Movies Like Strife for Mastery

If you liked Strife for Mastery (1978), a movie directed by Raymond Lui, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
The Forger (2014)
★ 5.8/10
A former child art prodigy and second generation petty thief arranges to buy his way out of prison to spend time with his ailing son, only to be forced to alter his plans and commit one more job for the man who…
2
Violent Ends (2025)
★ 6.2/10
A man raised in a violent crime family struggles to build an honest life with his fiancée but is dragged back into the criminal world after his cousin’s armed robbery leaves an innocent person caught in the crossfire.
3
The Mother (2023)
★ 6.6/10
A deadly female assassin comes out of hiding to protect the daughter that she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men.
4
Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
★ 6.3/10
A corrupt CIA agent Sands hires hitman El Mariachi to assassinate a Mexican general hired by a drug kingpin attempting a coup d'état of the President of Mexico.
5
Find Me Guilty (2006)
★ 6.6/10
Based on the true story of Jack DiNorscio, a mobster who defended himself in court for what would be the longest mafia trial in U.S. history.
6
Cold Pursuit (2019)
★ 5.9/10
The quiet family life of Nels Coxman, a snowplow driver, is upended after his son's murder. Nels begins a vengeful hunt for Viking, the drug lord he holds responsible for the killing, eliminating Viking's associates…
7
The Big Heat (1953)
★ 7.7/10
After the suspicious suicide of a fellow cop, tough homicide detective Dave Bannion takes the law into his own hands when he sets out to smash a vicious crime syndicate.
8
White Heat (1949)
★ 7.7/10
A psychopathic criminal with a mother complex makes a daring break from prison and then leads his old gang in a chemical plant payroll heist. After the heist, events take a crazy turn.
9
The Shipment (2021)
★ 6.7/10
A former U.S. Navy Seal is forced to become the international criminal he once fought against when a powerful and violent drug cartel kidnaps his wife and daughter.
10
A Man Apart (2003)
★ 6.2/10
When Vetter's wife is killed in a botched hit organized by Diablo, he seeks revenge against those responsible. But in the process, Vetter and Hicks have to fight their way up the chain to get to Diablo but it's easier…
11
Robin Hood (1922)
★ 6.4/10
The dashing Earl of Huntingdon excels in courtly life and jousting before King Richard departs for the Crusades. While away, Richard's treacherous brother, Prince John, seizes power and inflicts brutal tyranny on the…
12
Seeking Justice (2011)
★ 5.9/10
After his wife is assaulted, a husband enlists the services of a vigilante group to help him settle the score.
13
The Whisper Man (2026)
★ 6.8/10
When his young son vanishes, a widower enlists help from his estranged father, a retired detective who put away the serial killer now linked to the case.
14
Coffy (1973)
★ 6.6/10
After her younger sister gets involved in drugs and is severely injured by contaminated heroin, a nurse sets out on a mission of vengeance and vigilante justice, killing drug dealers, pimps, and mobsters who cross her…
15
Red Corner (1997)
★ 6.3/10
An American attorney on business in China, ends up wrongfully on trial for murder and his only key to innocence is a female defense lawyer from the country.
16
Underworld U.S.A. (1961)
★ 7.1/10
A bitter young man sets out to get back at the gangsters who murdered his father.
17
Plunder Road (1957)
★ 6.9/10
A spectacular heist starts to unravel as the crooks take it on the lam.
18
They Made Me a Fugitive (1947)
★ 6.6/10
After being framed for a policeman's murder, a criminal escapes prison and sets out for revenge.
19
The Black Book (2023)
★ 6.7/10
After his son is wrongly accused of kidnapping, a deacon who has just lost his wife takes matters into his own hands and fights a crooked police gang to clear him.
20
Thoroughbreds (2018)
★ 6.4/10
Lily and Amanda, two high school students living in suburban Connecticut, rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of drifting apart. Together, they devise a plan to kill Lily's abusive stepfather by hiring a…