Equilibrium

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Equilibrium

R

2002

1h 47m

Sci-Fi

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

40%

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88 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In a futuristic world, a regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: books, art and music are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death. Cleric John Preston is a top-ranking government agent responsible for destroying those who resist these rules. When he misses a dose of Prozium, a mind-altering drug that hinders emotion, Preston, who has been trained to enforce strict laws of the new regime, suddenly becomes the one capable of overthrowing it.

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Critics Consensus

Equilibrium is a reheated mishmash of other sci-fi movies.

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Nathan Rabin

AV Club

Apr 17, 2019

Though ultimately silly, Equilibrium's shopworn but stylish synthesis of ammo and ideas is surprisingly engrossing.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 24, 2010

3/5

Violent post-nuclear sci-fi is Orwellian.

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Wally Hammond

Time Out

Jan 26, 2006

Bale is too self-conscious an action hero, and although the script may have the virtue of transparent plagiarism, it teeters both dramatically and conceptually.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Feb 18, 2026

3/5

‘…Equilibrium isn’t a great film, but it’s a better than expected copy-cat production, not quite as goofy as The Matrix, with several fluid action highpoints which capture exactly the right exhilarating vibe….’

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Sep 29, 2020

7/10

The costuming, set designs, and music (by Klaus Badelt, which is actually spectacular) are far more impressive than anyone might expect.

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Leah Rozen

People Magazine

Apr 17, 2019

A balanced thriller.

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Mike R

@RT71917712 Sep 30, 2026

If you are able to throw away logic this movie SLAPS! John Wick wouldn't exist without gun kata. The plot is focused on a one man rebellion, but the universe has so much potential. Bale's performance provides amazing emotional character growth. The style is amazing and memorable. I don't want to spoil the movie, so the last thing I'll say is if you havent watched Equalibrium you're missing out. Just remember to turn down the logic and pay attention to the msg. Who you gonna believe the 40% from stuck up critics or the 81% from ppl like us. Its a fun movie with a great concept.

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Felix R

@LuvsRottenTomatoes Sep 11, 2026

Saw this several years ago and enjoyed every minute of it. That gun kata idea is an amazing concept! Lots of action and it never gets boring. I tend to rewatch this from time to time if ever there is nothing interesting to see from current selections, movie or series.

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Leaburn O

@RT35452347 Aug 20, 2026

This is great, a few plot holes aside. The nod to 1984 is clear and it was released just a few years after the Matrix had made its mark. Equally evident here. A good, quick tale though. Watched on DVD.

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Mickey B

@Mickerdoo Aug 1, 2026

Bad ass. Easy to hate villain. Hard to comprehend state of affairs but then it’s been done before in real life. Bale whoops butt.

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Judah S

@Judah3963 Jul 3, 2026

It was action packed and satisfying yet it was easy to get lost in the middle of everything.

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Kalle T

@KalleT May 9, 2026

Bought this for $1 on DVD at a garage sale (with the original title Cubic), thinking it was a Matrix clone. But I like Christian Bale, so I gave it a shot. To my surprise, it turned out to be an engaging and thought-provoking action thriller with little to no resemblance to The Matrix. There’s an interesting cat-and-mouse chase between the protagonist and the powers-that-be, questioning the nature of emotions while introducing a unique fighting style called "gun kata." I’d say the fairly silly plot is elevated by excellent performances across the board. If you appreciate dystopian sci-fi, you should check it out.

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Kurt Wimmer

Director

Christian Bale

John Preston

Emily Watson

Mary

Taye Diggs

Brandt

Angus Macfadyen

DuPont

Sean Bean

Partridge

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Sense Offender

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - The Incineration

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Joining the Resistance

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Cleric Practice

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Ludwig van Beethoven

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Puppy Shootout

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Why Are You Alive?

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Killed for Reading

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Face Off

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Equilibrium: Official Clip - Final Fight

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Synopsis

In a futuristic world, a regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: books, art and music are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death. Cleric John Preston is a top-ranking government agent responsible for destroying those who resist these rules. When he misses a dose of Prozium, a mind-altering drug that hinders emotion, Preston, who has been trained to enforce strict laws of the new regime, suddenly becomes the one capable of overthrowing it.

Director: Kurt Wimmer
Producer: Jan de Bont, Lucas Foster
Screenwriter: Kurt Wimmer
Distributor: Gativideo, Buena Vista International [us], RCV Film Distribution, Amuse Pictures Inc., West Video, Miramax Films
Production Co: Blue Tulip, Dimension Films
Rating: R (Violence)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 6, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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