In the intense Netflix action film The Shadow Strays, directed by Timo Tjahjanto, a fierce 17-year-old assassin known as Codename 13 (Aurora Ribero) defies her orders to save an 11-year-old boy named Monji from a merciless crime syndicate.
This thrilling narrative explores themes of loyalty and redemption as she confronts her former mentor, Umbra (Hana Malasan), along with the secretive organization that trained her. With its striking visuals and engaging plot, The Shadow Strays has rapidly gained popularity among audiences.
For those seeking more intense hand-to-hand combat fight scenes, movies like The Night Comes for Us and The Raid series provide a similar excitement along with cinematic and jaw-dropping action sequences.
The Night Comes for Us, The Raid, and 5 other action movies to watch if you liked The Shadow Strays
1) The Night Comes for Us (2018)
In the action-packed Indonesian film The Night Comes for Us, directed by Timo Tjahjanto, a former Triad enforcer named Ito (played by Joe Taslim) embarks on a fierce quest to rescue a young girl, Reina (Asha Kenyeri Bermudez) from his own gang.
As he confronts ruthless hitmen, including his old ally Arian (Iko Uwais), the movie presents a harsh blend of loyalty and treachery, featuring stunning fight scenes. With both The Night Comes for Us and The Shadow Strays created by Tjahjanto, viewers can anticipate similar elements of redemption and thrilling action.
Those who enjoyed The Shadow Strays will find that the intense battles and emotional stakes in this film add to the visceral experience, making it an ideal watch with high-energy thrills.
2) The Raid (2012)
In the action classic The Raid, directed by Gareth Evans, rookie officer Rama (Iko Uwais) heads a tactical team on a bold mission to infiltrate a high-rise building ruled by the merc drug lord, Tama (Ray Sahetapy).
What begins as a simple operation soon descends into chaos as the squad finds themselves cornered and outnumbered, compelling them to battle through a horde of criminals. Viewers praise the film's relentless tempo and impressive martial arts sequences, establishing it as a standard for action movies.
With its focus on survival and teamwork, The Raid resonates with the gritty atmosphere of The Shadow Strays, appealing to fans who seek thrilling fights and emotional depth. Those who enjoyed The Shadow Strays will likely be drawn to this movie’s intense combat scenes and high-stakes narrative.
3) Monkey Man (2024)
Monkey Man marks Dev Patel's debut as a director. The intense story revolves around a young man known as Kid (portrayed by Patel). He wears a monkey mask to compete in illegal fighting rings while devising a brutal scheme for revenge against the corrupt elite who caused his mother's death.
Set in the city of Yatana, Kid's path is driven by themes of revenge and redemption as he confronts the malevolent Baba Shakti (Makrand Deshpande) and the merciless police chief Rana Singh (Sikandar Kher).
The film captivates viewers with its raw action and emotional resonance, drawing comparisons to The Shadow Strays, as both films explore the struggles of underdogs against systemic corruption. Those who appreciated The Shadow Strays will likely find Monkey Man's explosive fight scenes and touching storyline equally engaging, making it a must-see for fans of action cinema.
4) Oldboy (2003)
In the cult classic Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, the gripping narrative follows Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), a businessman who is abducted and confined in a mysterious room for an agonizing 15 years without any explanation. When he is suddenly freed, he sets off on a path of revenge against his captor, Lee Woo-jin (Yoo Ji-tae).
Dae-su uncovers a sinister network of deception and shocking realities along the way. Viewers are drawn to the film’s profound themes of retribution and the psychological impact it endures. This is highlighted by unforgettable scenes such as the iconic hallway fight.
Similar to The Shadow Strays, Oldboy delves into intense emotional stakes and harrowing combat, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the complex storytelling of The Shadow Strays.
5) John Wick (2014)
The adrenaline-fueled action film John Wick (2014), directed by Chad Stahelski, starred Keanu Reeves as the legendary assassin John Wick, who comes out of retirement to exact retribution when a group of Russian gangsters viciously kill his puppy—the last present from his departed bride.
The film also has dark themes of vengeance in the competitive world of assassins- a concept that emphasizes John Wick's fervent crusade against those who have done him ill. Wick is ruthless in his pursuit of vengeance, and by the time he dispatches everyone standing between him and revenge, the body count skyrockets.
Audiences are enraptured with its well-choreographed action scenes. A good complement to The Shadow Strays, John Wick has an engaging revenge and survival storyline, making it the perfect choice for anyone seeking action-packed excitement.
6) Nobody (2021)
In the exciting thrill ride Nobody (2021), directed by Ilya Naishuller, Bob Odenkirk steps into the shoes of Hutch Mansell, an underestimated family man whose mundane life takes a wild turn after a home invasion.
When two petty thieves break in, Hutch holds back, trying to keep the peace. However, this sparks a long-buried rage that unleashes his lethal skills and dark past as an auditor for dangerous people.
As he battles a Russian crime lord (Aleksey Serebryakov) to reclaim his family's safety, fans get drawn to the film's slick action and clever choreography, reminiscent of The Shadow Strays. Both films explore themes of revenge and redemption, making Nobody a perfect follow-up.
7) The Equalizer (2014)
The action-packed movie The Equalizer, released in 2014, was directed by Antoine Fuqua. Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a retired black ops agent looking for a quiet life in Boston.
But things change for him when he meets Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a vulnerable young woman controlled by a brutal Russian trafficker. McCall's inclination to protect comes to light, leading him to employ his lethal skills to take down the criminal organization.
Audiences are attracted to the movie's compelling action sequences and McCall's ethical compass, which mirrors concepts of fairness and salvation. Just like The Shadow Strays, The Equalizer explores the tale of an outsider fighting against dishonesty, making it a great pick for fans of the emotional complexity and thrilling struggles in both movies.
For those who loved the relentless action and emotional depth of The Shadow Strays, diving into these seven films will keep the adrenaline pumping and the heart racing long after the credits roll.