If you’re a fan of the pulse-pounding action and gripping suspense of The Equalizer movies starring Denzel Washington, you’re probably on the hunt for more films that deliver the same exhilarating experience. Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best movies that echo the intense storytelling, complex characters, and high-octane thrills that made The Equalizer a hit.
From classic revenge tales to modern spy thrillers, these films feature iconic actors like Liam Neeson, Keanu Reeves, and Jason Statham as they navigate dangerous underworlds and face off against ruthless enemies. Get ready to buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the best action thrillers that will satisfy your craving for edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
1. Taken (2008)
Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative who will stop at nothing to save his kidnapped daughter, catapulted him into the action hero spotlight. Taken is a heart-pounding thriller that set the stage for a new era of older dramatic actors taking on gritty, violent roles.
The film’s success spawned two sequels and countless imitators, but the original remains a standout in the genre. With its taut pacing, intense action sequences, and Neeson’s unforgettable “particular set of skills” speech, Taken is a must-watch for any fan of The Equalizer.
2. John Wick (2014)
Keanu Reeves stars as the titular character, a retired hitman who is forced back into the criminal underworld after a group of thugs steal his car and kill his beloved dog. What follows is a stylish, action-packed revenge tale that showcases Reeves’ impressive martial arts skills and gun-fu choreography.
John Wick’s sleek cinematography, immersive world-building, and unflinching violence set it apart from other action films. The movie’s success led to two sequels, with a fourth installment on the way, cementing John Wick as a modern action icon.
3. Man on Fire (2004)
Another Denzel Washington classic, Man on Fire sees the actor as John Creasy, a former CIA operative turned bodyguard who forms a close bond with the young girl he’s hired to protect. When she’s kidnapped by a Mexican cartel, Creasy unleashes a torrent of vengeance upon those responsible.
Directed by Tony Scott, Man on Fire is a stylish, emotionally charged thriller that showcases Washington’s range as an actor. The film’s gritty portrayal of Mexico City’s criminal underworld and its exploration of themes like redemption and sacrifice make it a standout in the genre.
4. The November Man (2014)
Pierce Brosnan, best known for his portrayal of James Bond, returns to the spy thriller genre in The November Man. He plays Peter Devereaux, a retired CIA agent who is lured back into the world of espionage when he’s tasked with protecting a valuable witness.
The film is based on the novel “There Are No Spies” by Bill Granger and features Brosnan in a role that harkens back to his Bond days. With its twisting plot, scenic European locales, and tense action sequences, The November Man is a solid entry in the spy thriller canon.
5. Colombiana (2011)
Zoe Saldana stars as Cataleya, a young woman who witnesses her parents’ murder as a child and grows up to be a ruthless assassin seeking revenge. Colombiana was written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, the duo behind the Taken franchise, and shares many of that series’ hallmarks.
Saldana’s physicality and screen presence are the film’s greatest assets, as she brings a sense of determination and vulnerability to her portrayal of Cataleya. While Colombiana may not break new ground in the genre, it’s an entertaining, action-packed revenge tale that fans of The Equalizer will likely enjoy.
6. Safe House (2012)
Denzel Washington stars alongside Ryan Reynolds in this tense, action-packed thriller about a CIA safe house that comes under attack. Washington plays Tobin Frost, a rogue CIA agent who is forced to team up with Reynolds’ inexperienced operative to survive.
Safe House features strong performances from its leads and a number of intense action sequences that keep the tension high throughout. The film’s exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil make it a thought-provoking entry in the genre.
7. The Mechanic (2011)
Jason Statham stars as Arthur Bishop, a professional assassin who specializes in making his hits look like accidents. When his mentor is murdered, Bishop takes on a young protégé (Ben Foster) and sets out to exact revenge on those responsible.
A remake of the 1972 film of the same name, The Mechanic showcases Statham’s trademark physicality and no-nonsense persona. The film’s inventive action sequences and the chemistry between Statham and Foster elevate it above standard action fare.
8. Jack Reacher (2012)
Tom Cruise stars as the titular character, a former military police investigator who is drawn into a conspiracy involving a sniper accused of murdering five random victims. Based on the novel “One Shot” by Lee Child, Jack Reacher is a smart, well-crafted thriller that relies more on its protagonist’s wit and investigative skills than outright action.
Cruise brings his usual intensity and charisma to the role, and the film’s supporting cast, including Rosamund Pike and Werner Herzog, add depth to the proceedings. While Jack Reacher may be a bit more subdued than The Equalizer, it’s a satisfying mystery that keeps audiences guessing until the end.
9. The Bourne Identity (2002)
Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia who discovers he has a mysterious past as a CIA assassin. As he tries to uncover the truth about his identity, Bourne is pursued by his former employers and must use his lethal skills to stay alive.
The Bourne Identity kicked off a franchise that redefined the spy thriller genre, with its gritty, realistic action sequences and complex protagonist. Damon’s portrayal of Bourne as a man grappling with his own morality while navigating a treacherous world of espionage is compelling, and the film’s kinetic energy keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
10. Shooter (2007)
Mark Wahlberg stars as Bob Lee Swagger, a former Marine sniper who is framed for an assassination attempt on the President of the United States. With the help of a rookie FBI agent (Michael Peña), Swagger sets out to clear his name and uncover the conspiracy behind the setup.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, who also helmed both Equalizer films, Shooter is a taut, action-packed thriller that showcases Wahlberg’s everyman charm and physicality. The film’s exploration of government corruption and the lengths those in power will go to maintain control adds depth to the proceedings.
11. The Accountant (2016)
Ben Affleck stars as Christian Wolff, a high-functioning autistic man who works as a freelance accountant for dangerous criminal organizations. When a routine audit uncovers discrepancies in a robotics company’s finances, Wolff finds himself in the crosshairs of a ruthless businessman and his hired mercenaries.
