Jaws (1975)
Kernel Score: 86% · 11,352 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Adventure
Released: 1975-06-20
Runtime: 124 minutes
Is Jaws worth watching?
Must-watch. The film that made summer blockbusters. A shark attacks a beach town, and three mismatched men go after it at sea. It is suspenseful, funny and expertly made, and still works fifty years on.
Watch it if you
- like classic suspense that builds with patience
- enjoy great ensemble casts
- want a monster movie with real characters
Skip it if you
- dislike older film pacing
- are too scared of sharks to watch
Best for: Classic movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Jaws
- Stream: Netflix, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
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.
Jaws parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Jaws depicts a shark terrorizing a beach town, including deadly attacks and a dead child.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Graphic shark attacks including the death of a child and other bloody encounters.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Jaws
If you liked Jaws, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Jurassic Park (1993) — 94%: Spielberg's other great creature adventure.
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) — 94%: Spielberg at his adventurous best with a warm cast.
- The Shining (1980) — 95%: A masterclass in building dread.
- Psycho (1960) — 91%: Hitchcock's suspense classic, still tense and scary.
- North by Northwest (1959) — 88%: Hitchcock's thrilling chase adventure.
- The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Modern scare film with strong build-up.
Director
Cast
- Roy Scheider as Brody
- Robert Shaw as Quint
- Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper
- Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody
- Murray Hamilton as Vaughn
- Carl Gottlieb as Meadows
- Jeffrey Kramer as Hendricks
- Susan Backlinie as Chrissie
- Jonathan Filley as Cassidy
- Ted Grossman as Estuary Victim
Jaws FAQ
Is Jaws worth watching?
Must-watch. The film that made summer blockbusters. A shark attacks a beach town, and three mismatched men go after it at sea. It is suspenseful, funny and expertly made, and still works fifty years on.
Where can I watch Jaws?
In the US you can stream Jaws on Netflix, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS and tru TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Jaws OK for kids?
Jaws is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Jaws depicts a shark terrorizing a beach town, including deadly attacks and a dead child.
What movies are like Jaws?
If you liked Jaws, try Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Shining and Psycho.