Shaft (2019)
A cyber security expert navigates Harlem's gritty underbelly with his legendary, estranged father.
JJ, aka John Shaft Jr., may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, he needs an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly.
How intense is Shaft?
Shaft has light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch and a party watch. The humor runs dry and broad. Rated R.
What Shaft feels like
- Tone
- grittypulpydarkly comic
- Pace
- Brisk
- Humor
- dry and witty, broad and big
- Best for
- Full attentionParty
Where to stream Shaft
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 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 51m.
Where can I stream Shaft?
Shaft is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Shaft have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves things open rather than tying them up.
Cast and crew
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