When it comes to Shark Movies, expect everything from the suspenseful to the downright ridiculous. Jaws scared everyone away from the beaches in 1975, and ever since then the world has been obsessed with sharks. I mean, there’s an entire week dedicated to sharks every year on the Discovery Channel, because people love sharks … or fear them, whatever. Whether it’s because we want to truly understand these apex predators or just because we like a good scare, it doesn’t matter. Shark movies are here to stay.
When it comes to my preference in shark movies … Well, let’s just say I love them all for what they are, but I seem to gravitate towards plausible plots more often than not. In other words, I won’t be recommending Deep Blue Sea 2 to anyone (the base off the shore from South Africa wouldn’t have had electricity to begin with … I’m looking at you, Eskom). That being said, usually I classify films like Sharknado, 2-Headed Shark Attack, and Shark Exorcist under B-Movies, so you won’t see any of those on this list (sorry!).
I know what you’re thinking. How come I have prehistoric sharks on this list if they’re technically also B-Movies? Well, firstly, there’s no telling what is still to be found beneath the ocean. Secondly, finding a megalodon is way more plausible than, I don’t know, a ghost shark attacking someone in a bathtub. That’s just my opinion, though.
Nevertheless, let’s get to this week’s Friday Favorites, shall we?
Shark Movies
Jaws (1975)
No shark movie list could ever be complete without Jaws. I mean, it’s the granddaddy of all shark movies; perfectly scary in all the right ways. Jaws sees a police chief, marine biologist, and fisherman searching for a man-eating great white shark that’s terrorizing a quiet island during the tourist season. There’s so much suspense and jump scares, you’ll probably never want to get near the water again. If you haven’t watched Steven Spielberg’s most celebrated film, I suggest you rectify that problem ASAP.
Shark Attack 3: Megalodon (2002)
Okay, okay, so Shark Attack 3: Megalodon isn’t going to win any Oscars, but it’s a great popcorn movie. And if you can look past the comically inaccurate size of the CGI megalodon that’s terrorizing the ocean, the plot is actually pretty freaking cool. While I’m sure purist film lovers won’t dig this flick, it’s a good way to satisfy your hunger for some shark movies. 🙂
47 Meters Down (2017)
Possibly one of the scariest shark movies I’ve watched in a really long time, 47 Meters Down sees sisters Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt) on holiday. They go cage diving, because that’s apparently what extroverts do, and all hell breaks loose thanks to faulty machinery. The suspense will kill you, but don’t worry … the jump scares will jolt you back to the land of the living. Also, the acting is good, and there’s some great CGI sharks. Definitely watch this one if you haven’t already.
Open Water (2004)
Open Water is one of those shark movies that starts off due to human error. We have Susan and Daniel going on a diving trip, and then BAM! They’re left behind in shark-infested waters in the middle of the ocean. Now, this film is more suspense and survival horror than the nom-nom-nom shark attacks we crave from our shark movies, but it’s still a good one that plays on our fear of open water.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
While I’m not a fan of the sequel, Deep Blue Sea remains one of my favorite shark films. Yes, it’s more sci-fi horror than a thriller, thanks to the genetic testing on sharks in an underwater facility, but it’s got a whole lot of shark attacks that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The casting is also pretty cool, starring: Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Stellan Skarsgard, Michael Rapaport, and Thomas Jane.
47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019)
Four teenage girls decide to go scuba diving in a recently discovered underwater Mayan city, which is also an archaeological site in 47 Meters Down: Uncaged—the sequel to 47 Meters Down. The girls, however, soon swim into trouble when they come across a whole eco-system which had somehow developed in the utter darkness—and yes, there are sharks in there with them. It’s a whole different type of horror, with a plausible twist when it comes to the sharks. Yes, you’ll be scared. It’s awesome.
The Shallows (2016)
In The Shallows, expect some nerve-wracking moments as Nancy (Blake Lively) tries to not get eaten by sharks that were attracted to a prime surfing location thanks to the carcass of a large humpback whale. This is yet another good suspenseful shark movie that’s all about survival, but The Shallows does have some flaws that I struggled to overlook (the ending, for example, seemed somewhat watered-down). Still, it’s a great way to waste some time. So, check it out. 🙂
Capsized: Blood in the Water (2019)
This is, I think, one of the first Discovery Channel original films, which released during Shark Week. While the acting is a bit meh at times, and I kept screaming at the TV for the duration of the film (because heavens help me, some people are freaking stupid when it comes to survival), I have to admit it was a fun little flick. The CGI leaves much to be desired, yes, but the story (which I hear is based on true events) was good. Give it a watch if you haven’t already.
The Meg (2018)
One of the bigger budget films on the list, The Meg is also a sci-fi horror revolving around the (hopefully) extinct megalodon shark, which is rediscovered thanks to a team of scientists diving to the deepest parts of the ocean. Well, long story short, the megalodon gets out of its little hidey-hole and it’s extremely grumpy. Great CGI, awesome acting, and somewhat plausible … It’s a nice popcorn flick with some cool jump scares. Also, I hear they’re making a sequel, so better watch it soon. *wink*
As I said earlier, there are a lot of shark movies out there. Some are silly, others are scary, but one thing’s for certain: There’s something for everyone out there. What’s more, if you’re currently in quarantine and dreaming about swimming in the ocean, then maybe binge-watching some shark movies will make you reconsider your plight. See? There’s always an upside to things. 🙂
Have a superb weekend, everyone!
Monique
P.S. If you’re a young adult, maybe just get your parents’ permission before you watch some of these movies.
