On September 7th, 2014, The Equalizer premiered, bringing to the big screen a thrilling reimagining of the iconic 1980s TV series. Starring a then 50-year-old Denzel Washington, the film not only revived the classic tale of a vigilante with a moral code but also solidified Washington's status as a bona fide action star.

While Washington had already showcased his fighting prowess in The Book of Eli, where he wielded a machete with lethal precision, it was The Equalizer that propelled him into the elite league of Hollywood's "badass dads."

This wasn’t just another action movie—it was a statement. Denzel’s portrayal of Robert McCall was a masterclass in controlled violence, combining Filipino close-quarter knife fighting and hand-to-hand combat techniques that captivated audiences and set a new standard for action films.

In a cinematic landscape where "movie dads who kick ass" had become a trend—arguably kicked off by Liam Neeson’s Taken a few years earlier—Washington’s role in The Equalizer raised the bar, bringing a unique blend of intensity, skill, and gravitas that only he could deliver.

In this edition of The Black List, we’re counting down the the "Greatest Movie Dad" movies that pack a serious punch by men over 40—martial arts edition. These films showcase fathers who don't just protect their families; they obliterate anything or anyone that threatens them, with fists, blades, and sheer determination.

Let the countdown begin.

Taken (2008) - Liam Neeson

Age during filming: 55

Character: Bryan Mills is described as an "relentless attack machine" who uses a variety of martial arts skills to knock out opponents. 

Training: Former Special Air Service (SAS) soldier Mick Gould trained Neeson in combatives and weapons handling for the role. 

Memorable fight: Apartment fight with gang 

Weapon: Hand to hand and karambit 

Homefront (2013) - Jason Statham

Age while filming: 46

Character: Seeking a fresh start and hoping to leave his troubled past behind, former DEA agent Phil Broker relocates with his daughter to a seemingly quiet town in the bayou. However, what he finds is far from peaceful—this small town is entangled in a web of drugs and violence.

Training: Karate, taekwondo, krav maga

Memorable fight: Gas station

Weapon: Empty hand and a gas station pump

Equalizer (2014) - Denzel Washington 

Age while filming: 58

Character: Robert McCall, technically a widower but at the perfect age for a retired CIA agent gone rogue, is portrayed by Denzel Washington. He plays the role with his trademark intensity, complete with his legendary watch to time how quickly he can destroy his opponents.

Training: Kali, jeet kune do

Memorable fight: Russian mob scene

Weapon: Corkscrew, knife, and empty hand

My Beloved Bodyguard (2016) - Sammo Hung

Age while filming: 66

Character: Sammo Hung plays grandpa Ding, in this heartfelt kick ass movie, of a retired bodyguard in the early stages of dementia befriends a young girl. When her father's criminal connections place her in danger, the bodyguard calls upon forgotten skills to keep her safe.

Training: Kung fu and shuai jiao (Chinese wrestling) 

Memorable Fight Scene: Grandpa vs. the gang in the house

Weapon: Hand to Hand combat with shuai jiao

One Night in Bangkok (2020) - Mark Dacascos 

Age while filming: 55

Character: Kai Kahale, a pained father who goes on a killing spree to avenge his daughter. 

Memorable Fight: Ending scene vs Kane Kosugi

Weapon: Good old fashion hands and feet

Mr. Nobody (2021) - Bob Odenkirk

Age while filming: 56

Character: Hutch Mansell is a mild-mannered family man who returns to his former life of an assassin after he and his family become the target of a vengeful crime lord.

Training: CIA martial arts, muay thai, and BJJ

Memorable fight: The bus

Weapon: Empty hand and foot