Jaws, Stephen Spielberg’s monumental 1975 blockbuster based on Peter Benchley’s novel, Jaws, is a timeless movie with a classic monster, the great white shark. It’s well-made and believable, with realistic storytelling. The music and editing add to its appeal. These elements combine to create a cinematic masterpiece and the ultimate summer horror film.
As the season of winter approaches, everyone seeks captivating suspense with a blend of slow-burning horror and genuine conclusions.
The films on this list encompass bittersweet yet uplifting endings. Let’s delve into a collection of blockbuster movies like Jaws that you can watch in 2023.
1. Movies like Jaws: Great White (1981)
Make the first spot in the list of movies like Jaws is Great White, released in 1981, is a film that falls into the category of movies similar to Jaws. Directed by Ian Barry and featuring a cast including James Franciscus, Vic Morrow, and Miko Hughes, the movie centers around a coastal resort terrorized by a massive and menacing great white shark.
If you were captivated by Jaws’ excitement, you would likely find Great White Death (1981) equally thrilling. Grossing over $18 million in the US, regarding the movie, the Monthly Film Bulletin pointed out that its sole appeal lies in the way it has directly borrowed from Jaws. This movie is skillfully made and brimming with suspense, ensuring an edge-of-your-seat experience.
Runtime: The runtime of Great White is approximately 91 minutes.
IMDb Rating: The IMDb rating for Great White is 5.6/10.
2. Movies like Jaws: Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Directed by Renny Harlin, Deep Blue Sea is a 1999 science fiction horror film written by screenwriter Duncan Kenned about a group of scientists working on a top-secret project to increase sharks’ intelligence. However, the experiment goes wrong in the laboratory, and the sharks become even more intelligent and aggressive. The scientists are trapped in an isolated research facility and must fight for their lives against the sharks.
The film is similar to Jaws in several ways. Both films feature a group of people being hunted by a deadly predator. The sharks in Deep Blue Sea are just as intelligent and cunning as those in Jaws. Additionally, both films are set in isolated locations, adding to the suspense and fear.
If you enjoyed Jaws, you will likely enjoy Deep Blue Sea. With a Budget of 60–82 million, the movie is a well-made and suspenseful film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Runtime: The runtime of the movie is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
IMDb rating: 5.9
Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%
3. Movies like Jaws: Open Water (2003)
Imagine being on a boat encircled by sharks — a terrifying scenario. Take that fear to a new level by placing yourself in a cage 47 meters beneath the ocean’s surface. That’s the spine-chilling premise of 47 Meters Down. The movie follows two sisters who are enjoying a vacation in Mexico. Eager for adventure, they opt for a shark-watching excursion, but while one sister is enthusiastic, the other is apprehensive. As they descend into the depths, their excitement quickly turns to dread when the cage’s chain snaps, plunging them into a dangerous situation. With dwindling oxygen and the looming presence of sharks, the sisters must navigate a relentless battle for survival against the unforgiving forces of the ocean. 47 Meters Down delivers a heart-pounding experience that will resonate with fans of movies like Jaws, where the ocean’s depths hold mysteries and terrors beyond imagination.
Runtime: Open Water is a gripping thriller with 1 hour and 19 minutes runtime.
IMDb rating: 5.8
Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%
4. Movies like Jaws: Deep Rising (1998)
In 1998, Stephen Summers brought forth Deep Rising, a film that initially didn’t capture the favor of critics and audiences. However, over time, the movie has garnered a devoted following as a cult classic for fans of monster films. Starring Treat Williams as John Finnegan, a skilled mariner for hire, the story revolves around Finnegan leading a team of mercenaries onto the cruise ship, The Argonautica. Upon their arrival, they encounter a single survivor amidst a gruesome scene.
At the heart of Deep Rising is its monstrous antagonist, The Octalus, a colossal squid creature with a menacing array of teeth. This film’s narrative takes an unexpected turn as The Octalus employs unconventional methods to dispatch its victims, including peculiar scenarios like getting sucked into a toilet. As tension builds, the relentless pursuit of Finnegan and the mercenaries by The Octalus drives the suspense to chilling heights.
