Death Wish Movies: Essential Films

1974 - 19853 Films4h 35m3.6 Average

The Death Wish trilogy that built the franchise's legendary reputation, following Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) as he transforms from reluctant vigilante to action hero. This selection captures the complete tonal evolution from serious urban crime drama to fun B-movie camp, stopping at the peak of the series' popularity before the diminishing returns of the later sequels.

These three films represent everything fans love about the franchise - Bronson's iconic performance, increasingly outrageous action sequences, and the series' unique blend of social commentary and exploitation thrills.

There are 2 other watch orders available – see the links up above.

1
Death Wish poster

Death Wish

19741h 33m4
Director: Michael Winner
Cast: Charles Bronson, Hope Lange, Vincent Gardenia, Steven Keats, William Redfield

After his wife is murdered by street criminals, a pacifistic New York architect transforms into a vigilante, patrolling the city streets at night to fight crime.

CrimeDramaAction
2
Death Wish II poster

Death Wish II

19821h 32m3.4
Director: Michael Winner
Cast: Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland, Vincent Gardenia, J.D. Cannon, Anthony Franciosa

Paul Kersey returns as a vigilante seeking justice against a gang of criminals who attacked his family in Los Angeles.

ActionCrimeDramaThriller
3
Death Wish 3 poster

Death Wish 3

19851h 30m3.4
Director: Michael Winner
Cast: Charles Bronson, Deborah Raffin, Ed Lauter, Martin Balsam, Gavan O'Herlihy

Vigilante Paul Kersey returns to New York City where he's recruited by a corrupt police chief to take on a violent gang that's terrorizing the neighborhoods.

ActionCrimeDramaThriller