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Every now and then, a film comes along that transcends its genre, reshaping the cinematic landscape and becoming something of a cultural phenomenon. Steven Spielberg’sJawsis one such movie.
Released in 1975, this thriller didn’t just win audiences over; it reinvented the concept of the summer blockbuster. But its influence didn’t stop there.Jawssecured a rare spot in the hearts of filmmakers worldwide, including one of the most celebrated animators of all time, Hayao Miyazaki.
From the pulse-pounding score that sticks to your bones to the ever-tightening noose of suspense,Jawswas a cultural earthquake, setting the stage for the blockbuster era that would follow. And then there’s that shark. It didn’t just swim into our screens—it sunk its teeth into the very heart of Hollywood, leaving a legacy that continues to send ripples through the industry.
The legacy ofJaws: More than just a shark movie
Jaws’ impact on Hollywood cannot be overstated. It was a box-office juggernaut, holding the record for the highest-grossing film untilStar Warscame along two years later.
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Directed bySteven Spielbergand based on Peter Benchley’s gripping novel, the film takes you on a wild ride with police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) as he joins forces with marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and the grizzled shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw).
Spielberg’s work earnedJawsthree Academy Awards—Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound.
Despite not being nominated for Best Director, a snub Spielberg would never forget,Jawshas remained an indelible part of film history. It set the bar high for suspense and thrilling cinematography, and its presence is still felt in countless imitators.
In fact,Jawswas selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2001. And if all that wasn’t enough, it’s now part of a very exclusive list—Hayao Miyazaki’s 25 Best Movies of All Time.
Hayao Miyazaki’s tribute to Steven Spielberg’sJaws
Hayao Miyazaki’s animation masterpieces, such asSpirited AwayandPrincess Mononoke, have captivated audiences with their boundless creativity and rich storytelling. But his taste in films extends beyond just animated works.
While Miyazaki is often critical of Hollywood, he has openly acknowledged the brilliance of certain American classics. Among them isJaws, a film that left a significant mark on him. When compiling his personal list of favorite films,Jawsmade the cut—right alongside masterpieces likeBicycle ThievesandModern Times. For a filmmaker whose works are often poetic and deeply reflective, this speaks volumes about the influence Spielberg’sJawshad on him.
Miyazaki is quoted as saying (viaFar Out),
I came home amazed after seeing [Bicycle Thieves], and I trudged home heavy-hearted after watching films starring Isao Kimura—who always played overly earnest and sincere and never-very-good-at-life young characters—for they taught me how hard life is.
In that same vein,Jawsholds a special place for Miyazaki, not just for its thrills but for the technical craft and atmosphere that inspired him.
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Aside fromJaws, here are the other gems that Hayao Miyazaki holds close to his heart:
Miyazaki’s taste spans decades and genres, a real potpourri of films that reflect his deep appreciation for storytelling that digs beneath the surface and leaves a lasting mark.
Jawscan be rented on Apple TV.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3309
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
