We’ve assembled a list of the Top 10 Shark movies of all time. What’s the criteria? Simple. The movies must have a shark in the movie, and not be terrible. Well, that’s not entirely true. Some of these definitely have some terrible scenes, acting, and special effects, but we’re going for pure entertainment value.
#10 – Bait 3D
Rotten Tomato Score: 47% IMDB: 5.2
We needed one absolutely ridiculous movie on this list. Actually, #6 is pretty ridiculous, but who’s counting?
“More funny than scary, it often feels like Deep Blue Sea meets The Mist… but what’s wrong with that?” – Jamie Graham
When a monstrous freak tsunami hits a sleepy beach community, a group of survivors from different walks of life find themselves trapped inside a submerged grocery store. As they try to escape to safety, they soon discover that there is a predator among them more deadly than the threat of drowning-vicious great white sharks lurking in the water, starved hungry for fresh meat
#9 – The Reef
Rotten Tomato Score: 78% IMDB: 5.8
The reef gets bonus points for making you very, very uncomfortable – even for experienced, cynical salt water fans.
“… squirm-worthy survival adventure … Go ahead, take the plunge. ‘The Reef’ is an authentic nail-biter (toe-nibbler?) that lives up to its fun come-on: ‘Pray that you drown first.” – Glen Lovell
On the beautiful but dangerous waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, ship delivery man Luke and four friends chart a yacht to its new owner. Along the way, their ship is torn open by sharp rocks and begins to sink, leaving the passengers with a terrifying choice: stay on board with slim hope of rescue, or swim twelve miles to the nearest island through shark-infested waters.
#8 – Soul Surfer
Rotten Tomato Score: 46% IMDB: 7.1
A movie based on a 14-foot tiger shark that’s inspiring, uplifting, and based on a true story. Yep, it had to make our list.
“The best faith-based film ever made, an uplifting, entertaining and wonderfully-acted account of surfer Bethany Hamilton’s life before and after a shark bit her arm off in the waters off her favorite Hawaiian beach.” – Roger Moore
Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic life on Kauai, participating in national surf competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed. On Halloween morning, a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all her dreams.
#7 – The Deep
Rotten Tomato Score: 36% IMDB: 6.1
This movie was incredibly popular in the late 70’s, and we think Jacqueline Bisset’s scuba ‘wardrobe’ didn’t hurt. An oldie but a goodie.
“a memorable ride back to the shaggy ’70s, and more than a little harrowing one.” – Christopher Null
https://youtu.be/-LQzTL2RZyY
Peter Benchley, who wrote Jaws, also wrote The Deep. Scuba divers David Sanders and Gail Berke (Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset), assisted by Romer Treece (Robert Shaw), discover a sunken treasure off the Bermuda coast. They also find a stash of narcotics. David and Gail spend the rest of the picture avoiding bad guys who stashed the drugs and want the treasure as well.
#6 – Sharknado
Rotten Tomato Score: 82% IMDB: 3.3
Sharknado simply had to make this list. Yes, it was terrible. But, it was brilliantly marketed and has more buzz than any shark movie franchise since Jaws.
“Every so often, something comes along that puts a skip in your step, makes your heart flutter, and sets your imagination ablaze with possibility…. If you’re really lucky… it’ll be a swirling mass of bloodthirsty sharks.” – Audrey Peeples
https://youtu.be/iwsqFR5bh6Q
A freak storm brings hundreds of vicious, man-eating sharks ashore in Los Angeles and a group of friends struggle to steer clear of their violent and destructive path.
#5 – Finding Nemo
Rotten Tomato Score: 99% IMDB: 8.1
Brilliantly written and animated, Finding Nemo features Bruce the shark and shattered box office records. Even for the fans of blood and guts, you know you loved this movie.
“The animation in Finding Nemo is quite breathtaking and this movie, created by Pixar, the same outfit that made Toy Story, looks like The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.” – Phillip Kerr
In this stunning underwater adventure, with memorable characters, humor and heartfelt emotion, Finding Nemo follows the comedic and momentous journey of an overly protective clownfish named Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks) and his son Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould) — who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home and dumped into a fish tank in a dentist’s office.
#4 – Jaws 2
Rotten Tomato Score: 53% IMDB: 5.7
No where near as good as the original, but who cares. Entertaining, exciting, and good clean monster shark fun…again.
“A vastly underrated sequel with plenty of shocks and nail-biting tension. Not quite up to the original, but still loads of fun.” – Chuck O’Leary
Police chief Brody must protect the citizens of Amity after a second monstrous shark begins terrorizing the waters.
#3 – Deep Blue Sea
Rotten Tomato Score: 56% IMDB: 5.8
This movie wasn’t ever going to win any awards, but when you tweak the DNA of sharks, what do you expect? 90 minutes of fun with some twists, turns, and of course – shark attacks.
“Call it silly. Call it obvious — there’s nothing more obvious than a shark attack. But this is one of the few big-fish horror films that still has the power to surprise.” – Mick LaSalle
Dr. Susan McAlester’s experiments are on the verge of creating medical history. But to reach her goal, she has violated ethical codes, genetically re-engineering the DNA of mako sharks. One of nature’s most lethal killing machines has become more useful to her research, but also more intelligent and powerful in the process.
#2 – Open Water
Rotten Tomato Score: 72% IMDB: 5.7
The most realistic of all of the movies on our list. It’s so incredibly nerve wracking that we’re sweating as we type this.
“Open Water depends on the audience to be able to vicariously place themselves in the situation at hand, and if you can do that, you’re in for a nerve-frying treat.” – Bill Clark
Based on a true story, a thriller about an American couple, Daniel and Susan, who are on an island holiday. Upon arrival at their hotel, it becomes clear that Daniel and Susan’s relationship is under strain from their workaholic lifestyles, and they need a vacation even more than they realized. The next morning, the loving and rested couple, certified scuba divers, board a local dive boat for an underwater tour of the reef.
#1 – Jaws
Rotten Tomato Score: 97% IMDB: 8.1
Was there any doubt? The greatest shark movie to date, and it will never be topped. Ever.
“With no superheroes or post-apocalyptic wastelands in sight, the skill behind Jaws becomes even more thrilling to watch unfold. … Quite literally, Jaws is the original and the best.” – Glen Dunks
Based on Peter Benchley’s best-selling novel, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 shark saga set the standard for the New Hollywood popcorn blockbuster while frightening millions of moviegoers out of the water. One early summer night on fictional Atlantic resort Amity Island, Chrissie decides to take a moonlight skinny dip while her friends party on the beach.
