Denzel Washington’s $190 Million Action Film Achieves Streaming Success Seven Years After Release

Denzel Washington
has long been celebrated for his dynamic roles in dramatic cinema; however, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that he began to firmly establish himself within the action genre. Washington’s transformation into a prominent action star was marked by his performance in Man on Fire (2004), where he portrayed a relentless avenger. This trend continued with subsequent films, including The Book of Eli (2010), Safe House (2012), and 2 Guns (2013), showcasing his ability to embody tough, capable characters that take on numerous adversaries.

At 70 years old, Washington remains a significant figure in the action film landscape, particularly due to his ongoing role in a well-received franchise. In the The Equalizer films, directed by Antoine Fuqua, he plays a former government assassin who wields his skills to eliminate threats and safeguard the innocent. Washington first stepped into this iconic role in 2014, with two sequels following suit.

The Equalizer 2: A Streaming Sensation

A Continued Audience Favorite

Denzel Washington as Robert McCall holds two guns in The Equalizer 2.

After hitting theaters seven years ago, The Equalizer 2 has recently found renewed popularity on Prime Video. This sequel, released in 2018, features Washington reprising his role as Robert McCall, who now drives for Lyft but reverts to his violent ways following the untimely murder of a colleague. Costarring Pedro Pascal, who plays the antagonist Dave York, the film proved to be a box office hit, earning $190 million against a budget of approximately $62 million.

Recent data shows that The Equalizer 2 currently ranks as the seventh most popular title on Prime Video in the U.S. Although it has outperformed other films such as The Creator (2024), Ryan Trahan (2019–), and The Family Stone (2005), it trails behind other trending hits like A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) and Culpa Tuya (2024), with Red One (2024) sitting firmly at the top.

Prime Video U.S. Top 10 (Jan. 1, 2025)
1	Red One
2	Beast Games
3	Secret Level
4	Cross
5	It’s Your Fault
6	A Quiet Place: Day One
7	The Equalizer 2
8	The Creator
9	Ryan Trahan
10	The Family Stone

Implications of The Equalizer 2’s Streaming Success

Evaluating the Sequel Against Its Peers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyNJ3UrGk_I

THE EQUALIZER 2 – Official Trailer (HD) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyNJ3UrGk_I)

Among the trilogy, The Equalizer 2 currently holds the lowest rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a score of 52%. In contrast, the first film boasts a 61% rating, while the third installment leads with 76%. Despite its lower box office performance and critical reception, the sequel managed to bring in substantial viewership and highlights the dedicated fanbase of the franchise.

With Washington confirming the development of The Equalizer 4 and 5, the resurgence of The Equalizer 2 on streaming platforms indicates a robust interest in the series. Although the film may not epitomize the franchise’s best work, its ability to attract audiences once more is a testament to its enduring appeal and Washington’s status as an action hero.

Source: Prime Video

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