Top 36 Best Shark Movies To Watch

Directed by Andrew Stanton, "Finding Nemo" is a critically acclaimed computer-animated comedy-drama adventure that delivers both heart and humor. This beloved film quickly became a favorite among audiences of all ages.

The story follows a timid clownfish who, with the help of a forgetful companion, embarks on a daring quest across the Great Barrier Reef to rescue his son, who has been captured and taken to Sydney.

Upon its release, "Finding Nemo" broke box office records for animated movies and earned three well-deserved Academy Award nominations.

It ultimately won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, making history as Pixar's first film to receive this honor.

This stunningly crafted adventure will deepen your bond with the wonder of marine life—possibly even more so than with the people around you.

"Jaws" is the iconic film that launched Steven Spielberg's remarkable career and established him as one of Hollywood's most influential directors.

Set on the peaceful island of Amity, the story follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and a grizzled fisherman as they unite to confront a terrifying great white shark menacing the community.

Despite facing a troubled production, "Jaws" became one of cinema’s most influential blockbusters, setting new standards for suspense and summer hits.

The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won three Oscars. Its success also inadvertently contributed to widespread fear and misunderstanding of sharks worldwide.

Written and directed by Rob Stewart, this compelling documentary dives deep into the dark world of illegal fishing, highlighting the serious threats it poses to shark survival.

Sharkwater Extinction challenges traditional views about sharks, offering an eye-opening and informative perspective that stays with viewers long after the film ends.

Through breathtaking visuals, the film follows Stewart's mission to raise awareness about the environmental dangers caused by illegal fishing and its devastating impact on marine life.

Sharkwater Extinction is both emotionally resonant and profoundly relevant, making it an essential watch for anyone concerned about the health of our oceans.

In this direct sequel to Finding Nemo, director Andrew Stanton brings back the beloved blue tang fish, Dory, who struggles with amnesia and only fleeting memories of her past.

Determined to reunite with her long-lost parents, Dory embarks on a heartfelt quest, aided by her loyal friends, clownfish Marlin and his son Nemo.

Along the way, Dory reconnects with her childhood friend Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark, adding depth and humor to the story.

Finding Dory broke multiple box office records, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2016.

This computer-animated comedy-drama adventure delivered both laughs and touching moments, offering a poignant new chapter to the beloved undersea saga.

"Sharkwater" is a compelling documentary crafted for those who hold a deep appreciation for Planet Earth. The film embarks on an eye-opening investigation, highlighting the crucial role that sharks play in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem.

Yet, the documentary also examines how human activity has driven shark populations toward devastating decline on a global scale. It exposes the impact of practices such as finning and overfishing, urging viewers to reconsider our relationship with these misunderstood creatures.

In addition to spotlighting sharks, "Sharkwater" offers breathtaking glimpses of some of the world’s most stunning natural locations. It immerses viewers not just in marine life, but in the incredible beauty of the planet itself.

Perhaps most notably, the film works to dispel longstanding myths about sharks, challenging fear-based reputations and advocating for their conservation with engaging, powerful storytelling.

Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, the historical adventure drama 'Kon-Tiki' follows the daring expedition of Thor Heyerdahl. Heyerdahl sets out on a 4,300-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean aboard a balsawood raft, determined to prove his theory on Polynesian ancestry.

As his voyage unfolds, he and his crew face daunting challenges, including ferocious storms, lurking sharks, and other life-threatening dangers, testing their resilience and courage at every turn.

'Kon-Tiki' garnered international recognition, earning a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards. It became Norway's highest-grossing film of 2012 and was the most expensive production in the country's cinematic history.

Director Jaume Collet-Serra brings us the story of Nancy Adams, a determined and resilient woman on a journey to a remote beach after the passing of her beloved mother.

Unaware of the danger lurking beneath the waves, Nancy goes surfing and soon encounters a menacing great white shark. The narrative quickly escalates as she finds herself wounded and battling desperately for survival.

Stranded on a small rock just 200 yards from safety, Nancy is isolated, with no one to help her. The tension intensifies as her resourcefulness and courage are put to the ultimate test by the relentless predator.

While the premise of "The Shallows" is refreshingly simple, its gripping execution is elevated by Jaume Collet-Serra’s sharp direction and Blake Lively’s compelling performance. Together, they create a must-see for dedicated fans of shark attack thrillers.

Inspired by the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan, Open Water follows a couple who embark on what should be a routine scuba diving adventure.

