The Equalizer 2 (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
The Equalizer 2 is a 2018 action thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, Melissa Leo and Bill Pullman. It runs 2 hours 1 minute and earned $190.4 million worldwide on a $62 million budget. Critics gave it 52% on Rotten Tomatoes and 50 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 1m (121 min)
- Director
- Antoine Fuqua
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
- Budget
- $62M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Equalizer 2 About?
The premise of The Equalizer 2 without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
When justice isn't served, Robert McCall takes action. After the unexpected death of a close friend and ally, Susan Plummer, McCall embarks on a personal mission of vengeance. He confronts ruthless assassins and a dangerous network, utilizing his unique skillset to seek retribution. As he pursues those responsible, McCall must confront a growing threat and fight to restore order.
The Equalizer 2 Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- brussels belgium
- woman fights a man
- second part
- gun
- returning character killed off
- gunfight
- exploding building
- martial arts
- fistfight
- spy hero
- hurricane
- hotel room
+38 more Show fewer
- murder of friend
- boston massachusetts
- friendship betrayal
- vigilante
- brother sister reunion
- product placement
- slow motion scene
- disarming someone
- vigilantism
- two way mirror
- gang rape
- gang
- gangsta
- drug dealer
- cocaine
- graffiti
- state trooper
- rain
- heavy rain
- coastal town
- ghost town
- one against many
- cia agent
- near death experience
- violence
- lyft driver
- istanbul turkey
- dust explosion
- cia central intelligence agency
- sequel
- mixed martial arts
- holocaust survivor
- date rape
- rape victim
- rapist
- shootout
- government agent
- turkey
The Equalizer 2 Cast & Characters
Denzel Washington leads the cast as Robert McCall, with Melissa Leo as Susan Plummer and Bill Pullman as Brian Plummer. Directed by Antoine Fuqua; 30 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Antoine Fuqua
-
Denzel Washington as Robert McCall -
Melissa Leo as Susan Plummer -
Bill Pullman as Brian Plummer - Tamara Hickey as Grace Braelick
Also Starring in The Equalizer 2
· 26 more- Orson Bean Sam Rubinstein
- Abigail Marlowe Jana Calbert (Belgian Wife)
- Jonathan Scarfe Resnik
- Kazy Tauginas Ari
- Garrett Golden Kovac
- Sakina Jaffrey Fatima
- Ashton Sanders Miles Whittaker
- Pedro Pascal Dave York
- Donald Cerrone
- Jay Hieron
- Annie Pisapia
- Leah Procito
- Mickey Gilmore
- Joseph Oliveira
- Kayla Caulfield
- Alexa Giuffre
Show all 30 cast members Show fewer cast members
More from Antoine Fuqua
More films directed by Antoine Fuqua, best-rated first: Lightning in a Bottle, Training Day, Southpaw and The Equalizer.
The Equalizer 2 Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Equalizer 2 52% on Rotten Tomatoes and 50 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).
The Equalizer 2 Echo Score Breakdown
The Equalizer 2 achieves solid craftsmanship but is hampered by a predictable narrative and uneven pacing. Reviews note Denzel Washington’s commanding presence and Antoine Fuqua’s stylistic direction, though several critics find the story derivative and lacking in fun. The action sequences receive praise for their intensity and atmosphere, yet some find them insufficiently thrilling. While the film offers moments of emotional resonance and technical polish, it falls short of delivering lasting novelty within a middling sequel framework.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of direction and cinematography, Antoine Fuqua demonstrates stylistic flair that elevates routine action scenes. Reviews highlight the improved editing and thoughtful production design, with some noting an understated visual cohesion despite occasional cluttered foliage. The use of stormy conditions and atmospheric lighting enhances the film’s aesthetic consistency. Overall, the craftsmanship is solid and benefits from measured shot composition, though it occasionally feels overly practical.
- Character & Emotion 88
When it comes to character depth and emotion, Denzel Washington’s portrayal anchors the film with quiet authority and moral conviction. Critics consistently commend his nuanced performance, citing moments of intense ferocity that overshadow other elements. Supporting cast members, particularly recent additions like Pedro Pascal, contribute memorable interactions, even if some side characters remain underdeveloped. Overall, the central performance provides engaging emotional resonance that sustains audience interest.
- Story & Flow 55
Regarding plot coherence and pacing, The Equalizer 2 presents a serviceable yet predictable narrative. Multiple analyses observe that the storyline adheres to familiar vigilante tropes, leading to limited surprises and occasional filler bloat. Some elements, such as the hurricane-set climax, inject stakes but lack sustained fun. As a result, engagement fluctuates between solid setup and derivative progression. Ultimately, the film delivers moderate momentum without substantial originality.
