10 Movies and Shows Like The Meg (2018)

Description: As the grandfather of all shark movies, 'Jaws' shares with 'The Meg' the central theme of a monstrous shark terrorizing humans. Both films create suspense through the unseen threat lurking beneath the water's surface. 'Jaws' established many of the tropes that 'The Meg' later played with on a larger scale.

Fact: The mechanical shark used in filming was nicknamed 'Bruce'. The film's iconic score by John Williams uses just two notes to create tension. 'Jaws' was the first movie to earn $100 million at the box office.

Description: While not a shark movie, 'The Abyss' shares with 'The Meg' the exploration of deep-sea mysteries and the dangers of the ocean depths. Both films feature advanced underwater technology and encounters with unknown aquatic life forms. The films share themes of discovery and survival in extreme environments.

Fact: The underwater scenes were filmed in two abandoned nuclear reactors. Ed Harris actually held his breath for over three minutes in one scene. The film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.

Description: This cult classic shares with 'The Meg' the formula of a group of people battling a massive sea creature. Both films blend action, horror, and humor in their approach to aquatic terror. While 'Deep Rising' features a more fantastical creature, both movies deliver thrilling set pieces and intense underwater sequences.

Fact: The film was originally intended to launch a franchise. The creature effects were achieved through a mix of practical and digital effects. Director Stephen Sommers went on to make 'The Mummy' series after this film.

Description: Similar to 'The Meg' (2018), 'Deep Blue Sea' is a high-stakes thriller featuring genetically enhanced sharks that pose a deadly threat to humans. Both films blend science fiction with horror elements, showcasing large, intelligent predators in underwater settings. The films share themes of human hubris and the consequences of tampering with nature.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a more serious take on the shark genre but evolved into an action-packed thriller. Samuel L. Jackson's character was written specifically for him. The shark attack scenes were achieved using a combination of animatronics and CGI.

Description: Like 'The Meg', 'Open Water' taps into the fear of being vulnerable in the vast ocean. Both films feature sharks as antagonists, though 'Open Water' takes a more realistic approach to the danger. The films share themes of isolation and the fragility of human life when faced with nature's power.

Fact: The film is based on true events from

Description: This Australian thriller shares with 'The Meg' the terrifying scenario of being hunted by sharks in open water. Both films emphasize the helplessness of humans in the face of nature's perfect predators. 'The Reef' takes a more realistic approach compared to 'The Meg's' sci-fi elements, but both deliver intense survival drama.

Fact: The film is loosely based on true events. Real sharks were used in some scenes, with actors in the water. The movie was shot on location in Queensland, Australia.

Description: 'Bait' shares with 'The Meg' the premise of ordinary people trapped in an extraordinary situation with sharks. Both films feature sharks attacking humans in confined spaces (a supermarket in 'Bait', a research facility in 'The Meg'). The films blend horror and action elements with aquatic terror.

Fact: The film is an Australian-Singaporean co-production. The flooded supermarket set was built in a water tank. The movie uses both CGI and practical effects for its shark sequences.

Description: This film shares with 'The Meg' the terrifying premise of being trapped underwater with deadly sharks. Both movies play on primal fears of the deep ocean and what might be lurking in its depths. While 'The Meg' goes for spectacle, '47 Meters Down' focuses more on psychological terror in confined spaces.

Fact: The film was originally titled 'In the Deep'. Much of the underwater footage was shot in a tank at Pinewood Studios. The actresses underwent extensive diving training for their roles.

Description: Like 'The Meg', 'The Shallows' focuses on a relentless battle between a human and a massive shark. Both films emphasize survival against overwhelming odds in aquatic environments. While 'The Meg' features a prehistoric creature, 'The Shallows' uses a great white shark, but both maintain intense, edge-of-your-seat tension throughout.

Fact: Blake Lively performed most of her own stunts in the film. The movie was shot primarily in Australia, with some scenes filmed in a water tank. The shark was created using CGI, with no real sharks used during filming.

Description: Similar to 'The Meg', 'Underwater' is a sci-fi thriller set in the deep sea with monstrous creatures. Both films feature high-tech underwater facilities and the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. The films share a claustrophobic atmosphere and the theme of humans venturing where they don't belong.

Fact: The film was inspired by real deep-sea exploration technology. Kristen Stewart cut her hair short for the role. The creatures were designed by the same team that worked on 'Stranger Things'.