If you loved the slick action, sharp dialogue, and undeniable cool of Shaft (2000), you're in for a treat. This article rounds up 10 movies and shows that capture the same gritty energy, stylish swagger, and thrilling crime drama that made Shaft a modern classic. Whether you're craving more tough-talking detectives, urban crime sagas, or just a dose of badassery, these picks will keep you hooked.
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Description: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of South Central Los Angeles, highlighting the struggles of young Black men navigating systemic violence and poverty.
Fact: John Singleton became the youngest person and the first African American to be nominated for the Best Director Oscar for this film.
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Menace II Society (1993)
Description: A raw and unflinching portrayal of life in the inner city, dealing with themes of violence, survival, and the cyclical nature of crime.
Fact: The directors, the Hughes Brothers, were only in their early 20s when they made this film. It was shot on a budget of $
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Above the Rim (1994)
Description: A sports drama with crime elements, centered around a talented basketball player who gets caught between street life and his dreams.
Fact: The film features an early performance by Tupac Shakur. The soundtrack includes contributions from several prominent hip-hop artists.
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Clockers (1995)
Description: A crime drama that examines the lives of low-level drug dealers in Brooklyn, focusing on the pressures and moral dilemmas they face.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Richard Price, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Spike Lee was initially set to direct but later stepped down.
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Dead Presidents (1995)
Description: A crime drama that follows a Vietnam War veteran who turns to heists to provide for his family, blending action with social commentary on post-war life.
Fact: The title refers to the slang term for U.S. currency, which features portraits of dead presidents. The film's soundtrack includes classic soul and funk tracks.
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Set It Off (1996)
Description: A heist film with a focus on female protagonists, blending action with social commentary on race, class, and gender in urban America.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life bank robbery committed by women. It was a box office success and has since become a cult classic.
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Training Day (2001)
Description: A gritty crime drama that explores the moral complexities of law enforcement in an urban setting, featuring intense character dynamics and a focus on street-level justice.
Fact: The film was shot in just 42 days, and many of the locations were real neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Denzel Washington won an Oscar for his performance.
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Belly (1998)
Description: A visually stylized crime film that explores the lives of two friends involved in the drug trade, blending urban realism with cinematic flair.
Fact: The film was directed by Hype Williams, who was primarily known for his work in music videos. It features a soundtrack with contributions from DMX and Nas.
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Paid in Full (2002)
Description: A street-level crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of a young drug dealer in Harlem, emphasizing loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of ambition.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the lives of real-life Harlem drug dealers from the 1980s. It has since gained a cult following.
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American Gangster (2007)
Description: A biographical crime film that delves into the rise and fall of a Harlem drug lord, showcasing the intersection of crime, power, and law enforcement.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Frank Lucas, who smuggled heroin into the U.S. in the coffins of soldiers killed in Vietnam.
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