The Jaws Series–
The Jaws series is an American natural horror film franchise that began with the 1975 blockbuster film, Jaws. The series consists of four movies, a theme park ride, and other tie-in merchandise. The main subject of the saga is a great white shark and its attacks on people in specific areas of the United States and The Bahamas.
The Jaws franchise is pretty simple to watch in order. The movies were released in chronological order, and each film builds on the previous one. The following is a list of the four Jaws movies in order:
- Jaws (1975)
- Jaws 2 (1978)
- Jaws 3-D (1983)
- Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
The original Jaws movie produced in 1975 is a classic film among all the Jaws series. It was so successful that it led to three sequels. Despite the success of these films, critics and audiences were largely dissatisfied with the sequels. Jaws 2 is considered the best of the sequels, Jaws 3-D was renamed Jaws 3 for home and television video because it didn’t transfer the effects to those media, and Jaws: The Revenge is widely considered one of the worst movies ever made.
Based on a 1974 novel of the same name, the Jaws franchise is one of the first “high-concept” film series. The story revolves around Amity Island and the Brody family dealing with the shark attacks at the beach. The Jaws movies are known for their suspenseful music, iconic poster art, and memorable quotes. Overall, the Jaws series is a must-watch for horror movie fans and those who enjoy classic cinema.
Jaws (1975)
Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel of the same name. The film stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss and tells the story of a giant man-eating great white shark that attacks beachgoers on Amity Island, a fictional summer resort town.
The film was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as a classic of the thriller genre. It was also the highest-grossing film of all time until the release of Star Wars in 1977. Jaws was nominated for several Academy Awards and won three, including Best Original Score for John Williams’ iconic theme music.
The film’s production was famously troubled, with budget overruns, delays, and technical difficulties, including problems with the mechanical shark used in filming. Spielberg was forced to rely on suggestion and suspense to create tension in the absence of the shark, resulting in a film that is often cited as a masterclass in suspenseful filmmaking.
Jaws is notable for its influence on popular culture, spawning three sequels, a theme park ride, and countless imitators in the “killer animal” subgenre of horror films. The film’s impact on the public perception of sharks was also significant, leading to a widespread fear and misunderstanding of these creatures that persists to this day.
Jaws 2 (1978)
If you enjoyed the first Jaws movie, then you will most likely enjoy the sequel, Jaws 2. Released in 1978, Jaws 2 is the second installment in the Jaws franchise and directed by Jeannot Szwarc. The film stars Roy Scheider as Police Chief Martin Brody, with Lorraine Gary and Murray Hamilton reprising their respective roles as Martin’s wife Ellen Brody and mayor Larry Vaughn.
Jaws 2 takes place four years after the events of the first film. The town of Amity has recovered from the shark attacks and is now a popular tourist destination. However, when a new great white shark appears and begins attacking swimmers, Chief Brody must once again protect the citizens of Amity.
One of the strengths of Jaws 2 is its use of suspense and tension. The film builds up the threat of the shark slowly, allowing the audience to become invested in the characters and their plight. The special effects are also impressive, especially for the time period.
While Jaws 2 may not be as iconic as the first film, it is still a solid thriller that is worth watching for fans of the genre. If you are interested in watching the Jaws movies in order, Jaws 2 should be the second film you watch.
Jaws 3-D (1983)
In Jaws 3-D, a thirty-five-foot shark becomes trapped in a SeaWorld theme park, and it’s up to the sons of police chief Brody to rescue everyone. The movie was directed by Joe Alves and starred Dennis Quaid, Bess Armstrong, Simon MacCorkindale, and Louis Gossett Jr.
Jaws 3-D is the second sequel to Steven Spielberg’s Jaws and the third installment in the Jaws franchise. The movie was released in 1983 and was originally titled Jaws III. However, it was renamed Jaws 3-D because of its use of 3D technology.
The movie was not as successful as its predecessors, and it received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised the film’s use of 3D technology, while others criticized the film’s weak plot and lack of suspense. Despite the mixed reviews, Jaws 3-D was a financial success, grossing over $87 million worldwide.
Overall, Jaws 3-D is a fun and entertaining movie that is worth watching for fans of the Jaws franchise. While it may not be as good as the original Jaws, it still has its moments of suspense and excitement. If you’re a fan of 3D movies, then Jaws 3-D is definitely worth checking out.
Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
In 1987, “Jaws: The Revenge” was released as the fourth and final movie in the Jaws franchise. The movie was directed by Joseph Sargent and starred Lorraine Gary, who reprised her role as Ellen Brody from the first two movies.
The plot of “Jaws: The Revenge” centres around Ellen Brody, who believes that her family is being targeted by a vengeful shark. The movie takes place in the Bahamas, where Ellen’s son Michael works as a marine biologist. After Michael is killed by a shark, Ellen becomes convinced that the same shark is targeting her family.
Critics and audiences alike were not impressed with “Jaws: The Revenge.” The movie was widely panned for its weak plot, poor special effects, and lacklustre performances. Despite this, the movie has gained a cult following among fans of B-movies and cheesy horror films.
If you’re looking to watch the Jaws movies in order, “Jaws: The Revenge” should be watched last. While it may not be the strongest entry in the franchise, it does provide a satisfying conclusion to the story of the Brody family and their battle against man-eating sharks.
Future of Jaws Franchise
The Jaws franchise has been dormant for quite some time, with the last movie, Jaws: The Revenge, released in 1987. However, there have been rumors of a potential reboot or sequel in the works.
In 2016, it was reported that Universal Pictures was developing a new Jaws movie, with rumours suggesting that it could be a remake of the original film. However, there has been no official confirmation of this project, and it remains unclear whether it will ever come to fruition.
