Death Wish Movies in Order & How Many Are There
Death Wish is a series of action movies that first hit the big screen in 1974. The films follow the story of Paul Kersey, a man who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is sexually assaulted. The series has become a cult classic and has spawned several sequels.
The Death Wish movies are known for their gritty portrayal of urban crime and their unapologetic depiction of vigilante justice. The films have been both praised and criticized for their controversial subject matter. But one thing is for sure – they have left an indelible mark on the action movie genre.
How Many Death Wish Movies Are There?
There are a total of six Death Wish movies. The movies were produced between 1974 and 2018 and include:
- Death Wish (1974)
- Death Wish II (1982)
- Death Wish 3 (1985)
- Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)
- Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994)
- Death Wish (2018)
Now let us see the best way to watch Death Wish movies in order.
Death Wish Movies in Order
The first five Death Wish movies are part of the same series and follow the story chronologically, while the last movie, Death Wish from 2018, is a reboot of the series and can be watched anytime. Now, we will let you know what each movie is about and whether there will be more Death Wish movies in the future.
Death Wish (1974)
“Death Wish” is a vigilante action film directed by Michael Winner and starring Charles Bronson. The movie follows Paul Kersey, a mild-mannered architect whose life turns dark when his wife is murdered and a gang of criminals sexually assaults his daughter.
Frustrated by the inefficiency of the police and driven by a desire for revenge, Kersey embarks on a one-man mission to clean up the streets of New York City. He becomes a vigilante, seeking out and taking down criminals with increasingly violent acts. The film explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of violence, as Kersey’s actions blur the line between heroism and vigilantism.
Death Wish II (1982)
“Death Wish II” is a sequel to the original “Death Wish” film, directed by Michael Winner and starring Charles Bronson. The story picks up several years after the events of the first film. Paul Kersey, still haunted by the murder of his wife and assault on his daughter, has relocated to Los Angeles for a fresh start. However, tragedy strikes once again when a new group of criminals invades his life.
This time, they not only rape and murder his housekeeper but also kidnap and assault his daughter, leaving her in a traumatized state. Driven by his relentless desire for vengeance, Kersey takes up arms again, going on a brutal and deadly quest to hunt down and responsibly eliminate the criminals.
Death Wish 3 (1985)
“Death Wish 3” is the third installment in the “Death Wish” film series, directed by Michael Winner and featuring Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey. The movie follows Kersey as he returns to his hometown of New York City, which has become overrun with crime and violence. Kersey arrives just in time to witness the murder of a friend and fueled by anger and a sense of duty, he takes it upon himself to clean up the neighborhood.
With the help of a local group of vigilantes, Kersey engages in a violent war against the criminal elements, culminating in a showdown with a notorious gang leader known as the Giggler. The film delves into urban decay, vigilantism, and the limits of justice while presenting a gritty and action-packed narrative.
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)
The vigilante narrative continues in “Death Wish 4: The Crackdown,” directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey. This time, Kersey’s girlfriend, Karen, is killed by drug dealers. Devastated by the loss, Kersey plans to dismantle the drug syndicate responsible for her death.
He uses his skills and experience to infiltrate the criminal underworld, targeting key figures and disrupting their operations. As Kersey wages his one-man war, he forms an unlikely alliance with an investigative reporter, Karen Sheldon, who helps him gather information on drug dealers. The film explores the dangers of the drug trade and the lengths a grieving man will go to seek justice.
Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994)
“Death Wish V: The Face of Death” is the final chapter in the original “Death Wish” film series, directed by Allan A. Goldstein and starring Charles Bronson. In this installment, Paul Kersey’s girlfriend, Olivia, becomes the target of a vicious mobster named Tommy O’Shea. O’Shea seeks revenge against Kersey after Olivia accidentally uncovers his illegal activities. When Olivia is killed in a brutal attack, Kersey decides to once again take matters into his own hands.
With the help of a resourceful friend, he begins systematically eliminating O’Shea’s henchmen, aiming to bring down the mobster and avenge Olivia’s death. The film presents a tale of personal vendetta and the struggle against organized crime, highlighting Kersey’s unwavering determination in danger.
Death Wish (2018)
The 2018 version of “Death Wish,” directed by Eli Roth and starring Bruce Willis as Dr. Paul Kersey, modernizes the original film for a contemporary audience. The story follows Kersey, a skilled trauma surgeon living in Chicago, whose life is tragic when his wife is murdered, and his daughter is left in a coma following a home invasion.
Overwhelmed by grief and frustration with the justice system, Kersey transforms into a vigilant figure, dispensing his form of justice to the city’s criminals. Armed with his medical skills and weapons, he becomes a relentless force in the fight against crime. The film explores themes of revenge, the consequences of violence, and the morality of taking the law into one’s own hands in a modern urban setting.
Will There Be More Death Wish Movies in The Future?
The 2018 version of “Death Wish” received mixed reviews from critics and underperformed at the box office, grossing $49.6 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. The film also faced criticism for its depiction of gun violence in the context of recent mass shootings, with accusations of spreading “right-wing” and “pro-gun” messages. Given these factors, no official announcements about future Death Wish movies have been announced, and the franchise’s continuation remains uncertain.
