War Machine

"All grit. No quit."

2026 1h 50m EN

🙌

7.5

BANGER

🍅

66%

FRESH

😬

METACRITIC

⭐

6.3

IMDB

★7.5TMDB · 2,571🍅66%Rotten Tomatoes●54Metacritic★6.3IMDB · 86,956

ActionScience FictionThriller

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

On one last grueling mission during Army Ranger training, a combat engineer must lead his unit in a fight against a giant otherworldly killing machine.

“All grit. No quit.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Alan Ritchson
81
Stephan James
7
Blake Richardson
15
Dennis Quaid
Sheridan
Esai Morales
Torres
Jai Courtney
Squad Leader
Alex King
44
Keiynan Lonsdale
60

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Patrick Hughes
Writers: Patrick Hughes, James Beaufort, Patrick Hughes
Languages: English
Countries: Australia, United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Mid-budget at $73M — the now-extinct middle tier of Hollywood.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released this year — you're seeing it while it's still in the cultural conversation.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

International production across 2 countries: Australia, United States of America.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

CINEMA

Did you know

Part of the "War Machine Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Patrick Hughes, shot by Aaron Morton. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Dmitri Golovko. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Andy Canny shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Alan Ritchson and Stephan James and Blake Richardson carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Patrick Hughes directs. Aaron Morton behind the camera. Dmitri Golovko scores. Andy Canny cuts. Produced in Australia, United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Mid-budget at $73M — the now-extinct middle tier of Hollywood.
2Released this year — you're seeing it while it's still in the cultural conversation.
3International production across 2 countries: Australia, United States of America.
4Part of the "War Machine Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
5Directed by Patrick Hughes, shot by Aaron Morton. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
6Original score by Dmitri Golovko. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
7Editor Andy Canny shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
8Alan Ritchson and Stephan James and Blake Richardson carry the top of the cast.
9Marketing tagline: "All grit. No quit.".
10IMDB entry: tt15940132 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
11Classified under 15 themes, including "struggle for survival", "military training", "afghanistan veteran", "grim".

The technical file

Cinematography: Aaron Morton
Original score: Dmitri Golovko
Editing: Andy Canny
Production design: Enzo Iacono
Costume design: Cappi Ireland
Makeup / hair: Chiara Tripodi
VFX supervisor: Ray McIntyre Jr.
Sound: Jared Dwyer
Stunt coordinator: Jade Amantea
Runtime: 110 min · 1h 50m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Budget: $73,000,000
Original language: EN
Certification (US): R
IMDB: War Machine (2026)
Rotten Tomatoes: 66% 🍅 Fresh
Metacritic: 54/100
IMDB rating: 6.3/10 · 86,956 votes
MPAA: R

Awards

1 nomination total

Part of

War Machine Collection

War Machine - Collection

War Machine
2026 · this one

Also by

Patrick Hughes

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Selected frames

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Wallpaper

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

Sejian2026-03-07
★ 6/10
March 9, 2011 (Holy !@#$, I feel old.) When once distant UFOs become a terrifying threat and an alien invasion force begins attacking Earths major costal and riverside cities, a U.S Marine staff sergeant and his team are sent into battle only to find they must take it upon themselves to defeat an unknown enemy and protect what remains of Los Angeles. Look, I enjoyed "Battle: Los Angeles (2011)" for what it was. It was a'ight. Likewise, this movie is also a'ight. I will say though, that the U.S. military propaganda feels more in your face here. Also, Alan's acting feels off sometimes, especially in his final speech. P.S. In case all of that went over your head, I'm saying "War Machine (2026)" is literally "Battle: Los Angeles (2011)". Go 'head. Watch the two movies back to back, side by side, then come back and tell me it ain't the same movie.
MovieGuys2026-03-07
★ 6/10
Just in time for the US's war of aggression in Iran comes "War Machine." A bravado ridden affair where the US military rules the world and its working class tough guys (and one girl) take on all aggressors, including giant 80's-style VCR-like UFOs with legs, missiles, and ray guns. Viewed as simplistic military action, entertainment its alright. Lots of people get killed in grisly style, and things go "ka-boom." In summary, given the current war mongering climate US military propaganda is unsurprisingly front and center in this basic sci-fi war film. A mediocre watch.
Dean2026-03-09
★ 9/10
War Machine (2026) is a standout for anyone who appreciates a straightforward, high-tension film that avoids the typical political traps of the military genre. It delivers a raw experience by focusing on the physical and mental endurance of the characters rather than pushing a specific agenda or narrative. Alan Ritchson brings a grounded intensity to the role of "81," making the transition from a grueling Ranger selection process to a sci-fi survival scenario feel surprisingly realistic. The film excels because it stays focused on the technical aspects of the situation—how the squad adapts to an unknown threat with limited resources and sheer willpower. The lack of propaganda is one of its strongest points; it doesn't try to lecture the audience or romanticize the conflict beyond the survival of the men on the ground. It is pure, high-stakes cinema that relies on atmosphere and pacing to keep you invested.