Piranha (1978)

If you’re fishing for a Jaws (1975) rip-off, fasten your hook on Piranha (1978), not to be confused with the Italian crime flick Piranhas (2019). This R rated pic tows the line between satisfying exploitation thriller and self-referential joke-fest while finding time to throw in some sexy skin for good measure! Those measurements are provided by the chesty charms of Janie Squire of Cheerleaders Wild Weekend (1979) fame. As Barbara, the blonde babe doffs her duds to go skinny-dipping. The skintastic act means we get to see her bare buoys and bearded clam. By the looks of her brunette bush, it’s apparent the carpet doesn’t match the curtains. Meanwhile, the military has been genetically altering piranhas into intelligent killing machines. When the sea-beasts are mistakenly freed into a river that lets out at a camp, a bevy of bathing beauties are in danger. Yes, the seafood wants to eat it raw in this scaly chiller diller that’s sure to make a splash in your pants. The B-movie includes appearances by scream queen Barbara Steele as well as Kevin McCarthy from the sci-fi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). Breast of all, the body double for Heather Menzies flashes her rack! No wonder why this box office hit inspired Piranha Part Two: The Spawning (1981). It also spawned the remake Piranha (1995) and the sequels Piranha 3D (2010) and Piranha 3DD (2012). If that’s not proof of the topic’s popularity, check out Piranha Women (2022). Needless to say, this fish has legs!