Shark Movies and Where to Watch Them

Razor-sharp teeth, pointed fins, and a powerful, muscular body – sharks are predators not to be trifled with. Their unique appearance and dominance of the ocean have led to them becoming the subject of numerous films, often blood-soaked horrors and heart-racing thrillers. Perfect for the summer months as we head to the beach, these shark flicks will have you running from the waters. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best shark movies to watch this summer and where you can find them.

Table of Contents

Under Paris: A Unique Take on Shark Movies

One standout shark movie that has recently made waves is Under Paris. This film, directed by Xavier Gens, offers a fresh twist on the typical shark attack narrative. The plot follows a grieving scientist who must confront her tragic past when a giant shark appears in the Seine River, threatening to cause an international bloodbath in Paris. Since its release on Netflix, Under Paris has received a solid 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised as “unbelievably good.”

Where to Watch:

Netflix

Deep Blue Sea: Sharks with a Twist

Released in 1999, Deep Blue Sea is a classic in the shark movie genre. Inspired by a horrific shark attack witnessed by Duncan Kennedy, the film tells the story of Dr. Susan McAlester (played by Saffron Burrows), who is harvesting the brain tissue of genetically modified sharks to cure Alzheimer’s disease. The movie stars Thomas Jane, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Rapaport, and LL Cool J. When a routine check goes wrong, a shark begins attacking its human captors, leading to thrilling and bloody sequences.

Where to Watch:

Apple TV
Prime Video
Google Play
Sky Store
Microsoft
YouTube
Rakuten TV

47 Meters Down: A Dive into Terror

For many, swimming with sharks is a dream. However, in 47 Meters Down, it quickly becomes a nightmare. Directed by Johannes Roberts, the movie follows sisters Kate (Claire Holt) and Lisa (Mandy Moore) who go diving in shark-infested waters in Mexico. When their cage breaks away from their boat and plummets to the ocean floor, their adventure turns into a fight for survival. The film was a commercial hit upon its release in 2017, grossing $62.6 million worldwide against a $5 million budget, and even led to a sequel in 2019.

Where to Watch:

Apple TV
Prime Video
Google Play
Sky Store
Microsoft
YouTube
Rakuten TV

Shark Tale: An Animated Adventure

What if Jaws met Goodfellas? That’s the quirky premise behind the 2004 animated film Shark Tale. The movie features an underachieving fish named Oscar (voiced by Will Smith), who claims to have killed a mob-connected great white shark, Frankie (voiced by Michael Imperioli). Oscar’s lie propels him to stardom, but soon he and Frankie’s brother, Lenny (voiced by Jack Black), find themselves in deep trouble with the mob boss, Don Lino (voiced by Robert De Niro). This animated adventure blends horror, action, and comedy with a star-studded voice cast, including Angelina Jolie.

Where to Watch:

Apple TV
Prime Video
Google Play
Sky Store
Microsoft
YouTube
Rakuten TV

Mako: An Egyptian Horror Masterpiece

Mako dives into the terror of one of the ocean’s most feared predators, the shortfin mako shark. Directed by Mohamed Hisham Al Rashidi, this Egyptian action horror film is based on true events. The plot follows eight divers trapped beneath the surface of the Red Sea, surrounded by ravenous sharks, after visiting a sunken passenger ship to make a documentary. Mako is as much about the personal drama among the divers as it is about the lurking sharks, delivering plenty of suspense and gore.

Where to Watch:

Netflix

Sharknado: A Cult Classic

The absurd yet entertaining Sharknado series kicked off in 2013 and has since become a cult classic. The premise is as wild as it sounds: a tornado sweeps up hundreds of sharks and hurls them at the unsuspecting citizens of Santa Monica. The film follows a group of friends trying to stop the chaos. Despite its over-the-top concept, Sharknado has spawned six films, with the fifth featuring a cameo by Kate Garraway.

Where to Watch:

ITVX

The Meg: Prehistoric Terror

Imagine a prehistoric creature called a megalodon – a gigantic shark thought to be around 15 to 18 meters in length. That’s the terrifying premise of The Meg, starring Jason Statham, Ruby Rose, and Li Bingbing. The movie follows scientists as they try to stop a crazed megalodon from attacking people on the beach. The Meg was a massive hit, grossing over $530 million worldwide, and its success led to a sequel, Meg 2: The Trench, released in 2023.

