Don’t Go Into the Water! 5 Entertaining Shark Films Besides Jaws
Summer is in full swing, and with that come beaches, boats, cookouts, and of course swimming! As horror fans we are all too familiar with what can happen when you find yourself out amongst friends and maybe we have a little too much to drink or we just become complacent relaxing on the tube that is tied to the back of our boat.
This can be one of the most dangerous situations that we can find ourselves in, but luckily for all of us, we get excited when we see that dark shadow swimming under the unsuspecting floaters and partygoers, letting us the audience know that something is about to happen.
In the summer of 1975, Steven Spielberg unleashed what is arguably, and ultimately, the best shark movie ever committed to film. However, we should take a look at a handful of films that I believe are also enjoyable; below is a list of five shark films besides Jaws that are actually entertaining to watch!
Open Water (2003)
Starring: Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein, Michael E. Williamson, Cristina Zenato, John Charles
Directed By: Chris Kentis
Open Water tells the story of a young American couple who mistakenly get left behind while they are scuba diving in the middle of the Caribbean. Miles from shore and with no help in sight, the couple find themselves caught in a fight for their lives within shark-infested waters. A found footage take on the shark film, Open Water does a good job creating tension and keeping you wondering what is going to happen and where it is going to come from, but the acting is sub-par. If you are looking for a film that has mind-blowing acting and effects, this is definitely not for you, but if you are seeking a film with tension, look no further!
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Starring: Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, LL Cool J, Jacqueline McKenzie, Michael Rapaport, Stellan Skarsgard, Aida Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson
Directed By: Renny Harlin
A team of scientists are trying to find the cure for Alzheimer’s disease by using the brain tissue from Mako sharks. After breaking an ethics code, the sharks’ brains have now grown in size, making them smarter and even more deadly. One of the sharks escapes captivity and attack some teenagers, causing the scientists to go under investigation. Then an incident with one of the sharks takes place while they are trying to prove that the research is panning out, and the sharks begin hunting and attacking the scientists. Deep Blue Sea is one hell of a fun ride, especially if you are into schlocky “B-movies.” The effects are not the greatest, but it makes for a truly fun time watching with a few friends.
Bait (2012)
Starring: Phoebe Tonkin, Xavier Samuel, Julian McMahon, Sharni Vinson, Adrian Pang, Qi Yuwu, Alex Russell, Alice Parkinson, Marten Sacks, Cariba Heine, Lincoln Lewis, Dan Wyllie, Richard Brancatisano
Directed By: Kimble Rendall
A freak tsunami traps a group of people inside a supermarket, where they soon learn that in the flooded aisles swims a twelve-foot shark. This film easily falls into the “So Bad It’s Good” category. A cheesy script, b-list actors, and really bad CGI combine to create a really fun popcorn flick that is sure to entertain you for an hour and a half. Much like Deep Blue Sea, you can throw this one with a few friends and toss back a few drinks and just have a really good time watching this film.
Shark Night (2011)
Starring: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Chris Carmack, Katherine McPhee, Joel David Moore, Donal Logue, Joshua Leonard, Sinqua Walls, Alyssa Diaz, Chris Zylka, Jimmy Lee Jr., Damon Lipari, Christine Bently, Kelly Sry, and Tyler Bryan
Directed By: David R. Ellis
Seven friends vacationing together get caught in the fight for their lives when they realize that the lake they are visting is infested with sharks. This film is probably the funnest one on our list. Yes, it is cheesy, but this film’s style just screams fun! It has its tense moments, but mostly Shark Night is all about delivering fun. That is what I was looking for in this film when I saw the first trailer, and it did not disappoint. Sure, most of the plot makes absolutely no sense, but if you turn your brain off and just enjoy it, I think you will find it fun and just as entertaining.
https://youtu.be/ULybKyCjhnA
The Shallows (2016)
Starring: Blake Lively, Lozano Corzo, Oscar Jaenada
Directed By: Jaume Collet-Serra
If you haven’t seen The Shallows yet, don’t walk… RUN to see this film. If you do not take the time to watch any other film on this list, go see this one. See it in the theater if you can. When I checked this film out, I thought it was going to be something completely different than what I saw. I will say upfront that when the character development is going on throughout the first act, the film drags. However, by the start of the second act you should be hooked. Very few films can get to me and make me feel that sacred lump of dread in my throat, but this one did. It is flooded with intense scenes and will have you pushing yourself back against your chair and holding your breath!