- Sensory Experience 68
In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers robust action sequences and an impactful soundtrack. Reviews note well-executed chase scenes and effective use of stormy weather to heighten tension, alongside crisp sound design. However, certain visual choices, like overcrowded foliage and jump-cut editing, can undermine cohesion. While the gore and effects maintain genre expectations, the overall sensory impact is balanced rather than consistently riveting.
- Rewatch Factor 55
When assessing replay value, The Equalizer 2 offers intermittent appeal primarily through its lead performance and select action set pieces. The film’s emotional beats and atmospheric highlights may reward a second viewing for genre enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the predictable plot and limited thematic surprises reduce its lasting appeal. Consequently, while some viewers may revisit standout sequences, the overall rewatch potential remains moderate rather than compelling.
-
IMDb 6.7 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 52% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 61%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 50 Metascore
User score 6.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 68% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.1 /5
157 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.2 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Equalizer 2 Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Equalizer 2 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The film begins on a Turkish railway, 400 miles from Istanbul, where Robert McCall enters the bar cart and shares a drink with a Turkish man named Adam Karst, who has abducted his daughter out of spite for her American mother. Upon realizing McCall’s intentions, the man instructs his henchmen to deal with him. McCall swiftly sizes up his adversaries, sets a timer, and with a series of swift and brutal moves, subdues them all. He ominously approaches the father, offering him a chance to choose an easier path.
Meanwhile, in Boston, a distraught Grace (Tamara Hickey) visits her lawyer’s office, where her daughter awaits her. The emotional reunion sees her embracing her young girl with tears in her eyes.
Full summary
The whole story of The Equalizer 2, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Equalizer 2 Box Office & Budget
The Equalizer 2 grossed $190.4 million worldwide on a $62 million budget, 3.1 times what it cost. $102.1 million came from the US and Canada and $88.3 million (46%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$190.4M
3.1× its budget
- US & Canada
- $102.1M
- International
- $88.3M
- Budget
- $62M
The Equalizer 2 Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.
- Trailer THE EQUALIZER 2 - Official Trailer #2
- Clip The Equalizer 2 - Red-Band Extended Preview
How Well Do You Know The Equalizer 2?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the primary occupation of Robert McCall in 'The Equalizer 2'?
Cars in The Equalizer 2
39 cars on screen, including the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2018 BMW M550i G30.
-
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Main role -
2018 BMW M550i G30 Important role -
2017 Ford Taurus Important role -
1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 E W201 Minor role
The Equalizer 2 Also Known As
35 alternative titles, including “The Equalizer 2: senza perdono” and “The Equalizer 2: A Vingança”.
- Also known as
-
- The Equalizer 2: senza perdono
- The Equalizer 2: A Vingança
- The Equalizer II
- El Justiciero 2
- The Equalizer 2 (El protector 2)
- イコライザー2:2018
- มัจจุราชไร้เงา 2
- موازنهساز ۲
- Le Justicier 2
- 叛諜裁判2
- 伸冤人2
- 制裁特攻
+23 more Show fewer
- Великий уравнитель 2
- Закрилникът 2
- Bez Litości 2
- נקודת שוויון 2
- O Protetor 2
- A védelmező 2.
- The Equalizer 2 - Senza perdono
- Ekvalaizeris 2
- Праведник 2
- 더 이퀄라이저 2
- 私刑教育2
- Adalet 2
- 叛諜裁判 2
- The Equalizer 2 - A Vingança
- Kutsuge McCall 2
- المعادل 2
- Stabilizators 2
- Thiện Ác Đối Đầu 2
- Pravednik 2
- イコライザー2
- Pravičnik 2
- द इक्वलाइज़र 2
- L’equalitzador 2, ექვალაიზერი 2
Seen The Equalizer 2?
Movies Like The Equalizer 2
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Equalizer, The Equalizer 3 and The Equalizer - The Movie: Blood & Wine.
The Equalizer 2 FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Equalizer 2, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Equalizer 2?
The Equalizer 2 runs 2 hours 1 minute (121 minutes).
When was The Equalizer 2 released?
The Equalizer 2 was released on July 20, 2018.
Who directed The Equalizer 2?
The Equalizer 2 was directed by Antoine Fuqua.
More films by Antoine Fuqua Who is in the cast of The Equalizer 2?
The Equalizer 2 stars Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, Melissa Leo as Susan Plummer and Bill Pullman as Brian Plummer, among 30 credited actors.
How much did The Equalizer 2 make at the box office?
The Equalizer 2 grossed $190.4 million worldwide ($102.1 million domestic, $88.3 million international) on a budget of $62 million.
How is The Equalizer 2 rated?
The Equalizer 2 has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, 50 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.
Does The Equalizer 2 have a post-credit scene?
No. The Equalizer 2 has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
