Star-Studded Action Franchise Explodes On Netflix In September
When movie fans think “fall,” they’re likely to envision paranormal hauntings, slashers, and gore-filled features, but we’re here to tell our readers that September is the month for action. Well, at least on Netflix. Right now, Netflix subscribers can stream the first three titles of The Expendables franchise, the explosive film series led by some of the biggest names in action.
The Expendables Has The Biggest Names In Action
Kicked off in 2010, The Expendables film series quickly rose to become one of the world’s favorite set of action films largely thanks to the names that lined its call sheet. The original flick featured an ensemble that included Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, and more. Essentially, if you were to create a super-group of the film industry’s biggest names in the genre, these movies would be it.
Directed by Sylvester Stallone, the first Expendables movie introduced audiences to a ragtag team of mercenaries who are asked for their highly sought-after skills to help dethrone a dictator who rules over a South American country. Along the way, the men begin to see the mission for what it is and realize they’ve been double-crossed. Still wanting to help the people out where they can, Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and the rest of his teammates push forward to take care of business.
A Franchise That Knows Its Audience Better Than The Critics
Released by Lionsgate, the world’s introduction to The Expendables was a hugely successful one, with audiences excited to see all of the iconic performers joining together for one blockbuster flick. At the global box office, the debut title earned an impressive $274.5 million against its production budget of $80-82 million. Even though critics were a tad bit harsh on Sylvester Stallone’s latest directorial feature, audiences weren’t looking for a masterpiece, they were just hoping for an explosive movie with a bit of nostalgia – which is exactly what The Expendables was.
Branching Out Into Franchise Territory
Pushing the haters to the side, Lionsgate quickly decided that this would be the kind of story that could move into sequel – and possibly even franchise – territory. The next movie would continue the adventures of Barney Ross and his ride-or-die group, introducing new characters played by even bigger names in action like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Bulking up its budget to $100 million, the Simon West-helmed feature earned back triple its production budget with a $315 million box office haul.
Round 3 Was A Polarizing Effort
Once again, Lionsgate realized they could continue raking in cash, so they put out The Expendables 3 in 2014. Directed by Patrick Hughes, only a handful of the original lineup was back for more but those missing were replaced by the likes of Glen Powell, Ronda Rousey, Mel Gibson, and Wesley Snipes. Still chugging along, although clearly losing some steam, the third installment cashed in $214.7 million at the worldwide box office against its spending of $90-100 million.
The Trilogy Is All You Need On Netflix
That gets us caught up on the three films currently streaming on Netflix and, although there’s a fourth movie aptly titled Expend4ables, many fans of the franchise would beg you to stop after number three. The movie largely under-performed with critics, fans, and at the box office, and will more than likely be the last time we see the Expendables unless some major changes are made.
Still, you can now take a walk down memory lane and remember the good times as the first three Expendables movies are now streaming on Netflix.
