100+ Movies like The Equalizer
The Equalizer 2
The Equalizer 2 is a direct sequel to The Equalizer, continuing the story of Robert McCall, a former government agent turned vigilante. Both movies follow Robert as he uses his lethal skills to protect the innocent and punish criminals. The core premise of Robert exacting justice through violent means against those who exploit or harm others remains consistent across the two films. In The Equalizer 2, Robert is still living in Boston and helping those in need, paralleling his actions in the first movie where he rescued a trafficked teenager. He embarks on a quest for vengeance after his former colleague Susan is murdered, mirroring his motivation in The Equalizer to avenge the brutalized teenager. Robert methodically hunts down and eliminates the group of rogue agents responsible, employing the same calculated and ruthless approach he used against the Russian mobsters. The films share similar narrative arcs of Robert uncovering larger criminal conspiracies and confronting the powerful figures behind them. Both movies depict Robert's resourcefulness in using everyday objects as improvised weapons during intense action sequences. The Equalizer 2 maintains the gritty, violent tone of the original while further exploring Robert's moral code and drive to protect the vulnerable.
Freezer
Both "The Equalizer" and "Freezer" follow a similar plot structure of an ordinary man getting entangled with dangerous criminal organizations. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Robert Saunders, find themselves in situations where they must use their skills and resourcefulness to survive and take down the villains. They face off against Russian mobsters and their enforcers, who are involved in illegal activities like human trafficking, money laundering, and murder. The movies depict the protagonists' journey of uncovering the truth, exacting vigilante justice, and ultimately dismantling the criminal operations. Key parallels include the protagonists' former military/law enforcement backgrounds, their moral compasses driving them to help the vulnerable, and their ability to outsmart and overpower their adversaries through strategic planning and improvised tactics.
Nobody
Both "The Equalizer" and "Nobody" follow a similar premise of an unassuming, ordinary man who secretly has a dangerous past as a highly skilled operative. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Hutch Mansell, are drawn back into a life of violence when they intervene to help someone in need, putting them on a collision course with powerful criminal organizations. They use their exceptional combat skills and tactical prowess to exact vigilante justice against the villains, systematically eliminating their henchmen and leaders. The movies explore themes of repressed rage, finding purpose in life, and the consequences of violence. The protagonists are driven by a moral code to protect the innocent, even if it means embracing their violent pasts. Both films feature intense action sequences as the protagonists meticulously plan and execute their attacks against the criminal enterprises.
The Mechanik
Both "The Equalizer" and "The Mechanik" follow a similar premise of a former military/intelligence operative who now lives a quiet life but is drawn back into a life of violence to help those in need. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Nikolai "Nick" Cherenko, are retired from elite military/intelligence roles and work unassuming jobs as cover. They are motivated to use their lethal skills to seek justice and rescue victims, particularly women trapped in sex trafficking rings run by ruthless Russian criminal organizations. The stories involve the protagonists systematically eliminating the criminal syndicate's enforcers and henchmen to reach the top boss, culminating in a final confrontation where the boss is killed. The films explore themes of vigilantism, redemption, and using one's abilities to protect the vulnerable.
The Equalizer 3
The Equalizer 3 follows a similar premise to The Equalizer, with Robert McCall continuing his vigilante activities to help the vulnerable and fight against criminal organizations. Both movies feature McCall using his skills from his past career to take down Russian mobsters and other dangerous criminals through calculated and brutal means. McCall infiltrates the operations of powerful crime syndicates, methodically eliminating their members to dismantle their activities. He forms connections with locals who have been victimized, motivating him to intervene and protect them. The movies parallel each other in McCall's quest for justice, his resourcefulness in combat situations, and his willingness to use extreme violence against those who exploit or harm innocent people. The Equalizer 3 expands McCall's vigilantism to a new setting in Italy while maintaining the core elements of his character and the franchise's themes of retribution and defending the defenseless.
