This week The Equalizer 3 dropped in theaters. It’s supposedly the end of the series featuring Denzel Washington in the lead role for Antione Fuqua. These films have some good action, but Washington has had some strong action-oriented films throughout his career. In this week’s Binge, I’m looking at some of my favorites. Films appear in chronological order.

Glory (1989)
About: This Civil War film had a strong cast and an engaging story. Of course, it’s not the happiest story. Still, Washington is key to the action. In fact, he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the role. It’s one of my favorite films capturing the Civil War period.

Crimson Tide (1995)
About: When the action is set on a submarine, things always feel tense. Tony Scott directs here but the crux of the action is a disagreement between a veteran Navy captain (Gene Hackman) and his executive officer (Washington). It’s a powerful performance and a very engaging and tense film.

The Book of Eli (2010)
About: This post-apocalyptic tale sees Washington on the road, protecting the last copy of the Bible. The story speaks to me as does the meditation on faith. The action sequences are also fierce and the twist to the story really adds to the engagement of the overall plot and action. Washington and Mila Kunis are great here.

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2010)
About: A re-make, but this one puts Washington in the center of the action as a metro worker forced to talk down a thief (John Travolta). There are twists and plenty of tension. Washington makes for a sympathetic lead in a re-make that really works for me.

The Magnificent Seven (2016)
About: Speaking of re-makes, this is the second re-make of the original Seven Samurai. I have to say, this is one of my favorite westerns. It’s got a loaded cast, but Washington plays a key role in the action. This is another film directed by Fuqua and it hums.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.