The Expendables Movies: Ranking and Future Possibilities

The Expendables franchise, known for its ensemble cast of action legends, has seen its share of highs and lows since its inception in 2010. With the recent release of “Expend4bles” in 2023, there’s both excitement and uncertainty about the future of the series. In this article, we’ll explore the Expendables movies, ranking them from worst to best, and discuss the hints dropped by director Scott Waugh regarding a potential fifth installment.

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The Fourth Installment: Expend4bles (2023)

Let’s start with the most recent addition to the franchise, “Expend4bles.” While it may not have set the box office on fire, grossing a modest $8.2 million in its opening weekend, it’s important to note that this movie has some redeeming qualities. In many ways, it aligns with recent action offerings like “The Gray Man” and “Heart of Stone.” It does what it sets out to do without revolutionizing the world of cinema.

The allure of “Expend4bles” lies in its familiar formula: watching Sylvester Stallone, along with a star-studded cast including Jason Statham, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Ike Uwais, 50 Cent, and Andy Garcia, engage in high-octane action sequences. However, the film doesn’t escape criticism, primarily due to an over-reliance on digital effects, an uneven tone, and a lack of truly memorable action sequences compared to its predecessors.

One of the movie’s notable drawbacks is the predictability of its plot. The identity of the main villain feels all too apparent. Despite these shortcomings, the charisma of Stallone and Statham, along with some infectious action beats, offers moments of enjoyment. Still, it’s hard not to notice the lack of passion in various aspects of the production, leaving viewers wanting more. Perhaps “Expend4bles” would have found a better home on home video, where its flaws might be less glaring.

The Third Installment: The Expendables 3 (2014)

With “The Expendables 3,” the franchise attempted to inject some fresh blood by introducing younger stars like Glen Powell, Ronda Rousey, and Victor Ortiz. The goal was to appeal to a younger audience, and to some extent, it succeeded. However, the real highlights of the film come from the experienced actors like Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson.

Gibson’s portrayal of a formidable villain breathed new life into the series, giving it a much-needed spark. Despite the film’s somewhat predictable storyline—Gibson being an Expendables co-founder turned antagonist—and the younger stars occasionally overshadowing the veterans, the formula still holds its charm. The climactic showdown between Stallone and Gibson adds a thrilling touch to the movie.

The Second Installment: The Expendables 2 (2012)

“The Expendables 2” earns its place as the second-best installment in the series, thanks to its blend of nostalgia and entertaining action sequences. Directed by Simon West, this chapter stands out due to its star-studded cast of 80s legends, including Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

This movie goes all-in on the concept of action and camaraderie, giving fans the pleasure of seeing iconic action figures share the screen. From Bruce Willis to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the film embraces its gimmicky nature while delivering on the promise of explosions and intense battles. “Expendables 2” strikes a balance between humor and high-stakes action, creating a captivating viewing experience. While it may not be groundbreaking cinema, it serves as a heartfelt homage to the action genre.

The First Installment: The Expendables (2010)

The original “Expendables” film from 2010 marked the inception of the franchise. With an all-star cast that included Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren, it had the potential to be a massive success. However, it fell short of expectations, primarily due to its weak storyline, chaotic action scenes, and lackluster script.

The film’s appeal lies in the pleasure of seeing iconic action stars in action, even if the banter between them doesn’t always land as cleverly as intended. Many actors seemed to go through the motions, with few exceptions like Mickey Rourke. “The Expendables” attempted to take itself seriously, but often, it felt like it could have benefited from a lighter touch. This film, unfortunately, sits at the bottom of our list of The Expendables movies ranked.

The Future of The Expendables

As fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of a fifth installment in The Expendables franchise, director Scott Waugh has hinted at the potential for more action-packed adventures. While Sylvester Stallone had previously suggested that “Expend4bles” would be his final outing in the series, Scott Waugh’s comments suggest otherwise.

According to Waugh, the door to the franchise remains wide open as long as there is demand from fans. He points out the industry’s tendency to respond to fan enthusiasm, citing the example of the “John Wick” series, which expanded to “John Wick 5” due to popular demand.

Sylvester Stallone, who has been a central figure in the franchise for over a decade, expressed a bittersweet sentiment about moving on from The Expendables. He acknowledged the need to pass the baton to Jason Statham and other capable hands.