Their trip takes a nightmarish turn when their dive boat accidentally leaves them behind, stranding them in the open ocean with no way back.

Soon, the couple realizes they are surrounded by shark-infested waters. The film skillfully builds suspense by highlighting not only the ever-present danger from sharks but also the couple's desperate efforts to survive.

Because the harrowing events depicted are based on real-life tragedy, Open Water resonates deeply with viewers and adds a chilling sense of realism to the story.

Film enthusiasts know that Wes Anderson’s movies are celebrated for their unique visual style and meticulous staging, regardless of the genre. His signature approach sets his work apart from mainstream cinema.

The story follows oceanographer Steve Zissou and his crew as they document sea life for their latest project. When Zissou’s partner is tragically killed during an encounter with a shark, the mission takes a vengeful turn.

Determined to track down the mysterious ‘jaguar shark’ responsible, Zissou leads his eccentric team on a quest that blends humor, heartbreak, and adventure.

Though it’s not a conventional shark movie and may not appear on other lists, Bill Murray’s pursuit of the elusive predator makes this cult classic a memorable and deserving entry among the best shark films.

Directed by Renny Harlin, Deep Blue Sea offers a thrilling dive into the chaos unleashed when a team of researchers creates super-intelligent sharks as part of their hunt for a cure to Alzheimer's disease.

Driven by ambition, the researchers go to risky lengths by genetically modifying shark brains, only to soon discover the unintended consequences of their actions.

The enhanced sharks quickly turn on their creators, showcasing their newfound intelligence in relentless and creative attacks.

Starring the charismatic Samuel L. Jackson in a standout role, the film delivers nonstop suspense and entertainment from start to finish.

Alongside Jackson's memorable performance, a series of intense and gripping sequences ensures that this science fiction horror adventure remains a classic favorite for shark movie fans.

Few experiences thrill shark enthusiasts more than discovering a documentary dedicated entirely to great white sharks.

Directed by Peter Gimbel and James Lipscomb, Blue Water, White Death received strong reviews upon its release, earning praise for its captivating footage and the sense of adventure it evoked among audiences.

Aired frequently on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the film is notable for portraying sharks with respect—avoiding sensationalism and instead offering viewers an authentic look at these magnificent creatures, which is a testament to the filmmakers’ thoughtful approach.

Following the immense success of the original, "Jaws 2" may not reach the same legendary status, but it delivers enough thrills and nostalgia to earn its place among the best shark movies.

This sequel once again centers on the residents of Amity, who are thrown back into chaos as a new great white shark menaces their seemingly tranquil beaches.

While critic reactions were mixed at its release, longtime fans found plenty to appreciate, embracing the return of familiar faces and suspenseful aquatic danger.

The film's iconic tagline, "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...," remains one of the most memorable in cinematic history, often parodied and referenced in popular culture to this day.

Directed by Sean McNamara, "Soul Surfer" is not just a thrilling shark movie; it also shines as a moving family drama. The film centers on Bethany, a promising young surf champion who tragically loses her arm after a devastating shark attack while surfing.

Despite facing immense challenges, Bethany's unwavering faith in God, coupled with the support of her family and friends, empowers her to find the strength to return to surfing.

Inspired by Bethany Hamilton's autobiography, "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board," this film delivers an uplifting and authentic story that resonates deeply with viewers.

While Zombie (1979) may not be a traditional shark movie, it earns a spot on our list thanks to one unforgettable scene that stands out in cinematic history.

The film follows a group of strangers searching for a young woman's missing father, leading them to a mysterious tropical island.

Upon arrival, they encounter a doctor frantically working to uncover the cause—and possibly a cure—for a terrifying outbreak of the undead.

The main reason this iconic Italian film is featured here is its remarkable underwater scene, where a zombie battles a shark in a visually stunning sequence.

This moment became a viral sensation, racking up millions of views on YouTube and cementing the film's cult status.

"47 Meters Down" follows two sisters, portrayed by Mandy Moore and Claire Holt, as they embark on a thrilling cage diving adventure aboard a less-than-reliable boat.

What begins as an exciting vacation quickly devolves into a nightmare when the sisters become trapped in a submerged diving cage deep underwater.

Their terrifying predicament escalates when they discover that predatory sharks lurk just outside the cage, heightening the suspense and fear.

