When Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws hit theatres across North America on June 20, 1975, the movie ushered in the era of the summer blockbuster and became a pop culture phenomenon that still resonates 50 years later.
By Alison McGill
Back in June of 1975 a relatively unknown 28-year-old director named Stephen Spielberg released a little movie called Jaws and he had no idea just how big of a splash this film would make. Based on the bestselling book by American author Peter Benchley, the film became the benchmark for the modern cinematic blockbuster, a pop culture moment that took not just the world by surprise, but Spielberg too.
After an arduous production (it was scheduled for a 55-day shoot, but actually wrapped after 159 days) riddled with technical difficulties—most notably a defective main character in the form of a malfunctioning animatronic great white shark —Jaws opened in theatres in North America on June 20th and had audiences hooked from opening day. This is a movie that combines suspense, horror, action, and summery beach times into one chilling action tale where what you don’t see is the scariest thing of all.
Is there a movie moment anymore harrowing than the film’s opening scene where late night beach party goer Chrissie jumps into the surf for a skinny dip and is gobbled up by something lurking in the depths below her, stealthily stalking her flutter-kicking legs? The only hint that something wicked was coming were the ominous strains of John Williams now iconic film score. Jaws scarred a generation from ever wanting to get into the water again, inclusive of ponds, lakes, and swimming pools…any body of water had become a scary place! Jaws can be credited as the catalyst for shark phobia and the reason we’re still scared 50 years later.
What makes Jaws such a perfect summer movie isn’t just the beach-perfect setting in the fictional town of Amity Island (Martha’s Vineyard was the actual location), but the complete escapism it offers. You can’t help but become totally engrossed in this terrifying tale of a vengeful and blood thirsty great white shark that ultimately takes down six victims by the time the credits roll.
I just watched a 4K remastered version of Jaws and not only does it look better than ever, but it also still hits in the terror department. A new National Geographic documentary examining the impact of the film 50 years on will premiere on July 11 and be also available for same day streaming on Disney+. Jaws At 50: The Definitive Inside Story features interviews with director Steven Spielberg, Ian Shaw, the son of Robert Shaw who played the iconic character of professional shark hunter Quint, along with other Jaws cast members. In advance of the doc’s release, here are five fun facts to know about Jaws that will make you want to watch (or re-watch) this classic just like I did.
1. The Shark Had Name
And it was Bruce! The great white star was named after Steven Spielberg’s lawyer Bruce Rainer.
2. Jaws Won Three Oscars
But it was nominated for four in total at the 48th annual Academy Awards; the one the film lost was for Best Picture which went to One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. Jaws took home the gold for best sound, best score, and best editing.
3. Jaws Merch Was Huge
Movie gaff was not a thing before Jaws. Universal spent $1.8 million marketing the movie which at the time was a both a massive, and an unprecedented spend. Merchandise riffing off the movie’s famous poster became a pop culture phenomenon with the artwork emblazoned across everything from t-shirts to beach towels, tumblers, and pyjamas.
4. It Played In Cinemas For The Entire Summer of ’75
In a time long before streaming, going to the movies was the only way to see the latest films and they did not come to TV screens until years after theatrical release (Jaws did not have its national television debut until 1979). Jaws was in theatres for the whole summer of 1975 and created a generation of superfans who went back to see it again and again. It became the top movie at the box office for 14 weeks and held the record for highest-grossing film for two years.
5. You Can See Jaws Again On the Big Screen Soon
To celebrate the film’s big 5-0 it will be re-released later this summer. Jaws will have a limited theatrical run from Friday, August 29 through Thursday September 4, 2025.
