Perfect Post-‘War Machine’ Sci-Fi Action Flick ‘Battle: Los Angeles’ Explodes on Free Streaming

by

The new Netflix sci-fi action movie, War Machine, starring Alan Ritchson, is a huge hit, quickly becoming one of the most-watched films and receiving positive reviews. If you enjoyed seeing the Reacher star battle a strange alien enemy, you might also like a lesser-known but similar action movie now gaining popularity on free streaming platforms.

Though War Machine showed the first signs of an alien invasion, Battle: Los Angeles plunges viewers directly into the chaos as enemy spacecraft begin landing near major cities. The film focuses on Los Angeles and follows Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz, played by The Dark Knight star, as he leads his Marine platoon into a desperate fight – one humanity is clearly not ready for.

Jonathan Liebesman directed Battle: Los Angeles, with a screenplay by Chris Bertolini. The film stars Aaron Eckhart and features Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo, and Michael Peña. Recently, Battle: Los Angeles has gained renewed popularity through free streaming, joining other films like Jason Statham’s Mechanic: Resurrection, The Last of the Mohicans, Priest, Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, and the blockbuster Armageddon on streaming charts.

Modern Audiences Are Rediscovering ‘Battle: Los Angeles’

Despite receiving largely negative reviews – even being called ‘noisy, violent, ugly and stupid’ by critic Roger Ebert – the movie Battle: Los Angeles was a commercial success. It debuted at number one in theaters with $36 million in earnings and ultimately made $212 million worldwide on a $70 million budget. While critics currently give it a 37% rating and audiences a 48%, the film clearly resonated with moviegoers.

Like the recent hit War Machine, Battle: Los Angeles is gaining popularity with modern audiences and finding success as a free stream. Users on Rotten Tomatoes are giving the film high praise, with five-star reviews calling it innovative, intense, and fun, and an underrated gem. Many are questioning the initial negative reactions, describing it as a gripping, realistic alien war movie that excels at building drama and chaos.

‘Battle: Los Angeles’ Fills the Gap While We Wait for ‘War Machine 2’


Netflix /Courtesy Everett Collection

While Battle: Los Angeles complements the action film War Machine, many viewers are eager to know if Netflix will create a sequel, especially given the movie’s intriguing ending. Considering War Machine quickly became a hit, racking up 39.3 million views in its first three days and continuing to top charts worldwide and in the U.S., a second film seems very likely. Fortunately, both star Alan Ritchson and director Patrick Hughes are on board. Ritchson enthusiastically stated they have big plans for a sequel, calling it “sick,” and Hughes confirmed they’ve already developed a substantial concept.




5 Questions

Aliens Invade: Test Your Battle: Los Angeles Knowledge
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.

As a writer, it’s hard not to consider continuing the story. I really connected with the character of 81 and the world he inhabits. So, if I were asked to come back and work on it again, I would absolutely say yes.

Read More

2026-03-13 21:37