When can I watch the Tokyo International Shark Film Festival films on U-NEXT?

Streaming starts July 19, 2026, with titles released sequentially by date.

What is the Tokyo International Shark Film Festival?

A cult-favorite festival promoting shark films as culture, with the motto 'No shark movie is beneath appreciation.'

How much does it cost to watch the films?

All titles are ¥999 (tax included) with a 2-day viewing period.

What other shark movies are on U-NEXT?

Over 100 shark films, including 'JAWS' and 'Sharknado' series, are available.

What kind of film is Kawaizumi Minoru’s 'Shaz 51'?

A B-movie homage to 'Jaws' on its 51st anniversary, filled with love for Spielberg.

U-NEXT to Exclusively Stream Films from the '3rd Tokyo International Shark Film Festival'! With the Cult-Favorite Festival's Arrival, Shark Movie Lineup Becomes Even More Diverse

Published Jul 16, 2026 2:00 AM ・ Updated Jul 16, 2026 1:54 AM ・ 13 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

U-NEXT will exclusively stream eight selected films from the '3rd Tokyo International Shark Film Festival' held at Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas, starting July 19, 2026. The lineup includes diverse titles such as Kawaizumi Minoru's latest film 'Shaz 51' and the popular series 'Shark Exorcist 3'.

U-NEXT, a video-on-demand service operated by USEN & U-NEXT GROUP's U-NEXT Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Tsutsumi Amakoto), will begin exclusively streaming eight carefully selected films from the '3rd Tokyo International Shark Film Festival' currently being held at Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas, starting on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

"No shark movie is beneath appreciation"—eight buzzworthy films, from demon sharks to cat sharks, are now united!

Since 'JAWS' (1975), shark movies have carved out their own unique genre. From blockbuster hits to low-budget indie films, and from serious disaster thrillers to comedic black comedies, shark movies have been passionately loved by fans around the world. U-NEXT has consistently expanded its shark movie offerings to bring these films to fans across Japan.

Now, U-NEXT proudly announces its collaboration with the Tokyo International Shark Film Festival.

Launched in 2017 with a 'zeroth edition,' the Tokyo International Shark Film Festival champions the preservation and development of shark films as culture, under the motto "No shark movie is beneath appreciation." The festival has showcased a wide range of shark films from indie gems to international hits. The second edition in 2025 attracted over 2,000 attendees in just 10 days, and the event continues to grow in scale. It has now become a major annual event eagerly anticipated by shark movie fans worldwide. The third edition, currently underway, began on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas, featuring a total of 17 films.

U-NEXT will exclusively stream eight standout films selected from this year’s festival lineup.

U-NEXT has previously partnered with film festivals across Japan—including the Yamagata International Movie Festival, Pia Film Festival, and Kyoto International Student Film Festival—serving as an online venue where audiences can enjoy festival films anytime, anywhere. By teaming up with the Tokyo International Shark Film Festival, U-NEXT will deliver these exclusive screenings directly and promptly to shark movie fans nationwide.

Eight Diverse Films to Be Exclusively Streamed, from Kawaizumi Minoru’s Latest to New Installments of Popular Series

The eight films being exclusively streamed represent a true mix of gems and curiosities—from brand-new premieres to the latest entries in popular franchises and Japan-born indie productions.

'Shaz 51,' a world premiere created specifically for this festival, is the latest work by B-movie maestro Kawaizumi Minoru. This loving homage to Steven Spielberg celebrates the 51st anniversary of 'Jaws.' 'Shark Exorcist 3,' the third installment in the acclaimed series, depicts the final battle between a demon shark and an armed group of nuns. The lineup also includes uniquely themed films such as 'Catshark,' 'Sharksquatch,' 'Wereskark,' and 'School Shark Stories,' as well as classic horror entries like 'Bathtub Shark,' which explores the terror lurking in a bathtub drain, and 'Moze,' a shark-hunting panic thriller with a $3,000 bounty.

Over 100 Shark Movies Now on U-NEXT—Shark Movie Heaven Awaits!

In addition to these eight new titles, U-NEXT already streams over 100 shark movies, including 'JAWS' and the 'Sharknado' series. Take this opportunity to explore U-NEXT’s impressive shark movie collection alongside the festival.

Comments from Festival Organizers and Leading Figures in Japan’s Shark Movie Scene

[Sameshigoto Rookie]

I’m deeply moved to be able to deliver new shark movies to fans across Japan. Whether it’s a fresh, brand-new film, a well-aged cult classic, or something questionable from the moment it was made—please embrace them all under the spirit of 'this too is a shark movie.'

[Nakano Dankichi]

Shark movies have evolved beyond mere horror and panic. They now include laugh-out-loud comedies, mind-bending concepts, and regionally flavored stories. This genre continually reminds us that cinema is, above all, entertainment.

Dive in through a striking visual, or be drawn in by an irresistible title or premise.

With the mindset of 'If one shark fails, there’s always another!'—enjoy the wildly diverse, shark-filled world of cinema.

Streaming Details

'Catshark'

[Streaming Start Date] July 19, 2026 (Sun), 0:00 JST [Price] Rental: ¥999 (tax included) / Viewing period: 2 days [Viewing Page] https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0309644 [Copyright] ©Copyright 2026. All Rights Reserved. Wild Eye Releasing.

'Shark Exorcist 3'

[Streaming Start Date] July 20, 2026 (Mon), 0:00 JST [Price] Rental: ¥999 (tax included) / Viewing period: 2 days [Viewing Page] https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0309647 [Copyright] ©2025 Wild Eye Releasing.

'Sharksquatch'

[Streaming Start Date] July 20, 2026 (Mon), 0:00 JST [Price] Rental: ¥999 (tax included) / Viewing period: 2 days [Viewing Page] https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0309651 [Copyright] ©2026 Robert Boles. All Rights Reserved.

'Bathtub Shark'

[Streaming Start Date] July 21, 2026 (Tue), 0:00 JST [Price] Rental: ¥999 (tax included) / Viewing period: 2 days [Viewing Page] https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0309657 [Copyright] ©2023 NecroShark Films

'Shaz 51'

[Streaming Start Date] July 21, 2026 (Tue), 0:00 JST [Price] Rental: ¥999 (tax included) / Viewing period: 2 days [Viewing Page] https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0309658 [Copyright] ©RiverTop

'Moze'

[Streaming Start Date] August 2, 2026 (Sun), 0:00 JST [Price] Rental: ¥999 (tax included) / Viewing period: 2 days [Viewing Page] https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0309661 [Copyright] ©MMXXV SRS CINEMA

'Wereskark'

[Streaming Start Date] August 2, 2026 (Sun), 0:00 JST [Price] Rental: ¥999 (tax included) / Viewing period: 2 days [Viewing Page] https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0309671 [Copyright] ©2025 Stratosphere Entertainment

'School Shark Stories'

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Event
Organizations: Wild Eye Releasing / Stratosphere Entertainment / NecroShark Films
Products / services: U-NEXT