Runtime: The duration of the movie is 1 hour and 26 minutes.
IMDb rating: 6.1
Rotten Tomatoes score: 32%
5. Movies like Jaws: The Shallows (2016)
The Shallows is a 2016 survival horror film about a surfer starring Blake Lively as Nancy Adams, who is stranded on a rock 200 yards from shore after being attacked by a great white shark. The film is very much like the movie Jaws. Both films feature a lone survivor being hunted by a deadly predator. The sharks in both films are also large and menacing, creating a real sense of danger and suspense. Additionally, both films are set in isolated locations, adding to fear.
If you found pleasure in watching Jaws, chances are high that you’ll also find The Shallows to be quite enjoyable.
This gripping shark movie takes audiences on an exhilarating adventure marked by a relentless struggle for survival. It’s a certainty that viewers will find themselves at the edge of their seats throughout the entire duration. Blake Lively’s performance in this chilling narrative can easily be considered one of her most standout roles yet, as she utterly commands the screen.
Runtime: The duration of the movie is 1 hour and 26 minutes.
IMDb rating: 6.3
Rotten Tomatoes score:
6. Movies like Jaws: The Meg (2018)
Adapted from Steve Alten’s 1997 novel “MEG: A Novel of Deep Terror,” The Meg, a science fiction horror film, was shot in New Zealand and Sanya, China. It successfully transitions to the big screen without falling short of expectations.
Following a harrowing incident from a previous mission, former sea diver Jonas Taylor attempts to move on and distance himself from his past. However, when news arrives that a submersible carrying his ex-wife is stranded at the ocean’s depths, he is drawn back into the world he once knew.
Having witnessed the unimaginable, Jonas is forced to confront his deepest fears as the safety of his loved ones hangs in the balance. The question arises: Is it an ancient, enigmatic creature lurking beneath the ocean’s surface or a mere figment of his imagination? Led by Jason Statham, audiences can anticipate an abundance of spectacular action sequences and impressive stunts, which have become his signature on-screen prowess.
The movie has earned its place among movies like Jaws because it delivers the same spine-tingling experience you enjoyed with the iconic Jaws movie.
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
IMDb rating: 5.6
Rotten Tomatoes score: 47%
7. Movies like Jaws: The Meg 2
Director Ben Wheatley has attributed Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece, Jaws, as the primary source of inspiration for The Meg 2.
In Meg 2: The Trench, you’ll discover a delightful array of references and nods to the Jaws franchise sprinkled throughout, showcasing the film’s affection for these beloved classics. While the sequel takes on a comedic tone rather than aiming to replicate the suspense and horror of Jaws, it offers an enjoyable and entertaining viewing experience.
Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes
IMDb rating: 5.5
Rotten Tomatoes score: 30%
8. Movies like Jaws: Lake Placid (1999)
Released in 1999, Lake Placid delves into the aftermath of a gruesome attack that shakes a tranquil lakeside community. In their pursuit of answers, the local Fish and Game officer teams up with Kelly, a paleontologist hailing from the bustling streets of New York City. As they delve deeper into the mystery behind the attack, they find themselves joined by the local sheriff and an eccentric mythology professor, forming an unlikely team to unravel the truth. The film takes you on a suspenseful journey, blending repulsion and intrigue, as the group confronts the unexplainable and uncovers the secrets lurking beneath the surface.
Runtime: 1 hour and 22 minutes
IMDb rating: 5.8
Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%
9. Movies like Jaws: The Reef (2011)
The survival horror film-making spot in the list of movies like Jaws The Reef may not have attained the same level of success as Jaws, but it shares several narrative parallels with the classic. In this tale, a group of friends embarks on a sailing expedition, only to encounter an unforeseen catastrophe when their boat collides with an underwater rock, causing it to capsize. As survival instincts kick in, the survivors, led by the boat’s captain, decide to swim to the nearest island for safety.
However, the situation is treacherous as they realize they are not alone in the water. A relentless great white shark, driven by a thirst for blood, begins to hunt them down with determination. The Reef might not occupy the same echelon as the most highly acclaimed aquatic films. Still, it certainly avoids being categorized as one of the worst entries in the genre of animal-centered cinema.
