Netflix’s new thriller is a massive hit, with fans and critics calling it "one of the best shark movies ever made" and even comparing it to Jaws

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"Under Paris has absolutely no right to be as good as it is"

Under Paris
(Image credit: Netflix)

If you, like us, have been patiently waiting for another worthy shark movie to bite into, then you’re in luck as Netflix’s newest great white thriller is here, and it’s got dazzling first reviews calling it the best shark movie since Jaws. 

Released on Netflix on June 5, the steamer’s new horror Under Paris is already reeling in positive reactions from critics and audiences alike, and so far stands with an impressive 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes. "Netflix has delivered one of the best shark movies ever made," writes Stuart Heritage from The Guardian, with Jonathan Wilson from Ready Steady Cut writing, "It’s dopey but not stupid, outlandish but not silly, violent but not gratuitous, and serious but not so serious that it isn’t great fun."

Some critics even went as far as to compare it to other major movies in the shark horror genre such as Steven Spielberg’s 1975 epic. “Netflix’s new thriller swims rather than sinks as it adds life to a genre that’s been bloodless for far too long,” writes Michael Nordine from Variety, calling it a "shark movie worthy of swimming in the wake of Jaws." NME echoes the enthusiasm by describing Under Paris as "a standalone semi-classic of the genre."

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But it's not just critics who are loving the fin-tastic film as fans are also raving over Under Paris. "Under Paris has absolutely no right to be as good as it is. This is Creature Feature goodness through and through," tweeted one fan, while another chimed in with, "I love a movie that just doesn’t give a single fuck and goes all in on the over the top. This is what Under Paris does for almost two hours and it was glorious."

Check out some more reactions and reviews below. 

Directed by Xavier Gens, the French film follows a scientist, environmental activist, and river police commander who must join forces and capture a giant shark that has made its way into the river Seine just before the summer 2024 Paris Olympics is about to take place. The movie stars Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Léa Léviant, amongst others.

Under Paris is available to stream right now on Netflix. For more, see our list of the best Netflix movies, or keep up to date with upcoming movies heading your way this year.

Megan Garside
Megan Garside
Junior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.