Where to start withThe Equalizer
4 versions · originally a series, 1985
Themes: Redemption, Justice for the Underdog, Secret Identity, Moral Ambiguity, One Man Army.
Start with The Equalizer (Antoine Fuqua, 2014) — the film. The Equalizer exists in 4 versions across media, beginning as a series in 1985; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Equalizer is a gritty saga of a retired operative using his lethal skill set to protect the helpless.
✦ Most fans start here
The Equalizer (2014)
The original tv
The Equalizer
Richard Lindheim · Series · 1985
The Equalizer (1985) establishes the foundational archetype of the private investigator for hire, offering a grounded procedural look at a former agent navigating the complexities of urban street-level justice.
2014 film
✦ Start hereThe Equalizer
Antoine Fuqua · Film · 2014
The Equalizer (2014) delivers a high-octane, cinematic reimagining that focuses on visceral action and precise tactical combat, perfect for viewers who prefer sleek, modern thrillers over classic episodic television.
2018 film
The Equalizer 2
Antoine Fuqua · Film · 2018
The Equalizer 2 (2018) expands the scope of the franchise into an international globe-trotting thriller, emphasizing personal stakes and vengeance as McCall confronts the ghosts of his own professional past.
2023 film
The Equalizer 3
Antoine Fuqua · Film · 2023
The Equalizer 3 (2023) shifts the narrative to an atmospheric Italian setting, focusing on McCall’s role as a protector against local mafia threats in a contained, character-driven survival story.
Common questions
What order should I watch The Equalizer movies and the 1985 TV show?
The 1985 TV series and the film franchise are separate continuities. You can watch the 1985 TV show independently of the 2014 movie, The Equalizer 2, and The Equalizer 3. The films follow a sequential narrative starting with the 2014 release, followed by the second and third installments.
Is The Equalizer 3 a direct sequel to the 2014 movie?
Yes, The Equalizer 3 serves as the third entry in the film series that began with The Equalizer in 2014. It continues the story established in the first film and The Equalizer 2, maintaining the same narrative continuity across all three cinematic releases.
How long is the entire The Equalizer movie series?
The film series consists of three movies: The Equalizer, The Equalizer 2, and The Equalizer 3. These three films represent the full cinematic collection currently available. The 1985 TV series is a separate production and is not included in the runtime of the movie trilogy.
Should I watch The Equalizer 2 before starting The Equalizer 3?
Yes, you should watch The Equalizer 2 before The Equalizer 3. The movies are released in a specific order, and the third film continues the storyline established in the previous two entries. Watching the films in order ensures you follow the character development throughout the series.