Quentin Tarantino says Jaws is the greatest movie ever made, and in celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary this summer, the blockbuster will return to theaters and stream on Peacock beginning June 15. Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic continues to leave a lasting impact on Hollywood, shaping the way blockbusters are made and promoted, while remaining a touchstone for top directors and movie fans alike.
A Lasting Impact: How Jaws Changed the Movie Landscape
Nearly five decades after its release, Jaws stands as a defining moment in cinematic history. Its innovative television advertising campaign and wide theatrical release reimagined how studios approached summer box office, paving the way for films like Star Wars and leading studio executives to realize the vast potential of high-concept action-adventure movies. While some argue that this shift in business strategy has had drawbacks for the industry over time, it is undeniable that Jaws continues to influence and inspire filmmakers around the world.
Directors such as Denis Villeneuve and M. Night Shyamalan have cited Jaws as a major influence on their own work. As one of the most enthusiastic movie-lovers in the business, Quentin Tarantino has consistently expressed his admiration for Spielberg’s aquatic thriller. Tarantino’s deep respect for the blend of terror, excitement, and unrivaled energy that Jaws brought to audiences is echoed by many of his peers who regard the film as a milestone in the evolution of the Hollywood blockbuster.
Why Tarantino Holds Jaws in Such High Esteem
In 2022, Quentin Tarantino was asked on the ReelBlend podcast about his pick for the greatest movie ever made. Tarantino responded,
“I think Jaws is the greatest movie ever made. Maybe not the greatest film. But it’s the greatest movie ever made. And then there are other movies that can get in its rarefied air. But as far as a movie, there’s no making it better than Jaws. There’s no ‘better’ than Jaws. It is the best movie ever made. And it shows how badly timed most movies made before Jaws were.”
-Quentin Tarantino, Director
Tarantino’s reputation as a passionate cinephile, known for infusing his work with nods to genre movies and exploitation films, makes his praise for Jaws especially significant. He remains an outspoken voice in championing films that made an impression on him growing up and continues to share his opinions on influential releases. For Tarantino, few movies so effortlessly combine thrills, suspense, and mass appeal in the way Jaws does, a sentiment shared by many in the filmmaking community.
What Makes Jaws a Timeless Blockbuster
Over the years, countless movies have tried to recapture the magic of Jaws, sparking a wave of imitators across Hollywood. Even Steven Spielberg himself was impressed by one of the more successful homages. Despite differing opinions on whether more accomplished films exist, Jaws remains unrivaled for the way it fuses horror, action, and spectacle, creating a captivating theater experience.
As Tarantino described,
“Spielberg and his cohorts grew up seeing those kinds of movies in the theater… this is exactly the kind of movie he was put on Earth to make. And he’s going to make it, within an inch of its life, as effective as it possibly can be.”
-Quentin Tarantino, Director
The film’s style practically demands a big screen viewing with an excited crowd, where the tension, laughter, and shared fear reach new heights. As Jaws approaches its 50th anniversary, these qualities make it a candidate for repeat viewings—both for long-time fans and newcomers.
Jaws Returns: Where to Watch the 50th Anniversary Release
With the arrival of summer and this major milestone, Universal Pictures is set to re-release Jaws in theaters across the nation on August 29, providing audiences a rare opportunity to experience the film in its intended setting. For viewers who prefer the comfort of home, Jaws and its three sequels will be available to stream on Peacock starting June 15.
From its opening moments, Spielberg’s gripping direction pulls audiences in, never letting go until the final scenes. Even after all these years, Jaws manages to balance style with substance, making it one of the defining entries in the summer horror and thriller genre. The legacy cast, including Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw, helped cement its reputation as an enduring classic that still resonates with directors, studio executives, and cinephiles everywhere.
Whether enjoying the suspense of Jaws in a packed theater or streaming it at home, the film’s influence continues to ripple through Hollywood. The anniversary re-release and Peacock streaming debut ensure that new generations will have the chance to discover why so many, including Quentin Tarantino, consider it the greatest movie ever made.
