Welcome to the ultimate beginner's guide to the Jaws franchise, where the only thing more terrifying than the shark is the number of sequels it was allowed to spawn! This year marks the 50th anniversary of the original Steven Spielberg masterpiece, a movie that turned a simple trip to the beach into a heart-pounding, fin-flipping nightmare. Through its use of suspense, iconic music, and unforgettable characters, Jaws affixed its place as one of the greatest thrillers of all time and kicked off a franchise that's still making waves to this day.
But Jaws isn't just some one hit wonder. While the sequels that followed didn't quite live up to the brilliance of the original, they've each become guilty pleasures in their own right, from the somewhat solid Jaws 2 to the hilariously over-the-top Jaws: The Revenge.
Over the years, Jaws has influenced everything from video games and comic books to theme park rides and it's spawned more than its fair share of imitators, ensuring that this shark's legacy is far from over. So, whether you're dipping your toes in for the very first time or revisiting the series yet again, this latest Heist Guide is sure to help you navigate the deep waters of the Jaws franchise with a smile (and maybe a little caution).
What can you tell me about Jaws?
Jaws isn't just the original summer blockbuster — it's the movie that made people afraid to go in the water. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this legendary thriller follows small-town sheriff Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), grizzled fisherman Sam Quint (Robert Shaw) and enthusiastic marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) as they take on a monstrous great white shark terrorizing beach-goers on Amity Island. Featuring an ominous score by John Williams (two notes have never been so terrifying) and a mechanical shark that worked just enough to become the stuff of nightmares, Jaws forever changed the face of film and continues to be regarded as one of Hollywood's greatest achievements.
Suspenseful, thrilling and packed to the gills with memorable lines, Jaws is also a masterclass in tension, proving that sometimes what you don't see is even scarier than what you do! It also cemented Steven Spielberg as a Hollywood powerhouse and forever transformed the great white shark into a pop culture legend. Nearly 50 years later, it's still making folks think twice about stepping into the ocean.
That's jawesome! Who created Jaws?
The story of Jaws began with author Peter Benchley, whose 1974 novel about a man-eating shark became an instant best-seller. However, it was a young, ambitious director named Steven Spielberg, known at the time for films like Duel and The Sugarland Express, who turned the concept into a blockbuster phenomenon. With a script co-written by Benchley and Carl Gottlieb, plus a barely functional mechanical shark (affectionately nicknamed Bruce in reference to Spielberg's lawyer), Spielberg crafted a suspenseful masterpiece that defined the summer blockbuster.
Of course, Jaws just wouldn't be Jaws without the hauntingly simple two-note score of composer John Williams, which did half the work of keeping moviegoers out of the water. Thanks to the film's rather troubled production, Spielberg had to rely on tension rather than constant shark action — turning limitations into genius. So, in a way, it could be said that Jaws was the result of a creative effort by Peter Benchley, Steven Spielberg, John Williams, Carl Gottlieb and a very temperamental robot shark.
Troubled production? Tell me more!
It's true! Jaws had one of the most famously chaotic productions in Hollywood history. Originally planned as a 55 day shoot, it ballooned into 159 days thanks to a combination of weather issues, mechanical failures, and a visionary director who refused to settle for anything less than perfection.
The biggest headache was Bruce, the mechanical shark. Saltwater wrecked its hydraulics, it kept sinking, and Spielberg was forced to get creative — leading to a rather brilliant less-is-more approach that actually succeeded in making the film even scarier.
Actors also had their challenges on set. It is said that Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss clashed constantly during production — however, Dreyfuss has repeatedly stated that this perceived feud was exaggerated and that there was actually an ongoing, humorous dynamic between them, rather than a genuine conflict.
Despite the chaos behind the camera, Jaws became a box office behemoth, proving that sometimes disaster breeds success. Despite feeling as though his career had ended before it had even gotten off the ground, Steven Spielberg succeeded in creating the first official summer blockbuster. So, while it may have nearly sank behind the scenes, Jaws would surface as one of the greatest films of all time!
Do I need to read the book before watching Jaws?
Not at all! While there is no denying that Peter Benchley's 1974 novel is a real page-turner, the 1975 film from Steven Spielberg stands on its own. In fact, many fans, including yours truly, feel that the movie is better than the book — tightening up the story, cutting out unnecessary subplots (including a questionable mafia angle and an awkward affair) and putting the focus purely on suspense.
The film not only streamlines the action, it dials up the tension, makes the characters far more likeable and, let's be honest, makes the shark way scarier. Plus, I've never heard John Williams' score when reading the book — so, that's already a big point for the movie. If you want to experience Benchley's original vision, reading the novel can be fun, but it's definitely not required to enjoy the film. Spielberg took the best parts of the source material and turned them into a legendary thriller, so feel free to dive right in. Just maybe don't go swimming after.
What about the Jaws sequels?
In total there are three Jaws sequels, however each is a far cry from the Steven Spielberg original. 1978's Jaws 2 brings Roy Scheider and Lorraine Gary back as Martin and Ellen Brody and does a somewhat admirable job attempting to recapture the magic of the original.
