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Shaft

2000·Movie
1h 39min·R
57
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb6.0Metacritic506.3Rotten Tomatoes67%40%
IMDb6.0Metacritic506.3Rotten Tomatoes67%40%

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fuboTVMGM+Paramount+Philo

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Shaft fingerprint

High energy, striking style, light on feelings.

Energy

Brutally violent and thrilling

Fast from start to finish.

  • Violence9
  • Adrenaline8
  • Fast Pace8

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Catharsis6
  • Hopefulness5
  • Pathos4

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Dark Humor4
  • Physical Comedy3

World

Crime and everyday modern life

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Intrigue8
  • Direction7
  • Acting7

Style

Standout editing

  • Editing8
  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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Graphic violence bothers youYou want something quiet and calm

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Still the man, any questions?

New York police detective John Shaft arrests Walter Wade Jr. for a racially motivated slaying. But the only eyewitness disappears, and Wade jumps bail for Switzerland. Two years later Wade returns to face trial, confident his money and influence will get him acquitted -- especially since he's paid a drug kingpin to kill the witness.
Gritty Crime DramaNew York CityCynical DetectiveFast-Paced ActionBlaxploitation RevivalMoral AmbiguityStreet-Level JusticeCorrupt System

Crew

Directed by:
John Singleton, Bruce Franklin, Julie A. Bloom
Written by:
John Singleton, John Singleton, Shane Salerno
Produced by:
John Singleton, Scott Rudin, Joseph E. Iberti
Composed by:
Isaac Hayes, David Arnold

Sequels and Prequels

GoodWatch57
Poster for Shaft

Media

Questions about Shaft

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Shaft legally?

fuboTVMGM+Paramount+PhiloKanopyHooplaStarz

Shaft is included with a subscription to fuboTV, Paramount+, Philo, and MGM+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Shaft worth watching?

57
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 57/100 (IMDb 6, Rotten Tomatoes 67%, and Metacritic 50). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Shaft rated?

RViolenceStrong languageDrug use

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.

How long is Shaft?

1 h 39 min

Shaft runs 1 h 39 min.

Is Shaft based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on Shaft?

Critics59
Audiences54

Yes. Critics average 59 and audiences 54 out of 100, so both groups see Shaft much the same way.

Was Shaft a box office hit?

Budget$46 million
Box office$108 million

Yes. It cost about $46 million to make and earned $108 million worldwide, 2.3 times its budget.

What language is Shaft in?

EnglishSpanishGerman

It was made in English, with some Spanish, German. Produced in United States, Germany.

In how many countries can I watch Shaft?

128ADAEAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBG+114

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Shaft in 128 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Shaft use?

Hollywood HealingBragging Theme TuneMafia PrincessCurse Cut ShortCold CashBig "SHUT UP!"Protagonist TitlePolitically Incorrect HeroIronic EchoTV Telephone EtiquetteAdaptational Nice GuyEstablishing Character Momentand 31 more

TV Tropes lists 43 storytelling tropes for Shaft, including Hollywood Healing, Bragging Theme Tune, Mafia Princess.