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The Equalizer Franchise: How Many Movies Are There? (And The Shocking News About Equalizer 4 & 5)

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The Equalizer movie franchise, starring the legendary Denzel Washington as the vigilante Robert McCall, has become one of the most successful and critically acclaimed action trilogies of the modern era. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, there are officially three *Equalizer* films that have been released in theaters, completing what many assumed was a trilogy.

However, recent and highly-anticipated news has completely changed the landscape for fans of the franchise. While the trilogy is complete, the story of Robert McCall is far from over. Denzel Washington himself has provided a fresh, stunning update on the franchise’s future, confirming that the total number of films is set to increase dramatically, ensuring more high-octane, minute-by-minute justice is coming.

The Robert McCall Saga: A Complete Filmography (2014–2023)

The *Equalizer* film series is a reboot of the 1980s television series of the same name, but it has carved out its own distinct identity. All three released films have been directed by Antoine Fuqua and star Denzel Washington, marking one of the most successful director-actor partnerships in Hollywood history. Here is the definitive list of all released movies and their key details.

  • The Equalizer (2014): This is where the saga of Robert McCall, a retired U.S. Marine and former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) operative, began. The film sees McCall living a quiet life in Boston, working at a hardware store, until he defends a young prostitute named Alina (Chloë Grace Moretz) from the Russian Mafia. The film set the tone for McCall’s signature style of timed, brutal, and precise justice.
  • The Equalizer 2 (2018): This sequel marked the first time in Denzel Washington’s decades-long career that he had ever starred in a sequel to one of his own films. The plot deepens McCall’s backstory and hits close to home when his former DIA colleague and friend, Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo), is murdered. McCall must hunt down the professional assassins responsible, revealing a conspiracy within his past agency.
  • The Equalizer 3 (2023): The third installment was initially billed as the final chapter. The story moves to Southern Italy, where McCall attempts to recover from an injury and finds peace. When he discovers his new friends are being terrorized by the local Mafia (the Camorra), he once again steps out of retirement to protect the innocent. This film was a major box office success, releasing on September 1, 2023.

The success of the trilogy is undeniable. Each film has consistently performed well at the global box office, with the first two films grossing over $190 million worldwide. The consistency in cast, director, and tone has cemented the *Equalizer* as a top-tier action franchise.

The Shocking New Total: Equalizer 4 and 5 Confirmed

The answer to "how many *Equalizer* movies are there?" is no longer a simple three. In a major, recent interview, Denzel Washington, the heart and soul of the franchise, confirmed that not one, but two additional films are in development.

This news, revealed in a Winter 2024 cover story for Esquire, means the total number of *Equalizer* movies is expected to become five.

What We Know About The Equalizer 4 and 5

While no official release dates have been set for *The Equalizer 4* or *The Equalizer 5*, Washington's confirmation is the strongest indicator yet that the franchise will continue. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Robert McCall character and the successful partnership with director Antoine Fuqua.

  • A Franchise Extension: The decision to continue the story beyond the initial trilogy is a rare move for a star of Washington's caliber. It highlights his passion for the role of Robert McCall, the former black ops commando with a strict moral code.
  • The Fuqua Factor: It is highly anticipated that Antoine Fuqua will return to direct the next installments, continuing the cinematic language they have established since their first collaboration on the Oscar-winning film *Training Day* in 2001.
  • The Future Plot: *The Equalizer 3* ended with McCall finding a semblance of peace in Italy. The next films will likely explore his life after his final, brutal act of justice in the Italian countryside, perhaps bringing him back to the U.S. or sending him on a new international mission to protect the downtrodden.

The prospect of two more films has energized the fan base, who are eager to see the return of McCall's signature blend of quiet contemplation and explosive, time-based combat skills.

The Architect of Justice: Denzel Washington’s Profile

The *Equalizer* franchise is inextricably linked to its star, Denzel Washington, whose gravitas and intensity elevate the action genre. His portrayal of Robert McCall is considered one of his most iconic roles.

Denzel Washington: Biography and Filmography Highlights

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. is one of the most decorated and respected actors of his generation, a two-time Academy Award winner and recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.

  • Born: December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York.
  • Education: He graduated from Fordham University, where he majored in drama.
  • Career Start: His early career included roles in TV movies and his first major film, the comedy *Carbon Copy* (1981).
  • Oscar Wins:
    • Best Supporting Actor for *Glory* (1989).
    • Best Actor for *Training Day* (2001).
  • Key Filmography (Selected): *Malcolm X*, *The Hurricane*, *Man on Fire*, *American Gangster*, *Flight*, *Fences* (which he also directed), and the three *Equalizer* films.
  • Unique Achievement: *The Equalizer 2* (2018) was the very first sequel of his entire career, a fact that underscores his commitment to the Robert McCall character.

Washington’s dedication to the role—a retired Marine and DIA operative who faked his own death to live a quiet life—is what gives the franchise its emotional depth. McCall’s mission to help those who cannot help themselves, often involving the use of everyday household items as weapons, is the core appeal of the series.

The Equalizer's Legacy: From TV to Trilogy and Beyond

The film franchise successfully modernized a classic concept. The original *The Equalizer* television series ran on CBS from 1985 to 1989, starring Edward Woodward as Robert McCall.

The film series, penned by screenwriter Richard Wenk, pays homage to the source material while giving it a grittier, more modern edge. The films are known for their intense, realistic action sequences and the exploration of themes like redemption, justice, and the fight against systemic corruption.

With the confirmation of *The Equalizer 4* and *The Equalizer 5*, the total number of films in the series is set to increase to five, solidifying its place as a major cinematic action franchise and ensuring Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall will continue his mission of balancing the scales of justice for years to come.

how many equalizer movies are there
how many equalizer movies are there

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