The summer of 1975 brought with it a cultural tsunami. Jaws, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Peter Benchley’s novel redefined what a summer movie could be. Now, five decades later, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story offers a rarely seen look behind the camera—and beneath the surface—of the film that forever altered Hollywood and the world’s relationship with sharks.
Premiering July 10 on National Geographic and streaming July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu, this authorized 90-minute documentary from Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films is a centerpiece of National Geographic’s SHARKFEST programming. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Laurent Bouzereau and produced in collaboration with Spielberg and ocean advocate Wendy Benchley, Jaws @ 50 recounts the making of the cultural phenomenon.
A Story That Almost Sank
With new interviews from Spielberg himself and never-before-seen footage from his personal archives, the film revisits a production that was nearly swallowed by the sea. Spielberg offered candid reflections on the mechanical shark’s constant malfunctions, weather delays, and his fear that the film would end his career. Instead, it launched a genre—and gave him final cut on every film he’s made since.
“I was sure it would ruin me,” Spielberg said in the film. “But I also knew we were making something that had never been done before.”
Also featured are cast and crew from the original shoot, including production designer Joe Alves, screenwriter Carl Gottlieb, and actress Lorraine Gary, as well as the next generation of Hollywood storytellers—Jordan Peele, Guillermo del Toro, J.J. Abrams, and James Cameron—who unpacked how Jaws influenced their own careers.
From Fear to Fascination
At the heart of the documentary is Wendy Benchley, wife of the late Peter Benchley and a fierce advocate for ocean conservation. She provided a poignant counterweight to the film’s monster-movie narrative by spotlighting the real-world consequences—and redemptions—of Jaws.
“The ‘Jaws effect’ initially bred fear,” Benchley said in an interview with Innovation & Tech Today, “but over time, it sparked curiosity and awe. People wanted to understand the ocean, not just be afraid of it.”
Benchley described how the film inadvertently catalyzed a wave of interest in marine science. Within two years of Jaws’ release, marine biology applications at the University of Miami rose by 30 percent. Thousands of letters poured in from young viewers inspired by the film’s characters, particularly oceanographer Matt Hooper.
Sharks, Science, and Pop Culture
Jaws @ 50 doesn’t shy away from the complicated legacy of the film. It reckons with the ecological consequences of portraying sharks as villains while celebrating the awareness it ultimately raised. Scientists like Philippe Cousteau and Dr. Greg Skomal weighed in on how Jaws helped spark modern shark conservation efforts, from the expansion of marine protected areas to public shark-tracking tools.
Today, fans can follow their favorite great whites online, watching migration routes in real time. Meanwhile, fishing vessels are monitored by satellite and radar to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. A recent high-profile arrest in the Galapagos, involving a Chinese ship allegedly carrying illegal shark fins, underscored the power of technology in protecting ocean ecosystems.
Bigger Boat, Bigger Legacy
Featuring music legend John Williams, rare home videos, and emotional tributes from Benchley’s family, the documentary makes clear that Jaws is a touchstone of 20th-century cinema, a launching pad for Spielberg, and a call to action for ocean advocacy. The film inspired not only National Geographic’s own SHARKFEST, but an entire generation of marine scientists and storytellers.
“Peter opened an entire field with one novel,” Benchley said. “No writer could ask for a more powerful legacy.”
Jaws @ 50 dives headfirst into the film’s untold stories, its impact on pop culture, and its enduring influence on conservation and science. It’s a loving dissection, a necessary recontextualization, and a thrilling reminder of why we still can’t hear those two eerie notes from John Williams without checking the water.
Catch the Premiere
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premieres July 10 at 9/8c on National Geographic and streams July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu. For cinephiles, conservationists, and anyone who’s ever looked twice at the ocean’s edge, it’s required viewing.
