20 Scary Movies That Will Make You Afraid to Go into the Water
Updated: Apr. 27, 2023Dun dun. Dun dun. Dun dun.
Jaws
It’s hard to argue with the original. Consider this: If not for Jaws, the idea of a great white shark attack probably wouldn’t cross your mind at the beach—they’re very uncommon. Decades later, though, our eyes are still peeled for a fin on the horizon.
The Host
Proving that amphibians can be just as scary as razor-toothed fish, The Host will have you eying your friendly neighborhood pond a little differently.
Open Water
A realistic take on the Jaws phenomenon (the film is based on a distressing true story), Open Water shows what happens to a couple stranded at sea following a diving trip. Fun? Not really. Horrifying? You bet. Here are more films inspired by true events.
Ghost Ship
With so much bad press about cruise lines lately, you probably don’t need yet another reason to fear ocean liners. However, Ghost Ship‘s got a few murderous spirits for you to add to your list. Freakier than the not-so-fresh shrimp you grabbed from the buffet, at least.
Godzilla
That thin film of water pollution you see coastside? It could lead to a giant irradiated lizard hellbent on the destruction of humankind.
Anaconda
What’s scarier than a giant snake capable of swallowing an entire deer? A giant snake capable of swallowing an entire deer that can swim—especially if you’re J.Lo.
Lake Placid
With all the sharks and ocean beasts lurking in this list, we’d understand if you headed inland for your next vacation. “We’re safe in freshwater,” you’d think—and then a 30-foot mutant crocodile would gobble you up. Should have gone to Disneyworld. Check out these 22 animals that are deadlier than sharks.
Deep Blue Sea
This is sort of like Jaws for the millennial set: There are sharks, yes, but they’re smarter, faster, more lethal after being used in lab experiments for an Alzheimer’s drug. Science, you are a cruel mistress. You’ll also want to check out the 16 scariest books of all time.
The Deep
Emphasizing the ocean’s depth seems to be a common theme among aquatic-themed horror movies. And once a pair of vacationers unwittingly cross paths with dangerous treasure hunters, you can bet they’ll be in Deep trouble.
47 Meters Down
If you’re considering cage diving in shark-infested waters as a fun sibling bonding activity, this movie is for you.
It Came from Beneath the Sea
Like Creature from the Black Lagoon, this horror flick also debuted in the mid-1950s, but watching it in black-and-white doesn’t make giant radioactive octopuses any less terrifying. Luckily, there are 6 reasons getting scared is good for your health.
Dead Calm
Many sea horror movies follow the same set-up: Some aquatic monster endangers the lives of innocent bystanders, whose only source of protection is their boat. But for the leading couple in Dead Calm, the monster may already be on the boat with them. Cue dramatic music.
Below
You’re used to hearing bumps in the night and seeing creepy shadows in dilapidated buildings, but experiencing haunted house vibes on a WWII submarine is a whole new kind of spooky.
The Shallows
If we can learn one thing from this movie, it’s this: Don’t go surfing alone off the coast of a secluded beach. Even if you’re Blake Lively. For more chills and thrills, check out the 35 scariest movies of all time.
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