Surfing, with its sun-kissed beaches and exhilarating rides, often evokes images of freedom and adventure. However, when the ocean's depths harbor dark secrets, the thrill can quickly turn into terror. This curated list of horror surfing movies combines the adrenaline of surfing with the spine-chilling elements of horror, offering a unique cinematic experience. Whether you're a fan of the ocean's mysteries or just love a good scare, these films are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Jaws (1975)
Description: A classic that set the standard for shark horror, where a giant man-eating great white shark terrorizes a beach community.
Fact: The mechanical shark, nicknamed "Bruce," frequently malfunctioned, leading to many scenes being shot without showing the shark, which added to the film's suspense.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: A crew at an underwater military base faces an unknown creature while preparing to leave their station, blending sci-fi with horror.
Fact: This film was part of a wave of underwater horror movies in the late '80s, competing with "The Abyss" and "Leviathan."


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, the terrifying battle against nature's fury on the open sea makes it a gripping watch for fans of survival horror.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of the Andrea Gail, a fishing vessel lost at sea during the 1991 Perfect Storm.


Open Water (2003)
Description: A couple on a scuba diving trip is left behind by their boat, facing the open sea and its lurking dangers, including sharks.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of $120,000 and grossed over $55 million worldwide.


The Reef (2010)
Description: After their boat capsizes, a group of friends must navigate shark-infested waters to reach safety, turning their surf trip into a nightmare.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, and the director, Andrew Traucki, used a real 13-foot Great White shark for some scenes.


Dark Tide (2012)
Description: A marine biologist, haunted by a shark attack, takes on a risky job to dive with great white sharks, leading to a terrifying encounter.
Fact: Halle Berry, who plays the lead, did much of her own diving for authenticity, despite her fear of sharks.


47 Meters Down (2017)
Description: Two sisters on a vacation in Mexico find themselves trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean, surrounded by sharks.
Fact: The film was originally titled "In the Deep" and was inspired by the real-life incident of a shark cage diving accident.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: A surfer, stranded 200 yards from shore, must outwit a great white shark to survive, making for a suspenseful and thrilling watch.
Fact: The film was shot in Australia, and the shark was created using a combination of animatronics and CGI.


The Meg (2018)
Description: A deep-sea submersible is attacked by a prehistoric 75-foot-long shark, leading to a battle for survival against this ancient predator.
Fact: The film is based on the novel "Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror" by Steve Alten, and it features one of the largest CGI sharks ever created for a movie.


Bait 3D (2012)
Description: After a tsunami floods a supermarket, survivors must deal with not only the rising water but also a great white shark trapped inside.
Fact: The film was shot in Australia and used a combination of practical effects and CGI for the shark scenes.
