Donning a timeless leather jacket, John Shaft has strutted through five decades of cinema with undeniable swagger. From Richard Roundtree's street-smart original to Samuel L. Jackson's bombastic portrayal and the techno-savvy 2019 reboot, this franchise has leapt boldly across eras. Even the often-overlooked 1973 Shaft television series, which only lasted seven episodes, deserves respect, having brought unprecedented style to small screens despite losing some of the film's edge.
Based on the novel series by Ernest Tidyman, what began as a private detective's mission in Harlem evolved through jet-setting kidnappings, family reunions, and generational alliances, always wrapped in attitude. Each entry brought a fresh energy to the franchise, rooted in classic cool. So, let's step into the Shaft canon to appreciate how each entry builds on the legacy. Here's how to watch all Shaft movies in order.
Shaft (1971)
The story begins with private detective John Shaft prowling Harlem with purpose and a whole lot of attitude. When a notorious crime boss hires him to find his kidnapped daughter, Shaft dives deep into the criminal underworld, taking on the Italian mob, rival gangs, and the NYPD with equal parts brains and bravado. The film weaves through smoky bars, cluttered backrooms, and shadowy rooftops, where Shaft uses fists, wit, and pure presence to get what he needs.
More than just a detective story, Shaft redefined cool at a time when Hollywood rarely handed Black leads this kind of power. Shaft became a cultural milestone, with critics praising its style, Richard Roundtree's performance as the titular hero, and the unforgettable score, which earned the film an Oscar and a place in cinematic history. It's still considered a foundational film for both the blaxploitation era and modern Black action heroes.
Shaft's Big Score! (1972)
This time around, Shaft isn't solving a kidnapping. Instead, he's diving into a deadly power struggle in the Harlem underworld. When a close friend is murdered, and $250,000 goes missing, Shaft finds himself caught between rival gangs, dirty cops, and mobsters looking to cash in. He navigates upscale apartments, seedy funeral homes, all while keeping his cool and dodging bullets. As the stakes rise, so does the action.
Shaft's Big Score! traded in some of the first film's noir grit for sleeker, bigger set pieces and more explosive confrontations. As a result, it received a more mixed response, with some critics stating that the film missed the original's tighter storytelling, while others appreciated the amped-up action and gloss. Still, audiences showed up, and Roundtree remained a magnetic central character. It's a super fun, fast-moving follow-up that doubles down on scale, if not intimacy.
Shaft in Africa (1973)
In his third big-screen outing, Shaft goes international. Recruited by a mysterious agency, he heads to Africa to expose a human trafficking ring smuggling laborers into Europe. Disguised as a local, Shaft infiltrates the operation from within while dodging assassins, navigating betrayals, and outwitting sadistic villains with spy gadgets and unshakable confidence. Shaft in Africa trades Harlem's familiar streets for espionage-style storytelling.
While not as well-received as its predecessors, the movie, which basically turns the titular hero into a globe-trotting operative, has earned a cult following for taking a bold swing with the story. At the time of its release, critics were split on its tone, but many praised its ambition. While it may stray from the franchise's roots, it offers a refreshing (if uneven) change of scenery.
Shaft (2000)
Fast-forward to the early 2000s, and John Shaft II (Samuel L. Jackson), nephew of the original character, is running things now. After a racially motivated murder, Shaft quits the NYPD to pursue justice on his own terms, targeting a privileged killer and a ruthless drug lord. As he hunts them down, he crosses paths with his uncle (Roundtree), and together they bridge generations to confront corrupt systems and family legacy.
It's slick, fast-talking, and full of that early-2000s action flair, with street chases, shootouts, and Jackson's signature verbal takedowns. The Shaft reboot was a box office hit, which was due in large part to a solid story complete with an homage to the 1971 film, and Jackson brilliantly taking the lead as the titular character. Critics had a mixed response to the film's change in tone, but fans embraced the update, crediting the movie with bringing the franchise back into the spotlight.
Shaft (2019)
This Shaft movie follows millennial FBI analyst John "J.J." Shaft III (Jessie T. Usher), who reconnects with his estranged dad, John Shaft II (Jackson), when a friend's suspicious overdose becomes a suspected murder. Reluctantly teaming up to investigate, the father-son duo uncovers a conspiracy tied to cybercrime, drug cartels, and a shady rehab empire. Along the way, they recruit the OG Shaft (Roundtree), turning the investigation into a family affair.
It's a buddy-comedy-action hybrid that leans into generational culture clashes and playful jabs, which results in the stakes sometimes taking a back seat to banter. Critics weren't sold on the tonal mashup, calling it uneven and overly comedic. But audiences found fun in the generational dynamic and sharp dialogue. Though it stumbled at the box office, streaming and an overall love for the Shaft legacy has kept it alive.
Where To Watch All 'Shaft' Movies In Order
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