The Shallows (2016)
A lone surfer's fight for survival against a relentless predator becomes an intense test of human will.
While surfing on a secluded beach, Nancy finds herself in the feeding grounds of a great white shark. Though stranded only 200 yards from shore, survival proves to be the ultimate test of wills, requiring all of her ingenuity, resourcefulness, and fortitude.
How intense is The Shallows?
The Shallows is properly scary, with graphic gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What The Shallows feels like
- Tone
- tensegrittysuspenseful
- Pace
- Relentless
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Shallows
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Shallows for you?
Is The Shallows scary?
Yes, properly. The Shallows is scare level 2 of 3, the real thing without being an endurance test.
Is The Shallows gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is The Shallows sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Shallows OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 2, gore 2, violence 2, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is The Shallows?
The Shallows runs 1h 26m.
Where can I stream The Shallows?
The Shallows is streaming on Netflix and YouTube (free).
Does The Shallows have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
More like The Shallows
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Inglourious Basterds (2009)Mildly scary · graphic gore · brutal violence · emotionally heavyJewish-American soldiers brutally scalp Nazis in occupied France, leading to suspenseful, darkly comedic encounters.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)Properly scary · graphic gore · strong violence · emotionally devastatingA brilliant, imprisoned psychopath offers chilling insights into a serial killer's mind, if a young agent dares to listen.
The Dark Knight (2008)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally heavyA relentless, gritty crime thriller where a hero's war on chaos takes a darkly comic and epic turn.
Aliens (1986)Properly scary · graphic gore · brutal violence · emotionally heavyA space marine faces an alien horde in a relentless, gritty fight for survival.
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