'Jaws' Returns to the Big Screen for 50th Anniversary Celebration

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is heading back into theaters this August, and this time, it’s bigger, literally. To mark 50 years since its original 1975 release, the iconic shark thriller will be screened in IMAX and 4DX formats starting August 28.

When Jaws hit cinemas in 1975, it wasn’t just a box office sensation, it became a cultural tidal wave. As the first true summer blockbuster, it reshaped the movie industry by proving that wide releases backed by massive marketing could generate enormous profit. But its impact went beyond Hollywood economics: Jaws tapped into deep, primal fears, embedding itself in the public psyche and even influencing beach tourism and attitudes toward sharks. With its iconic score and suspenseful storytelling, it turned shark attacks into national anxieties and made director Steven Spielberg a household name. In short, Jaws didn’t just terrify audiences, it rewrote the rules of pop culture.

Originally written by Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb, and adapted from Benchley’s 1974 novel, Jaws follows a seaside town thrust into chaos by a massive great white shark. “When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town’s chief of police (Roy Scheider), a young marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss), and a grizzled shark hunter (Robert Shaw) embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again.” The film’s signature score still sends chills, and its influence on Hollywood is undisputed.

The 50th anniversary has been packed with programming. In June, more than 3.2 million viewers tuned into NBC for a primetime airing of the film. Later this month, all four Jaws movies will land on Netflix. Meanwhile, National Geographic is preparing Jaws at 50: The Definitive Inside Story, which premieres July 10, followed by streaming on Hulu and Disney+ the next day.

It’s not just screenings and retrospectives. Universal is rolling out new merchandise including McFarlane’s 50th anniversary “Movie Maniacs” figure and a Hot Wheels collectible from Mattel. Physical media collectors can also pick up the film on a newly restored 4K Ultra HD edition.

Beyond the multiplex, Jaws fans will find other ways to engage. Martha’s Vineyard—where much of the original was shot—is hosting events throughout the summer. Meanwhile, the Academy Museum in Los Angeles will launch Jaws: The Exhibition on September 14, offering a deeper dive into the making of the film and its legacy.

Asked about the idea of remaking Jaws, Jurassic Park writer David Koepp told Collider, “There have been other very good ocean-adventure movies. Just don’t try and do that one.!” Watch the 50th anniversary trailer and check out the new IMAX and 4DX posters below