Then came Jaws 3-D in 1983. Starring Dennis Quaid, Bess Armstrong and Louis Gossett Jr., it focuses on a shark attacking a theme park after its offspring dies in captivity. Yeah, it's pretty cheesy. And don't even get me started on how terrible the 3D effects are — even by early '80s standards!
The final installment, 1987's Jaws: The Revenge, is where things really went off the rails. Starring Lance Guest, Mario Van Peebles, Karen Young, a returning Lorraine Gary, and the great Michael Caine, this sleepy sequel tries to convince audiences that the shark is now personally offended by the Brody family and follows them to the Bahamas to exterminate them once and for all.
The great white shark is much less the terrifying predator of the original and more an angry fish on a mission of revenge. By the time those end credits roll, you'll be glad it's over — even if Michael Caine is as charming as ever!
Like I said, none of these sequels can match the majesty of the first. In fact, most stink worse than a bucket of day old chum. But, while they may be bad, each of these silly shark sequels still enjoys a rather comfy spot in B-Movie history.
Only three sequels? Then what's the deal with Jaws 19?
Jaws 19 isn't actually a real movie — at least, not in the sense that you're thinking! It's actually a gag from Back To The Future Part II, which sees Marty McFly travelling to the year 2015. In the film, he's greeted by a holographic ad for Jaws 19, a ridiculously over-the-top, 3D shark movie playing in the Holomax theatre. The joke is a dig at the never-ending sequel trend in Hollywood, with the Jaws franchise being a prime example of a series that had stretched itself to absurd lengths by the 1980s.
Interestingly, the gag predicted Hollywood's love for endless franchises and sequels before it became a full-blown trend. And, if you look closely, the Jaws 19 poster features the tagline: "This time, it's really, really personal," poking fun at how sequels often take things to ridiculous extremes all in pursuit of the almighty dollar.
Has Jaws shown up anywhere else in popular culture?
Oh, Jaws has made quite the splash in popular culture beyond its legendary 1975 release! From parodies to references, it has been hard to escape that shark's toothy grin over the years. The iconic Jaws theme has been used in everything from commercials to TV shows like The Simpsons, where the great white has made multiple appearances. And who can forget the Sharknado franchise, a campy series of shark-filled chaos that definitely owes a tip of the fin to Spielberg's terror-inducing giant fish?
The Jaws influence even pops up in the unlikeliest of places. Remember the episode of Family Guy where Peter Griffin gets attacked by a Jaws-inspired great white? Or what about the fun callback seen in Grand Theft Auto V? Honestly, the real genius of Jaws is that its menacing shark is just as much a symbol of fear as it is a pop culture icon. No, the shark may not always be deadly (Jaws 5: Fire Island, anyone?), but it's definitely unforgettable.
Wait — wasn't there a Jaws theme park ride?
Yes, there absolutely was a Jaws theme park ride! It was one of Universal Studio's most iconic attractions, running from 1990 until 2012. The ride was based on the 1975 film and took visitors on a thrilling boat tour through Amity Island, where they encountered — of course — a massive great white shark. The ride was packed with jump scares, including a few close calls with Bruce the mechanical shark, and ended with a rather spectacular "shark attack" moment involving some equally impressive pyrotechnics.
Outside of the movies, where else can I experience Jaws?
If you're looking to experience Jaws outside of the movies, there's a sea of options available! For starters, there is the aforementioned novel by Peter Benchley, as well as some beautiful adaptions from Marvel Comics. Fans of interactive fun can also turn to video games on a wide variety of platforms — including the NES, PC, Amiga and Commodore 64. If you're looking for something more current, Jaws Unleashed on the PS2, Jaws: Ultimate Predator for the Nintendo Wii or any of the new Jaws pinball machines from Stern should do the trick.
Collectors won't be left high and dry either! In celebration of the first film's 50th anniversary later this year, NECA has created a very special collection offering up Ultimate action figures of both Hooper and Quint, as well as an updated take on Ideal's The Game Of Jaws released back in 1975! They also have a couple retro figures available, paying homage to the playthings of the past, and even some stylized figurines as part of their Toony Terrors assortment.
LEGO has also gotten in on the fun lately offering up a buildable model of Quint's trusty ship, The Orca — proving once and for all that Jaws is more than capable of making waves within the parthenon of popular culture some five decades later!
Where can I watch the Jaws movies now?
Want to stream the Jaws movies? Check out the Jaws page on Reelgood to see your current options. If you prefer to rent or buy, both Google Play and YouTube offer the films for digital purchase or rental — so you can stream them as many times as your fear of sharks allows. For those who still enjoy a physical collection, Jaws is widely available on DVD and Blu-Ray, often bundled with bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage and director commentary. And, if you're still rocking cable, check the schedules — Jaws has been known to surface on various channels, especially during the summer months. So, no matter how you prefer to watch, Jaws is one franchise that's always ready to make a splash!
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