Black-and-white picture taken during production of Jaws, showing a man with his arm in the mouth of the iconic shark prop.

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

by Explore Disney+ Contributor

11 June 2026

Celebrating half a century of cinematic suspense and shark science

It’s rare for one film to reshape both Hollywood and popular culture. In 1975, Jaws did just that. The movie forever impacted how people view one of the ocean’s most powerful predators. Half a century later, a new National Geographic documentary looks back at how it all began. Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story dives into the movie’s creation, its influence on culture, and its unexpected role in shark science. Scroll on for more on the fascinating documentary and how to watch.

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All About Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

The documentary reflects on the filming and legacy of one of history’s greatest summer blockbusters, with a production story just as action-packed as the movie itself.

What is Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story about?

Behind-the-scenes of Jaws, a young Steven Spielberg with the boat and shark props in the background. — Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, National Geographic

Steven Spielberg’s genre-defining thriller gets the full retrospective treatment in this 90-minute documentary. Drawing on previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage, the film revisits the production hurdles, from mechanical shark malfunctions to weather delays, that ultimately forged one of cinema’s most suspenseful masterpieces.

The documentary also includes new interviews with Steven Spielberg, original cast members like Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody), and a new generation of filmmakers who credit Jaws as a major influence. Leading shark scientists and conservationists add their voices, exploring how the “Jaws effect” reshaped the public’s view of sharks and inspired new efforts to safeguard these animals.