7 Must-Watch Movies Following Netflix’s ‘The Shadow Strays’

2024/10/25

The gripping Netflix action movie, The Shadow Strays, helmed by Timo Tjahjanto, features a formidable 17-year-old assassin, Codename 13 (Aurora Ribero). In a daring move, she breaks away from her directives to rescue an 11-year-old boy named Monji from the clutches of a ruthless crime organization.

This exhilarating storyline delves into the themes of loyalty and redemption as she faces off against her previous mentor, Umbra (Hana Malasan), and the covert group that molded her into an assassin. With impressive visuals and a captivating storyline, The Shadow Strays has quickly captured the attention of moviegoers.

If you’re craving more exhilarating fight scenes featuring hand-to-hand combat, films such as The Night Comes for Us and The Raid series offer comparable thrills alongside breathtaking action choreography.

Action Movies You’ll Love If The Shadow Strays Captivated You: The Night Comes for Us, The Raid, and More

1) The Night Comes for Us (2018)

A still from The Night Comes For Us (Image via Netflix)

The intense Indonesian film The Night Comes for Us, also directed by Timo Tjahjanto, follows Ito (Joe Taslim), a former Triad enforcer on a fierce mission to save a young girl named Reina (Asha Kenyeri Bermudez) from his own criminal gang.

As he grapples with brutal hitmen, including his former partner Arian (Iko Uwais), the film climaxes in a gripping scenario where loyalty and betrayal collide, punctuated by breathtaking fight sequences. Given that both The Night Comes for Us and The Shadow Strays come from Tjahjanto’s visionary direction, viewers can expect shared themes of redemption and electrifying combat.

Fans of The Shadow Strays will definitely appreciate the film’s exhilarating conflict and emotional stakes, enhancing the viewing experience with thrilling intensity.

2) The Raid (2012)

A still from The Raid (Image via PT Merantau Films)

The critically acclaimed action film The Raid, directed by Gareth Evans, showcases rookie officer Rama (Iko Uwais) leading a tactical unit on a daring mission to infiltrate a skyscraper controlled by the merciless drug lord, Tama (Ray Sahetapy).

What starts as a straightforward operation devolves into chaos as the team finds themselves trapped and significantly outnumbered, fighting their way through an overwhelming number of criminals. Audiences commend the rapid pace and remarkable martial arts choreography, establishing The Raid as a benchmark for the action genre.

This film’s emphasis on teamwork and survival aligns closely with the gritty essence of The Shadow Strays, attracting those who seek high-octane fights and engaging storylines. Fans of The Shadow Strays are likely to be captivated by the intense action sequences and high-stakes narrative of this classic.

3) Monkey Man (2024)

A still from Monkey Man (Image via Universal Pictures)

Marking Dev Patel’s directorial debut, Monkey Man tells the gripping story of a young man, Kid (played by Patel), who dons a monkey mask to navigate the perilous world of underground fighting while plotting brutal revenge against the corrupt elites responsible for his mother’s death.

Taking place in the city of Yatana, the narrative follows Kid’s journey filled with revenge and redemption as he confronts the villainous Baba Shakti (Makrand Deshpande) and the merciless police chief Rana Singh (Sikandar Kher).

With its raw and riveting action plus emotional depth, Monkey Man draws parallels to The Shadow Strays, as both narratives highlight the struggles of underdogs against systemic corruption. Those who enjoyed The Shadow Strays will likely be engrossed in Monkey Man’s explosive combat scenes and touching storyline, making it essential viewing for action film enthusiasts.

4) Oldboy (2003)

A still from Oldboy (Image via Show East)

The iconic film Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, tells the haunting tale of Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), a businessman who is mysteriously imprisoned in a room for 15 grueling years without explanation. Upon his sudden release, he embarks on a quest for vengeance against his captor, Lee Woo-jin (Yoo Ji-tae).

As Dae-su untangles a web of deceit and shocking truths, audiences are drawn to the film’s deep exploration of retribution and its psychological ramifications. This is exemplified by unforgettable scenes, including the legendary hallway fight.

Much like The Shadow Strays, Oldboy dives into intense emotional conflicts and gripping combat, making it an excellent pick for those who revel in intricate storytelling.

5) John Wick (2014)

A still from John Wick (Image via Lionsgate)

The high-octane action movie John Wick (2014), directed by Chad Stahelski, features Keanu Reeves as the legendary assassin who re-enters the fray to seek vengeance after a group of Russian gangsters brutally kills his puppy, a final gift from his deceased wife.

The film explores dark themes of vengeance set within the cutthroat world of assassins, illustrating John Wick’s relentless quest for revenge. Wick’s pursuit is merciless, leading to a rising body count as he eliminates everyone in his way.

Audiences are captivated by the film’s meticulously choreographed action sequences. A fitting companion to The Shadow Strays, John Wick offers an engaging narrative filled with themes of retribution and survival, making it an excellent choice for those on the lookout for action-packed thrills.

6) Nobody (2021)

A still from Nobody (Image via Universal Pictures)

The exhilarating thriller Nobody (2021), directed by Ilya Naishuller, features Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, an overlooked family man whose ordinary life takes a drastic turn following a home invasion.

When two burglars break into his home, Hutch initially restrains himself to maintain peace. However, this event awakens a long-suppressed fury that reveals his lethal capabilities and dark history as an auditor for dangerous individuals.

As he faces off against a Russian crime lord (Aleksey Serebryakov) to protect his family, audiences are drawn to the film’s sleek action and inventive choreography, echoing the emotions explored in The Shadow Strays. Both films emphasize themes of revenge and redemption, making Nobody an ideal follow-up.

7) The Equalizer (2014)

A still from The Equalizer (Image via Sony Pictures Releasing)

The action-packed film The Equalizer (2014), directed by Antoine Fuqua, stars Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a retired black ops agent seeking tranquility in Boston.

However, his life takes a turn when he encounters Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a distressed young woman entangled with a violent Russian trafficker. Fuelled by a protective instinct, McCall taps into his lethal skills to dismantle the criminal network.

The film’s compelling action and McCall’s moral compass resonate with themes of justice and salvation, akin to the narrative in The Shadow Strays. Both films chronicle the journey of an outsider battling against corruption, making this an appealing choice for viewers who enjoy intricate narratives and action-packed confrontations.

For anyone who was captivated by the relentless action and emotional depth of The Shadow Strays, these seven films promise to keep the adrenaline high and the heart racing long after the final credits.

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