Shaft (2000)
A New York detective hunts a privileged killer, navigating a gritty underworld where justice is bought and sold.
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.
How intense is Shaft?
Shaft is not scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Shaft feels like
- Tone
- grittypulpyhigh octanesuspenseful
- Pace
- Brisk
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Shaft
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 9, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Shaft for you?
Is Shaft scary?
No. Shaft is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Shaft gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Shaft sad or heavy?
A little. There is some emotional weight (1 of 3), but it is not a heavy watch.
Is Shaft OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is Shaft?
Shaft runs 1h 39m.
Where can I stream Shaft?
Shaft is streaming on Paramount+, MGM+ and Starz.
Does Shaft have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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