone wrong unleash supercharged Mako sharks, leading to a deadly showdown aboard a research facility. Practical effects and Samuel L. Jackson's unforgettable lines elevate this campy gem