Today is the 40th anniversary of the release of the original summer blockbuster, Jaws.

So, in its honour, we decided to rank some of the best summer blockbusters in modern cinema.  Now, before you start screaming in the comments section that we left out Lord of the Rings or Titanic, remember - this is SUMMER blockbusters. Not winter blockbusters. Although judging by Irish summers, you'd hardly be able to tell the difference.

 

10. JURASSIC PARK (1993)

If you haven't watched Jurassic World yet, do give it a watch as it's a nice little reminder of just how good the original was. Who remembers the first time you saw that ripple in the glass of water? Or the raptors in the kitchen? What about Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill?!


9. INCEPTION (2010)

A film so good, we had to see it twice. And three times. Well, actually four. Just to make sure we got it. It's been three years and we still don't know if the spinning top fell at the end. It looked like it was about to fall, didn't it? All together now! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRM.

8. PREDATOR (1987)

It may be cheesy. It may be silly. But Predator is just too good not to mention. Also, with cast member Carl Weathers and Arrested Development back on our screens this summer, it's as good a reason as any. Also, fun fact: Shane Black, the guy who directed Iron Man 3, had a cameo as one of the squad members. Remember - if it bleeds, we can kill it.

7. GLADIATOR (2000)

Russell Crowe is always a staple in summer blockbusters. Last year, it was Noah. The year before that it was Man of Steel. After all, he's no stranger to it, leading the cast of this modern classic. Jaoquin Phoenix, as well, turns in a fantastic performance as Emperor Commodus and it was also acting legend Oliver Reed's last role, who died during production. His remaining scenes had to be digitally edited in order to complete the film.

 

6. TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY (1991)

I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.

5. THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)

More than anything else, The Dark Knight showed mainstream cinemagoers that comic-book films could be thought-provoking, emotionally-charged films that deserved to be taken seriously. Heath Ledger's career-best performance as The Joker, Christopher Nolan's incredibly directed setpieces, the soundtrack, the story - it had it all.

4. BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)

It's endlessly quotable, it's got Huey Lewis & The News and a DeLorean. What's not to love about this film?

3. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)

Nobody mention Shia LeBeouf. That last film didn't happen.

2. STAR WARS (1977)

You can't even broach the subject of 'blockbusters' without mentioning this. If Jaws was the first blockbuster, Star Wars was the film that proved it wasn't a fluke. In a break from tradition, JJ Abrams has opted to release The Force Awakens in December, which we feel is a bit of a letdown - but hey, it's more Star Wars so that's a good thing. Just don't mention the prequel trilogy with Hayden Christensen. Remember him? Remember when he was going to be the next big thing? Yeah, that didn't pan out well at all.

1. JAWS (1975)

It gave us Steven Spielberg, Richard Dreyfuss, the best monologue ever written / spoken and, arguably, the most complete thriller ever made. Smile, you son of a--