Netflix’s ‘Reacher Meets Transformers’ Sci-Fi Hit Is One Of Its Best Action Movies

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A thrilling sci-fi action film arrived on Netflix this year, blending the best parts of shows like Reacher and the Transformers franchise. While critics and viewers gave it a mixed reception – it currently has a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes – the movie has become a huge commercial success.

Alan Ritchson plays the lead role in War Machine, a character similar to Jack Reacher. Ritchson captures Reacher’s key qualities, like being strong and reserved, as he plays the character known as “81.” However, War Machine quickly introduces a science fiction element, setting it apart from the Jack Reacher stories and bringing to mind movies like Transformers.

The story centers on a group of soldiers undergoing the intense US Army Ranger selection program. They’re led by a character played by Ritchson, and at first, they think a mysterious object they find is just a training tool. But things quickly become dangerous when the object reveals itself to be a powerful and deadly weapon.

Alan Ritchson, playing his role with the same smart and tough approach as Jack Reacher, defeats a powerful alien robot that feels like it stepped out of the Transformers movies.

Netflix’s War Machine Is So Good, It Deserves A Full-Fledged Franchise

Netflix’s War Machine draws inspiration from the original Predator but tells a surprisingly heartfelt story about a man seeking to make amends for his past. The film begins with intense scenes of military training, realistically portraying the demanding Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP). These early moments establish the main character, played by Ritchson, as an exceptional soldier.

Similar to the character Jack Reacher, he keeps his feelings hidden and uses his past hardships to push himself through the rigorous selection process. He’s also willing to disobey commands to demonstrate his ability and earn his place as an Army Ranger.

The film subtly hints at its science fiction themes from the beginning, showing an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. These early clues feel particularly relevant given current news about objects like 3I/ATLAS and UAPs, which adds to the movie’s realism. The story really gets going when the main characters, the Rangers, finally face the alien enemy.

Rather than depicting the alien as a traditional hunter like the Yautja, or a super-powered human, the film designs it as a mechanical being, similar to characters like Shockwave and Blackout from Transformers. Like a typical Transformer, this alien can change its shape and possesses a variety of high-tech weapons.

The movie builds tension because the Rangers struggle against the alien invaders. Although War Machine follows a familiar formula, it keeps you engaged with exciting action. Plus, the ending leaves you wanting more, hinting at a possible continuation of the story.

Given how popular it’s been on Netflix, many are hoping this show will be developed into a larger franchise. Ritchson has already proven he can lead an action series with Reacher, and War Machine could offer him another opportunity to play a similar, strong military character.

War Machine Can Beat Transformers’ Live-Action Franchise At Its Own Game

The latest Transformers movie, Rise of the Beasts, hinted at a possible team-up with G.I. Joe. There were even talks of making a crossover film starring Chris Hemsworth. But now, it looks like that G.I. Joe and Transformers movie isn’t going to happen.

Even if a movie like this is made, it’s likely still a long way off. Given that War Machine blends the military action of G.I. Joe with the science fiction and giant robots of Transformers, it could effectively act as a live-action crossover between those two franchises.

In an interview with Liam Crowley of ScreenRant while promoting War Machine, Alan Ritchson and director Patrick Hughes shared that they already have a plan for future installments in the film series. Ritchson suggested the scope of these plans is quite large, stating…

“War Machines is going to be sick. The whole thing, we got a whole thing.”

While a sequel to War Machine hasn’t been officially announced, it’s looking increasingly probable. If the potential action series on Netflix does well, War Machine 2 could even be released before the planned live-action Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover begins production. If the series becomes a major franchise, Alan Ritchson could end up with another successful action role, similar to his work on Reacher.

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2026-05-25 05:50