A New Wave of Shark Movies on Netflix
Fifty-one years after Jaws sent a wave of fear through the hearts of moviegoers, the fascination with bloodthirsty sharks continues to thrive. This week, Netflix added two new shark-themed films that have captured the attention of viewers worldwide. The first is Thrash, a survival thriller starring Phoebe Dynevor from Bridgerton. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, known for Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters and Silent Night, the film follows a South Carolina coastal town as it faces a terrifying threat.
The story begins with a hurricane that seems to be only the beginning of a nightmare. As the storm hits, a group of bull sharks makes their way down Main Street, trapping some townspeople in an aquatic horror. Phoebe Dynevor plays Lisa Fields, a pregnant woman trapped in her car during the storm, while Whitney Peaks portrays Dakota Edwards, an agoraphobic young woman who can’t escape the town in time. Djimon Hounsou stars as Dale Edwards, Dakota’s marine researcher uncle, who is trying to reach her.
Filmed in Melbourne, Australia, the film’s premise initially seemed far-fetched. However, the director noted that things changed once filming began. “What changed was that global warming accelerated,” producer Adam McKay said. “What seemed like a heightened premise when Tommy pitched it to us has now become much more of a reality.” In Australia, there were historic floods fueled by climate change, which created conditions where bull sharks could thrive. During this period, there were four shark attacks in 48 hours.
Despite a 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many critics and viewers found Thrash to be an enjoyable guilty pleasure. “Nothing in Thrash is going to wow Steven Spielberg, and its adherence to plot logic is elastic to say the least. But as bloody, dumb shark thrillers go, it stays afloat,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter. Variety noted that the compact runtime of 80 minutes (excluding credits) helps keep the film from wearing out its welcome. Mashable praised the film as a solid survival thriller with a talented cast and visuals that kept them engaged.
Another shark movie that dropped on Netflix this week is The Meg 2: The Trench, a sequel to the 2018 film. Starring Jason Statham, Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy, and Cliff Curtis, the film follows scientists who must outrun and outswim megalodons when a mining operation threatens their mission. While it received mixed reviews from critics, with a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score was significantly higher at 72%. Fans appreciated the film’s strong pacing and entertaining action sequences.
Other shark movies available on Netflix include:
- Under Paris – A 2024 French action-horror film starring Berenice Bejo. It follows a grieving marine biologist who must confront her past to save Paris from a giant shark in the Seine.
- Shark Whisperer – A 2025 documentary that follows Ocean Ramsey and her work as a conservationist.
- Deep Fear – A 2023 film about a woman facing dangers above and below the ocean’s surface during a solo sailing trip in the Caribbean.
Both Thrash and The Meg 2: The Trench have climbed the charts on Netflix, with Thrash currently being the most-watched film on Netflix UK. These films offer a mix of horror, action, and comedy, appealing to fans of the genre.
For those looking for more shark-themed content, Netflix continues to expand its library with thrilling and sometimes ridiculous offerings. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or prefer the latest releases, there’s something for everyone. The success of these films highlights the enduring appeal of shark stories, blending real-world concerns with cinematic spectacle.
