Unprovoked shark attacks are actually quite rare, despite what the media’s sensationalisation suggests. On average, there are about 80 attacks worldwide each year, which is a small number considering how many people swim in the ocean and rivers on a regular basis. That said, when a shark attack does happen, it can be incredibly deadly. Yet, even with this danger in mind, society still has a strong affinity for these razor-toothed predators.
Sharks have been part of pop culture for decades, not only as the scary fin lurking in the water, but also as lovable, anthropomorphic characters with interesting personalities. Some stories even home in on their important role in the ocean’s ecosystem, while others explore their thrilling adventures in the water.
Regardless of the era or format, sharks always find a way to capture our attention. Let’s sink our teeth into how sharks have infiltrated the entertainment landscape.
How Jaws Started It All
One look at a great white shark, and it’s quite obvious why people actively keep their distance from sharks. What’s surprising is that many people used to think sharks were relatively harmless, at least until the release of the summer blockbuster Jaws. The Spielberg classic managed to completely shift the public’s perception of these sea creatures, portraying them as a major threat to both summer vacations and human life.
Not only did it start the ‘fin slicing through the water’ stereotype, but it also created the two-note shark theme that indicated one was coming for you. The musical and visual cues were successfully able to make even the idea of a shark scary enough.
Shark-Infested Entertainment
Once Jaws was released and had time to captivate the audience, shark-themed entertainment became a cultural phenomenon. Aquariums began producing interactive exhibits, and the Discovery Channel released the annual week-long programming block ‘Shark Week’, demonstrating the increased interest in these apex predators.
Even online gaming platforms are highlighting these big fish through shark-themed slot games like Sharknado and Great White Gold. Many of these games are on just about any low wagering bonus casino site available, so anyone can enjoy shark-themed gameplay without too much of a commitment. People fell in love with shark-related entertainment because it allows them to interact with sharks in ways that suit their preferences—fearfully, playfully, or somewhere in between.
The Shark B-Movie
Jaws was a blockbuster filled with suspense and fear, while B-movies like Sharknado and Two-Headed Shark Attack put a goofy twist on the narrative. The latter types of movies are known to feature over-the-top plots and imagery, campy acting, and low-budget effects, creating a fun and unserious watching experience. Featured on late-night cable and social media, the genre came into its own and allowed sharks to move beyond figures of fear to outrageous icons.
Shark Documentaries
While the shark B-movie sensationalised sharks, the shark documentary sought to ‘humanise’ them from an aggressive, mindless animal into a misunderstood creature that deserves protection and respect. For example, Rise of the Great White Shark looks at the history of the great whites over 11 million years and how they’ve dealt with dramatic changes in the Earth’s climate and oceans. Meanwhile, Galapagos: Realm of Giant Sharks looks at whale sharks and their habitats and conservation. These documentaries allow people to develop a more nuanced understanding of sharks, emphasising their ecological significance.
Sharks as Family-Friendly Icons
Fast forward to 2016, and sharks made a major comeback, this time almost as powerfully as Jaws did decades earlier. Thanks to a South Korean entertainment company, the children’s song ‘Baby Shark’ became a global sensation, hummed, sung, and played everywhere. Yet, although it was new to most, the song was associated with a dance involving shark-related hand movements as old as the late 20th century. The colourful cartoon shark family painted sharks as lovable and fun characters, fear removed from their longstanding portrayal.
But let’s not forget that movies like Finding Nemo and Shark Tale walked so that Baby Shark could run. These sensations toyed with the shark’s image, giving us many new reasons to root for them and like them. The shark Bruce from Finding Nemo is the leader of the Friendly Sharks support group, famously saying, ‘Fish are friends, not food’. Although great whites are far from vegetarians in real life, this depiction makes them more approachable to younger audiences.
Sharks in Marketing
As sharks have become such versatile figures, they’ve naturally become powerful marketing tools as well. Their bold image catches the eye of consumers, whether on sports gear or snacks. Similarly to other media we’ve discussed, they can be used as cutesy mascots or even represent thrills. The shark can clearly sell, because society has crafted such a recognisable duality. It lets marketers enjoy a unique flexibility, which makes them marketing magic.
So, What Does Our Shark Obsession Reveal About Us?
Our fascination with sharks represents a much broader human relationship with fear, nature, and entertainment. We’re able to process that initial trepidation and turn it into curiosity and humour. It’s like when someone tries to make sense of the unknown or process trauma by reframing it into something more understandable and manageable. Humans have historically done this with other less-than-pleasant figures, too, like aliens and monsters. Turning scary creatures into fun cultural icons helps us face our fears and creates a shared experience that we can all enjoy together, regardless of age or background.
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