Dana Point hosts 50th anniversary “Jaws” showing at Baby Beach in Dana Point

It’s a ’70s-era film that traumatized a generation.

Following the release of “Jaws,” many a beachgoer thought twice about going in the water.

But 50 years later, the blockbuster is a fan favorite — a screening Sunday night at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor drew about 250 people to watch the Steven Spielberg film on a big temporary screen under the stars.

Some even bravely watched the film with their legs and toes dangling into the salt water while sitting on floaties, others on stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.

“It was a nice mix of families, friend groups, and couples. The city thought it would be a perfect fall addition this year, especially with ‘Jaws’ celebrating its 50th anniversary,” Melissa Murairam, interim director of community services, said about the free beachfront movie night Dana Point hosted. “The film holds a nostalgic charm for many, and it was clear the crowd was savoring every moment.”

At the end of the film, the crowd erupted in applause.

The film is experiencing a resurgence due to its 50th anniversary, with showings happening across the country.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles currently has an exhibit showcasing the film, with museum educators hosting 30-minute guided tours of “Jaws: The Exhibition” on Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 6.

It is the first-ever exhibition of its scale at the museum, focused exclusively on a single film, and the largest mounted exhibition ever for “Jaws,” an Oscar-winning film from Universal Pictures.

“The exhibition dives deep into the film’s production history and explores its enduring impact,” museum officials said. “Jaws became the first summer blockbuster, forever changing the movie industry.”