If you loved the thrilling chaos of 'Sydney Harbor Shark Invasion (2024)' and are craving more heart-pounding aquatic action, you're in the right place! This article dives into 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline rush, jaw-dropping suspense, and underwater terror. Whether you're a fan of shark attacks, survival stories, or disaster flicks, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Jaws (1975)
Description: The quintessential shark attack film that set the standard for marine horror, focusing on suspense, human fear, and survival against a relentless predator.
Fact: The mechanical shark used in filming, named 'Bruce,' frequently malfunctioned, forcing Spielberg to rely more on suspense than visuals. It was the first major motion picture to be shot on the ocean.


Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Description: A science-gone-wrong thriller where genetically enhanced sharks wreak havoc in an isolated research facility, emphasizing survival and human error.
Fact: The film is known for its unexpected character deaths and groundbreaking CGI for its time. It was partially inspired by real shark intelligence studies.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A harrowing, realistic depiction of being stranded in shark-infested waters, using documentary-style filmmaking to heighten fear and vulnerability.
Fact: The film was inspired by true events of a couple left behind during a scuba diving trip. Real sharks were used during filming, adding to the authenticity.


The Reef (2010)
Description: A tense survival thriller based on true events, where a group stranded at sea must swim to safety while being stalked by a great white shark.
Fact: The film uses real shark footage to increase realism. It was praised for its minimalistic approach and lack of CGI, relying on natural tension.


Bait (2012)
Description: A disaster-horror film where survivors are trapped in a flooded supermarket with aggressive sharks, blending survival instincts with aquatic terror.
Fact: The film was shot in Australia and used a mix of practical effects and CGI for the sharks. It was released in 3D to enhance the immersive horror experience.


Dark Tide (2012)
Description: A psychological thriller centered around shark diving, blending human drama with the dangers of the ocean, focusing on fear and redemption.
Fact: Halle Berry performed her own diving scenes, including close encounters with real sharks. The film was shot in South Africa, known for its great white shark populations.


Sharknado (2013)
Description: A high-concept disaster film featuring sharks in absurd and over-the-top scenarios, blending horror and comedy elements.
Fact: The film became a cultural phenomenon and spawned multiple sequels. It was originally intended to be a straight-to-TV movie but gained a theatrical release due to its popularity.


47 Meters Down (2017)
Description: A claustrophobic survival horror set underwater, where characters must evade sharks while trapped in a diving cage, emphasizing tension and isolation.
Fact: The film was shot in a large water tank to simulate open-water conditions. It was originally intended for a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to theaters due to strong test screenings.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: A survival thriller featuring a lone protagonist stranded on a rock, battling a great white shark, with intense pacing and minimalistic storytelling.
Fact: Blake Lively performed most of her own stunts, including swimming with real sharks. The film's beach was a set built in Australia to mimic a Mexican coastline.


The Meg (2018)
Description: A sci-fi thriller centered around a massive prehistoric shark threatening human lives, combining action and suspense with marine terror.
Fact: The film is based on the 1997 novel 'Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror.' It features one of the largest fictional sharks ever depicted in cinema.
