Ranking The Equalizer Trilogy: From Least to Greatest

Denzel Washington never makes sequels, so many wonder how many Equalizer movies there are. The thrilling action franchise, rated R, tells different stories and varies in quality. The three movies have been solid genre offerings that have effectively utilized actor Denzel Washington and his frequent director collaborator Antoine Fuqua. While the popularity of the movies never reached the heights of other Hollywood franchises, they consistently attract audiences. However, some of the Equalizer movies have been more successful than others.

The Equalizer franchise follows protagonist Robert McCall, played by Washington, who tries to leave his violent past behind but keeps getting involved in dangerous situations as he seeks justice. Whether he's protecting the vulnerable or facing the consequences of his actions, McCall constantly finds himself in difficult situations that showcase the franchise's strengths. It appears that The Equalizer 3 will wrap up the series, but hints about The Equalizer 4 suggest that McCall's journey may not be finished yet.

3 The Equalizer 2 (2018)

McCall Seeks Revenge For The Murder Of His Friend

McCall in disguise on a train in The Equalizer 2 - McCall Seeks Revenge For The Murder Of His Friend - 3 The Equalizer 2 (2018)

The Equalizer 2 is not a terrible film, but it is often considered the weakest in the series. It lacks the same energy and excitement as the first movie, feeling like a bit of a letdown. Following the high bar set by The Equalizer, the sequel seemed to fall short in exploring new storylines and potential. The plot revolves around McCall as he investigates the murder of his friend, leading to a quest for justice and revenge.

In defense of The Equalizer 2, the personal element of the mystery adds emotional depth and motivates McCall to take action. However, the slow pace of the film hinders its overall impact. The majority of the storyline revolves around McCall conducting his investigation at his own pace, without any sense of urgency or time pressure. This results in pacing issues that affect the viewing experience. Nonetheless, it is enjoyable to watch Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal share the screen before their reunion in the cast of Gladiator 2.

Stream The Equalizer 2 on Hulu.

2 The Equalizer 3 (2023)

McCall Protects A Small Italian Community From The Mafia

Denzel Washington as Robert McCall Sitting in a Church Pew in The Equalizer 3 - McCall Protects A Small Italian Community From The Mafia - 2 The Equalizer 3 (2023)

In The Equalizer 3, Fuqua has taken things up a notch by increasing the intensity and excitement for another thrilling installment in the series. The plot centers around McCall who is now working in southern Italy, fighting for justice for the marginalized. But when he discovers that his allies are under the thumb of the mafia, he is forced into a dangerous confrontation with the criminal kingpins.

The Equalizer 3 combines the fast pace of The Equalizer and the personal stakes of The Equalizer 2, making it a strong blend of its predecessors. However, the movie falls short due to a surface-level story that struggles to justify its length. Once McCall faces off against the Italian mafia, the plot becomes predictable, and McCall never truly feels at risk.

Although The Equalizer 3 doesn't introduce anything revolutionary to the franchise, it remains enjoyable to watch McCall deliver justice while Washington delivers his best performance yet. Despite the bittersweet feeling of the trilogy coming to an end, the conclusion of The Equalizer 3 grants McCall a well-deserved happy ending.

WATCH ON NETFLIX

1 The Equalizer (2014)

McCall Returns To His Past Life To Help Victimized People

Denzel Washington on the street at night in The Equalizer - McCall Returns To His Past Life To Help Victimized People - 1 The Equalizer (2014)

The Equalizer franchise has always been solid, but it never quite reached the heights of the first movie. Despite its imperfections, The Equalizer gave action fans exactly what they were looking for. Released around the same time as the first John Wick film, it demonstrated that action movies could attract audiences beyond the realm of superheroes, thanks in large part to a powerful lead performance. The strength of The Equalizer lies in its simplicity: the story focuses on McCall facing off against his enemies without unnecessary complexities, allowing the action to take center stage.

While The Equalizer does have its flaws - it's too long, filled with cliches, and relies on the same tricks repeatedly - it still manages to deliver thrilling action scenes that overshadow its weaknesses. The movie could have easily stood alone as a memorable addition to the action genre. However, it is Denzel Washington's portrayal of Robert McCall that truly shines, captivating audiences and leaving them eager for more of the character.

WATCH ON PEACOCK PREMIUM

Editor's P/S:

The Equalizer movie franchise has consistently delivered solid action entertainment, each installment showcasing Denzel Washington's captivating performance as Robert McCall. While the sequels varied in quality, they all effectively utilized Washington's charisma and Antoine Fuqua's direction to create thrilling and engaging experiences. The franchise's focus on justice and retribution resonates with audiences, and despite not reaching the heights of other Hollywood franchises, it has gained a loyal following.

Personally, I find the simplicity of the first movie, The Equalizer, to be its greatest strength. The straightforward plot and emphasis on action sequences allow Washington's performance to shine, resulting in a memorable addition to the action genre. The sequels, while not as groundbreaking, still offer enjoyable entertainment with their own distinct strengths and weaknesses. Overall, the Equalizer franchise has proven to be a reliable source of action-packed entertainment, consistently delivering thrills and showcasing Denzel Washington's star power.