Ranking Every Expendables Movie: From Worst to Best

The Expendables series was initially conceived by Sylvester Stallone as a means to unite action stars of the 80s and 90s in a joint endeavor that acknowledged the movies that significantly shaped their professional paths. Throughout the four films, fans have witnessed Stallone working alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, and others. However, the fourth movie primarily spotlights Jason Statham.

Despite the overall success of the Expendables series, it’s true that the quality among the films has noticeably fluctuated. Fans have observed a shift from R-rated content to PG-13 ratings, which some might argue has impacted the overall experience. Moreover, assembling a star-studded cast featuring both classic and contemporary action heroes hasn’t always resulted in positive outcomes. However, what remains consistent are signature aspects of the series, such as epic action sequences and entertaining team-ups between action stars. Consequently, opinions about the quality of each film within the franchise can differ significantly, with certain installments generally viewed as superior to others.

4. The Expendables 4

The Series May Have Run Its Course

It’s clear that The Expendables 4, despite reverting back to its R-rating, doesn’t live up to the standards set by its predecessors in the series. While Jason Statham’s character Lee Christmas takes center stage, the storyline lacks the engaging elements that made the franchise appealing. The majority of the film focuses on Christmas alone, with the rest of the Expendables 4 cast being confined to a single location, which seems to underscore the fact that newcomers like Megan Fox, Levy Tran, and 50 Cent are underutilized. Tony Jaa manages to have some standout moments, but they are brief, and Iko Uwais’ portrayal of the villain fails to meet expectations.

Problems with The Expendables 4 extend beyond mere absent team-ups or thrilling fight scenes. The CGI is appallingly substandard, and most humor misses its mark. A contrived death scene that viewers can easily predict, coupled with a disappointing villain’s unmasking about Ocelot’s true identity, further detract from the movie’s appeal. The film lacks freshness and excitement, suggesting that the Expendables series is showing its age and requires a substantial overhaul. In truth, the idea of recreating 80s and 90s action movies loses its charm when most of the cast didn’t originally star in these genres during their heyday.

3. The Expendables 3

Going To A PG-13 Rating Was A Mistake

In the ranking of the Expendables franchise, The Expendables 3 fares poorly, primarily because it shifted away from an R-rating and introduced a younger cast. This change, intended to attract a broader audience, led to less intense action scenes and toned-down portrayals of the mercenaries. However, this deviation went against the gritty nature that was core to the Expendables films, potentially in pursuit of larger box office earnings, which did not materialize. Maintaining the R-rating and embracing more brutal violence might have been a potential solution, but it wouldn’t have significantly improved its standing in the franchise ranking.

Another significant issue with ‘The Expendables 3’ was the inclusion of a newer cast consisting of figures such as Ronda Rousey (former MMA fighter), Victor Ortiz (former boxer), Kellan Lutz (‘Twilight’), and Glen Powell. These actors did not reappear in ‘The Expendables 4’. This change in focus diverted attention from the established stars like Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Jet Li, and Randy Couture, who were all part of the third installment. Additionally gracing the screen with their action skills were a host of renowned action stars. Combined with subpar action sequences, over-the-top acting, and an overall uninspiring direction, ‘The Expendables 3’ feels like a watered-down TV version of the franchise rather than a fitting conclusion to the original trilogy.

2. The Expendables 2

A Fun Action Romp

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I found myself stepping into the shoes of Director Simon West, renowned for his work on “Con Air,” when I was tapped to helm “The Expendables 2.” Sylvester Stallone, who had been instrumental as writer, producer, and lead actor in the original, continued to shape the storyline. In my directorial role, I opted for a more refined visual aesthetic, capturing the nostalgic essence of 90s action flicks. This decision allowed Sly to expertly orchestrate the ensemble cast, which saw the addition of Jean-Claude Van Damme as the antagonist, a role he had declined in the first film. The roster swelled with other legends like Chuck Norris and Scott Adkins, while Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, who made fleeting appearances in the first installment, were given more substantial roles this time around.

In a refreshing update, The Expendables 2, unlike its 80s-inspired predecessor, seems to have been modeled after the action flicks from the 90s. This change in style is a testament to West’s directing approach. The R-rating enabled the violence in The Expendables 2 to be more exaggerated and extreme than its earlier, raw and hardcore counterpart. While the plot of all The Expendables films serves as a simple backdrop for the main event, it’s difficult to criticize The Expendables 2 on storytelling grounds, as viewers primarily tune in for the gunfights, knife fights, explosions, and macho dialogue – elements that are abundant in the sequel.

1. The Expendables

The Peak Of The Franchise

When it comes to movies, particularly action films, originals tend to stand out as the best, and this is no different for “The Expendables”. Following closely on the heels of “Rambo”, another action-packed production from Sylvester Stallone’s extensive series, he brought the same raw, energetic spirit to “The Expendables”. This film combined a rugged, intense brutality with the action scenes, pushing the boundaries of violence and gore. The original “Expendables” movie was a tribute to the over-the-top excessiveness characteristic of the 80s, while also serving as a contemporary addition to the genre.

In a nutshell, the film “The Expendables” is filled with classic action elements like overt masculinity, witty quips, grandiose displays of power, eccentric personalities, and lots of fiery pyrotechnics. However, it’s not just about the action; it showcases a remarkable flair for entertainment, spearheaded by Stallone and Statham, who skillfully demonstrate their expertise in this genre while creating an entertaining, lighthearted duo. “The Expendables” is a heartfelt homage to the action genre, orchestrated by Stallone, who brought together a talented ensemble of veteran action stars to shine in their element. For fans who grew up admiring these actors at the height of their careers, watching this film often feels like a nostalgic journey, complete with memories of VHS tapes and DVDs.

I’ve found that the Director’s Cut of “The Expendables” truly outshines the original, boasting an extra 15 minutes of thrilling content. This expanded footage offers grittier action scenes and deeper insights into the characters, particularly our key players. One standout addition is the incorporation of Shinedown’s “Diamond Eyes” in the climactic action sequence – a fitting touch that infuses the chaos with an energetic rock-and-roll spirit. All these tweaks elevate the Director’s Cut, making it more engaging than the theatrical cut, although both versions remain entertaining. Ultimately, the first foray of “The Expendables” onto the big screen was undeniably successful.

What’s Next For The Expendables Franchise?

As a devoted moviegoer, I must confess that the excitement surrounding the The Expendables series has noticeably waned over time, and the latest installment has unfortunately fallen short compared to its predecessors at the box office. It’s becoming increasingly unclear whether we’ll see more action from this iconic franchise. A significant shake-up or a compelling plot twist would be necessary to reignite the passion that once made it a powerhouse, but at this point, it appears that such a revival may be out of reach.

Despite the fact that Hollywood frequently revisits familiar intellectual properties, such as The Expendables series, it’s unlikely we’ll see The Expendables 5 anytime soon given the lukewarm reception and financial losses of the fourth film. As the concept revolves around action legends battling together and against each other, when this formula becomes tired, it may signal that The Expendables franchise has run its course, potentially requiring a complete retirement.

2025-05-01 20:34