Monster Sharks

''It's the summertime, and a group of bathers run to the beach, eager to go for a swim. A bunch of people are excited, too, and they all run into the water, shouting with joy. Unfortunately, as they go deeper and deeper into the sea, they are unaware of the danger lurking behind them. Suddenly, a huge, gray fin protrudes from the water, slicing through the waves. Enter the monster shark, and as it advances on the bathers, one of them notices this and yells a warning to his friends. The others see it too, and run to the beach in terror. Many of them make it to safety, but one of them isn't fast enough. The shark clamps its jagged teeth down on the swimmer's legs and drags the screaming bather into the water, where she eventually becomes the monster's lunch.''

Sharks are one of the most vilified creatures of the animal kingdom, leading to the villain trope known as Monster Sharks.

In reality, sharks are shy around humans, but in fiction, it is a different story.

A recurring theme in the horror, fantasy, science fiction, spy, and family genres, Monster Sharks are shark villains - some being humanoids - who are often portrayed as sea monsters who prowl the oceans in search of swimmers to feast on.

In addition to man-eaters, Monster Sharks are often portrayed as thugs, tyrants, murderers, and kidnappers. Their actions can range from using intimidation to bend others to their will to leaving carnage in their wake. Some can be sympathetic, but mostly, these villains often show no remorse for killing humans and animals to satisfy their tase for blood and their hunger.

Whether they're snacking on bathers or dominating the oceans with an iron fist, these monstrous fish continue to scare a great many into staying out of the water.

Film

 * Jaws
 * Glut (The Little Mermaid)
 * Don Lino (Shark Tale)
 * Great White Shark (The Shallows)
 * Vector's Shark (Despicable Me)

Cartoons

 * The Sharkanians (The Little Mermaid series)

Books and Comics

 * Nanaue (DC)