Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg's genre-defining thriller that changed summer cinema forever — and made millions afraid to go back in the water.
Jaws - Movie Information
- Original Title: Jaws
- Release Year: 1975
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller, Adventure
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 4m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 20, 1975 (Canada - 14A), June 20, 1975 (United States - PG), December 6, 1975 (United Kingdom - PG), December 18, 1975 (Germany - 16), January 28, 1976 (France), May 14, 1980 (India - A), November 26, 1975 (Australia - M), December 25, 1975 (Brazil - 14), April 15, 1976 (Mexico - B), December 19, 1975 (Italy - T), December 18, 1975 (Spain - APTA), April 22, 1978 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Jaws: Denizin Dişleri (TR), Stillness in the Water (US), Melta'ot (IL), آرواره ها (IR), 죠스 1 (KR), Szczęki (PL), Tubarão (BR), ਜਬਾੜੇ (IN)
- Production Companies: The Zanuck/Brown Company, Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Jaws - Plot
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 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for one of cinema's most iconic thrillers:
The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.
Where to Watch Jaws
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Jaws - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Steven Spielberg
Main Cast
- Roy Scheider
- Robert Shaw
- Richard Dreyfuss
- Lorraine Gary
- Murray Hamilton
- Carl Gottlieb
- Jeffrey Kramer
- Susan Backlinie
- Jonathan Filley
- Ted Grossman
Writers
- Carl Gottlieb
- Peter Benchley
Producers
- David Brown
- Richard D. Zanuck
Jaws - FAQs
Where can you watch Jaws online?
Jaws is currently available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is not included in a major subscription streaming service at this time. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Is Jaws based on a true story?
Jaws is based on Peter Benchley's 1974 bestselling novel, which was itself inspired by a series of real shark attacks along the New Jersey shore in 1916. While the film is fictional, those historical incidents — and a 1964 catch of a large great white shark — informed Benchley's story.
Who are the main actors in Jaws?
Jaws stars Roy Scheider as Police Chief Brody, Robert Shaw as the grizzled shark hunter Quint, and Richard Dreyfuss as marine biologist Hooper. Supporting roles include Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody and Murray Hamilton as Mayor Vaughn. The ensemble performances are widely regarded as central to the film's enduring power.
What is the ending of Jaws explained?
In the climax, Quint is killed by the shark, and Brody, clinging to the sinking Orca, shoots a scuba tank lodged in the shark's mouth, causing a massive explosion that destroys it. The ending underscores Brody's transformation from a landlocked, water-fearing cop into a reluctant but decisive hero.
Did Jaws win any major awards?
Jaws won three Academy Awards: Best Film Editing (Verna Fields), Best Original Score (John Williams), and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Picture. John Williams's iconic two-note theme became one of cinema's most recognizable compositions and remains a cultural touchstone decades after the film's release.
What is the age rating for Jaws?
Jaws is rated PG in the United States. Despite containing intense shark attack sequences, graphic injuries, and some strong language, the film received a PG rating upon its 1975 release. Parents should note that the film's suspense and violence may be too intense for younger or sensitive viewers.
How long is Jaws?
Jaws has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes (124 minutes). Director Steven Spielberg uses this time to build sustained tension through character development and escalating dread before delivering the film's action-packed third act aboard the shark-hunting vessel Orca.
Who directed Jaws and what was the production like?
Steven Spielberg directed Jaws at just 26 years old. Production was notoriously troubled — the mechanical shark, nicknamed 'Bruce,' repeatedly malfunctioned, forcing Spielberg to suggest the shark rather than show it. This creative constraint proved inspired, generating far more suspense than constant creature visibility ever could have.
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