Sharksploitation 2023, The Best Of The Worst Shark Movies

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.

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

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?

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Calm but fully aware you’re in deep trouble.

“It’s not safe, it’s never safe.” — You’re already halfway planning your eulogy.

“Smile, you son of a B***” — You’re ready to fight dirty with whatever’s lying around.

“Bite me, fish stick!” — You’re all bark, some bite, and zero strategy.

“I’m not dying for this! I paid to be on this boat!” — You’re about survival first, paycheck second.

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

“Hit it with the boat! Just hit it!” — Precision? No. Force? Absolutely.

“Sharks don’t just swim up and bite you out of nowhere.” — Maybe someone will believe that and swim for it. You don’t need a weapon, just dumb luck.

“Harpoons are too good for ‘em!” — You believe in overkill, preferably stylishly.

“Whatever it takes, even dynamite… but did you know sharks don’t like bubbles?!” — You’ll swim for an oxygen tank if you have to. Bubbles are your best bet.

“Give me a spear gun and a reason!” — Ready to throw hands and hardware.

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

Orca Theme (Ennio Morricone, 1977) — Moody, dramatic, and ready to monologue about nature’s fury.

Theme from Jaws (John Williams, 1975) — You move with dread but unstoppable force.

End Title from The Last Shark (1981) — You know it’s cheesy but you’re committed to surviving.

The Deep End (The Deep, 1977) — You’re trapped but trying to stay stylish about it. What music goes best with selfies?

The Shark Cage Fugue (Jaws soundtrack) — You’re tactical, thinking six steps ahead… and slightly panicking.

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#4. What’s your survival motto?

“Hope floats… and sometimes so do body parts.” — You cope with humor. Dark, wet humor.

“Don’t look back, they’re faster than regret.” — You know hesitation is fatal.

“They’re just doing what nature made ’em do.” — You’re weirdly philosophical about the horror. Now is a good time to pop that baby shark in your backpack!.

“Sharks gotta eat. So do we.” — You respect the circle of life (but prefer to be at the top).

“Punch it in the nose! PUNCH IT!” — Your fight-or-flight is just fight.

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#5. Choose your 80s survivor outfit.

“Black wetsuit, lots of attitude.” — Silent, sleek, and a bit judgy.

“T-shirt that says ‘Bait’ ironically.” — You’re rolling with humor and mild terror.

“Khaki shorts, regret, and hope. These sharks need our help!” — You didn’t pack for survival, just snacks.

“Tourist hat, margarita stain optional.” — Your fashion screams ‘vacation gone wrong.’

“Barefoot and fearless.” — Survival skills? No. Vibes? Yes.

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

“This boat smells like fish and bad ideas.” — You have standards, even in panic. You pay anyone who will take your money to get back safely.

“Is it insured for shark attacks?” — You’re thinking of the paperwork already

“Get me the hell outta here!” — Last one on the boat’s shark food.

“What’s the catch? There’s always a catch.” — Trust issues: activated.

“If it floats, it’s a miracle.” — Suspicious but ready to swim if neccessary.

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#7. The shark disappears from sight. You:

“It’s thinking about a snack.” — You’ve accepted somebody close will have to be the snack.

“No fin, no win.” — You’re suspicious. You should be.

“Silence is a bad sign.” — You’re officially ready to panic.

“If it’s quiet… it’s hunting.” — You know movies too well to relax, so you lean over the edge to look..

“Maybe it finally choked on my flip-flop.” — Unbothered (and maybe delusional).

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

You’re resiliant, complicated, morally messy — you respect the ocean, but you’re still ready to shoot your way out when necessary. Sharks, whales, nature itself — you’re here for a fight. | Lisa (Mandy Moore) 47 Meters Down (2017)

You’re always scheming, finding a way to spin shark attacks into heroism — or a paycheck. You look good doing it too, even when everything’s going sideways. | Jack Morris from The Meg (2018)

You’re exhausted, outmatched, and definitely didn’t sign up for this, but you’ll fight to keep everyone alive — even if they don’t deserve it. | Chief Brody (Jaws, 1975)

You’re a living cautionary tale with a smile and a death wish. Fearless, reckless, and just stubborn enough to maybe pull it off… or go out swinging. | Carlos (surfer dude #1) The Shallows (2016)

You’re armed with brains, gear, and inconvenient facts, you show up to a shark fight with data. You might live. You might get eaten explaining hydrodynamics. | Matt Hooper (Jaws, 1975)

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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

“The sarcastic best friend who’s somehow not dead yet.” — Survivor by sheer pettiness

“A local with a shotgun and no fear.” — Not smart, but very enthusiastic.

“The beach lifeguard who saw it coming.” — Eyes sharp, sunscreen sharper.

“The scientist who talks too much.” — Useful info, until you’re bored to death.

“The fisherman who always smells like bait.” — Smelly, loyal, very expendable.

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

“Light it up — boom goes the dynamite.” — Science? Nah. Fireballs? YES.

“Sacrifice the boat. Save the crew.” — You go big or go home (without a boat).

“Smile, you son of a—” — Finish it with dramatic flair.

“Punch it, stab it, bite it back!” — Fighting nature with chaos.

“Swim faster than your fear.” — Pure instinct, pure panic, pure survival

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Results

The Brooding Lone Wolf

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

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

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

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

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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