The Equalizer

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2:33

The Equalizer

R

2014

2h 12m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

61%

Tomatometer

206 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Robert McCall (Denzel 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 (Chloë Grace 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.

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Critics Consensus

The Equalizer is more stylishly violent than meaningful, but with Antoine Fuqua behind the cameras and Denzel Washington dispensing justice, it delivers.

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Shadow and Act Staff

Shadow and Act

Sep 14, 2022

3.5/5

The film is worth seeing to watch Denzel deliver his trademark slow burn gaze.

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Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

Mar 7, 2017

This paint-by-numbers film, though powerful when you watch it, largely thanks to its lead actor, has no lasting emotional affect.

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Katie Kilkenny

The Atlantic

Jul 19, 2016

The movie's all about reading, especially with a critical eye, but when you take too close a look at its disparate parts, they neither add up nor have anything constructive to teach.

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Jonathon Wilson

Ready Steady Cut

May 29, 2026

3.5/5

I don’t know if you could call The Equalizer a great movie. But you can certainly call it a great version of this particular kind of movie; wrongs are righted, evil is vanquished, and the ordinary man in a button-down shirt triumphs over all.

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Sharai Bohannon

A Nightmare On Fierce Street Podcast

Jun 17, 2025

3/5

This movie is surprisingly fun and I think Denzel Washington elevates it way more than we realize. He also reminds us that we're never too old to throw hands.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 25, 2023

3/4

The Equalizer is about as subtle as a pneumatic stapler shot to the temple. But who wants subtlety when one can bask in the glory of Denzel obliterating remorseless degenerates left and right?

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David B

@DavidBocc 5 hrs ago

I am totally addicted to the three Equalizer movies and watch them again from time to time. The story never gets boring and I will continue to watch the three of them over and over as I really enjoy each of them.

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Clarence H

@clarencew Jul 13, 2026

No surprises here in terms of story but the cast is consistently good and it’s another great performance from Denzel. Things move along quickly which I appreciate. I really enjoyed it.

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Christian B

@trippoint Jul 9, 2026

Super fun movie. Man on fire vibes for sure.

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Bob N.

@BikesAndBobMarley Jun 24, 2026

I love this movie! It, along with 2 & 3, is my favorite series of movies. Definitely my favorite Denzel movies, and that’s saying a lot. The scene in the office above the restaurant with him against the 5 Russian mafia guys is iconic! Denzel at his best!

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Tan C

@TanZoi Jun 20, 2026

If you're looking for relentless action, you'll mostly get brief, one-sided beatdowns.The film's boldest choice is its focus on McCall's everyday life. Its slow pacing may frustrate some viewers, but the strong buildup makes the final showdown genuinely cathartic. The cinematography is excellent, especially during the hardware store climax. The dark aisles create tension, and McCall's use of everyday objects as weapons and traps recalls Bourne's improvisational style. My biggest disappointment is the underdeveloped relationship between McCall and Teddy. The film hints at a The Old Man and the Sea metaphor through McCall's conversation with Alina, casting Teddy as both the marlin and the sharks Santiago must overcome, but this idea is only explored superficially. Even so, the film succeeds as a commercial action thriller while retaining enough thematic ambition to rise above the genre average.

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Cj T

@Cjtuffman Jun 19, 2026

Man, Denzel is such an amazing actor. Its in my very limited yearly rotation with Pale Rider, Aliens and Cool Hand Luke.

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Antoine Fuqua

Director

Denzel Washington

Robert McCall

Marton Csokas

Teddy

Chloë Grace Moretz

Teri

David Harbour

Masters

Bill Pullman

Brian Plummer

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Head of the Snake

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The Equalizer: Official Clip - A New Start

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The Equalizer: Official Clip - Walking Terri Home

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Synopsis

Robert McCall (Denzel 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 (Chloë Grace 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.

Director: Antoine Fuqua
Producer: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, Michael Sloan
Screenwriter: Richard Wenk
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Escape Artists, Zhiv, Mace Neufeld Productions
Rating: R (Some Sexual References|Language Throughout|Strong Bloody Violence)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 26, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 28, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $101.5M
Runtime: 2h 12m
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital

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