On Netflix, this action thriller rated 89% even surpasses The Equalizer: one of Denzel Washington’s most powerful roles
Critics shrugged; viewers swore by it. Which Denzel Washington thriller on Netflix now outmuscles The Equalizer?
Denzel Washington has rarely been more ferocious or vulnerable than as John Creasy in Tony Scott’s 2004 thriller Man on Fire. Critics were cool on it at the time, yet audiences have long rallied behind the film, reflected in a hefty 89 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes compared with 39 percent from critics. Anchored by his tender rapport with a young Dakota Fanning, Washington turns a bodyguard assignment into a bruising redemption story. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
Denzel Washington’s timeless legacy
Few actors have cemented their place in Hollywood with the same gravitas as Denzel Washington. Whether it is his commanding presence or the emotional depth he brings to his roles, Washington remains a force in every genre. Alongside standout work in Training Day and Glory, his turn as vigilante Robert McCall in The Equalizer series reshaped modern action. Many viewers contend that Man on Fire surpasses even The Equalizer for heart and intensity.
Man on Fire: a compelling story of redemption
Directed by Tony Scott and released in 2004, Man on Fire brings to life the novel L’Homme en feu by Philip Nicholson. Washington plays John Creasy, a former CIA operative burdened by disillusionment, alcoholism, and the weight of past sins. Hired as a bodyguard for Pita, an energetic young girl portrayed by Dakota Fanning, Creasy gradually rediscovers his purpose. Their bond sets him on a path toward redemption until a devastating kidnapping sends him into a relentless mission for justice.
Critics vs. audiences: a tale of two ratings
Art often divides opinion, and Man on Fire is no exception. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes rated the film at a lukewarm 39% vs. 89% from audiences. The split highlights the raw immediacy of Washington’s performance and the film’s blend of character-driven drama with propulsive action that resonated more strongly with viewers.
Why revisit Man on Fire? It’s on Netflix
Streaming availability gives modern classics a second life, and Man on Fire is now on Netflix. Washington’s gravitas pairs with Tony Scott’s gritty direction to create essential viewing, punctuated by a tender friendship, a shattering loss, and an unwavering quest for vengeance.
A story worth discovering, or rediscovering
For those who know Washington chiefly as Robert McCall in The Equalizer, Man on Fire reveals a quieter, more introspective side whose eruptions of violence feel earned. As John Creasy becomes a protector willing to sacrifice everything, the film endures as a testament to Washington’s range and to a narrative that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.
