Movies featuring sharks always provide adrenaline-pumping experiences for viewers. On Netflix, you can find a variety of shark films ranging from intense thrillers to insightful documentaries. Each title offers a unique perspective on sharks, shifting from classic terror stories to modern explorations of survival and conservation.
If you are searching for the best shark movies to watch, Netflix presents several standout options. Here are five selected recommendations with various genres, cast members, and storytelling techniques, all ready to satisfy your curiosity about these formidable ocean predators.
1. Under Paris
Under Paris is a Netflix original that blends drama and thriller genres in a very current setting. The film tells the story of a marine biologist dealing with a giant shark suddenly appearing in the Seine River, at the center of Paris. This event threatens the safety of the city just as a major international sports event approaches. The main character races against time to prevent a large-scale tragedy.
What sets Under Paris apart is its combination of action-packed sequences and deep social commentary. The film highlights not only urban panic and heroic rescue efforts but also broader environmental concerns. According to Netflix’s official synopsis, the setting creates a fresh twist—combining iconic cityscapes with shark attack suspense. This duality makes Under Paris one of the most talked-about recent shark films.
- Genre: Thriller, Horror, Action
- Cast: Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Anaïs Parello
- Director: Xavier Gens
2. The Shallows
For those who enjoy survival stories, The Shallows delivers a gripping experience centered on a lone protagonist. Blake Lively stars as Nancy Adams, a surfer who becomes stranded on a rock dangerously close to shore after being attacked by a great white shark. Alone, severely injured, and with the tide rising, Nancy is forced to fight both the ocean’s deadliest predator and her inner fears.
The Shallows is renowned for its focused and emotional storytelling. The minimalist plot increases the intensity of every moment Nancy faces alone at sea. The survival element, coupled with visually striking cinematography, has earned The Shallows critical acclaim for revitalizing the shark thriller sub-genre. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s suspense and Blake Lively’s performance keep viewers on edge until the final scene.
- Genre: Thriller, Survival, Horror
- Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Brett Cullen
- Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
3. Jaws
No shark movie list is complete without Jaws, Steven Spielberg’s legendary film that started the summer blockbuster tradition. Set in a quaint beachside town terrorized by a massive great white shark, the story brings together a police chief, a marine scientist, and a shark hunter as they try to save their community. Jaws set a milestone in cinema for its suspense, character development, and iconic musical score composed by John Williams.
Despite its age, Jaws remains highly effective in creating tension. The film famously uses shots from the shark’s perspective to build fear, making the audience feel threatened by something unseen beneath the water. As stated by the American Film Institute, Jaws’ influence on pop culture and the horror genre is unparalleled, and its realism continues to draw new viewers on Netflix.
- Genre: Thriller, Horror, Adventure
- Cast: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
- Director: Steven Spielberg
4. Meg 2: The Trench
Meg 2: The Trench is a sequel to The Meg, further exploring the science fiction action genre with a much larger and fiercer megalodon than before. Jason Statham returns as the heroic rescue diver facing deadly threats from the ocean’s depths. The sequel ups the ante with more spectacular action, bigger set pieces, and a faster pace.
The movie’s visual effects and over-the-top stunts are designed for those who crave grand, blockbuster entertainment. Audience reviews on IMDb highlight the film’s commitment to fun and spectacle, with critics describing it as “outlandish yet exhilarating.” If you enjoy action-oriented shark films with a sci-fi twist, Meg 2: The Trench is a top pick available on Netflix.
- Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
- Cast: Jason Statham, Jing Wu, Shuya Sophia Cai
- Director: Ben Wheatley
5. Shark Whisperer
Not all shark-themed titles focus on fear and danger. Shark Whisperer is a documentary available on Netflix that follows Ocean Ramsey, a renowned marine conservationist and social media activist known for her viral videos swimming with sharks in open water. The documentary shifts the narrative—presenting sharks as mysterious beings deserving empathy and understanding, not just terror.
Shark Whisperer delves into modern conservation practices, where science, activism, and the public’s fascination merge to influence environmental awareness. Ocean Ramsey’s mission is to reshape how people perceive sharks, and the film shows her interactions without protective cages, seeking to challenge public prejudice. The documentary also features input from both supporters and critics, offering a well-rounded view on shark conservation’s challenges and triumphs.
- Genre: Documentary, Environmental
- Cast: Ocean Ramsey, Juan Oliphant
- Directors: James Reed, J.P. Stiles, Harrison Macks
Comparison Table: Netflix Shark Movies
| Title | Genre | Type | Distinctive Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under Paris | Thriller, Horror | Fiction | Urban setting, environmental issues |
| The Shallows | Survival, Thriller | Fiction | Solo survival, emotional focus |
| Jaws | Adventure, Thriller | Fiction | Classic, genre pioneer |
| Meg 2: The Trench | Sci-Fi, Action | Fiction | Megalodon, blockbuster effects |
| Shark Whisperer | Documentary | Non-fiction | Inside shark conservation |
Shark films on Netflix showcase the many facets of one of nature’s most captivating predators. From heart-pounding chases and survival scenarios to nuanced documentaries, each movie presents sharks and humans in complex, often surprising ways. Whether you crave pure suspense or want to learn more about conservation, these five titles offer something for every shark enthusiast on Netflix.