Where to Watch:

Apple TV
Prime Video
Google Play
Sky Store
Microsoft
YouTube
Rakuten TV

Jaws: The Ultimate Shark Movie

No list of shark movies is complete without mentioning Jaws. Directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1975, Jaws is a groundbreaking thriller that tells the story of a man-eating great white shark attacking a US seaside town. The film stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, and features an iconic score by John Williams. Jaws revolutionized the summer blockbuster and became the highest-grossing film of all time, spawning three sequels. In 2001, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Where to Watch:

Netflix
NOW TV
Sky

The Evolution of Shark Movies

The Rise of Shark Movies

Shark movies have been a staple of cinema since the release of Jaws in 1975. Spielberg’s classic not only terrified audiences but also set the standard for shark movies to come. The fear of the unknown, the lurking danger beneath the surface, and the sheer power of these predators have made sharks a perfect subject for horror and thriller genres.

From Thrillers to B-Movies

Following the success of Jaws, a wave of shark movies hit the screens. Some, like Deep Blue Sea, continued the tradition of high-budget thrillers with compelling storylines and top-tier actors. Others, like Sharknado, embraced a more tongue-in-cheek approach, creating a sub-genre of shark movies that revel in their B-movie status.

Animated Adventures and Beyond

Not all shark movies are about horror and thrills. Shark Tale brought a family-friendly, comedic twist to the genre, showing that sharks can also be lovable characters in animated films. This diversification has allowed shark movies to appeal to a broader audience, from children to adults, from horror enthusiasts to comedy lovers.

Why We Love Shark Movies

The Thrill of the Hunt

Shark movies tap into a primal fear of being hunted by a powerful predator. The suspense of not knowing when or where the shark will strike next keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. This thrill is a big part of why we keep coming back for more shark-infested waters.

Human vs. Nature

At their core, many shark movies are about the battle between humans and nature. They often depict humans venturing into the shark’s domain, only to find themselves at the mercy of these ancient predators. This theme resonates with viewers as it highlights the power and unpredictability of nature.

Escapism and Adventure

For many, shark movies offer a form of escapism. They transport viewers to exotic locations and dangerous situations far removed from everyday life. Whether it’s the deep blue sea or the sandy shores of a beach, shark movies provide a thrilling escape.

Shark Movies: A Cultural Phenomenon

Impact on Pop Culture

Shark movies have left a lasting impact on pop culture. The theme music from Jaws is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with impending danger. Phrases like “We’re gonna need a bigger boat” have entered the lexicon, and the image of a shark’s dorsal fin cutting through the water is iconic.

Influence on Public Perception

While entertaining, shark movies have also influenced public perception of sharks. Films like Jaws have contributed to the fear of sharks, often portraying them as bloodthirsty killers. This has had real-world consequences, including an increase in shark hunting and culling. However, modern shark movies and documentaries have started to shift this narrative, highlighting the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems and advocating for their conservation.

The Future of Shark Movies

The genre shows no signs of slowing down. With advancements in technology, filmmakers can create even more realistic and terrifying shark encounters. Additionally, there’s a growing trend towards more scientifically accurate and conservation-minded shark films. These movies aim to educate as well as entertain, showing the beauty and importance of these incredible creatures.

Honorable Mentions

The Shallows (2016)

Starring Blake Lively, The Shallows is a gripping survival thriller that pits a young surfer against a great white shark. Stranded on a small rock 200 yards from shore, she must use her wits and resourcefulness to survive the predator’s relentless attacks.

Open Water (2003)

Based on true events, Open Water tells the harrowing story of a couple accidentally left behind during a scuba diving trip. Alone in shark-infested waters, they face a terrifying ordeal as they struggle to survive.

Bait (2012)

Combining elements of disaster films and shark horror, Bait follows a group of people trapped in a flooded supermarket with hungry great white sharks after a tsunami. The film offers a unique and thrilling twist on the typical shark movie setup.

The Reef (2010)

The Reef is a tense and realistic thriller about a group of friends who find themselves stranded in the open ocean after their boat capsizes. As they attempt to swim to safety, they are stalked by a great white shark. The film is based on a true story, adding to its chilling impact.

Final Thoughts

Shark movies continue to captivate and thrill audiences around the world. Whether you’re a fan of blood-soaked horrors, heart-pounding thrillers, or family-friendly animated adventures, there’s a shark movie out there for you. This summer, dive into these films and experience the thrill of the hunt, the battle between humans and nature, and the sheer power of the ocean’s most feared predators. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be entertained by the best shark movies out there.

Quick Recap of Where to Watch:

Under Paris: Netflix
Deep Blue Sea: Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, Sky Store, Microsoft, YouTube, Rakuten TV
47 Meters Down: Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, Sky Store, Microsoft, YouTube, Rakuten TV
Shark Tale: Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, Sky Store, Microsoft, YouTube, Rakuten TV
Mako: Netflix
Sharknado: ITVX
The Meg: Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, Sky Store, Microsoft, YouTube, Rakuten TV
Jaws: Netflix, NOW TV, Sky