As Shark Week comes to a close, the highly anticipated sequel, “Meg 2: The Trench,” is set to hit theaters on August 4, featuring Jason Statham reprising his role as the courageous rescue diver, Jonas Taylor, facing off once again with the monstrous prehistoric shark. “Meg,” released in 2018 and based on Steve Alten’s novel “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror” from 1997, proved to be a massive success, grossing over $530 million worldwide. The positive response from audiences led Warner Bros. to greenlight the sequel, potentially paving the way for a new blockbuster sci-fi/horror franchise.
Before you dive into “Meg 2,” let’s explore some of the best shark movies to get you in the mood for another thrilling encounter with these fascinating creatures. However, it’s essential to remember that while these films showcase the terrifying nature of sharks, real-life shark attacks are exceptionally rare. In fact, statistics show that more people are killed annually by cows and bees than by sharks. Despite their fearsome reputation in popular media, sharks are not the bloodthirsty predators they are often portrayed to be.
Before enjoying “Meg 2: The Trench,” let’s take a look at some of the top shark movies available on various streaming services.
Jaws (1975)
Let’s start with the undeniable classic: “Jaws,” the original shark movie. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this terrifying thriller struck a chord with audiences, leaving a lasting impact on our fears of the deep sea. The film’s success spawned numerous sequels and inspired a wave of similar movies, all contributing to the enduring fear of sharks among beachgoers.
Adapted from Peter Benchley’s best-selling novel, “Jaws” follows police chief Martin Brody, portrayed by Roy Scheider, as he leads the hunt for a great white shark responsible for a series of deadly attacks that have shaken the residents of Amity Island. Adding to the tension is John Williams’ Oscar-winning score, which has become one of the most iconic in the history of cinema.
Open Water (2004)
Unlike the other films on our list, “Open Water” is based on a true story, which makes it even more chilling. The movie draws inspiration from a tragic incident that occurred in 1998 at the Great Barrier Reef. Two American divers, Tom and Eileen Lonergan, were accidentally left behind by their dive-boat crew due to a headcount error, and they were never found, presumed to have drowned.
In “Open Water,” the already horrifying premise takes an even more terrifying turn. Daniel Kintner (Daniel Travis) and Susan Watkins (Blanchard Ryan), a couple whose marriage is in trouble, embark on a scuba-diving vacation to rekindle their relationship. During one of their dives, they stray from the group to explore, only to resurface and find that the dive boat has left them stranded in the vast ocean. Panic sets in as they realize the gravity of their situation, and to make matters worse, hungry sharks begin to circle beneath them.
As you can imagine, what follows is a desperate struggle for survival, as they search for shelter and rescue while facing the looming threat of a shark feeding frenzy.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Long before Samuel L. Jackson became known for his role as Nick Fury, he delivered a memorable and stirring speech in the film “Deep Blue Sea.” To understand why this scene is iconic, you’ll have to watch the movie and experience the reveal for yourself. Even now, as the star of “Secret Invasion,” Jackson still mentions this film during interviews.
In “Deep Blue Sea,” a secluded underwater research facility conducts experiments on sharks in the pursuit of an Alzheimer’s disease cure. Unfortunately, their experiments lead to the creation of bloodthirsty, genetically engineered super-sharks. When these powerful sharks escape, they wreak havoc on the scientists and the surrounding waters, causing the facility to flood.
With their oxygen supply dwindling, the researchers must race to reach the surface, all while facing the terrifying pursuit of the mutant sharks hunting them down one by one. The film is an intense and thrilling battle for survival against these monstrous creatures.
The Shallows (2016)
In contrast to the action-packed and intense films mentioned earlier, “The Shallows” takes a different approach, focusing on one woman’s gripping battle for survival against overwhelming odds.
Blake Lively stars as Nancy Adams, a medical student grappling with an identity crisis after her mother’s death. Seeking solace and a chance to reflect, she travels to a secluded beach in Mexico, a place her mother once visited while pregnant with her, to surf and find some peace. However, her plans take a nightmarish turn when she discovers the remains of a whale that a shark has been feeding on. Soon, a massive 23-foot predator fixates on her as its next target.
Injured and bleeding, Nancy must rely on her intelligence and every ounce of strength to fend off the relentless shark and find a way back to safety. Blake Lively’s exceptional performance brings every moment to life, causing viewers to wince with each bite, scratch, and hit that Nancy endures during her harrowing ordeal. “The Shallows” delivers a gripping and suspenseful tale of survival that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Sharknado (2013)
While I understand that these movies may seem absurd, it would be incomplete without at least one mention of “Sharknado.” As the title suggests, the premise alone is enough to raise eyebrows. In this over-the-top franchise, a bizarre hurricane defies all logic and laws of nature, sweeping up thousands of sharks from the ocean and hurtling them toward Los Angeles.
As the storm approaches, sharks rain down from the sky, flooding the city with seawater infested with these deadly predators, leading to utter chaos. While the original “Sharknado” is relatively less focused on comedy compared to its five sequels, it still provides plenty of outrageous and riotous moments. Sharks ripping the roof off cars to devour the occupants, a character bravely diving into a shark’s mouth with a chainsaw, and intense battles with sharks latched onto helicopters are just some of the wild scenarios viewers can expect.
Though a departure from the tension and horror of the other movies on this list, “Sharknado” serves as a light-hearted and entertaining palette cleanser, embracing its absurdity and offering a unique experience for fans of unconventional cinema.
Source: Tomsguide
