The 3 Best Shark Movies Ever
Yeah, shark films have generally devolved into low-budget affairs like Sharknado since the genre-defining Jaws. But still there are some good movies in this genre, and here are the best ones.
Jaws (1975)
- Why it’s the best: A masterpiece of suspense and terror, Jaws is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It revolutionized Hollywood, introduced the summer blockbuster, and remains one of Steven Spielberg’s most iconic films.
- Critical reception: Near-universal acclaim, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Cultural impact: Sparked a fear of sharks, influenced countless horror-thrillers, and remains a staple of pop culture. Still a critical summer movie even in 2025.
Open Water (2003)
- Why it’s the best: A minimalist but terrifying film that relies on psychological horror rather than CGI, making it one of the most realistic shark survival films ever made. Oh, and yeah well it was also based on a true story, so that makes it even more real.
- Critical reception: Strong reviews, with Roger Ebert praising its visceral effect on viewers. He said: “[the film] gets under your defenses and sidesteps the ‘it’s only a movie’ reflex and creates a visceral feeling that might as well be real.”
The Shallows (2016)
- Why it’s the best: A tightly paced, well-acted survival thriller featuring one of Blake Lively’s best performances.
- Critical reception: Positive reviews, noted for its intensity and simplicity. Has 78% Tomatometer, which is actually quite good for a shark movie.
Runner Ups
If you need more shark movies, we actually put together a list of 50+ of them here.
