Denzel Washington action movie The Equalizer on Netflix is now available for streaming, offering fans a chance to revisit the thrilling franchise starter before Washington’s next big-screen appearance in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest. The Equalizer, originally inspired by the 1980s television series that featured Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, delivers a high-octane story of redemption and justice, now accessible on the streaming platform.
The Film That Started a Blockbuster Franchise
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, who previously collaborated with Denzel Washington on the award-winning Training Day, The Equalizer adaptation first hit theaters with critical and commercial success. The film grossed $192 million globally from a production budget between $55 and $73 million, earning a 61% fresh rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a character reinvented from Woodward’s portrayal, bringing gravitas and intensity to the role of the solitary avenger. The collaboration between Washington and Fuqua proved so successful that it led not only to two direct sequels, both featuring Washington and Fuqua at the helm, but also inspired a television revival starring Queen Latifah, which recently concluded after five seasons. The film’s legacy has expanded, with discussions underway about further sequels currently in development.
Plot Overview: A Journey of Vigilante Justice
In The Equalizer, Washington’s Robert McCall is a former intelligence operative who seeks a peaceful existence working at a Boston hardware store. His quiet life is disrupted through his nightly visits to a local diner where he befriends Chloë Grace Moretz’s Alina, a teenager trapped in a life of exploitation. When Alina is attacked by her trafficker, McCall intervenes, eliminating the immediate threat and drawing the ire of the Russian mafia. As the conflict escalates, McCall uncovers deep criminal ties to Russian intelligence through assistance from his old friends Brian and Susan Plummer, portrayed by Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo. He also navigates the city’s underbelly with the aid of a corrupt police officer, played by David Harbour, ultimately confronting his adversaries in a climactic standoff within the hardware store, wielding everyday tools for retribution.
Catching Up Before Time Runs Out
Fans looking to experience the full story arc of The Equalizer series should note that The Equalizer 3, which follows McCall as he goes up against mobsters in Italy, is currently available on Netflix but will depart the platform on June 30. This limited window offers viewers a chance to watch or revisit the intense saga before it becomes temporarily unavailable.
The Franchise’s Lasting Influence and What Lies Ahead
The arrival of Denzel Washington action movie The Equalizer on Netflix reaffirms the film’s significance as a foundation for a multi-entry franchise that continues to captivate audiences and inspire new interpretations, including the Queen Latifah-led TV series revival. With further sequels in discussion and Washington’s career still in full swing, the story initiated by Robert McCall’s quest for justice remains a cornerstone of modern action cinema, resonating with fans old and new. The Equalizer’s enduring success demonstrates how themes of redemption, vigilantism, and moral complexity continue to find eager audiences on streaming services and beyond.
