A ‘gruesome’ action thriller that some say is ‘better than John Wick’ is quietly being removed from Netflix.

Starring iconic actor Denzel Washington, The Equalizer originally hit cinemas back in 2014. It is a reboot of the popular 1980s television show of the same name.

Washington steps into the leading role of former CIA agent Robert McCall. He is a man of mysterious origin who believes he has put his violent past behind him and dedicates himself to creating a quiet new life.

However, when he meets Teri, a teenager who has been manhandled by violent Russian mobsters, he simply cannot walk away. With his set of formidable skills, McCall comes out of self-imposed retirement and emerges as an avenging angel, ready to take down anyone who brutalises the helpless.

While the film may not have been a critical darling, it still managed to take in an impressive $192 million at the box office. This kind of success ultimately led to the inspiration of two sequels.

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The film often gets compared to John Wick(Image: Sony)

The Equalizer’s initial cinematic run was somewhat overshadowed by a similar title that was came out at the same time – John Wick. Over the years, the two movies have ended up unsurprisingly being compared by fans.

It is a debate that still rages but those who are yet to see for themselves if Washington’s outing bests Keanu Reeves are running out of time. While the film was added to Netflix’s library last summer, it is due to be removed from streaming in a matter of days.

A message now indicates that the final day to watch the film on the service is February 28. However, at the time of writing, it can also be streamed via Sky Cinema or NOW.

So John Wick fans who have yet to sample Washington’s action thriller are urged to check it out sooner rather than later. As one person suggests: “Well if you’ve watched John Wick, then you have got to see this. Not only it has such badass moments intricately represented by Denzel Washington but also has moments that give you that ‘feel good’ when you see him going about his business.”

They added: “Action is neatly choreographed and in certain scenes you don’t need to think how that guy went down. Special mention to the subtlety that The Equalizer brings to the table which seemed to be lacking in John wick. Definitely worth your time!”

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Fans think it is one of Denzel Washington’s finest performances(Image: Sony)

Another posted on Reddit with the headline ‘The Equalizer is better than John Wick. Change my mind’ and claimed: “They managed to make The Equalizer a much deeper movie, with a slower pace and much better character development. The gruesome violence has much more impact and is better filmed, without that gratuitous barrages of bullets and bulletproof jackets. One could also argue that Denzel being a better actor helps The Equalizer to stand out.”

Someone else stated: “It’s like Sherlock Holmes meets John Wick with a hint of the Accountant. Best of all there is compassion and a will to do good.”

Yet another commented: “Amazing movie. Ten out of ten. Could watch on repeat and would never get bored.”

Meanwhile there are several who simply say that both movies are just as worth your time. As one person summarised: “It’s pure entertaining action drama which gives you John Wick type vibes. I’m not comparing the movies, both are good in their own style.

“The story was simple and effective, the screenplay was good but little bit loose, the direction was good and the performances were also good especially Denzel’s.”

The Equalizer is streaming on Netflix until February 28.