Unlike its sequel, which emphasizes brutal shark attacks, "47 Meters Down" skillfully builds tension, delivering a gripping experience that makes it the superior film of the two.

Shark enthusiasts may have to suspend disbelief to fully appreciate the story, but this film delivers an edge-of-your-seat underwater thrill ride.

"Mission Blue" offers an inspiring look into the life and achievements of renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, and environmental advocate Sylvia Earle.

The documentary follows Earle as she seeks out whale sharks and actively participates in crucial conversations on ocean conservation. Through her journey, she strives to highlight the importance of marine protected areas known as Hope Spots.

Traveling across the globe, Earle's mission is to inform people about the urgent need to protect oceans and seas from the threats of overfishing and pollution.

As viewers, we are drawn into her passionate fight to safeguard marine life, gaining a deeper appreciation for her relentless dedication to the planet's underwater world.

Action icon Jason Statham, famous for his high-octane roles, takes on a thrilling new challenge in The Meg. This time, he's up against a monstrous and prehistoric adversary—a gigantic Megalodon shark!

The film follows Statham's character, Jonas Taylor, a skilled deep-sea diver who is called upon to rescue the crew of an underwater research facility from the terrifying jaws of a 75-foot shark. The suspense and action keep viewers engaged throughout.

Though The Meg may not be hailed as the greatest shark movie ever made, you might be surprised to discover that it's among the highest-grossing shark attack films of all time. Its box office success proves its appeal with audiences worldwide.

"Shark Tale" is a vibrant computer-animated film that follows the adventures of an ambitious but underachieving fish who fabricates a story about defeating the son of a powerful shark mob boss.

His exaggerated tale is meant to earn him admiration in his community, leading him to form an unlikely alliance with Lenny, the mob boss's gentle and misunderstood other son.

Although the film received mixed reactions from critics, it went on to earn a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 77th Academy Awards, highlighting its broad appeal.

"Shark Tale" boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, and Martin Scorsese, adding depth and charm to its characters.

Luke eagerly anticipates an adventure sailing to Indonesia with his friends. However, none of them expect their journey to take a deadly turn when their boat unexpectedly capsizes.

With survival as their only goal, some of the group decide their best chance is to swim to a nearby island in search of help. Their desperate plan, however, is soon jeopardized when a relentless great white shark begins to stalk them on their perilous trek.

Inspired by the real-life ordeal of Ray Boundy's 1983 shark attack, The Reef delivers a suspenseful look at the terrifying choices and resourcefulness demanded when survival hangs by a thread in open waters.

Four adventurous teenage girls embark on a thrilling expedition to explore a submerged Mayan city. What begins as an exciting journey quickly descends into terror when they unwittingly enter a cave system inhabited by formidable great white sharks.

Directed by Johannes Roberts, this film evokes a sense of claustrophobia reminiscent of The Descent. Although it is a sequel to 47 Meters Down, it shares little with its predecessor aside from its underwater terror.

While 47 Meters Down: Uncaged may not introduce a groundbreaking concept or plot, it remains watchable thanks to Roberts' dedicated direction and his efforts to deliver an engaging shark thriller.

What happens when an audacious seal named Quinn brings together a squad of misfit recruits to stand up to ruthless sharks with razor-sharp teeth? A whole lot of fun in the middle of the open sea, which, of course, they plan to reclaim in due course of time.

Seal Team has been mounted on a moderate budget and feels like it's too fluid in some areas while too stiff in others. However, it is humorous enough to make you sit through its runtime, even though not every joke lands.

Also, a lot of you can feel that this above-average animated flick serves as a parody of the trademark "men of mission" formula.

Meg 2: The Trench serves as the direct sequel to the 2018 hit The Meg. It stars the charming action hero Jason Statham in the lead and opened to strictly average reviews at the ticket windows.

As the story proceeds, we catch a research team encountering multiple threats while exploring what the deep blue ocean has in store for them.

Sooner than later, we notice the entire unit not only withstanding the threats posed by a malevolent mining operation but also a deadly shark.

While the motion picture does carry a few sequences that can excite the viewer, the fun is hampered by a terrible story that seems to have been put together just for the sake of it. Worse still, it takes a bit too long to deliver on the thrills it promises in its trailer.

Who would have thought that in a mainstream motion picture headlined by the talented Nicolas Cage, it'd be sharks and a war setting that would turn out to be the centre of attraction?

The story follows the fate of an American navy ship that is taken down by a torpedo launched by a Japanese submarine during the Second World War.

