Day Shift is a new Hollywood film that just started streaming on Netflix. Starring Jamie Foxx in the lead role, it’s a vampire action comedy film directed by J. J. Perry. It shows Jamie as Bud Jablonski, a blue-collar father who provides for his family with manual labor. While he keeps a front of a boring pool-cleaning job, he secretly works as a vampire hunter for a union. While horror is what the film aims to present with the vampires, it largely depends on its action extravaganza filled with blood and gore.
If you enjoyed this action-packed buddy film, here are 6 films that you should watch:
1. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
In Day Shift, we come across a bromance between Jamie’s character and that of Dave Franco, and also of Snoop Dogg. Keeping that in mind, From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) is an excellent choice that stars the dynamic duo of George Clooney & Quentin Tarantino and shows them as vampire hunting partners (and brothers) on a killing spree. Written by Tarantino himself, it features his iconic style of dialogues along with the signature directorial style of Robert Rodriguez. His penchant for hyper-stylized camera movements, immaculate compositions and sound reflects in this film and heightens the level of entertainment.
Not just that, if you enjoyed the action from the Jamie Foxx film, From Dusk Till Dawn will surely prove to be a cinematic treat for you. It deals with the subject of faith in relation to blood-thirsty vampires, which is another layer you might want to watch the film for.
Related to Day Shift on Netflix – Every Quentin Tarantino Movie Ranked
2. The Lost Boys (1987)
Before he became popular for the American drama series – 24, Kiefer Sutherland was known for his turn as a sexy, young vampire from a suburban town. The Lost Boys (1987) has the kind of old-world charm that the makers of Stranger Things would be dying to imitate! It shows the story of two brothers who move to a small town along with their single mother and get sucked into the world of bikers, vampires, and vampire hunters. From costumes to its synth soundtrack, the teenage drama deals with vampire hunting in a dreamy style that creates a moody atmosphere throughout its runtime. The film is exceptionally shot by Michael Chapman, which makes it a visual treat.
The relationship between vampires and humans explored in Day Shift is also visible in the 1987 film, which is another reason that makes it a great recommendation in the same vein.
3. John Wick (2014)
I know, I know. John Wick is not a film about vampire hunting. But, just like Jamie Foxx’s character from Day Shift, John Wick goes against a formidable group of enemies for an extremely personal motive. While one has the charisma of Foxx, the other has an inimitable charm of Reeves who makes you root for his character in a tale of vengeance. The brain behind the action and direction of John Wick, Chad Stahelski, is one of the producers on Day Shift. So the tastefully choreographed fight sequences from this new Netflix release will surely remind you of the elaborate action scenes from John Wick. With an additional benefit of its impeccable set pieces, it surely amps the drama solely with the way its fights are orchestrated.
If you loved this aspect of the new Netflix release and are looking for something in the same zone, the 2014 action thriller certainly makes up a great choice.
Related to Day Shift on Netflix – John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum Review
4. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
The Edgar Wright film, Shaun of the Dead (2004) isn’t about vampires but zombies. However, that doesn’t stop it from being something that would interest you if you liked Day Shift. It has the fantastic buddy duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost at the center, who keep the humor intact throughout the film’s duration. The urge to keep his loved ones closer amidst the crazy situation they fall into – is something that connects it directly with Day Shift. And of course, when you have Edgar Wright at the helm of the project, entertainment is guaranteed with its unique editing, sound, and shot choices.
So the 2004 film about zombies would be of interest to you if you enjoyed Day Shift as an amusing buddy flick filled with bits of comedy and if you rooted for its protagonist for his motives rooted in a familial bond.
5. Blade (1998)
The vampire hunting narrative is blended in with a superhero thriller in the 1998 film, Blade – where Wesley Snipes graces the screen in the titular role. His character is part vampire and part mortal – while his job is to protect humans as a vampire hunter. What we get through this film similar to Day Shift is its focus on hyperviolent action. While it is set largely in the luminous night time unlike the bright & sunny California from Day Shift, it amplifies a stylistic persona that becomes its highlight. And while it doesn’t rise to the level of emotional depths of a Michael Mann film, it surely reminds you of his work due to the lighting choices.
While Blade remains to be a no-brainer, silly entertaining flick, what is irresistible about it is the look it achieves. So if you liked Day Shift for similar reasons, this would be a perfect choice for you.
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6. Vampire’s Kiss (1988)
If you liked the blend of horror and comedy from Day Shift, you should definitely consider watching Vampire’s Kiss, which brings an absurd brand of humor and takes the comic element, several notches higher. After all, it features ‘the Nicholas Cage’, whose raw magnetism blends in with his staggeringly compelling performance that is bound to keep you glued to the screen. Before American Psycho, he brewed a brand of psychotic absurdity that is impossible to replicate. This strange, strange film is a must-watch if you are a fan of the hilarious insanity of Cage. Featuring vampires along with him in the backdrop of corporate America, Vampire’s Kiss becomes a ravishing entertainer that will surely keep you at the edge of your seats.
Just remember to be ready for a bonkers film that will stay unpredictable due to its insane plot and its creepy protagonist – who keeps reinventing himself every step of the way. It’s just a strange film that can be enjoyed for its strangeness alone.
Also Read: Day Shift (2022): Movie Review & Ending Explained
DAY SHIFT IS NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX. STREAM IT Here