Runtime: 1h 31m
IMDb rating: 5.8
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
10. Movies like Jaws: Triangle (2009)
Renowned for her roles in The Amityville Horror remake and 30 Days of Night, Melissa George takes the lead in a captivating film titled “Triangle.” Portraying Jess, she embarks on a yachting expedition with friends, only to be plagued by an unsettling premonition. As her instincts prove valid and a fierce storm emerges, the group seeks refuge on another ocean vessel. However, Jess uncovers that her connection to this ship might extend further back than she realizes.
For enthusiasts of movies like Jaws, Triangle offers an enthralling experience with suspenseful elements. Like the classic predator-themed movie, Triangle introduces uncertainty and danger as the characters find themselves entangled in a situation beyond their control. Melissa George’s performance adds to the intensity, making it a choice that aligns well with those who appreciate the tension and intrigue synonymous with movies like Jaws.
Runtime: 1h 36m
IMDb rating: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
11. Movies like Jaws: 47 Meters Down
In the list of horror movies like Jaws, we have another great survival horror film to consider. The story follows two sisters, Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt), who decide to add some excitement to their Mexican vacation with a scuba diving adventure. What could possibly go wrong? While Lisa’s diving skills are limited, the thrill involves being enclosed in a cage, and the tour guides (including Matthew Modine) use chum to attract sharks for a more exhilarating experience. Despite some assumptions about safety, things take a dramatic turn when the chain securing their diving cage snaps, sending the sisters plummeting a daunting 47 meters below the ocean’s surface.
Johannes Roberts’s film isn’t comfortable for those with claustrophobia unless they’re ready to confront their deepest fears. Aside from the circling sharks, Lisa and Kate deal with a dwindling oxygen supply, a cage that becomes a prison, and the dangers of decompression sickness. Introducing sharks adds an unpredictable and ruthless element to their fight for survival. Like other aspects of Roberts’s creation, these creatures induce heightened fear due to their realistic portrayal. There’s no need for giant or overly intelligent sharks; the regular variety can evoke spine-chilling terror.
Runtime: 1h 30m
IMDb rating: 5.6
Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%
12. Movies like Jaws: The Grey (2011)
In a twist of fate that keeps you on your toes…
Liam Neeson showcases his unique talents in this gripping survival tale. He portrays a seasoned huntsman tasked with safeguarding a group of oil workers stranded in the rugged Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. While there might not be any sharks lurking here – the Alaskan wilds are quite far from the sea – a new kind of predator emerges. Just as Jaws instilled fear in the open waters, a relentless pack of wolves becomes the relentless pursuers in this bone-chilling narrative.
The Grey presents a riveting and tense experience, offering a land-bound echo of Spielberg’s iconic creation. It’s a must-watch for those seeking a land-based counterpart to the classic shark thriller.
Runtime: 1 hour and 57 minutes
IMDb rating: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes score: N/A
13. Movies like Jaws: Rogue (2007)
Rogue (2007) is a great movie like Jaws. It is an Australian horror film directed by Greg McLean, who also directed the 2005 film Wolf Creek. The film stars Radha Mitchell, Michael Vartan, and Julian McMahon.
Rogue is about a group of tourists attacked by a giant saltwater crocodile while on a river cruise in Northern Australia. The film is similar to Jaws in several ways. Both films are about a group of people being hunted by a deadly predator. The predators in both films are also large and menacing, creating a real sense of danger and suspense. Additionally, both films are set in isolated locations, adding to fear.
However, there are also some key differences between Rogue and Jaws. Rogue is a more realistic film, with the crocodile being a creature found in Australia. Additionally, Rogue is more of a survivalist than a horror film, focusing more on the characters’ struggle to survive.
Overall, Rogue is a well-made and suspenseful film that will please fans of the creature feature genre. It is not as iconic as Jaws, but a worthy successor.
Runtime: 1 hour and 33 minutes
IMDb rating: 6.2
Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%
More Horror Movies like Jaws
- Nope (2022)
- The Abyss (1989)
- Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966)
- Crawl (2019)
- The Descent (2005)
- Predator (1987)
- Piranha (1978)
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