5 Most Thrilling Shark Movies Since Jaws (#1 Just Got Much Easier To Stream)

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Steven Spielberg’s *Jaws*, released in 1975, is widely credited with creating the modern summer movie season – the idea that big, entertaining films can be very successful if released between May and August. While many shark movies and animal attack films followed *Jaws*’ success, including its three sequels, none have matched the original’s impact, masterful pacing, and well-developed characters. Over the years, filmmakers have continued to create shark movies, and though they don’t quite reach the level of *Jaws*, they still offer thrilling and intense experiences. Now, we’re taking a look at some of the most terrifying examples.

We only included shark movies that genuinely built suspense. That’s why you won’t find films like *Sharknado* on this list – it has sharks, but lacks any real tension. We also excluded the *Jaws* sequels, focusing on movies outside of that series, even though some, like *Jaws 2*, are exciting and deserve more recognition.

5) The Meg

“The Meg” is a classic Jason Statham action film wrapped in a monster movie about a giant shark. It’s lighthearted, silly fun, and doesn’t try to be anything more. Ultimately, it’s an easy and enjoyable watch.

Even though *The Meg* ranks lowest on this list, it still manages to create suspense, particularly when the action takes place in the Mana One underwater facility. Jason Statham is so convincing as a capable hero that you generally feel confident he’ll survive, even when facing a massive shark like the Megalodon.

Stream The Meg on Hulu.

4) Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea marked Warner Bros.’ significant investment in a shark thriller, and it differs noticeably from The Meg. It creates a claustrophobic, isolated atmosphere reminiscent of And Then There Were None, while The Meg prioritizes spectacle over genuine scares.

Like *The Meg*, *Deep Blue Sea*’s main purpose is to entertain, and it delivers as a thrilling, fast-paced movie. Although the computer-generated shark effects haven’t held up over time, the scenes with the physical shark models still feel powerful and genuinely frightening.

3) Bait

The movie *Bait* relies on a simple but effective premise: trapping its main characters in one location with a shark eager to attack. This is a similar approach to the film *Crawl*, which starred Kaya Scodelario.

As a huge movie fan, I recently heard about this incredibly wild premise: a bunch of strangers, including some criminals, get trapped inside a supermarket by a tsunami. They’re safe *from* the water itself, but the flood has risen so high they have to walk around on top of the grocery shelves! And if that wasn’t bad enough, the store is now swimming with great white sharks. Seriously, sharks in a supermarket – it’s a crazy concept, but I’m totally intrigued!

Stream Bait on Prime Video.

2) Dangerous Animals

Dangerous Animals blends the thrills of a serial killer movie with the terror of a shark attack, and it’s rare among shark films in that it makes you wonder which is truly more dangerous: the shark or the person behind the attacks. Think of it as a much better written version of 2011’s Shark Night.

Okay, so in *Suicide Squad*, Jai Courtney is seriously good as this awful guy, Tucker. He runs this twisted ‘experience’ where people get locked in a cage… with sharks! The really messed up part is, Tucker isn’t just offering a thrill; he *loves* sharks, he loves feeding people to them, and he films the whole thing. Now, Hassie Harrison’s character, Zephyr, finds herself as Tucker’s next ‘guest,’ and she’s gotta figure out a way to survive – or turn the tables on him.

Stream Dangerous Animals on AMC+.

1) The Shallows

Since *Jaws*, *The Shallows* is the most thrilling shark movie to come out. It’s a gripping survival story and features Blake Lively giving the best performance of her career. The movie largely focuses on her character, Nancy Adams, a medical student stranded alone, and Lively brilliantly portrays both her fear and her determination to survive.

What makes *The Shallows* a particularly gripping shark movie, similar to *Jaws*, is how small and limited Nancy’s safe spaces are. After being attacked while surfing, she finds refuge on top of a whale’s body, a small rock, and a buoy – none of which offer much protection from the shark.

Stream The Shallows on Hulu.

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2025-09-19 21:13