The 9 Best Movies About Piranhas

Ranker Film
Updated April 23, 2024 9 items
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Vote on your favorite movies that feature piranhas throughout the film. 

In the world of creature features, few critters can match the frenzied ferocity of piranhas. The silver screen has seen its fair share of these sharp-toothed terrors, spawning a genre that blends horror, comedy, and over-the-top action. Audiences have nervously nibbled their popcorn while watching these aquatic nightmares turn placid waters into whirlpools of chaos and carnage. This list features all 5 of the original Piranha movies and goes beyond with other cult favorites. They are ranked by popularity based on votes from Rankers like you.

From the depths of the Amazon to the chlorine-scented pools of water parks, piranhas have been a go-to for filmmakers looking to elicit shrieks and nervous laughter. Consider the sheer audacity of Piranha-Man vs. Werewolf Man: Howl of the Piranha, where a creature feature standoff descends into the ridiculous, or the gory spectacle of Piranha 3D, which took a bite out of the box office with its cheeky blend of 3D technology and bloody thrills. Whether you're in it for the terror or the laughs, piranha movies have a way of drawing you in with their scales and scares.

Join us as we rank the very best in toothy terror. Just keep your feet out of the water.

Latest additions: Piranha II: The Spawning
Help shape these rankings by voting on this list of The 9 Best Movies About Piranhas
  • Piranha
    Photo: Piranha
    1
    17 VOTES

    Piranha

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Animal Attack Movies, Cult Movies
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: Directed by Joe Dante in 1978, this cult classic embraces campy humor and intense suspense as genetically altered piranhas are accidentally released into a river during summertime festivities. The film pays homage to Jaws while presenting its own distinct take on killer sea creatures, showcasing impressive special effects for its time. The terrifying portrayal of carnivorous fish will surely satisfy fans of piranha-themed films.

    Two people (Bradford Dillman, Heather Menzies) unwittingly free a mad military scientist's (Kevin McCarthy) mutant fish near a summer camp and resort lake.
    17 votes
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  • Piranha 3D
    Photo: Piranha 3D / Dimension Films
    2
    13 VOTES

    Piranha 3D

    For Fans Of: Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Creature Features
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: This fast-paced, action-packed film brings the deadly piranhas to life in eye-popping 3D, creating a heart-stopping underwater experience. With a talented cast led by Elisabeth Shue and Jerry O'Connell, the film combines horror with dark humor, elevating it above typical creature features. Alexandre Aja's direction provides an exhilarating ride for those seeking a thrilling and visually stunning piranha movie.

    Spring break turns gory when an underground tremor releases hundreds of prehistoric, carnivorous fish into Lake Victoria, a popular waterside resort. Local cop Julie Forester (Elisabeth Shue) must join forces with a band of unlikely strangers -- though they are badly outnumbered -- to destroy the ravenous creatures before everyone becomes fish food.
    13 votes
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  • Piranha 3DD
    Photo: Piranha 3DD
    3
    10 VOTES

    Piranha 3DD

    For Fans Of: Horror Comedy, Thriller, B-Movies, Sequels
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: This sequel to Piranha 3D offers more outrageous fun and gory entertainment as prehistoric piranhas wreak havoc on crowds at a waterpark. Featuring cameos from David Hasselhoff and Christopher Lloyd alongside gruesome scenes of aquatic terror, this film expertly balances absurdity with nail-biting tension. Director John Gulager takes the essential elements of a successful piranha movie and turns up the volume for maximum enjoyment.

    Though it was once a wholesome, family-oriented attraction, a water park owned by Chet (David Koechner) now features a nudist pool and aquatic strippers. Chet's daughter, a marine biologist named Maddy (Danielle Panabaker), is unhappy about the changes but is powerless to stop the grand reopening. However, when a school of ravenous, prehistoric piranha migrate over from nearby Lake Victoria, Maddy must somehow prevent the park's patrons from becoming fish food.
    10 votes
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  • Piranha
    Video: YouTube
    4
    10 VOTES

    Piranha

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Cult Films, Animal Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: This 1995 made-for-TV remake retains the campy charm of Joe Dante's original cult classic while updating the visual effects and story for modern viewers. Directed by Scott P. Levy, the film follows a group of teenagers who uncover government experiments on deadly piranhas before they are unleashed upon unsuspecting swimmers. Featuring atmospheric underwater cinematography and intense action sequences, this updated version reinvigorates the tale for a new generation of piranha enthusiasts.

