Death Wish Movies: Release Order
The Death Wish franchise follows Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson), an architect who becomes a vigilante after criminals attack his family in 1970s New York. This complete chronological journey spans four decades and shows one of cinema's most dramatic tonal evolutions - beginning as a serious, controversial commentary on urban crime and vigilante justice, then gradually transforming into increasingly over-the-top action spectacle through the sequels.
The watch order concludes with the standalone 2018 remake starring Bruce Willis, which shares only the basic vigilante concept with no narrative connection to the original Bronson storyline.
There are 2 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Death Wish
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.
Death Wish 3
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.
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown
Paul Kersey wages a personal war against a local drug cartel after tragedy strikes close to home in this fourth installment of the vigilante action series.
Death Wish V: The Face of Death
Paul Kersey returns as a vigilante when his fiancée's business becomes the target of dangerous mobsters, forcing him back into his deadly crusade for justice.
Death Wish
A mild-mannered father becomes a vigilante after his family is devastated by a violent crime, taking justice into his own hands on the streets of Chicago.
Other Film Series
A Better Tomorrow
A landmark Hong Kong action series exploring themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption through stylized gunplay and emotional drama.
Ana de Armas
Cuban-born actress who transitioned from Spanish television to become a Hollywood star through acclaimed performances in Blade Runner 2049, Knives Out, and Blonde.
Michael Mann
A collection of standalone crime thrillers and character studies from the acclaimed director known for his distinctive visual style and procedural authenticity.
Ninja
Cannon Films' cult classic ninja trilogy from the 1980s, featuring Sho Kosugi in standalone action adventures that helped define the era's martial arts B-movies.
Quentin Tarantino
Influential American filmmaker known for nonlinear storytelling, stylized violence, pop culture references, and memorable dialogue across ten acclaimed directorial works.
The Punisher
Three completely separate reboot films featuring Frank Castle's vigilante crusade, each with different actors, settings, and interpretations of the character.