12 Years Later, One of the Greatest Action Thriller Franchises Is a Streaming Hit

John Wick has been the biggest breakout action franchise over the last decade or so, but it wasn’t the only hard-hitting, wildly successful action series to kick off in 2014. That same year that brought John Wick to the big screen also saw Training Day director Antoine Fuqua reunite with Oscar-winner Denzel Washington for an adaptation of popular 1980s TV series The Equalizer. Not only was the film popular with action fans, but it also managed to make a big enough splash at the box office that the director and star have returned for two more installments in the years since.

First released 12 years ago, The Equalizer made more than $192 million at the box office, working on a very modest budget. Four years later, Fuqua and Washington came back with The Equalizer 2, following that with The Equalizer 3 in 2023. Surprisingly, both sequels also topped the $190 million mark at the box office, proving that the franchise is one of the steadiest around. That success has translated well to the world of streaming, even after more than a decade since the first film’s release, as Prime Video users are giving The Equalizer another round in the spotlight.

‘The Equalizer’ Rising on Streaming Charts

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The first two Equalizer movies were recently added to the Prime Video streaming lineup, and they continue to show just how strong the legs of this franchise actually are. The franchise was all together on Netflix at one point recently and occupied multiple spots on the streamer’s Top 10 Movies list. Now, two of the three films are on Prime Video, and are once again striking a chord with streaming audiences.

As of Monday afternoon, The Equalizer and The Equalizer 2 are ranked amongst the most popular movie titles streaming on Prime Video. The first Equalizer movie is currently the fourth-most popular film on the service in the United States, trailing only Regretting You, Despicable Me 4, and Bang. The Equalizer 2 is following right on the heels of its predecessor, coming in at fifth on Prime Video’s current movie rankings.

Unfortunately, you won’t see The Equalizer 3 appearing on Prime Video’s charts any time soon, because the third installment of the series isn’t on the same streaming service as the first two films. The Equalizer 3 is currently streaming exclusively on Hulu, separate from the rest of the trilogy.

‘The Equalizer’s Insane Supporting Casts

Denzel Washington is one of the best to ever do it, and his presence alone is more than enough to sell somebody on The Equalizer. However, part of what really cements the legacy of this film series is how packed the supporting casts have been. Some massively popular names have taken part in this franchise — and Washington has brought out the best in them.

For example, the first Equalizer has Stranger Things star David Harbour in one of the main roles, delivering an unforgettable performance just two years before he would become a household name as Sheriff Jim Hopper. The Equalizer 2 sees none other than Pedro Pascal join the fray, reminding fans that he can do a whole lot more than just play the hero. The franchise cast also includes Melissa Leo, Bill Pullman, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Denman, and Marton Csokas. The Equalizer 3 brings Dakota Fanning in for a major role, reuniting her with Washington nearly two decades after they starred in Tony Scott‘s Man on Fire.

The Equalizer is a hard-hitting action franchise that is already starting to age like fine wine. Denzel Washington spends three brutal action films reminding everybody that his prime never really ended, and Fuqua surrounds him with supporting stars that only make him shine brighter.

Release Date

September 24, 2014

Runtime

132 Minutes