    Piranha, also known as Piranhas, is a 1995 American horror film directed by Scott P. Levy about a school of killer piranha descending upon the bustling Lost River Lake Resort. Produced by Roger Corman for the Showtime network, the film is a remake of the 1978 film Piranha, directed by Joe Dante and is also Mila Kunis' debut role.
    10 votes
  • Piranha Sharks
    Video: YouTube
    5
    5 VOTES

    Piranha Sharks

    For Fans Of: Horror Comedy, Sci-Fi, Creature Features, B-Movies
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: A humorous homage to classic B-movies, this indie flick combines genetically engineered mini-piranhas with urban sharks in an absurdly entertaining tale of terror. Directed by Leigh Scott, the quirky combination of predatory sea creatures takes center stage as they invade New York City's water supply leading to chaos on land and sea alike. For fans seeking an eccentric spin on traditional toothy terror, look no further than this comical yet horrifying low-budget gem.

    5 votes
  • Mega Piranha
    Photo: Metaweb (FB)
    6
    5 VOTES

    Mega Piranha

    For Fans Of: Sci-Fi, Horror, Action, B-Movies
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: Sci-fi enthusiasts will relish this over-the-top B-movie featuring gigantic mutated piranhas terrorizing South America before heading towards Florida's coastline. Starring 80's pop icon Tiffany and former Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams, Mega Piranha delivers a perfect blend of campy dialogue and outrageous action sequences. Director Eric Forsberg masterfully creates an exhilarating adventure that showcases these monstrous creatures as an unstoppable force.

    Mega Piranha is a 2010 science fiction disaster horror film film produced by The Asylum. It was directed by Eric Forsberg and stars Tiffany, Paul Logan and Barry Williams. In the tradition of The Asylum's catalog, this film is a mockbuster of Piranha 3D. It was filmed in Belize, Central America.
    5 votes
  • Piranha II: The Spawning
    Video: YouTube
    7
    5 VOTES

    Piranha II: The Spawning

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Sea Creatures Movies, Sequels
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: James Cameron's directorial debut offers a unique twist on the killer fish genre with genetically modified piranhas developing wings and taking to the skies. Combining aquatic horror with elements of science fiction, this 1981 film provides fans of piranha movies with a fresh take on the underwater predators. With its inventive premise, impressive special effects for its time, and gripping suspense, Piranha II is a must-watch for fans of both creature features and James Cameron's work.

    Piranha II: The Spawning, also known as Piranha II: Flying Killers, is a 1981 American horror film, the sequel to the 1978 low-budget cult film Piranha, and the feature film directorial debut of James Cameron.
    5 votes
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  • Piranhaconda
    Photo: Piranhaconda
    8
    5 VOTES

    Piranhaconda

    For Fans Of: Horror, Sci-Fi, Creature Features, B-Movies.
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: Legendary B-movie director Jim Wynorski presents a hybrid monster extravaganza as two enormous snake-piranha hybrids wreak havoc on tropical island inhabitants while guarding their nest of eggs. Starring Michael Madsen and Rachel Hunter in a zany mix of adventure, horror, and comedy, this SyFy Original Movie offers fans an outrageous romp featuring terrifying underwater predators coupled with colossal serpents. The thrilling combination of piranhas and anacondas guarantees high-stakes action for die-hard creature feature enthusiasts.

    After a deranged scientist steals the egg of a hybrid animal, members of a film crew run from the creature before the people become its dinner.
    5 votes
  • Piranha-Man vs. Werewolf Man: Howl of the Piranha
    Video: YouTube
    9
    4 VOTES

    Piranha-Man vs. Werewolf Man: Howl of the Piranha

    For Fans Of: Horror, Action, B-Movie, Creature Features
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Piranhas: This über low-budget indie flick combines campy creature-feature elements with satirical humor, creating a wildly entertaining escapade surrounding a half-man/half-piranha facing off against a werewolf. Director Dorian Knight delves into the absurdity of both monster movie lore and small-town politics, offering an unconventional yet engaging take on piranha-inspired horror. For those seeking nonstop laughs and over-the-top character transformations, this quirky cult classic is sure to please.

    4 votes