1975 Blockbuster JAWS is a classic American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg. It was released in 1975 and became the highest-grossing film of all time until the release of Star Wars in 1977. The movie follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and a grizzled fisherman as they hunt a great white shark that is terrorizing the fictional seaside resort of Amity Island. JAWS is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made and has had a lasting impact on the horror and thriller genres.