In 1975, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws terrified moviegoers and we have been starving for more since. Every few years, the film resurfaces as an all-time favorite.
Shark movies are highly anticipated and almost always end up missing the mark. While there are a ton of great shark movies, others are just so bad that they end up being hilarious. To celebrate this summer, here are 10 terrible shark movies to watch this Summer.
You’re definitely gonna need a bigger boat.
Why give these movies a chance?
If these movies are so bad, why should you watch them? Why make more?
Well, if it isn’t because you’re a shark enthusiast like me who will take whatever you can get, it’s because these movies, while terrible, are still a fun time. Part of what I love about this list is that it is full of movies made by independent filmmakers. Whether the effects are awful, storylines are tragically written, or the acting is abysmal, they highlight true passion. People came together to create these movies and that’s the important take away.
Personally, I love the occasional bad movie that leaves you howling with laugher when you just need to turn your brain off for a bit. I enjoy them so much more when I’m sputtering over the nonsense with my boyfriend.
My goal is not to completely trash these 10 movies, but to encourage you to let loose a little. Snuggle up with your significant other, a best friend, a family member, or even enjoy it for yourself! Make that bowl of popcorn and relax.
10. 2-Headed Shark Attack (2015)
Released in 2015, 2-Headed Shark Attack is bizarre on so many levels. A boat full of students is attacked by a giant mutated shark with two heads. Even more surprising is how this film was followed by three others! With each adaptation, more shark heads appear and the beast grows larger.
Director: Christopher Ray
Where to Watch: YouTube
9. Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
The success of Jaws allowed for three other films. Jaws: The Revenge was the final of the franchise. And we’re glad for that. There is a supernatural element to the plot that feels so out of place for a Jaws movie. Ellen Brody, the widow of Chief Brody, faces off against yet another great white, only this one is seeking revenge against the Brody family for the events of the first films.
Director: Joseph Sargent
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime
8. Jersey Shore Shark Attack (2012)
Name two franchises you didn’t expect to see unite that should’ve worked perfectly. I’ll go first: the infamous Jersey Shore and Jaws. It sounds like a match made in horror movie heaven! Reckless party focused young adults vs man-eating sharks. The film delivers on that – minus the horrible special effects. It’s the acting that makes this watch so dreadful, but so entertaining. The guest appearances made by Vinny Guadagnino and Joey Fatone are also pretty entertaining.
Director: John Shepphird
Where to Watch: Tubi
7. Sharktopus (2010)
Another one of the bizarre mutated shark films, Sharktopus is exactly as it sounds; a half shark and half octopus hybrid. This creature is created as a weapon for the US Navy and goes horribly wrong as it terrorizes Mexico. What makes this film even more amusing is two films follow it! Sharktopus ends up fighting other hybrids, the Pteracuda and the Whalewolf. Do with that as you will.
Director: Declan O’Brien
6. Bait (2012)
Out of the other movies on this list, this film actually has the potential to be pretty good. Bait follows a freak tsunami that traps shoppers in a supermarket with a 12-foot great white. Like every other shark film, it has its moments that make you side-eye the screen, but it puts effort into the plot, which is what most of these movies lack. Personally, I return to this movie a lot.
Director: Kimble Rendall
Where to Watch: Tubi
5. Shark Attack 3: Megalodon (2002)
This movie is another personal piece of mine, but I cannot stress enough how awful it is. The Megalodon was my favorite shark, so when I discovered the cruise ship scene as a kid, I was obsessed for weeks. When I finally watched the whole film, that scene became the only redeeming quality. Otherwise, the characters are agitating, the plot isn’t great, and the romance between the two lead researchers is so forced. The shark effects are pretty good for its time, but that’s about it. I still wanted this film on the list based off that cruise ship scene alone.
Director: David Worth
4. The Meg 2 (2023)
The Meg 2 was destined to have a place on this list. While the first one had its flaws, this one blatantly sells the “colossal shark vs. huge kraken” fight just for it to be short and end off screen. Jason Statham takes on multiple huge sharks, but it doesn’t get much better. What I appreciated was the commentary on how catching the prehistoric beast would be marketed or controlled since it would be attempted if the shark was still alive today.
Director: Ben Wheatley
Where to Watch: HBO Max
3. Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus (2009)
Disapointed about the great fight missing from The Meg 2? This movie delivers! As ridiculous as Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus is, it’s a wild ride and a good time. Even more bizarre is how many Mega Shark movies there are. It fights the Crocosaurus (a mega crocodile), a Mecha Shark (a mechanical shark), and Kolossus (a huge robot). These movies are just so fun.
Director: Christopher Ray
Where to Watch: Tubi
2. Sharknado (2013)
No shark franchise beats Sharknado, which has 6 movies, a potential prequel, a spinoff series, and a crossover. King of terrible shark movies, this franchise is full of outrageous shark attacks. A deadly hurricane floods Los Angeles, creating a twister full of sharks. There are no words that can fully comprehend nor explain why these movies are as great as they are. They just are.
Director: Anthony C. Ferrante
Where to Watch: Tubi
1. Chum (2026)
Taking the number one spot for this list is Chum, a more recent addition to this list. Releasing in 2026, this movie includes horrid special effects that might be AI generated. Reviews of this film are truly awful, so I won’t judge if you decide to skip this one. It carries on the long tradition of a terrible plot and poor acting. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes writes, “swimming with sharks sounds like a more enjoyable way to spend your time.” Ouch.
Director: Jonathan Zuck
Where to Watch: YouTube, Apple TV
With that, I hope you have a great summer! I love movies as much as the next person does, but don’t let my, or any other reviews, form your opinions. Watch these for yourself and determine what you think!
