One of Denzel Washington’s best movies has just been remade for Netflix

The Oscar-winner's most underrated film has been turned into a new TV show.

Previously made into a modern classic movie starring Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, the 2026 TV adaptation sees Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Ambulance) take over the role of John Creasy, a once high-functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary.

"Known for surviving even the most desolate of situations, Creasy is now plagued with intense PTSD. Determined to overcome his personal demons, he sets out on a path to redemption," the plot synopsis adds.

"But, before he can adjust to this new life, he finds himself back in the fire, fighting harder than ever."

Surprisingly, the Washington take on Man on Fire holds a lowly 39% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Common sources of complaint at the time of its 2004 release included its grim tone, its violent content, and its 146-minute length.

In recent years, however, the film has attracted a legion of devoted fans. This is thanks to the friendship between Washington's Creasy and the child he is hired to protect (played by Dakota Fanning), the quotable dialogue, the thriller's hyperkinetic visual style that places the viewer inside its hero's tortured psyche, and the themes of redemption.

It's probably thanks to this that Netflix greenlit the new series adaptation. Early reception to the show has been mixed, though Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's performance has been praised.

That said, given the 2004 movie's mixed reviews, the series version could still be worth watching.

Here is a sample of some positive reviews for the Man on Fire show:

Collider: "What Man on Fire does ultimately succeed as a showcase for, amidst the narrative's twists and turns, is Abdul-Mateen II's undeniable magnetism as both a leading man and an action star."

Geek Vibes Nation: "The streaming adaptation of Man on Fire is gripping and intense television."

Screen Rant: "It’s rare for a story with such a brutal and violent edge to have such a heartfelt message at the core. The Netflix show is truly something special. Ultimately, this deeper level makes Netflix’s Man on Fire a must-watch."

TV Guide: "It's not trying to be anything more than a pretty good action thriller, which was its ceiling to begin with."

The new Man on Fire TV show is streaming on Netflix now.