Remembering some of the best aquatic horror movies


Over the years, we’ve seen some truly memorable horror movies that have taken place in a variety of different settings. From motels to mansions, some true classics are being discussed today by horror movie lovers. Aquatic-based horror productions are also fondly remembered, with the combination of terror and tides creating a number of memorable films.

Of course, ocean-themed movies have always had the ability to appeal. People simply adore the aquatic world. As such, books like 438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea and games like Slingo Deadliest Catch tend to pull people in. Horror films in this area also pique peoples’ interest, particularly as many of us tend to associate the ocean with positive experiences, making a somewhat spine-chilling watch powerful, particularly for horror movie fanatics.

We’ve certainly been treated to some memorable releases in a genre that combines the underwater world with terrifying moments to create a hair-raising viewing experience. Let’s take a brief look at some of the best of them below.

Jaws (1975)

Kicking things off with a movie that will immediately spring to mind for so many people, Jaws is the perfect example of an aquatic horror movie. Even today, the film is watched around the world, making it a timeless classic in the process. Steven Spielberg's blockbuster is the ultimate shark movie, as people picture themselves swimming in the waters where the deadliest of sharks can be. A truly iconic movie that has helped shape so many shark-themed productions since Jaws will always be remembered.

Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954)

A much-loved classic from 1954, Creature From the Black Lagoon features a group of geologists traversing the Amazon rainforest as they attempt to carry out their work. While they explore the vast landscape, they’re terrorized by the movie’s fearsome creature. Jack Arnold's horror masterpiece probably wouldn’t stand up against some of today’s more sophisticated releases, but it delivered plenty of scares back in the day.

Deep Rising (1998)

It's a more recent inclusion compared to some of the other titles on the list; if you haven’t seen Deep Rising yet, then you really should. Following the story of Captain John Finnegan and a group of mercenaries as they attempt to achieve a huge insurance payout by sinking a luxury liner, everything goes horribly wrong when they realize they’ve got company. The massive sea monster beneath them changes everything, making for a great watch in the process.

Piranha (1978)

Swimming in deep waters can conjure up a range of thoughts and emotions, particularly as people don’t know what’s lurking among them. This is perfectly exhibited in Piranha, a movie where ancient piranhas are released following a devastating earthquake. What follows is plenty of gore as a group of strangers aim to fight back.

The Shallows (2016)

As we’ve already mentioned, Jaws helped inspire many of the shark-themed movies that we see today. While many of them are worth avoiding, The Shallows is one to consider finding some time for. Released in 2016, a surfer is in for the biggest shock of her life after a terrifying great white is occupying the waters. While it isn’t the most original plot you’ll see, director Jaume Collet-Serra did a solid job with this one.



The Shape of Water (2017)

It’s fair to say that some movies in this genre tend to divide opinion. If there’s an exception that the vast majority of people liked, though, then it’s The Shape of Water. The masterful Guillermo del Toro elevated the genre, as Elisa, an isolated janitor, stumbles upon an amphibious creature in a lab. Overall, The Shape of Water is an excellent movie.