Acts of Vengeance
Both "The Equalizer" and "Acts of Vengeance" follow a similar plot structure where an ordinary man is driven to seek vigilante justice after a tragic event involving the death or harm of an innocent person close to them. In "The Equalizer", Robert McCall seeks vengeance against the Russian mafia after his friend Alina, a trafficked sex worker, is brutally beaten. In "Acts of Vengeance", Frank Valera seeks to avenge the murder of his wife and daughter by a corrupt police officer. The protagonists in both films undergo a transformation, acquiring combat skills and adopting a stoic, calculated approach to exacting their revenge. They methodically track down and eliminate members of the criminal organizations responsible for the injustice, often using improvised weapons and their environment to their advantage. The villains in both films are part of larger criminal syndicates with connections to law enforcement, adding layers of complexity to the protagonists' quest for justice. Ultimately, both films explore themes of loss, grief, and the moral ambiguity of vigilantism, as the protagonists grapple with the consequences of their actions and the desire for retribution against those who have wronged them.
Triple 9
Both "The Equalizer" and "Triple 9" revolve around a highly skilled former military operative who becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld. In "The Equalizer", Robert McCall is a former DIA operative who seeks vigilante justice against the Russian mafia after they brutalize a young woman he befriended. Similarly, in "Triple 9", Michael Atwood is a former Navy SEAL who gets entangled with the Russian mafia and is forced to carry out dangerous heists for them. Both movies feature intense action sequences as the protagonists use their combat skills to take down criminal organizations. The movies also explore themes of corruption within law enforcement, with corrupt police officers working for the Russian mafia in both films. In "The Equalizer", Robert has to confront crooked cops on the mafia's payroll, while in "Triple 9", the heist crew consists of corrupt Atlanta police detectives. Both protagonists must navigate this web of corruption to achieve their goals. Ultimately, both movies depict the protagonists as skilled, morally-driven individuals who are willing to use extreme violence to protect the innocent and bring down powerful criminal syndicates, even if it means operating outside the law.
A Dangerous Man
Both "The Equalizer" and "A Dangerous Man" feature a former military/special forces operative who becomes a vigilante to protect the innocent and take down criminal organizations. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Shane Daniels, are drawn into conflicts after witnessing injustice and use their combat skills to exact justice on the villains. They face off against powerful criminal syndicates - the Russian mafia in "The Equalizer" and a Chinese smuggling ring in "A Dangerous Man". The stories follow a similar arc of the protagonists uncovering the depths of the criminal operations, confronting the enforcers and henchmen, and ultimately taking down the leaders of the syndicates. Both movies involve rescuing trafficked women and feature the protagonists forming bonds with them. The protagonists also receive assistance from allies, such as Robert's former colleague Susan and Shane's friend Vlad, in their quests for justice.
Brother 2
Both "The Equalizer" and "Brother 2" follow the story of a highly skilled former operative who becomes a vigilante to protect the innocent and seek justice against criminal organizations. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Danila Bagrov, use their combat expertise to take down powerful crime syndicates and their enforcers, often employing brutal and lethal methods. They are driven by a strong moral code and a desire to help those who cannot defend themselves, such as the trafficked Alina in "The Equalizer" and Danila's friend Kostya in "Brother 2". The films depict the protagonists' meticulous planning and execution of their operations against the criminal enterprises, as well as their ability to outsmart and outmaneuver their adversaries. Both movies explore themes of vigilantism, morality, and the consequences of violence in the pursuit of justice.
You Were Never Really Here
Both "The Equalizer" and "You Were Never Really Here" center around a highly skilled and violent vigilante who rescues victims, primarily young women, from human trafficking and criminal organizations. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Joe, are former military/government operatives haunted by traumatic pasts who now use their lethal skills to brutally take down criminals and protect the vulnerable. They are driven by a strong moral code to help those in need, even if it means employing extreme violence. The stories follow their missions to infiltrate criminal rings, rescue trafficked victims, and dismantle the larger operations through a trail of bloody confrontations. The villains are ruthless Russian mobsters and corrupt officials involved in human trafficking and other illicit activities. Ultimately, the vigilantes succeed in their quests for justice and freeing the victims, though at a significant personal cost.
