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One of the great things about living in Wake County is being able to make a day trip to the beach. Most North Carolinians anticipate all the relaxing, laid back hours to be spent enjoying lounging on the sand.  This child of the 70’s also remembers the fictional beaches of Amity Island and what lurked below those blue waters. With that in mind, we take a look back at some iconic shark movies over the years:

Jaws (1975)

No list of shark movies can begin without paying homage to the OG film that started it all.  Directed by Steven Spielberg, who reportedly named the mechanical shark Bruce after his lawyer, Jaws transformed the way we view sharks on the big screen. It’s the movie that inspired the concept of the ‘summer blockbuster’. Set in the fictional town of Amity Island, Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) teams up with marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw) to hunt down a great white shark terrorizing the community. With its relentless suspense, unforgettable score, and famous one liners, Jaws remains an undisputed classic and a benchmark for shark movies to follow. (It also altered how this writer conducted reconnaissance on any pool, lake, or other body of water since childhood)

Jaws 2 (1978)

Jaws 2 picks up three years after the events of the first film, as the small coastal town of Amity Island once again faces the return of a killer shark. Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) is still haunted by his past encounter with the great white, and this time, he must protect the citizens of Amity from another bloodthirsty predator while also fighting off the town officials who want to keep beaches open during their busiest season. As the body count rises and the danger escalates, Brody is forced to confront his worst fears once more.

The Shallows (2016) 

The Shallows is a gripping survival thriller that showcases the talent of actress Blake Lively. Stranded on a rock far from shore, Nancy Adams (Lively) finds herself battling a great white shark determined to make her its next meal. What sets this movie apart is its masterful use of tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as Nancy fights for her life. The stunning cinematography and Lively's compelling performance make The Shallows an intense and visually stunning shark film.

Deep Blue Sea (1999) 

Deep Blue Sea takes the traditional shark movie and adds a unique twist. In this action-packed thriller, a team of scientists working on a remote underwater facility conduct experiments to enhance the intelligence of sharks. However, when their experiments go awry, the sharks become highly intelligent and begin hunting the team. With its suspenseful sequences, surprising twists, and performances by Samuel L Jackson and LL Cool J, Deep Blue Sea delivers a thrilling and entertaining experience.

47 Meters Down (2017)

47 Meters Down plunges viewers into a nightmare scenario when sisters Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt) find themselves trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean. With their air supply dwindling and hungry sharks surrounding them, the sisters must find a way to escape. The film effectively utilizes darkness, claustrophobia, and relentless tension to create an atmosphere of suffocating fear. This underwater survival thriller keeps audiences gasping for air and scanning the surrounding dark waters right alongside the sisters.

Sharknado (2013)

This cult film franchise combines sharks and tornadoes, resulting in outrageous and over-the-top action. The series became known for its intentionally cheesy visual effects and campy storylines using low-budget charm. Sharknado follows the story of a freak weather phenomenon that whips up waterspouts, lifting man-eating sharks from the ocean and depositing them on the unsuspecting citizens of Los Angeles. Part of the absurdity finds Fin Shepherd (Ian Ziering) wielding a chainsaw against the maneaters to save ex-wife April Wexler (Tara Reid). 

Open Water (2003)

This film is based on the actual events that happened to American couple Tom and Eileen Lonergan scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.  This survival thriller follows the couple who is left behind by their scuba diving group in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by sharks."Open Water" stands out for its commitment to realism.  The filmmakers, Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, chose a minimalist approach, using handheld cameras and real shark footage to create an authentic and claustrophobic atmosphere. By opting for natural lighting and shooting in real locations, they managed to achieve a sense of isolation that enhances the movie's intensity.

If you want some real life shark drama, check out Shark Week on Discovery Channel which runs 7/23-7/30.