Sharksploitation 2023, The Best Of The Worst Shark Movies

Sharksploitation documentary is available to watch on Shudder from 21st July 2023. A jounrey through the history of sharks in movies.

Sharksploitation 2023

Shark movies would have to be one of the best horror movie subgenres. From Jaws to Open Water, shark movies are a top pick for any horror-loving cinephile. Lesser-known B-Movies like “Great White” and The Black Demon also contribute to their appeal. But what about Sharksploitation? The films that are made on a shoestring budget and somehow become a classic in terms of being “so bad it’s good”? I am not a fan of titles like the Sharknado franchise. More recently, Cocaine Shark also didn’t appeal to me. I didn’t think a documentary about the fodder of film would be interesting. However, Stephen Scarlata’s (Final Girl) collection of all things shitty shark movies was an absolute blast to watch.

Sharksploitation: A Journey Through the Evolution of a Kick-Ass Subgenre

Streaming on the horror platform, Shudder, the best of the worst shark movies documentary explores the classics as well as how this subgenre came to be. Additionally, there are some excellent anecdotes about cinematic filmmaking legends on the history of sharks on film and thoughts on why moviegoers everywhere are hooked on shark movies.

Shark movies have had quite a fascinating journey in the world of cinema. From completely obvious ripoffs (“Mako: The Jaws of Death”) to inane over-the-top spoofs (“Spring Break Shark Attack”), this subgenre has seen it all. However, along with these well-known tropes, recent films like “The Reef” and “The Shallows” have managed to breathe new life into the concept.

In his thought-provoking analysis, Scarlata reminds us there’s more to shark movies than meets the eye. These recent additions have found ways to entice audiences with fresh storytelling techniques and innovative twists. They have shown us that even in a well-established genre, there are still opportunities to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Sharksploitation review. A shark movie documentary
Sharksploitation review. A shark movie documentary. Photo Credit: Shudder

Is Sharknado Streaming or Steaming?

From start to finish despite often wandering into territory unrelated to the main focus, the horror documentary remains an entertaining and engaging journey through the history of shark movies. The documentary takes us back to its humble beginnings and traces its evolution. “Sharksploitation” offers fascinating insights through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis. These methods reveal the cultural impact and enduring appeal of these films.

This foray into old and new shark movies celebrates the legacy of shark movies. It also sheds light on the recent innovations. These innovations have enabled filmmakers to branch out in their cinematic exploits. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of shark films or simply curious about their evolution, this documentary promises an enjoyable and enlightening experience.

So, grab a bucket of popcorn and dive into the world of Sharks and the movies we made about them. The title may not sway more discerning shark movie fans into watching Mega Shark vs. Crocosaurus or 2 Headed Shark Attack, but it is a fun watch with some really interesting details.

Sharksploitation Documentary is rated

3.5 Sharknado VS Sharktopus out of 5

Mother of Movies score

Watch the Documentary Trailer

Shudder has a documentary just for you if you love animal attack films. Watch Horror’s Greatest Animal Attacks next.

Better yet, 2025 release Hot Spring Shark Attack (Japanese Sharkspliotation!) or if you just love sharks, The Last Breath might show you a good time.

Director Stephen Scarlata
Writer Stephen Scarlata
Stars Joe Alves, Mark Atkins, Paul Bales

Produced and Distributed by Shudder

Complete This Mother of Movies Quiz and Find Out What Kind Of Shark Movie Character You Are

 
QUIZ START

#1. What’s your first reaction when you see a giant fin heading your way?

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#2. Pick your survival weapon, and pray it’s not duct tape.

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#3. What 80s soundtrack blasts as you run (or swim) for your life?

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#4. What’s your survival motto?

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#5. Choose your 80s survivor outfit.

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#6. You’re offered a boat ride to safety. What’s your move?

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#7. The shark disappears from sight. You:

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#8. In the 80s horror movie version of your shark horror movie life…

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#9. Every great survival story starts with the right sidekick. Choose wisely, the wrong one won’t make it to the sequel

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#10. Final showdown with the shark! What’s your move?

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Finish

Results

The Brooding Lone Wolf

Brooding Lone Wolf character in shark movies | Mother of Movies

You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t want this. But somehow, armed with a harpoon, a grimace, and a slightly damp cigarette, you survived. Congrats, lone wolf, the shark respects you (probably).

  • Chief Brody (Jaws): The sheriff who never asked for a fight, but becomes the reluctant hero when no one else steps up.

  • Nancy Adams (The Shallows): Trapped, injured, and grieving — but still fights a great white with nothing but grit and sheer willpower.

  • Jonas Taylor (The Meg): Haunted by past failures, but when prehistoric terror resurfaces, he’s the only one tough (and stubborn) enough to face it head-on.

The Hotheaded Local

Which 80s Shark-Movie Survivor Are You? - Hot Headed Local

You fought the sea and you fought the shark, and honestly, you fought pretty much everything. Despite the odds and common sense, you lived to angrily tell the tale.

    • Quint (Jaws): A shark hunter with a bone to pick and absolutely zero chill. His vendetta is legendary — and deadly.

    • Adil (Under Paris): A headstrong commander who ignores bureaucratic red tape to protect his city from an underwater nightmare.

    • Carter Blake (Deep Blue Sea): Cool under pressure until he’s not; fast fists, faster boats, and even faster temper when things go sideways.

The Slick Opportunist

Opportunist - Mother of Movies

You didn’t need to be faster than the shark. You just needed to be faster than the people you left behind. Bravo. Morals questionable. Survival? Flawless

 

  • Jack Morris (The Meg): Rich, smarmy, and ready to spin a prehistoric disaster into a PR opportunity — until karma bites back. Literally.

  • Derrick Jones (Piranha 3D): Exploits chaos to party harder, film raunchier, and profit faster… until the lake turns bloody. Not the sharpest strategy.

  • Oscar (Shark Tale): Claims shark-killer fame to climb the social ladder — the ultimate opportunist, even in animated form.

Marine Biologist, or close enough

Shark Expert

You tried explaining facts to the shark. It didn’t care. Luckily, your sheer panicked flailing confused it long enough for you to be the only one with a device that makes bubbles, so you can make a hasty exit. Science wins again (sort of).

  • Matt Hooper (Jaws): Scientific expertise can only take you so far when facing 25 feet of prehistoric fury. Luckily, sarcasm helps.

  • Dr. Susan McAlester (Deep Blue Sea): Smart enough to genetically enhance sharks, arrogant enough to think she could control them. Spoiler: she couldn’t.

  • Kate (47 Meters Down: Uncaged): Knows how to handle herself underwater — until the situation goes from “science trip” to “try not to get eaten” very fast.

Badass

Which 80s Shark-Movie Survivor Are You? | Baddass on Mother of Movies

You didn’t plan it. You didn’t strategize it. You just… survived. Like some sort of Australian-shirted miracle, you stumbled through chaos and came out a legend. Teach us your ways.

  • Captain Nolan (Orca): Driven by revenge and grief, he squares off against nature’s deadliest without blinking. Complicated, lethal, unforgettable.

  • LL Cool J’s Preacher (Deep Blue Sea): Outwits super sharks with kitchen knives, God, and pure stubborn willpower. Also delivers the best one-liners mid-chaos.

  • Jonas Taylor (The Meg): Jumps back into shark-infested waters without hesitation, usually with an improvised weapon and a bad attitude. The man punches Megalodons for breakfast.

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