10 Movies and Shows Similar to Jaws 2 (1978)

Description: Piranha, like Jaws 2, features aquatic creatures terrorizing humans, though it swaps sharks for piranhas. Both films were released in the same year and capitalize on the success of Jaws, blending horror with dark humor and over-the-top violence.

Fact: Piranha was directed by Joe Dante, who later worked on Gremlins. The film was produced by Roger Corman, a legend in low-budget filmmaking. Piranha was intended as a parody of Jaws but became a cult classic in its own right.

Description: Like Jaws 2, Deep Blue Sea revolves around genetically enhanced sharks wreaking havoc, combining science fiction with horror. Both films explore human arrogance in tampering with nature, leading to deadly consequences. The confined setting of a research facility adds to the tension, much like the coastal town in Jaws 2.

Fact: Deep Blue Sea was directed by Renny Harlin, who also worked on Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger. The film features a memorable death scene involving Samuel L. Jackson, which has become iconic in pop culture. The sharks were created using a mix of animatronics and CGI, a technique also used in Jaws

Description: Open Water, like Jaws 2, plays on the real-life fear of being stranded in the ocean with sharks. Both films use minimalistic storytelling to create a sense of dread and helplessness, though Open Water is based on true events, adding to its horror.

Fact: Open Water is based on the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan, who were left behind during a scuba diving trip. The film was shot on a budget of just $500,000, using real sharks to heighten authenticity. The actors, Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis, spent hours in the water with real sharks, adding to the film's realism.

Description: The Reef, similar to Jaws 2, follows a group of people hunted by a shark after a boating accident. Both films rely on suspense and the shark's unseen presence to build tension, with The Reef emphasizing survival in open water.

Fact: The Reef is based on the true story of Ray Boundy, who survived a shark attack in 198The film uses real shark footage to enhance its realism. The director, Andrew Traucki, also worked on another nature horror film, Black Water.

Description: Bait shares Jaws 2's premise of a shark terrorizing humans in a confined space—this time, a flooded supermarket. Both films blend horror with survival elements, though Bait adds a unique setting to the shark attack genre.

Fact: Bait was filmed in Australia and features a mix of CGI and practical effects for the shark. The film's premise was inspired by the idea of a shark attack in an unlikely, everyday location. Bait received mixed reviews but gained a following for its creative setting.

Description: Sharknado shares Jaws 2's premise of sharks attacking humans, but takes it to an absurd, over-the-top level with sharks carried by tornadoes. Both films play on the fear of shark attacks, but Sharknado leans heavily into campy, B-movie fun rather than suspense.

Fact: Sharknado became a cultural phenomenon, spawning five sequels and a dedicated fanbase. The film was shot in just 18 days with a budget of about $1 million. Tara Reid stars in the series, which became infamous for its ridiculous plotlines and special effects.

Description: 47 Meters Down shares Jaws 2's theme of humans trapped in a life-threatening situation with sharks. Both films use the ocean's vastness and unpredictability to heighten fear, though 47 Meters Down adds the claustrophobic element of being trapped underwater.

Fact: The film was originally intended for a direct-to-DVD release but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to positive test screenings. Mandy Moore and Claire Holt star as sisters fighting for survival. The movie's title refers to the depth at which the characters are stranded, adding to the suspense.

Description: The Shallows, like Jaws 2, focuses on a lone shark stalking a human protagonist in a confined oceanic setting. Both films build tension through the shark's unseen presence and sudden attacks, emphasizing survival against a relentless predator.

Fact: Blake Lively performed most of her own stunts, including swimming with real sharks. The film was shot in Australia, with the ocean scenes filmed in a controlled environment to ensure safety. The shark was created using CGI, avoiding the mechanical issues faced by the Jaws crew.

Description: Similar to Jaws 2, The Meg features a massive, prehistoric shark terrorizing humans, blending horror and action. Both films capitalize on the fear of the unknown depths of the ocean and the primal terror of shark attacks. The Meg, however, amps up the spectacle with a larger-than-life creature and modern special effects.

Fact: The Meg is based on the 1997 novel Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror by Steve Alten. Jason Statham, known for his action roles, stars as the lead, bringing a tough, survivalist vibe similar to Chief Brody in Jaws. The film's budget was around $130 million, making it one of the most expensive shark movies ever made.

Description: Crawl, like Jaws 2, pits humans against deadly predators—this time, alligators during a hurricane. Both films focus on survival in a natural disaster, with the added threat of apex predators, creating intense, claustrophobic tension.

Fact: Crawl was produced by Sam Raimi, known for the Evil Dead series. The film's alligators were created using a mix of animatronics and CGI. Crawl was praised for its tight pacing and relentless suspense, similar to Jaws