Top 20 Shark Movies Ranked for Thrills and Chills
Shark movies have a special place in cinema, tapping into our deep fear of the ocean’s mysteries. From heart-pounding thrillers to wildly absurd adventures, these films deliver suspense, scares, and sometimes a bit of campy fun.
Whether you’re drawn to realistic survival stories or over-the-top creature features, this list covers the best shark films ever made. I’ve ranked them based on their ability to grip audiences, blending tension, storytelling, and memorable moments.
20. Shark Night 3D (2011)
This film follows a group of college friends on a lakeside vacation that turns deadly when sharks attack. The twist? Local villains have rigged the lake with cameras to capture the carnage for profit.
It’s a cheesy ride with outdated 3D effects, but the variety of sharks—great whites, hammerheads, and more—adds some flair. The PG-13 rating keeps the gore light, making it a guilty pleasure for casual viewing.
19. Bait (2012)
A freak tsunami traps shoppers in a flooded Australian supermarket, where great white sharks prowl the aisles. It’s a wild premise that leans into its absurdity, with survivors fighting both sharks and rising water.
The low-budget effects don’t always hold up, but the claustrophobic setting and quirky characters keep things entertaining. It’s a fun, mindless shark flick with a unique spin.
18. Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
The fourth Jaws film sees Ellen Brody facing a shark that seems to have a personal grudge against her family. Set in the Bahamas, it’s a far cry from the original’s brilliance.
Critics panned it for its ridiculous plot, but the tropical setting and campy vibe give it a so-bad-it’s-good charm. It’s worth a watch for Jaws completists.
17. The Reef: Stalked (2022)
Five friends on a sailing trip face a great white shark after their boat capsizes. This sequel to The Reef amps up the survival drama with real shark footage for authenticity.
The suspense is solid, but weak CGI drags it down. Still, the visceral ocean setting and strong performances make it a decent modern shark thriller.
16. USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016)
This film dramatizes the true story of a WWII ship sunk by a Japanese submarine, leaving survivors in shark-infested waters. It focuses on their desperate fight for survival.
The historical angle adds weight, but the execution feels uneven. Nicolas Cage leads the cast, and the shark scenes deliver enough tension to keep it engaging.
15. 12 Days of Terror (2004)
Based on the 1916 New Jersey shark attacks that inspired Jaws, this docudrama follows a lifeguard battling a killer shark. It’s grounded in real events, adding a chilling edge.
The low-budget production limits its scope, but the historical context and tense atmosphere make it a compelling watch for shark movie fans.
14. Shark Attack 3: Megalodon (2002)
A straight-to-video gem, this film pits a resort worker against a prehistoric megalodon. It’s packed with bad acting and laughable effects, but that’s the charm.
John Barrowman’s over-the-top performance and absurd plot twists make it a cult favorite. It’s perfect for fans of so-bad-it’s-good cinema.
13. The Meg (2018)
Jason Statham stars as a diver facing a massive megalodon that escapes an ocean trench. It’s a big-budget spectacle with plenty of shark mayhem.
The PG-13 rating softens the gore, and it leans too hard into self-aware humor. Still, Statham’s charisma and the giant shark keep it fun.
12. 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019)
Four teens explore a submerged Mayan city, only to encounter blind albino sharks in tight underwater tunnels. The claustrophobic setting ramps up the panic.
The sharks look a bit fake, but the jump scares and tense pacing make it a thrilling ride. It’s a solid sequel with a fresh twist.
11. Tintorera: Killer Shark (1977)
This Mexican-British film follows a love triangle disrupted by a tiger shark off a coastal resort. It’s a Jaws knockoff with a gritty, exploitation vibe.
The 70s aesthetic, nudity, and bizarre shark scenes make it a quirky watch. Quentin Tarantino’s a fan, which says something about its cult appeal.
10. Dark Tide (2012)
Halle Berry plays a shark expert leading a risky cage-diving trip with shady clients. Set off the South African coast, it’s a tense but flawed thriller.
The cast is strong, but the story feels underdeveloped. The underwater shark footage, however, adds enough realism to keep it gripping.
9. Sharknado (2013)
A hurricane floods Los Angeles with shark-infested waters, leading to absurd action scenes. Ian Ziering stars as a surfer fighting the chaos.
It’s pure camp, with terrible effects and a ridiculous premise. Yet its self-aware humor and meme-worthy moments make it a cult classic.
8. Great White (1981)
An Italian Jaws ripoff, this film features a shark terrorizing a coastal town. It’s so blatant that Universal sued to pull it from theaters.
The plagiarism is shameless, but Vic Morrow’s Quint-like performance and the exploding shark finale give it a trashy charm. It’s a fun relic.
7. Kon-Tiki (2012)
This adventure film follows Thor Heyerdahl’s 1947 Pacific raft journey, with a tense shark encounter as a highlight. It’s not a shark movie per se, but the scene is iconic.
The real-life basis and stunning visuals elevate it. It’s a refreshing detour from typical shark thrillers, focusing on human endurance.
6. The Reef (2010)
A group of friends swim to safety after their yacht capsizes, only to be stalked by a great white. Based on a true story, it uses real shark footage for realism.
The minimalistic approach and raw fear make it intense. It’s a standout for its authenticity and relentless suspense.
5. 47 Meters Down (2017)
Two sisters are trapped in a shark cage at the ocean floor, with dwindling oxygen and great whites circling. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt star.
The claustrophobia and ticking clock create unbearable tension. It’s a terrifying survival story that keeps you on edge.
4. Open Water (2003)
Based on a true story, this film follows a couple stranded in the ocean after their scuba group leaves them behind. Sharks soon close in.
The low-budget, documentary-style filming adds raw terror. It’s a haunting look at isolation and nature’s indifference.
3. Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Scientists in an underwater lab face genetically enhanced sharks that outsmart them. Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J lead a stellar cast.
It’s a 90s classic with practical effects and a shocking twist. The mix of horror, action, and humor makes it endlessly rewatchable.
2. The Shallows (2016)
Blake Lively stars as a surfer stranded on a rock, 200 yards from shore, with a great white shark circling. It’s a lean, intense survival thriller.
Lively’s performance and the stunning visuals elevate it. The simple setup delivers maximum tension, proving less is more.
1. Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece follows a great white shark terrorizing Amity Island. Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss hunt the beast.
The iconic score, masterful suspense, and timeless story make it untouchable. It’s not just the best shark movie—it’s one of the greatest films ever.
Which shark movie gives you the chills, or did I miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!