Shark Movies Thrash and The Meg 2 Dominate Netflix UK Charts
More than five decades after Jaws first terrified audiences, the fascination with blood-thirsty sharks targeting humans remains as strong as ever. This week, Netflix has capitalized on this enduring obsession by adding two shark-focused movies to its library: a brand-new release and a sequel to a popular franchise. Both films have quickly chomped their way to the top of the Netflix UK charts, proving that shark fever is alive and well.
Thrash: A Climate-Fueled Aquatic Nightmare
The first film, Thrash, is a survival thriller starring Phoebe Dynevor from Bridgerton. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, known for Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters and Silent Night, the movie presents a harrowing scenario where a hurricane is just the beginning for a South Carolina coastal town. Soon, a shiver of bull sharks swims down Main Street, trapping desperate townspeople in an aquatic nightmare.
Phoebe Dynevor portrays Lisa Fields, a pregnant woman trapped in her car during the storm, while Whitney Peaks plays Dakota Edwards, an agoraphobic young woman who fails to evacuate in time. Djimon Hounsou rounds out the cast as Dale Edwards, Dakota's marine researcher uncle attempting to rescue her.
Interestingly, the film's premise, once considered far-fetched, gained eerie relevance during production. Producer Adam McKay explained to Netflix's Tudum that global warming accelerated, turning the heightened concept into a more realistic threat. Filmed in Melbourne, Australia, the crew encountered historic, climate-fueled floods, which bull sharks—known for hunting in dirty water—exploited, leading to four shark attacks in a 48-hour period.
Despite a modest 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Thrash has been embraced as a guilty pleasure. Critics have noted its entertaining, if not logically airtight, approach. The Hollywood Reporter described it as a bloody, dumb shark thriller that stays afloat, while Variety praised its compact 80-minute runtime for preventing viewer fatigue. Mashable highlighted the film's balance of horror, action, and comedy, calling it a solid survival thriller with a talented cast and captivating visuals.
The Meg 2: The Trench: A Ludicrous Box Office Hit
The second shark movie making waves on Netflix is The Meg 2: The Trench, a 2023 sequel to the 2018 film. This science fiction action film sees Jason Statham, Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy, and Cliff Curtis reprising their roles as scientists who must outrun and outswim megalodons after a mining operation threatens their mission.
While critics largely panned the film, giving it a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences were far more enthusiastic, with a 72% score. The consensus among viewers is that it delivers exactly what a creature feature should: ludicrous, entertaining spectacle. Slant Magazine noted that leaning into the absurd is the only way to go when the premise involves Jason Statham battling prehistoric sea behemoths.
The film was a massive box office success, grossing $397.8 million worldwide. Fans have praised its strong pacing, consistent action sequences, and surprising character depth, with one viewer calling it a fun, well-made sequel that never overstays its welcome.
Chart-Topping Success and Streaming Availability
Since their release on Netflix, both Thrash and The Meg 2: The Trench have soared up the charts. Currently, Thrash holds the top spot as the most-watched film on Netflix UK, with The Meg 2 closely following in second place. This dual dominance underscores the enduring appeal of shark-themed entertainment.
For those craving more aquatic thrills, Netflix offers additional shark movies, including the 2024 French action-horror film Under Paris, the 2025 documentary Shark Whisperer, and the 2023 survival thriller Deep Fear.
Both Thrash and The Meg 2: The Trench are now streaming on Netflix, providing viewers with a double dose of shark-infested excitement. Whether you're in the mood for a climate-conscious thriller or a prehistoric creature feature, these films are sure to satisfy your appetite for aquatic adventure.
