The Best Shark Characters Of All Time
Vote up your favorite fictional sharks.
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Bruce, Anchor and Chum
Finding NemoThese three notorious predators from Disney Pixar's Finding Nemo brilliantly capture the complex nature of sharks as both fearsome hunters and misunderstood creatures. Bruce, a great white shark, is the leader of the trio: he engages in a constant internal struggle to resist his primal instincts, famously exclaiming, "Fish are friends, not food!" Anchor (a hammerhead) and Chum (a mako) stand out with their distinctive appearances and provide comic relief with their bumbling personas. Their camaraderie and nuanced character development break the stereotype of sharks as mindless killers, demonstrating their capacity for empathy and redemption.
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Arguably the most iconic shark character of all time, Jaws from Steven Spielberg's 1975 film of the same name is a monstrous great white shark fueled by a relentless hunger. Despite limited on-screen appearances, the sheer size and ferocity of this creature struck terror into the hearts of countless viewers, earning Jaws a permanent position in pop culture. This great white's cunning tactics and ability to singlehandedly destroy boats exemplify its intelligence and extraordinary strength. Jaws's lasting impact on film history is unrivaled, as it spawned a new era of blockbuster filmmaking and firmly ingrained the image of the great white shark as a symbol of primal fear.
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Lenny
Shark TaleLenny, the vegetarian great white shark from Dreamworks' Shark Tale, subverts expectations with his gentle and kind-hearted personality. His refusal to eat fish turns the typical shark narrative on its head, signifying a broader rejection of the predatory stereotype. Lenny's friendship with Oscar, a fast-talking fish, demonstrates the possibility of harmony between species, even those once thought to be diametrically opposed. Visually, Lenny's expressive eyes and endearing smile contribute to his interesting charm, further distancing him from the intimidating image generally associated with sharks.
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Sharpedo
PokémonOriginating from the Pokémon franchise, Sharpedo is a interesting combination of a shark and a torpedo. As a water-dark type Pokémon, this fierce creature boasts impressive speed, making it a formidable opponent in combat. Its distinctive razor-sharp teeth and exposed gills set it apart from other shark characters, while its ability to Mega Evolve into a more powerful form cements its reputation as an extraordinary force. Sharpedo's fusion of mechanical and natural elements capture the imagination and showcase the limitless possibilities that can arise from reinterpreting a classic design.
- 5DC Universe
A staple in DC Comics lore, King Shark is a fearsome hybrid of man and shark, often squaring off against popular heroes like Aquaman and The Flash. Boasting incredibly sharp teeth and claws, immense strength, and the ability to breathe underwater, King Shark is a force to be reckoned with in hand-to-hand combat. His humanoid form and capacity for speech provide interesting opportunities for storytelling, exploring themes of identity and the delicate balance between human and animal instincts. King Shark's distinctiveness as both a complex character and fearsome predator earns him a place among the best shark characters of all time.
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Don Lino
Shark TaleAs the powerful great white shark mob boss in Dreamworks' Shark Tale, Don Lino exhibits both menace and a paternal side, making him a compelling antagonist. His insistence on upholding traditional predatory roles clashes with his son Lenny's pacifist nature, creating a dynamic relationship that explores themes of family loyalty and personal convictions. With his expressive eyebrows, Don Lino's face exudes authority and wisdom in a way that sets him apart from other shark characters. His Godfather-esque persona accentuates the film's narrative depth, enriching the audience's experience.
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Jabberjaw
JabberjawOriginating from the 1976 Hanna-Barbera cartoon of the same name, Jabberjaw is a lovable, talking great white shark and drummer for the band, "The Neptunes." His interesting ability to communicate verbally and walk on land imbues him with a sense of relatability often lacking in other shark characters. Additionally, his humorous catchphrases and comical facial expressions stand in stark contrast to the traditional fear-evoking image of a great white. Jabberjaw's warm-hearted personality and anthropomorphic qualities make him a memorable departure from the typical shark portrayal.
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Sharkboy
The Adventures of Sharkboy and LavagirlAs a fan-favorite character from The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Sharkboy embodies the excitement and imagination that can come from dreaming big. Raised by sharks after a terrible storm, Sharkboy acquires numerous shark-like attributes, such as enhanced strength, agility, and the ability to swim at incredible speeds. His charming demeanor and playful outlook on life are infectious, making him a lovable hero in the eyes of young viewers. Sharkboy's fusion of youthful innocence and shark-like prowess makes him an engaging character in the world of children's entertainment.
- 9Naruto
A powerful antagonist from the world of Naruto, Kisame Hoshigaki is a formidable shark-human hybrid known as a "tailed beast without a tail." His sword, Samehada, is capable of absorbing chakra and further enhances his already impressive combat skills. Kisame's unique appearance—marked by blue skin, gill-like features, and shark-like teeth—sets him apart from other characters in the series, elevating his status as a fearsome fighter. This blend of human and aquatic traits, coupled with his cunning nature, cements Kisame as an unforgettable shark character in the anime realm.
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The Street Sharks
Street SharksThe titular characters of the '90s cartoon series Street Sharks are a group of teenage brothers transformed into anthropomorphic street-fighting sharks. Each member of this quartet—Ripster, Jab, Streex, and Big Slammu—boasts distinctive physical features and personalities, showcasing a variety of shark species as they work together to fight evil. Their human qualities and unique abilities, such as gnawing through solid steel and concrete, set them apart from traditional shark portrayals. The Street Sharks' camaraderie and thrilling adventures make them a memorable foursome in the realm of shark characters.
