Can 'Deep Water' Outperform the Classic 'Jaws'? A Look at the New Shark Survival Film

The new shark survival film 'Deep Water' has hit theaters, starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley. With a solid start at the box office and favorable ratings, the film aims to surpass the lowest-grossing entry in the Jaws franchise, Jaws: The Revenge. As it competes against popular films, its performance over the coming weeks will determine if it can make a significant impact in the genre. Will it succeed in outpacing its predecessors? Read on to find out more about this thrilling cinematic experience.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 20:00 IST

Exploring the New Shark Survival Film 'Deep Water'

When it comes to survival films featuring sharks, the iconic 1975 movie, Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg, is often the first title that springs to mind. This film not only received widespread acclaim but also achieved impressive box office success, amassing $490.7 million globally. Its influence on the genre led to the creation of three sequels, though none could replicate the original's financial triumph. Recently, a new shark-themed survival film, Deep Water, premiered on May 1, 2026, starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley. The movie has received a solid 72% rating from critics and a 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

During its opening weekend, Deep Water earned $2.1 million in the U.S., with daily earnings of $0.7 million on Friday, $0.9 million on Saturday, and $0.5 million on Sunday, as reported by Box Office Mojo. Although it is unlikely to match Jaws’ domestic total of $280.1 million, there is curiosity about how Deep Water will stack up against the lowest-grossing film in the Jaws series, Jaws: The Revenge, which debuted in 1987.

To surpass Jaws: The Revenge in domestic revenue, Deep Water must accumulate at least $20.8 million, meaning it needs to generate approximately $18.7 million more. Currently, the domestic box office is dominated by films like The Devil Wears Prada 2, Michael, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, making the competition quite intense.

For Deep Water to achieve its financial goal, it will need to maintain consistent box office performance during weekdays and weekends over the next three to four weeks. If it manages to do so, there is a chance it could exceed the $20.8 million threshold and outpace Jaws: The Revenge. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film tells the story of a group of survivors stranded after their flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai crashes in the Pacific Ocean, forcing them to face deadly sharks in their fight for survival.

As the film continues its run in theaters, the final box office results will reveal whether Deep Water can carve out its place in the shark survival genre.