The Denzel Washington Equalizer franchise is experiencing renewed popularity as the original films climb the streaming charts on Paramount+. The action series, led by Washington in a gripping vigilante role, continues to attract both longtime fans and new viewers eager to see the acclaimed actor in a dominant performance.
How Denzel Washington Revitalized The Equalizer Series
Denzel Washington, celebrated for his commanding roles in films such as Malcolm X, transitioned successfully into gritty action territory in recent years. His turn as Robert McCall—a disciplined, morally driven ex-Marine and former Defense Intelligence Agency officer—brought fresh life to a property that began as a 1980s television series starring Edward Woodward. Washington’s reinterpretation of the lead character, who uses his skills to help those unable to protect themselves, quickly resonated with moviegoers.
The first film, The Equalizer, directed by Antoine Fuqua and released in 2014, introduced audiences to this modern take on McCall. The cast featured Chloë Grace Moretz as Teri, a vulnerable teenager targeted by dangerous Russian mobsters, as well as Bill Pullman, Marton Csokas, and David Harbour in significant roles. Fuqua’s collaboration with Washington proved successful, given their earlier work together on Training Day.
“Robert McCall (Washington), a man of mysterious origin who believes he has put the past behind him, dedicates himself to creating a quiet new life. However, when he meets Teri (Moretz), a teenager who has been manhandled by violent Russian mobsters, he simply cannot walk away. With his set of formidable skills, McCall comes out of self-imposed retirement and emerges as an avenging angel, ready to take down anyone who brutalizes the helpless.”
The Equalizer was produced on a $55 million budget and earned $192 million worldwide, signaling strong box office performance. While critics issued a moderate 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences responded more warmly with a 77% approval score. The movie’s blend of intense action and Washington’s signature gravitas sparked immediate discussions about potential sequels.
The Equalizer 2: Mixed Reactions But Steady Box Office
Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington teamed up again for The Equalizer 2 in 2018. Despite expectations for a bigger critical hit, the sequel replicated the first film’s audience turnout but saw diminished profit margins—a $62 million budget led to $190 million in global earnings, nearly identical to its predecessor.
Critical and audience reactions shifted, with a divided consensus: critics awarded a 52% score while audiences gave 62% on Rotten Tomatoes. The storyline in The Equalizer 2 sees McCall seeking justice for the murder of his best friend and colleague, Susan Plummer, which propels him into confrontation with a lethal group of assassins. The movie’s approach leaned more into the familiar territory of vigilante thrillers, and even with Washington’s compelling screen presence and Fuqua’s direction, some viewers felt the narrative offered fewer surprises than the original.
Still, the reliable performance of the sequel at the box office affirmed the franchise’s appeal, particularly among devoted fans of Washington’s work.
Ongoing Success and Streaming Resurgence
Surprisingly, 2023’s The Equalizer 3 matched its forerunners at the box office by earning $190 million worldwide. Notably, this installment achieved a remarkable 94% audience approval, reflecting renewed interest and positive word of mouth. The return of characters and creative talent underscored the franchise’s resilience and persistent audience demand.
Paramount+ has played a significant role in revitalizing the series, with both The Equalizer and The Equalizer 2 ranking in the sixth and seventh places on the platform’s trending list. As streaming services introduce the original movies to broader viewership, the prospects for additional sequels continue to grow. The Equalizer 3’s success and strong streaming numbers may be the impetus needed for a fourth entry in the Denzel Washington Equalizer franchise, as audiences continue to engage with McCall’s intense, morality-fueled adventures.
Key figures from the franchise, including Marton Csokas, David Harbour, Bill Pullman, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Pedro Pascal, have contributed to its global appeal. The creative collaboration between writers Richard Wenk, Richard Lindheim, and Michael Sloan, along with director Antoine Fuqua, has been vital in sustaining the movies’ distinctive tone. As viewers rediscover the franchise’s blend of compelling action and complex characters, The Equalizer’s prominence on streaming charts indicates that the story of Robert McCall and his relentless pursuit of justice still captures public imagination—and may drive the Denzel Washington Equalizer franchise to new chapters in the near future.
