13 Scary Movies That Made Us Afraid to Go in the Water
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By Damon Beres
Jaws
It's hard to argue with the original. Consider this: If not for Jaws, the idea of a great white shark attack probably wouldn't cross your mind at the beach—they're very uncommon. Decades later, though, our eyes are still peeled for a fin on the horizon.
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Ever get a little creeped out when a slimy piece of algae slaps against your ankle? This classic monster flick is why.
The Perfect Storm
Sure, take that fishing trip—what could possibly go wrong?
The Host
Proving that amphibians can be just as scary as razor-toothed fish, The Host will have you eying your friendly neighborhood pond a little differently.
Open Water
A realistic take on the Jaws phenomenon (the film is based on a distressing true story), Open Water shows what happens to a couple stranded at sea following a diving trip. Fun? Not really. Horrifying? You bet.
Ghost Ship
With so much bad press about cruise lines lately, you probably don't need yet another reason to fear ocean liners. However, Ghost Ship's got a few murderous spirits for you to add to your list. Freakier than the not-so-fresh shrimp you grabbed from the buffet, at least.
Godzilla
That thin film of water pollution you see coastside? It could lead to a giant irradiated lizard hellbent on the destruction of humankind.
The Abyss
Here's a twist: In The Abyss, the creepy crawlies are the water itself. If that doesn't do it for you, maybe the film's claustrophobic interiors will.
Anaconda
What's scarier than a giant snake capable of swallowing an entire deer? A giant snake capable of swallowing an entire deer that can swim—especially if you're J.Lo.
Lake Placid
With all the sharks and ocean beasts lurking in this list, we'd understand if you headed inland for your next vacation. "We're safe in freshwater," you'd think—and then a 30-foot mutant crocodile would gobble you up. Should have gone to Disneyworld.
Piranha
Would you rather get taken out in a few big chomps from a shark, or in tons of vicious nibbles from lil' piranhas? Weigh your options carefully while watching this scary cinematic masterwork.
Gamera
Another day, another calamitous seabeast awakening, thanks to ocean pollution.
Deep Blue Sea
This is sort of like Jaws for the millennial set: There are sharks, yes, but they're smarter, faster, more lethal after being used in lab experiments for an Alzheimer's drug. Science, you are a cruel mistress.
