Denzel Washington‘s first sequel has become a surprise hit on Netflix, and the nearly decade-old action film is shooting up the streaming charts. Perhaps one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood history, Washington’s career has seen him take on nearly every genre with equal aplomb. The multi-award winner got his start in more dramatic roles, but has found equal success in other genres like science fiction, comedy, and even action/adventure. Washington’s greatest strength is his ability to disappear into a character while still maintaining a bit of his natural charisma in every part that he plays.

After giving masterful performances in dramas like Philadelphia and Remember the тιтans, Washington created a new chapter in his lengthy career when he began to take on more action roles. Proving himself to be a deft hero in hits like Man on Fire and American Gangster, Washington often elevated those films with his acting skills, something that can sometimes be ignored in the fast-paced genre. Even well into his fifth decade on the big screen, it’s Washington’s bombastic roles that steal the show. Naturally, with such a recognizable name, his older films often become hits on streaming platforms.

The Equalizer 2 Has Entered The Netflix Top 10

The First Denzel Washington Sequel Is Still A Hit

Nearly 10 years after its theatrical run back in 2018, Netflix reports that The Equalizer 2 has cracked the top 10 streaming charts for the first time. The action sequel jumped straight to the third spot in the rankings in its first week, pᴀssing blockbusters like Despicable Me 4, which has already had an impressive 10-week run on the list. In fact, The Equalizer 2 only ranked behind two Netflix original movies, those being Havoc and Exterritorial. It also outranked other classic movies like Twilight and American Sniper, which are also new to the chart.

• The Equalizer 2 and 3 are currently on Netflix.

What This Means For The Equalizer Franchise

The Fourth Movie Can Finally Become A Reality

The Equalizer movies have never struggled to be popular, and The Equalizer 2 was a bona fide blockbuster that earned nearly $200 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). However, the third film came and went back in 2023, and news regarding a fourth film has been somewhat slow in coming. Though The Equalizer 4 was confirmed back in 2024, no concrete details have surfaced, and it’s unclear where the project currently stands. However, the success of The Equalizer 2 on Netflix could be the impetus that spurs the film into the next stage of development.

The Equalizer film franchise includes:

Our Take On The Equalizer 2’s Netflix Success

The Sequel’s Popularity Is Not A Surprise

Classic movies become hits on Netflix all the time, and though the popularity of some films seems to come at random, other times it’s easier to predict. Denzel Washington’s action franchise is a fan-favorite, and I’m not surprised that Netflix viewers have been revisiting the 2018 hit. Not only does it star Washington, but The Equalizer 2 also features Pedro Pascal in a role, a few years before he became the household name that he is today. Add on the fact that CBS’s Equalizer TV show was also just canceled, and interest has never been higher in the franchise.