Welcome back to our site. You join us at a time when the world is caught up in a sports frenzy. Fans of watersports have a busy few weeks ahead as we prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. The surfing takes place in Tahiti, where those pushing hard for the gold medal brave the powerful waves and challenging conditions of Teahupo’o. You can watch surfing at the Olympics live on television and predict the results at the best betting websites available in your area.
Our content team is looking forward to the return of the Olympics as Paris aims to put on a show for the watching world. But watching the build-up to the surfing brought us back to our favorite subject: Jaws. The movie that put many off trying surfing in our younger years and still haunts swimmers and beachgoers today. A movie that had a lasting effect on the population, and it is showing no signs of letting up.
It may not feel like it to those who remember watching Jaws when it was released in cinemas in the summer of 1975, but it’s now celebrating its 49th birthday. That’s right, the world-famous movie has been terrifying swimmers for nearly five decades, and it’s as popular today as it has ever been. With some big plans in place for its 50th birthday, fans have plenty to look forward to in the next 12 months.
Plenty more killers in the sea
Do you still hear that iconic jaws theme whenever you step off the safety of a beach and into the cool waters? Was every snorkeling or surfing trip you’ve ever been on spoiled by the fear of what lurks beneath? Don’t worry, as you’re in good company. Our content team still takes a good look around before rolling up our pants and paddling around in the sea. We doubt that uncomfortable feeling will ever disappear, and we know exactly who is to blame: Steven Speilberg and his team.
Did you know Jaws isn’t the only movie based on a killer shark? It’s the best, certainly, in our humble opinion, but Jaws helped inspire scriptwriters to scare the pants off audiences using nature’s number one predator. The shark is at the top of the food chain, has been for thousands of years, and is showing no signs of relinquishing that title.
What’s the second-best psycho shark movie after the Jaws franchise? We’re here to help answer that question. Just as you thought it was safe to enter the water, we publish our list of weird and wonderful films based on sharks with a taste for human blood.
The Meg (2018)
Directed by Jon Turteltaub and based on Steve Alten’s novel “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror,” “The Meg” is a science fiction action film that pits humans against a massive prehistoric shark, the Megalodon. The story follows Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham), a rescue diver who encounters the colossal predator during a deep-sea mission.
The film’s blend of suspense, action, and humor, along with its impressive special effects, made it a hit with global audiences. “The Meg” stands out for its portrayal of the sheer size and ferocity of the Megalodon, providing a thrilling experience that captured the imagination of shark movie enthusiasts.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Renny Harlin’s “Deep Blue Sea” combines science fiction and horror in a tale of genetically engineered sharks that become super-intelligent and turn against their creators. Set in an isolated underwater facility, the film features a cast led by Samuel L. Jackson, Saffron Burrows, and Thomas Jane.
Known for its intense action sequences and unexpected plot twists, particularly the shocking death of a major character, “Deep Blue Sea” achieved substantial box office success. Its blend of suspense, innovative special effects, and shark-related terror made it a memorable entry in the killer shark genre.
47 Meters Down (2017)
“47 Meters Down,” directed by Johannes Roberts, is a survival horror film that explores the terror of being trapped underwater with killer sharks. The story follows two sisters, Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt), who become stranded in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean during a diving excursion.
With their air supply dwindling and great white sharks circling, the sisters must find a way to escape. The film’s claustrophobic setting and relentless tension resonated with audiences, leading to impressive box office performance for a relatively low-budget production.
47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019)
The sequel to “47 Meters Down,” “47 Meters Down: Uncaged,” is also directed by Johannes Roberts. This time, the film follows a group of teenage girls exploring underwater ruins that become a hunting ground for ferocious sharks.
With no cages to protect them and limited visibility in the submerged caves, the girls face a harrowing struggle for survival. Despite mixed reviews, the sequel managed to capture a significant audience, thanks to its suspenseful storyline and the continued appeal of shark attack scenarios.
The Shallows (2016)
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, “The Shallows” stars Blake Lively as Nancy, a medical student who finds herself stranded on a rock 200 yards from shore, with a great white shark lurking in the waters between her and safety.
The film is a gripping survival thriller that focuses on Nancy’s resourcefulness and determination to survive against the odds. “The Shallows” received praise for its taut storytelling, stunning cinematography, and Lively’s compelling performance, contributing to its commercial success.
Sharknado (2013)
While “Sharknado” may not boast the box office numbers of its peers, its cultural impact and subsequent sequels make it a noteworthy entry in the killer shark genre. Directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, “Sharknado” combines the absurd premise of a tornado filled with sharks with campy humor and over-the-top action.
The film’s unexpected popularity led to a series of sequels, each embracing increasingly ridiculous scenarios. “Sharknado” became a cult phenomenon, showcasing the potential for innovative and unconventional takes on shark attack stories.
There you have it, our list of the six best shark attack movies that aren’t part of the Jaws franchise. Why not choose your favorites and settle down for an evening of terror that’s sure to spoil your summer?