Is The Equalizer appropriate for children?

# The Equalizer - Parent Guide This R-rated thriller features intense action violence, strong language, and a plot involving human trafficking. Denzel Washington plays a retired operative who takes on Russian gangsters to rescue a young girl. The graphic brutality and mature themes make it unsuitable for children under 17 without parental accompaniment.

What age is The Equalizer suitable for?

Our verdict for The Equalizer is: Not recommended. See the age grid on this page for specific recommendations by age group.

Is The Equalizer safe for children? | ScreenWise Parent Guide

Content breakdown

🔫

Violence

Strong

🗣️

Language / Profanity

Strong

🔞

Sexual Content

Moderate

👻

Horror / Scary

Moderate

About this movie

Type

Movie

Released

2014

Rating

Genre

Thriller, Action, Crime

Synopsis

McCall believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets Teri, a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly by – he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.

Cast

Denzel Washington

Robert McCall

Marton Csokas

Teddy

Chloë Grace Moretz

Teri

David Harbour

Masters

Full cast on IMDb ›

Age suitability

Under 6

Not yet

Ages 6–8

Not recommended

Ages 9–12

Not recommended

Ages 13+

Not recommended

Where to watch

🎬 Find on Amazon

Affiliate links support ScreenWise at no extra cost to you.

Parents also checked

Ratings based on MPAA/TV classification and TMDB metadata. Updated March 2026.
Every child is different — always preview content for your family's specific needs.