We see how the Navy officers struggle to survive as their ship sinks in the shark-infested waters. Even though the premise is of a shark feature, this Mario Van Peebles directorial venture does a fair job of exuding the vibe of a war epic that emphasizes the sinking of the U. S. S. Indianapolis.

There is always something happening in this fast-paced Hans Horn directorial venture, which introduces us to a group of friends who decide to go on a weekend cruise.

What's supposed to be an adventure turns into the biggest nightmare of their lives as they are left stranded in the middle of the ocean after going for a swim.

While there are a number of things to criticize here, we can assure you that you won't really feel bored throughout its runtime.

If nothing else, watch for the excitement and for its attempt to showcase how fragile and scared human beings can get under the stress of any sort.

Photographer Valerie Taylor has been a true pioneer in both underwater filmmaking and shark research. An icon of the underwater world, she takes the onus on herself to inform a rather misinformed world about sharks.

In fact, it'd be safe to say that a lot of what we know about the misunderstood creatures today has been made possible due to her extraordinary efforts.

Therefore, Playing with Sharks not only helps us follow Taylor's daring expeditions but also allows us to witness how passionate a shark protector she is.

This documentary feature tells the story of a thirty-two-year-old man who seems to be caught up in a dead-end job in England's industrial north.

With his life seemingly going nowhere, he takes a call to risk everything to tell an inspiring, untold story; one that would find him in the middle of sixty of the world's most dangerous sharks.

Stunningly beautiful and daring, this rather underrated passion project is a genuine love letter to not only Planet Earth but also the terror-inducing sharks.

The feature aims to tell a man's journey of striving to get as close as possible to the world's biggest bull sharks. It is a must-see for shark and sea aficionados.

This 53-minute-long documentary feature is one that will find appreciation among underwater life enthusiasts.

The viewers get to see the waters around the Galapagos islands populated by massive sharks.

That said, what led to the making of this documentary was the fact that the scientists wished to examine what it is really that brings all these giant whale sharks to this specific location in such large numbers.

While you may never really dream of getting up, close and personal with sharks in the real world, you do get to do it via your respective television screens.

All thanks to famed cinematographer Andy Brandy Casagrande, this feature endeavours to depict what these underwater creatures are really like to its awestruck viewers.

What is worth mentioning about Shark Dive is that it has almost entirely been shot underwater. Needless to say, we get to see some breathtaking shots of not just the sharks but also elephant seals, sea lions, and manatees, respectively.

This classic feature film from the early 1930s tells the story of a tuna fisherman, Mike, who, despite losing a hand in a shark attack, decides to continue working.

However, after a young fisherman is killed in a shark attack, Mike takes the responsibility to deliver the news to his only family member, who happens to be his sister.

This American pre-Code melodrama romantic film is arguably the most distinctive mainstream project to make it to our list, and that is precisely why shark enthusiasts need to give it a try.

Director Enzo G. Castellari's Italian adventure drama film tells the story of a reclusive person on a Caribbean island, who seems to be hell-bent on destroying sharks for some reason.

Soon after, he gets himself involved in a hunt for buried treasure. But, will he be able to get his hands on it?

Also known as Guardians of the Deep, this project will certainly not find any takers among those who have dedicated their lives to the protection of sharks and the aquatic ecosystem.

Fans who are more than willing to try a fun creature feature might just end up relishing Bait on a trippy Sunday evening.

The motion picture illustrates how a freak tsunami ends up trapping local shoppers and residents at a coastal Australian supermarket inside a building.

While the tsunami is a challenge big enough, the people within the establishment get the shock of their lives when they figure that they also have to deal with a deadly and unwanted visitor. 

Yep, your guess is as good as ours for that guest is none other than a 12-foot Great White Shark.

Bait thrives on its eclectic cast of characters, solid visual effects, and crisp editing. So, if you'd really like to see a shark preying on a bunch of Aussies, this might turn out to be the film of the day for you.

Rise of The Great White Shark aims to depict the phenomenal rise of the Great White Shark some 11 million years ago, following a string of dramatic transitions that transpired in Earth's oceans and climate.

The documentary familiarizes the viewers with the rich history of the great white shark by adding ample footage of the almost mythical creature.

Aside from the obvious, it also brings to light a ton of details about other sea life such as seals.

It is not surprising then that this feature was an outcome of a decade of ambitious filming.