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Kenny the Shark
Kenny the SharkIn the animated series Kenny the Shark, Kenny is a 3,000-pound tiger shark who decides to give up life in the ocean and live with his human friend, Kat. Kenny's casual demeanor and integration into everyday suburban life provide a fresh take on how we view sharks. His distinct tiger shark stripes and friendly personality imbue him with a sense of approachability that defies the usual shark stereotypes. Kenny's humorous antics in the human world make for an entertaining and endearing character beloved by children everywhere.
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Megalo
One PieceHailing from the anime series One Piece, Megalo is a lovable, gigantic shark who serves Princess Shirahoshi. His gentle demeanor and loyalty to the Princess, despite his imposing size, create a sense of warmth and affection that defies the traditional shark stereotype. With his ability to carry passengers in his mouth, Megalo provides a unique twist on what one might expect from a shark character. As both an endearing companion and formidable ally, Megalo captures the hearts of viewers and showcases the range of emotions that shark characters can elicit.
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Jaw
Amagi Brilliant ParkAs the antagonist of the French-Belgian animated series Zig & Sharko, Jaw is a relentless great white shark who constantly attempts to capture and devour Zig, the main character. His tenacity and inventiveness in pursuit of his prey are indicative of the intelligence often attributed to great white sharks. Despite his villainous role, Jaw's failures and slapstick humor elicit sympathy from audiences, demonstrating the potential for sharks to be more than just mindless predators. This comedic take on a great white makes Jaw an unforgettable character in the world of animation.
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Misterjaw
MisterjawMisterjaw, a blue great white shark and star of the 1976 Pink Panther spinoff cartoon series, showcases the comical side of shark characters. His penchant for wise-cracking and catchphrase-slinging, coupled with playful antics, create a light-hearted and entertaining atmosphere that departs from the usual fear-inducing shark narrative. Furthermore, Misterjaw's distinctive appearance, featuring a top hat and bow tie, injects a dose of whimsy into the character. This humorous interpretation of a great white shark adds depth to our understanding of these often-misunderstood creatures.
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Androshark
Monster StrikeAndroshark, a villainous cyborg shark from the Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue series, is a fusion of machine and nature that challenges the conventional shark archetype. His cybernetic enhancements grant him devastating power, while his relentless pursuit of the Rangers embodies the tenacity often associated with great white sharks. The melding of technology and the natural world in his design presents an intriguing contrast that sets Androshark apart from his peers. This futuristic take on a shark character serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities that can arise when creativity intersects with the familiar.
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Sharky the Shark Dog
Eek! The CatFeatured in the children's book series The Adventures of Dog Man by Dav Pilkey, Sharky the Shark Dog is a hybrid shark-puppy created by the evil Petey the Cat. Despite his fearsome appearance, Sharky's loveable nature and loyalty to his friends showcase the potential for kindness and heroism in shark characters. His quirky design and playful personality make him a favorite among young readers, further challenging the typical portrayal of sharks. Sharky's ability to transcend the boundary between predator and protector demonstrates the complexity and versatility of shark characters.
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Captain Mako
City of HeroesAs a villain in the popular MMORPG City of Heroes, Captain Mako is a ruthless and cunning mutant shark who commands a crew of bloodthirsty pirates. His unique design features a human-like torso combined with a shark's tail, fins, and razor-sharp teeth, giving him a striking and memorable appearance. His thirst for power and lust for battle embody the ferocity of a great white shark, making him a formidable adversary for players. Captain Mako's blend of human intelligence and animal brutality make him an intriguing and dangerous character within the world of gaming.
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Mega Shark
Syfy seriesAs the star of a series of low-budget, direct-to-video monster films, Mega Shark is an over-the-top representation of our fears about sharks. This colossal beast is known for its absurd feats of strength, such as devouring entire planes and initiating battles with other giant creatures. Mega Shark's exaggerated portrayal both terrifies and entertains, providing a satirical commentary on society's fascination with these predators. This larger-than-life character serves as a reminder that, although our perception of sharks may be distorted at times, their power to captivate our imaginations remains timeless.
- 19Saturday Night Live
A recurring character from the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, the Land Shark is a hilarious parody of sharks that terrorize beachgoers in films like Jaws. With its unforgettable catchphrase, "Candygram," the Land Shark uses humor and wit to dismantle the fear-inducing nature of sharks, making them more accessible and engaging to viewers. Its absurd premise and unexpected punchlines serve as a reminder that sharks can be just as funny as they are fearsome. The Land Shark's enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness as both a comedic character and an alternative interpretation of sharks.
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The Terrible Dogfish
The Adventures of PinocchioAs the monstrous antagonist of Carlo Collodi's classic novel The Adventures of Pinocchio, the Terrible Dogfish is a frightening creature with an insatiable appetite. As a nightmarish vision of a shark, this beast is said to be large enough to swallow ships whole, embodying the primal fears associated with these ocean predators. Despite its dark nature, the Terrible Dogfish ultimately plays a crucial role in Pinocchio's journey towards redemption and self-discovery. The Terrible Dogfish's unique blend of terror and narrative significance cements its place in the pantheon of the best shark characters of all time.
- 21DC Comics
Representing the age-old battle between cats and dogs, Shark is the leader of an elite group of canine secret agents in the 2001 film Cats & Dogs. As a sleek and menacing great white shark, Shark's appearance and commanding voice lend gravitas to his role as the mastermind behind an elaborate plot to conquer the world. His ability to communicate with fellow animals and orchestrate complex schemes illustrates the cunning intelligence often attributed to sharks. With his unique blend of menace and wit, Shark proves that even the most fearsome creatures can make compelling and engaging characters in the right context.
