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Jaws

Jaws

The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.

1975124 minPGMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Steven Spielberg
Starring
Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary

When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town's chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to kill the beast before it strikes again.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Jaws?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Jaws streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Jaws?

Jaws earns 16 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Oscar Winner.

Show 8 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Jaws worth watching?

Jaws' Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 2.6M ratings across 6 sources. 87% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

98th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

80 /100

96th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 1970s

Critics 87 · Audience 79

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

87% liked it

96th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 1970s
87% rated it 7–1013% rated it 1–6

Critics 97% · Audience 98%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

3 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 13 wins / 21 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Film Editing
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Music, Original Dramatic Score

99th percentile

2.6M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 23% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$7M
Opening weekend$7.1M
Domestic gross$280M
Worldwide gross$491M

Returned 70.1× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a suspenseful thriller driven by Spielberg's direction and John Williams' iconic score, built around a simple man-vs-nature premise.

Fans praised

  • masterful suspense and tension-building
  • Robert Shaw's iconic performance and USS Indianapolis monologue
  • unforgettable John Williams score and its two-note shark motif

Detractors panned

  • unrealistic and demonizing portrayal of sharks
  • slow pacing and boring first half
  • laughable mechanical shark effects

What stands out

Sound and music98

John Williams' two-note motif is legendary and genre-defining

TensionDivisive95

Masterclass in suspense; famous for not showing the shark for most of the film

ActingDivisive92

Robert Shaw's Quint is universally praised; Scheider and Dreyfuss chemistry

AtmosphereDivisive90

Palpable dread and island setting; primal fear of the unknown

DialogueDivisive85

"We're gonna need a bigger boat" and the Indianapolis monologue

CharactersDivisive80

Quint is an iconic anti-hero; Brody is a relatable everyman; Hooper's energy

Plot and storyDivisive70

B-movie premise elevated by direction; thin story criticized by detractors

Effects and spectacleDivisive55

Mechanical shark Bruce is dated but iconic; less is more

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 14 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Jaws like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense and leaves you wrung out and released. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseCathartic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its premise with complete earnestness, building tension through character and atmosphere rather than irony.
The rideThe film builds dread in the beach sequences, maintains tension at sea, and reaches its emotional and visceral peak in the final explosive confrontation.
StructureConventional three-act structure: setup of attacks, preparation, and the final hunt on the ocean.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Wrung out and released.

Cathartic · 6% of filmsHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe explosive victory is cathartic, but the human cost and the shark's terror linger.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA great white shark hunts swimmers, and the trio of Brody, Hooper, and Quint must band together to hunt it down, a classic predator hunt.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Obsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film pits humans against a lethal predator and contrasts the town's financial imperatives with the urgency to protect lives, while Quint's hunt is driven by personal trauma and obsession.
StanceThe film warns about the cost of putting profit over safety (the beach closures) and the primal danger of unchecked nature, but also observes the human obsession with conquest.

The world

ContemporaryRuralWildernessDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · John Williams
Settingthe fictional resort island of Amity, Massachusetts, during the Fourth of July weekend
MusicThe iconic two-note shark motif is among the most famous film themes ever composed, instantly communicating menace.

Content guide

Is Jaws okay for kids?

PG

Jaws is rated PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (83/100), sexual content at moderate (39/100), language at moderate (47/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at severe (86/100). Overall it is heavier than 99% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 31 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium16
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • ID13+
  • IndiaA
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO18
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporePG
  • SK15
  • Spain12
  • SU16+
  • Sweden15
  • TH13
  • Türkiye16+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 78% of all filmsHeavier than 99% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 99%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 82%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 88%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 88%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 99%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Jaws have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Jaws?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Roy Scheider
as Brody
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Robert Shaw
as Quint
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard Dreyfuss
as Hooper
BAFTA nominee: BAFTA Award nomination — Best ActorTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Lorraine Gary
as Ellen Brody
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Murray Hamilton
as Vaughn
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Carl Gottlieb
as Meadows
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jeffrey Kramer
as Hendricks
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Susan Backlinie
as Chrissie
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jonathan Filley
as Cassidy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Ted Grossman
as Estuary Victim
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Jaws?

Movies like Jaws include Jaws 2 (1978), Jaws: The Revenge (1987) and Rogue (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Peter Benchley, and most are animal horror films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its subject: survival. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Jaws?

1.9K other films share the rarest tag below, premise: squad mission. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.