Proud Mary
Both "The Equalizer" and "Proud Mary" center around a highly skilled former operative who now works a mundane job but secretly uses their lethal skills to dole out vigilante justice. In both films, the protagonist forms a bond with a young person from a troubled background - Robert McCall with the trafficked Alina, and Mary Goodwin with the abused Danny. This relationship motivates them to take on the criminal organizations exploiting these youths, leading to a violent confrontation with the Russian mob in "The Equalizer" and the Boston mafia in "Proud Mary". The protagonists systematically eliminate the villains' henchmen before a climactic showdown with the main antagonist. Both films depict the protagonists' moral struggle between their violent pasts and desires to protect the innocent, ultimately choosing to embrace their roles as vigilantes to help those in need.
Polar
Both "The Equalizer" and "Polar" center around a highly skilled former operative who is drawn back into a life of violence to seek justice and protect the innocent. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Duncan Vizla, are retired from dangerous careers but find themselves compelled to use their lethal skills against criminal organizations that have wronged them or those close to them. The movies follow a similar narrative arc where the protagonists are initially living a quiet life but become embroiled in a conflict with a powerful syndicate after defending a vulnerable person (Alina and Camille, respectively). They face ruthless enforcers (Teddy Rensen and Facundo's squad) sent to eliminate them, leading to a series of violent confrontations. Both McCall and Vizla demonstrate exceptional combat abilities and resourcefulness in dispatching their adversaries. They leverage their connections and intelligence backgrounds to uncover the larger conspiracy and target the syndicate leaders (Vladimir Pushkin and Mr. Blut). The movies culminate in the protagonists exacting revenge on the criminal masterminds and finding a sense of purpose in continuing to help others as vigilantes.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Both "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" and "The Equalizer" follow a protagonist who is a former military/intelligence operative drawn back into a dangerous world of espionage and violence. Jack Ryan and Robert McCall use their specialized skills to uncover and dismantle criminal/terrorist organizations that threaten global financial systems and security. They infiltrate the operations of powerful Russian oligarchs and their henchmen, facing attempts on their lives. The protagonists are aided by allies from their past careers, and their personal relationships become entangled in the conflicts. Ultimately, they confront and eliminate the primary antagonists through acts of lethal force, restoring order and justice.
A Walk Among the Tombstones
Both "The Equalizer" and "A Walk Among the Tombstones" feature a protagonist who is a former law enforcement officer turned vigilante. They use their skills to seek justice against criminal organizations, often by violent means. The protagonists are drawn into cases involving the kidnapping and brutal murder of innocent victims by ruthless criminals. They methodically track down the perpetrators, confronting them directly and eliminating them one by one. The movies explore themes of vengeance, redemption, and the moral ambiguity of taking the law into one's own hands. The protagonists are portrayed as skilled, calculating, and willing to go to extreme lengths to protect the vulnerable and punish the guilty.
Mr. Right
Both "Mr. Right" and "The Equalizer" center around a highly skilled former operative who uses their combat abilities to enact vigilante justice. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Francis Munch, are former government agents who now live quiet lives but are drawn back into violence to protect the innocent and take down criminal organizations. They form close bonds with vulnerable women, Alina and Martha, who become catalysts for their crusades against the Russian mafia and various crime syndicates. The stories follow the protagonists as they systematically eliminate the villains' henchmen and enforcers, culminating in confrontations with the main antagonists, the Russian oligarch Vladimir Pushkin and the vengeful Von Cartigan. The movies explore themes of redemption, protecting the vulnerable, and the protagonists' moral codes that drive their actions despite the violence they employ.
