Shark movies have been sending chills down our spines ever since the box-office sensation Jaws made its debut in 1975. Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping quite like watching humans navigate the treacherous waters of the sea where deadly sharks lurk beneath. Netflix’s ‘Under Paris’ is currently the third most-watched non-English film on the platform, showing how much love we have for this thrilling genre. Let’s dive in and check out some classic and underrated shark movies that will make you think twice before stepping into the water.
Key Takeaways:
– ‘Jaws’ ignited the shark movie genre and remains a must-watch classic.
– From Italians to Australian productions, the shark movie phenomenon is globally popular.
– Netflix’s ‘Under Paris’ is rising to the top of the most-watched non-English movies.
– Shark movies such as ‘Sharknado‘ have a significant cultural impact.
– The horrific reality that ‘Open Water’ carries captivates audiences, as it is based on true events.
The Zombie Legacy (1979)
The 1979 movie ‘Zombie’ might not be purely a shark film, but it surely rocks a memorable shark scene. This scene involving a bona fide shark fighting a zombie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, proving it’s a shark movie highlight deserving recognition.
The Unique Mako: Jaws Of Death (1976)
‘Mako: Jaws Of Death’ is a distinctive film which presents a diverse blend of elements. From Vietnam War Veterans to telepathic connections with sharks, brace yourself for a compelling storyline that leaves a lasting impression. Despite being shark-friendly in its narrative, the off-screen filming tactics received criticism due to their inhumane treatment of sharks.
The Last Shark or the Great White (1981)
This Italian movie, labeled as a Jaws knock-off, despite facing legal hitches with Universal Studios, still managed to rake in $18 million and won fans with its gripping storyline.
The Infamous Sharknado (2013)
Starting as a niche low-budget horror flick, ‘Sharknado’ quickly evolved into a cult hit birthing five sequels within years. The movie twisted the traditional shark movie narrative by taking sharks out of the water and into a hurricane terrorising Los Angeles.
The Thrilling Deep Blue Sea (1999)
This movie cautions against experimenting with nature, portraying what happens when scientists go too far, meddling with mako sharks, leading to disastrous consequences.
The Catastrophic Bait 3D (2012)
‘Bait 3D’ offers a unique setting where a group of individuals find themselves trapped in a supermarket with sharks following a devastating tsunami in Australia.
The Dangerous Reef (2010)
‘The Reef’, yet another Australian entry, showcases the terrifying ordeal faced by a group of friends who encounter a shark during a sailing expedition gone wrong.
The Terrifying 47 Meters Down (2017)
This movie presents a unique twist where two sisters, trapped on the ocean floor, find themselves surrounded by sharks after their diving excursion goes haywire.
The Black Demon (2013)
This Josh Lucas-led movie became a surprise hit and continues to grip viewers with its thrilling storyline set around a Mexican Oil Rig.
The Intense Shallows (2016)
In ‘The Shallows’, a surfer, stranded on a rock surrounded by shark-infested waters, must rely on her wit and courage to survive, creating an intense and suspenseful narrative.
The True Story-Based Open Water (2003)
Based on a real-life incident, ‘Open Water’ is undoubtedly the most terrifying shark movie. It chronicles the ordeal of a clueless couple left behind in the ocean after a failed scuba diving trip.
The Classic Jaws (1975)
‘Jaws’ revolutionized the summer movie schedule, and despite its negative impact on shark populations, it is still regarded as a significant classic in cinema history.
Hats Off to Jaws 2 (1978)
Although a commercial venture, ‘Jaws 2’ deserves praise for its exciting storyline and commendable performances. However, the sequels that followed failed to live up to the charm of the first two ‘Jaws’ movies.
Everyone has their favorite shark movie. From Ghost Shark to 2-Headed Shark Attack, the choices are endless. Let us know which one you love the most in the comments!