One of the notable enhancements in “Expend4bles” was the inclusion of Jackie Chan’s stunt team to work on the fight sequences. This move aimed to elevate the quality of the action scenes and inject some fresh energy into the film. It’s an example of how the franchise continues to evolve, even in its latest installment.

Exploring the Impact of The Expendables Franchise

To truly understand the significance of The Expendables franchise, we must delve deeper into its impact on the action genre, its influence on ensemble cast films, and its role in reviving the careers of some of Hollywood’s legendary action stars.

Redefining the Action Genre

When The Expendables burst onto the scene in 2010, it marked a shift in the action genre. It brought together iconic stars from different eras of action cinema, creating a unique blend of old-school toughness and modern spectacle. The film celebrated the machismo and charisma of its cast, harking back to the days of ’80s and ’90s action classics.

In an era dominated by CGI-driven blockbusters, The Expendables embraced practical effects and visceral stunts, reminding audiences of the raw, physicality of action cinema. It served as a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a group of skilled performers, some explosions, and a no-nonsense attitude to create a memorable action movie.

The Rise of Ensemble Cast Films

The Expendables also played a pivotal role in popularizing ensemble cast films in the action genre. While ensembles were not a new concept, The Expendables brought together a dream team of action stars that had previously only appeared in separate franchises. This formula has since been emulated in other successful films, such as “The Fast and the Furious” series, which assembled a diverse cast of action stars in a similar fashion.

The success of The Expendables demonstrated that audiences were hungry for these star-studded collaborations. It allowed studios to tap into the nostalgia of seeing their favorite action heroes unite on screen. As a result, the concept of ensemble casts in action films became a valuable formula for Hollywood.

Career Resurgence for Action Legends

For many of the actors involved in The Expendables franchise, it offered a chance for career resurgence. Sylvester Stallone, who spearheaded the project, had seen a decline in his career before The Expendables brought him back into the limelight. The franchise allowed him to showcase his enduring charisma and action chops.

Similarly, actors like Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Chuck Norris found themselves back in the spotlight, revitalizing their careers. The franchise became a platform for these action legends to reintroduce themselves to a new generation of moviegoers.

The Evolution of Action Cinema

As we examine the impact of The Expendables franchise, it’s crucial to consider how action cinema has evolved over the years. The genre has gone through various phases, from the gritty realism of the ’70s and ’80s to the high-octane spectacle of the ’90s and 2000s.

The Expendables managed to bridge these eras by combining elements of both. It retained the visceral action sequences and one-liners that defined ’80s and ’90s action while infusing them with modern filmmaking techniques. This evolution allowed the franchise to appeal to a broad audience, from die-hard action fans to those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The Global Appeal of The Expendables

One aspect that deserves attention is the global appeal of The Expendables franchise. Action movies often rely on universal themes and minimal dialogue, making them accessible to audiences around the world. The international box office performance of The Expendables movies underscores their worldwide popularity.

The inclusion of international action stars like Jet Li and Tony Jaa further expanded the franchise’s global reach. These actors brought their own fan bases from Asia into the mix, creating a truly international ensemble. The Expendables demonstrated that action cinema could transcend borders and language barriers, uniting fans from diverse cultures in their love for explosive entertainment.

The Legacy of The Expendables

In the world of cinema, legacy is a vital component of a franchise’s success. The Expendables franchise has left an indelible mark on the action genre and Hollywood as a whole. It showed that nostalgia, when executed well, could breathe new life into beloved characters and actors.

Moreover, The Expendables served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of practical effects and real stunts in an era dominated by CGI. It rekindled the appreciation for the physicality and skill of action stars, and its influence can be seen in subsequent films that prioritize these elements.

The franchise also paved the way for other ensemble cast projects, encouraging studios to explore similar collaborations in various genres. It demonstrated that the charisma and chemistry among a group of talented actors could elevate a film beyond its individual parts.

In conclusion, The Expendables franchise has seen its share of highs and lows, but it remains a beloved series for fans of action-packed cinema. While the future of the franchise may not be set in stone, the door to more Expendables adventures remains open, driven by the passion of fans and the desire to deliver memorable action sequences. Whether or not there will be a fifth installment, one thing is certain: The Expendables have left an indelible mark on the world of action cinema.

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