Celebrating 50 Years of 'Jaws': Ranking the Top Shark Movies

In June 2025, the film industry commemorates the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's iconic thriller "Jaws," which originally premiered on June 20, 1975. This groundbreaking film not only kick-started the summer blockbuster phenomenon but also instigated a cultural fascination with shark-themed cinema that persists to this day. In recognition of this enduring legacy, USA Today’s Brian Truitt has compiled a list of the ten best shark movies ever made, highlighting the evolution of the genre since "Jaws" hit theaters.

The significance of "Jaws" extends beyond its commercial success; it has become a touchstone in cinematic history for its innovative use of suspense and special effects. According to Dr. Jennifer Smith, a film historian at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of the 2023 paper published in the Journal of Popular Film and Television, "Jaws" transformed audience expectations for summer films and set a new standard for thrillers. The film's unforgettable two-note score by John Williams has since become synonymous with cinematic tension, further solidifying its cultural impact.

Since the release of "Jaws," the shark movie genre has seen a wide array of films that explore different themes and styles. The ranking begins with the most recent offerings, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the genre.

10. **Deep Blue Sea 3** (2020) - This B-movie franchise continues to deliver outrageous shark attacks. Set in the Mozambique Channel, it follows environmentalists facing genetically engineered bull sharks. The film is available on platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon.

9. **Meg 2: The Trench** (2023) - Featuring Jason Statham, this sequel blends underwater sci-fi with creature feature elements, highlighting a battle against megalodons and other marine monsters. Viewers can catch it on Max and Apple TV.

8. **Jaws 2** (1978) - Despite the absence of Spielberg, this sequel retains tension and excitement, showcasing returning characters as they face new threats. Available for streaming on Tubi and Amazon.

7. **The Meg** (2018) - This film introduces a prehistoric shark wreaking havoc in modern times, with Statham leading the charge against the giant predator. It can be streamed on Max and Apple TV.

6. **The Reef** (2010) - An Australian thriller that employs real sharks rather than CGI, this film tells the story of friends stranded at sea and the dangers they face. Available on Apple TV and Amazon.

5. **Open Water** (2003) - This film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, offers a chilling account of a couple stranded in shark-infested waters, emphasizing realistic survival scenarios. Stream it on Tubi and Pluto TV.

4. **Under Paris** (2024) - This high-concept B-movie features a scientist teaming up with a cop to confront a shark menace in the catacombs of Paris. Set to be released on Netflix.

3. **The Shallows** (2016) - Starring Blake Lively, this visually stunning film combines elements of survival and suspense, focusing on a surfer's encounter with a shark. Available on Apple TV and Amazon.

2. **Deep Blue Sea** (1999) - This film introduces intelligent sharks and combines science fiction with horror, delivering memorable moments that have become iconic in the genre. Stream it on Apple TV and Amazon.

1. **Jaws** (1975) - Often hailed as the ultimate shark film, "Jaws" remains unmatched in its combination of storytelling, character development, and sheer terror. It can be watched on platforms including Tubi and Peacock.

As the shark movie genre continues to evolve, its roots in "Jaws" remain evident. The influence of this seminal film can be seen in both the themes and techniques employed in contemporary shark films. According to Dr. Michael Reynolds, a marine biologist and film consultant, "The fascination with sharks in cinema allows audiences to explore primal fears in a controlled environment. Media representations play a significant role in shaping public perception of these creatures."

In conclusion, the enduring legacy of "Jaws" has not only influenced filmmakers but has also shaped audience expectations for thrillers and adventure films. As the genre continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how filmmakers innovate while paying homage to the classic that started it all.