The Accountant is a unique blend of action thriller and character study, with Affleck delivering a nuanced performance as a man navigating the challenges of his condition while also being a lethal force to be reckoned with. The film’s inventive action sequences and twisting plot keep audiences engaged, while its exploration of themes like family, loyalty, and the cost of secrets add emotional weight to the story.
12. A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
Liam Neeson stars as Matt Scudder, a former NYPD detective turned unlicensed private investigator who is hired by a drug kingpin to find the men who kidnapped and murdered his wife. As Scudder delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a series of gruesome crimes and finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the killers.
Based on the novel by Lawrence Block, A Walk Among the Tombstones is a gritty, atmospheric thriller that showcases Neeson’s talent for playing world-weary, morally complex characters. The film’s dark subject matter and unflinching violence may not be for everyone, but fans of hardboiled crime stories will find much to appreciate here.
13. The Foreigner (2017)
Jackie Chan stars as Quan Ngoc Minh, a humble London businessman whose teenage daughter is killed in a terrorist bombing. When the authorities fail to bring the perpetrators to justice, Quan embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance that brings him into conflict with a British government official (Pierce Brosnan) with ties to the IRA.
The Foreigner is a departure from Chan’s usual lighthearted action-comedy fare, with the actor delivering a somber, emotionally charged performance as a father consumed by grief and rage. The film’s tense, realistic action sequences and political intrigue make it a gripping watch, while its exploration of themes like loss, revenge, and the cycle of violence add depth to the story.
14. The Book of Eli (2010)
Denzel Washington stars as Eli, a lone wanderer in a post-apocalyptic wasteland who is tasked with delivering a mysterious book to a safe location. Along the way, he must fight off bandits, cannibals, and a ruthless warlord (Gary Oldman) who will stop at nothing to possess the book’s secrets.
Directed by the Hughes Brothers, The Book of Eli is a stylish, action-packed thriller with a unique visual aesthetic and a compelling central performance from Washington. The film’s exploration of faith, hope, and the power of knowledge in a world gone mad adds a layer of philosophical depth to the proceedings.
15. Hanna (2011)
Saoirse Ronan stars as the titular character, a teenage girl raised in the wilderness by her ex-CIA father (Eric Bana) and trained to be the perfect assassin. When Hanna is sent on a mission across Europe, she must evade a ruthless intelligence operative (Cate Blanchett) while discovering the truth about her own identity.
Directed by Joe Wright, Hanna is a stylish, action-packed thriller with a fairy tale-like quality that sets it apart from other films in the genre. Ronan’s performance as the innocent yet deadly Hanna is mesmerizing, and the film’s pulsing electronic score by The Chemical Brothers adds to its unique atmosphere.
16. The Punisher (2004)
Thomas Jane stars as Frank Castle, a former FBI agent who becomes a vigilante known as “The Punisher” after his family is murdered by a ruthless crime boss. With the help of his tech-savvy neighbor (Rebecca Romijn), Castle wages a one-man war against the criminal underworld, seeking justice for his loved ones.
Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, The Punisher is a gritty, violent action thriller that pulls no punches in its depiction of Castle’s brutal quest for vengeance. Jane’s intense performance and the film’s unflinching portrayal of the toll that violence takes on the human psyche make it a standout in the superhero genre.
17. Haywire (2011)
Gina Carano stars as Mallory Kane, a black ops super soldier who is betrayed by her employers and framed for a murder she didn’t commit. With the help of a former colleague (Ewan McGregor), Kane sets out to clear her name and exact revenge on those who wronged her.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Haywire is a sleek, stylish action thriller that showcases Carano’s impressive martial arts skills and screen presence. The film’s inventive fight choreography and globe-trotting plot make it a pulse-pounding ride from start to finish.
18. Erased (2012)
Aaron Eckhart stars as Ben Logan, a former CIA agent living in Belgium with his teenage daughter. When his employer is murdered and all records of his existence are erased, Logan and his daughter must go on the run, using his covert skills to uncover the truth and protect his family.
Erased is a solid, if somewhat formulaic, entry in the “former spy on the run” subgenre. Eckhart’s performance as a father desperate to keep his daughter safe anchors the film, and the action sequences are well-executed, if not particularly groundbreaking.
19. Dead Man Down (2013)
Colin Farrell stars as Victor, a professional killer who infiltrates a crime boss’s organization in order to exact revenge for the murder of his wife and daughter. Along the way, he forms an unlikely bond with his neighbor (Noomi Rapace), who has her own reasons for seeking vengeance.
Directed by Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Dead Man Down is a moody, atmospheric thriller with strong performances from its leads. The film’s exploration of grief, loss, and the destructive nature of revenge adds emotional weight to the action-packed plot.
20. The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
Denzel Washington stars as Walter Garber, a New York City subway dispatcher who finds himself in a high-stakes hostage negotiation when a group of armed men, led by a ruthless mastermind (John Travolta), hijack a subway train and demand a ransom.
A remake of the 1974 film of the same name, The Taking of Pelham 123 is a tense, action-packed thriller that relies more on Washington and Travolta’s acting chops than outright action. The film’s claustrophobic setting and ticking-clock plot keep the tension high, while its exploration of themes like redemption and the thin line between good and evil add depth to the characters.
These 20 films represent the best of the action thriller genre, offering the same mix of intense storytelling, complex characters, and pulse-pounding action that made The Equalizer a hit. Whether you’re a fan of classic revenge tales, modern spy thrillers, or gritty vigilante stories, there’s something on this list for every action junkie. So grab some popcorn, buckle up, and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the best that the genre has to offer.
