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Search 713 spoiler-free recommendations from 1916 to 2026. Filter by the night you want—not the list you’re supposed to finish.

Direct film viewShowing master rank #2 on its own—not above the ranking.
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Artwork
DirectorAll directors

Most represented · 6+ films

More recurring directors · 3–5 films54
All directors · surname A–Z438
ActorAll actors

Most represented actors

Big Three membership
Major award winners

1 selected film

Master Rank balances Greatness, Engagement, and Ease. Sort by Greatness for the artistic-canon view.

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View Jaws film page
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

After a swimmer is killed off Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody clashes with local officials before joining oceanographer Matt Hooper and hunter Quint.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

After a swimmer is killed off Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody clashes with officials determined to protect the summer tourist season. Marine biologist Matt Hooper and veteran hunter Quint eventually join him in confronting the great white shark offshore.

Why it belongs

Jaws presents elemental fear as an exceptionally assured fusion of tension, character, music, and blockbuster craftsmanship.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Spielberg builds tension from production limitations by withholding the shark, restricting information to Brody's anxious viewpoint, and letting John Williams's two-note theme announce danger before the image confirms it.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Academy Awards3 wins1976 · official ceremony record ↗

Plus 3 additional wins

No headline-category win to name

Golden Globes1 win1976 · official film record ↗

Plus 1 additional win

No headline-category win to name

BAFTA1 win1976 · official BAFTA 1976 Film Awards results ↗

Plus 1 additional win

No headline-category win to name

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for
Film Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound104IMDb Top 250203AFI 10056
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness9.7
Engagement9.8
Ease9.2

English · PG
Narrative Feature
Mood: Terrifying & Gripping