
The world of The Equalizer revolves around one thing: justice for people who have no other options left. Originally a dark '80s TV series, the concept grew into a successful film series starring Denzel Washington, plus a modern reboot series with Queen Latifah. Here are all the films and series in order of release.
The Equalizer (1985-1989): TV Series
The original CBS series introduced Robert McCall (Edward Woodward), a mysterious former agent who helps people who are threatened or exploited. The series was noir, tough and morally ambiguous, and formed the blueprint for the later films.
The Equalizer (2014): Film
Denzel Washington takes over from Woodward as a modern Robert McCall. In this dark reboot he tries to lead a quiet life but intervenes when a young woman (Chloë Grace Moretz) gets into trouble with the Russian mob. What follows is brutal revenge in a stylish, methodical form.
The Equalizer 2 (2018): Film
McCall returns, this time on a personal mission after a close friend is murdered. It was the first sequel of Denzel's career, and again we see his combination of empathy and ruthlessness in action.
The Equalizer (2021-present): TV Series
In this reboot, Queen Latifah plays Robyn McCall, a single mother with a mysterious past who stands up for the oppressed in New York. The series gives the Equalizer concept a fresh spin and has found a large new audience.
The Equalizer 3 (2023): Film
In the final chapter of Denzel's Equalizer trilogy, McCall seeks peace on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, but of course violence catches up with him. A stylish, melancholic conclusion in which Denzel rights wrongs one last time, reunited with his Man on Fire co-star Dakota Fanning.