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

205 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

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

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 14, 2022

Full Review

Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

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

Mar 7, 2017

Full Review

Katie Kilkenny

The Atlantic

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.

Jul 19, 2016

Full Review

Sharai Bohannon

A Nightmare On Fierce Street Podcast

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.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 17, 2025

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

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?

Rated: 3/4

Nov 25, 2023

Full Review

Sebastian Zavala Kahn

Me gusta el cine

Washington shines, playing McCall as a clean and orderly man, whose OCD doesn't prevent him from getting his hands dirty with the blood and grime of Boston's most rotten. He is a killing machine that almost never fails. Full review in Spanish.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 17, 2023

Full Review

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keven q

This is the first of 3. The sequels actually got better- that being said, this one was more than competent and I enjoyed it. I assume they edited the action scenes b/c of Denzel's age and that's fine, I sure do like him. I have just about everything he's ever done and would probably keep this even if I didn't enjoy it, though I did. The other 2 are even better. "Why Not You?" Denzel's just so good- makes me envious!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/21/25

Full Review

Real O

One of my favorite movies of all times. From the hero to the victim to the villain, everything was perfect. Anyone that rates this movie under a 4 can't be trusted.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

Full Review

Gerard R

Loved it. Akin to Taken, the movie, but with more bang for your buck. Cool Hand Luke with a license to exterminate. John Wick without all the namby-pamby fist-fights. Glued to it the entire way.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/14/25

Full Review

Charlie B

One of my favorite action movies, great action, good villain and I love denzels acting, one of his best roles.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/30/25

Full Review

Stuart S

I love watching this film every few years! It's a classic. Denzel Washington puts on a first rate performance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/13/25

Full Review

Kirstin S

Only two stars purely because of Denzel Washington and Chloë Grace Moretz. Story could be stronger and less predictable.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/01/25

Full Review

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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

2:07

The Equalizer: Official Clip - A New Start

2:47

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Evening Tea

2:54

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Her Life Will Go On

1:30

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Pay It Back

2:58

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Brick by Brick

4:48

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Deadly Diner Patron

2:29

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Disrespect the Badge

3:15

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Just Kinda Lost

3:26

The Equalizer: Official Clip - Walking Terri Home

1:58

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The Equalizer: Trailer 2

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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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