Brooklyn's Finest
Both "The Equalizer" and "Brooklyn's Finest" revolve around morally ambiguous law enforcement officers who operate outside the law to pursue their own form of justice. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Sal Procida, are driven by personal motivations - McCall seeks vengeance for a trafficked girl, while Sal resorts to stealing drug money to provide for his family. They employ extreme violence and vigilantism against criminal organizations, taking matters into their own hands when the system fails. The movies explore themes of corruption, the moral gray areas of law enforcement, and the consequences of taking the law into one's own hands. Both feature gritty, urban settings and intense action sequences as the protagonists systematically eliminate their adversaries. The parallel storylines of other officers like Tango Butler and Eddie Dugan further highlight the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement.
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
Both "The Equalizer" and "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" feature protagonists who are former military/government operatives seeking vigilante justice against criminal organizations. Robert McCall from "The Equalizer" and Marv, Dwight, and Nancy from "Sin City" all take matters into their own hands to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, often using extreme violence. The movies explore themes of vengeance, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of a violent past. The protagonists are drawn into conflicts with powerful crime syndicates after initially seeking to help vulnerable individuals like Alina and Marcie. The stories involve elaborate schemes to infiltrate and take down the criminal enterprises, culminating in brutal confrontations with the leaders like Vladimir Pushkin and Senator Roark. Overall, the movies share a gritty, neo-noir tone and depict morally complex antiheroes waging personal wars against corruption and evil.
Extraction 2
Both "Extraction 2" and "The Equalizer" center around a highly skilled former operative who comes out of retirement to rescue people from dangerous criminal organizations. In The Equalizer, Robert McCall helps free a young woman named Alina from the Russian mafia, leading to a violent conflict with the powerful syndicate leader Vladimir Pushkin. Similarly, in Extraction 2, Tyler Rake is hired to extract his ex-wife's sister Ketevan and her children from Ketevan's abusive husband Davit, a leader of the Georgian crime syndicate Nagazi. The protagonists use their combat skills and tactical prowess to take down the criminal enterprises, often employing brutal violence and improvised weapons. Both movies explore themes of redemption, as the protagonists seek to make amends for past mistakes through their heroic actions. The plots follow a similar structure of escalating conflict between the protagonist and the criminal organization, culminating in a climactic confrontation with the syndicate's ruthless leader.
The Beekeeper
Both "The Equalizer" and "The Beekeeper" follow a similar premise of a highly skilled former operative seeking vigilante justice against criminal organizations. The protagonists, Robert McCall and Adam Clay, are retired from their respective government agencies but are drawn back into action to right wrongs and protect the innocent. They employ their specialized skills to methodically take down the villains and their operations, often through violent confrontations. The villains in both movies are powerful criminal syndicates involved in illegal activities like human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. The protagonists face escalating threats as they get closer to the top of the criminal hierarchy, culminating in a final showdown with the main antagonist. Themes of justice, redemption, and using one's abilities for a greater good are central to both stories.
Vendetta
Both "The Equalizer" and "Vendetta" follow a similar plot structure of an ordinary man seeking vigilante justice after a tragic event involving the criminal underworld. In "The Equalizer", Robert McCall seeks vengeance against the Russian mafia after his friend Alina, a trafficked sex worker, is brutally beaten. In "Vendetta", William Duncan seeks revenge against the Fetter crime family after his daughter is murdered. Both protagonists use their military/intelligence backgrounds and combat skills to systematically eliminate the criminal organizations responsible for the tragedies. They employ stealth, improvised weapons, and strategic planning to overcome the villains' henchmen and enforcers. The movies parallel each other in the protagonists' transformation from ordinary citizens to ruthless vigilantes driven by a personal vendetta against powerful criminal syndicates. The climax involves a final confrontation where the protagonists confront and kill the main antagonists, the Russian oligarch Vladimir Pushkin in "The Equalizer" and crime boss Donnie Fetter in "Vendetta", ultimately achieving their goal of vengeance.