The Equalizer Movies: Release Order
The Equalizer trilogy follows Robert McCall, a retired black ops operative trying to live a quiet life while being drawn into helping those who can't help themselves. Denzel Washington's portrayal of the character creates a modern take on the vigilante hero, combining brutal efficiency with a moral code.
The films progress chronologically, showing McCall's evolution from someone attempting to stay hidden to accepting his role as a protector of the innocent. Each movie tells a largely self-contained story while building on the character's journey.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
The Equalizer
A former special operative trying to live a quiet life is drawn back into action when he encounters a young woman terrorized by Russian gangsters. Using his lethal skills, he becomes a vigilante helping those who have nowhere else to turn.
The Equalizer 2
When his former partner is murdered, retired CIA operative Robert McCall embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance while continuing to dispense justice for those who cannot protect themselves.
The Equalizer 3
Robert McCall settles in Southern Italy but must confront the local mafia when he discovers they're threatening his newfound friends. The retired operative comes out of retirement one final time to protect those he cares about.
Other Film Series
El Mariachi
Robert Rodriguez's linear trilogy following a musician's transformation into a legendary gunslinger across three interconnected films of escalating scope.
Millennium
Film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's bestselling novels featuring journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander, spanning Swedish and Hollywood productions with different casts and continuities.
Ocean's
A heist franchise spanning from the Rat Pack era to modern ensemble capers.
Police Story
A Hong Kong action film series created by and starring Jackie Chan, known for its spectacular stunts and innovative action choreography across multiple eras and reboots.
RoboCop
A cyberpunk action series about a critically wounded police officer transformed into a cyborg law enforcer in dystopian Detroit.
xXx
An action franchise about extreme sports athlete Xander Cage who becomes an unconventional government agent for high-stakes espionage missions.