If you’re looking for a break from the usual Christmas movies, Netflix has just the film for you. Denzel Washington fans have been raving about an underrated flick that is now available to stream.

From his iconic roles in films like Training Day and American Gangster to his action-packed thrillers like The Equalizer and Flight, Denzel Washington has a wide range of epic dramas that you can sink your teeth into this weekend. You could even have a whole Washington marathon if you wanted to! But if you’re in the mood for something underappreciated, make sure to include one of his early-noughties films that fans believe deserves more love.

Directed by Tony Scott, Man on Fire tells the story of John W Creasy, a former CIA operative who is hired to protect a family in Mexico City as a wave of kidnappings takes place. As Creasy grows close to the young girl he’s looking after, she is kidnapped by a bloodthirsty gunman, pushing Creasy to seek vengeance on those responsible.

Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning star in "Man on Fire". Credit: 20th Century Studios

While Man on Fire may not have received the best ratings from critics, with just a 39 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences think differently. It has an impressive Audience Score of 89 percent, and fans have been singing its praises online.

One fan on the r/movies subreddit described it as “absolutely fantastic,” praising Tony Scott’s direction and Denzel Washington’s performance. They also appreciated the chemistry between Washington and Dakota Fanning, highlighting the emotional impact of the film.

Fans believe "Man on Fire" is criminally underrated. Credit: 20th Century Studios

Other users chimed in to express their love for the movie, calling it “awesome”, “one of [their] favorite Denzel movies”, and praising Washington’s acting for its subtlety and vulnerability.

While Man on Fire may have its share of mixed reviews, it’s clear that many Denzel Washington fans consider it a hidden gem. So, why not stream it on Netflix and judge for yourself which side you’re on?