This summer, National Geographic dives deep into cinematic history with JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, premiering July 10 at 9/8c. As part of the network’s annual SHARKFEST programming, this authorized documentary commemorates the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the iconic film that forever altered pop culture, redefined summer blockbusters, and transformed the world’s relationship with sharks.
Directed by renowned documentarian Laurent Bouzereau, JAWS @ 50 is the only authorized retrospective that brings together the people, stories, and secrets behind Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking 1975 thriller. Produced in collaboration with Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, the film is more than just a behind-the-scenes feature—it’s a revelatory, heartfelt tribute to one of the most influential movies ever made.
The 90-minute documentary features never-before-seen footage from both Spielberg’s and author Peter Benchley’s personal archives, showcasing home videos, rare outtakes, and candid production moments that have remained unseen for decades. It pulls back the curtain on the film’s infamously turbulent production, from weather woes to mechanical shark malfunctions, and captures Spielberg’s own reflections on the creative battles that nearly ended his career before it began. Through these raw memories, audiences discover a young director on the brink of artistic disaster—only to emerge with a masterpiece that would cement his place in film history.
JAWS @ 50 also revisits the cultural tsunami unleashed by Jaws—often dubbed “the Jaws effect”—which initially triggered widespread shark fear but has since evolved into a more respectful and curious fascination with the ocean’s apex predator. Featuring modern voices in shark advocacy and marine science, the film traces how Jaws spurred decades of ocean exploration and conservation efforts, ultimately reframing the legacy of the movie from fear to stewardship.
Woven throughout the documentary are fresh interviews with the film’s original cast and crew, including Lorraine Gary, Carl Gottlieb, Jeffrey Kramer, and composer John Williams, whose unforgettable score became as iconic as the film itself. Also featured is Ian Shaw, son of Robert Shaw (Quint), offering a unique generational perspective on the film’s legacy.
In addition to Spielberg, a constellation of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers and superfans—J.J. Abrams, Emily Blunt, James Cameron, Guillermo del Toro, Jordan Peele, George Lucas, and Robert Zemeckis, to name a few—share how Jaws influenced their work and reshaped Hollywood itself. Their reflections highlight how the film’s innovative storytelling and suspense continue to ripple through the cinematic world.
Deeply personal insights from Wendy Benchley, Peter Benchley’s widow and a passionate voice for shark conservation, along with their children and Peter’s brother Nat, add a poignant layer to the documentary. Their contributions remind viewers of the novel’s origin and the real-life experiences that inspired it.
Ultimately, JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is more than a nostalgic look at a blockbuster. It’s a multifaceted exploration of how art, nature, and popular culture collided in 1975 to create a lasting phenomenon. It’s a story of risk, resilience, and reinvention—both for Spielberg and for how we see sharks.
Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu starting July 11th.
