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Action thriller

War Machine (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

War Machine (2026) movie poster

War Machine is a 2026 action thriller directed by Patrick Hughes, starring Alan Ritchson as 81, Jack Patten and Dennis Quaid. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes and earned $56,984 worldwide on a $73 million budget. Critics gave it 54 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$57K
Echo Score
54
Metascore
54
budget
$73M
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War Machine (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Director
Patrick Hughes
Genres
Action , Sci-Fi , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$73M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is War Machine About?

The premise of War Machine without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

During Army Rangers training, a combat engineer embarks on what he knows will be his final, exhausting mission. He must rally his unit and guide them through relentless combat against a colossal alien killing machine, testing his leadership and survival skills to the limit.

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Cast & crew

War Machine Cast & Characters

Alan Ritchson leads the cast as 81, with Jack Patten as 109 and Dennis Quaid. Directed by Patrick Hughes; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Patrick Hughes

More films directed by Patrick Hughes, best-rated first: The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, The Hitman's Bodyguard, The Expendables 3 and The Man from Toronto.

Full filmography
Ratings

War Machine Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave War Machine 54 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 54/100, strongest in story & flow (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

54 /100

War Machine Echo Score Breakdown

War Machine delivers competent action but fails to leave a lasting impression. Critics note its serviceable direction and occasional impressive set pieces, while users appreciate its straightforward plot and occasional emotional moments. The film’s visual effects and performances are uneven, alternating between moments of competence or excessive CGI or one‑note acting. Consequently, the movie offers short‑term entertainment for genre fans but lacks the depth or originality to merit strong rewatch value.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of direction and production design, War Machine feels serviceable but unremarkable. Reviewers cite a handful of well‑executed action set‑pieces and practical stunts, yet most visual sequences suffer from excessive CGI and inconsistent cinematography, limiting overall craft impact. The editing remains straightforward, contributing to a functional but forgettable visual style.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When evaluating acting and character depth, the film offers a mixed picture. Alan Ritchson delivers a charismatic but one‑dimensional performance, and supporting roles oscillate between competent and flat, leading to limited emotional resonance despite occasional nuanced moments highlighted by critics.

  • Story & Flow 60

    Regarding plot and pacing, War Machine presents a straightforward, easily followed narrative that some reviewers find entertaining. The story lacks originality and occasionally stumbles with inconsistent logic, yet its lean pacing and familiar genre beats keep the audience engaged long enough to sustain interest.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s sound design and score are competent, supporting the high‑octane action. Visual effects are praised for practical stunts but are also criticized for overbearing CGI and physics‑defying moments, resulting in an uneven overall aesthetic.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    Assessing rewatch value, War Machine provides brief entertainment for fans of sci‑fi action but lacks memorable elements that encourage repeat viewings. The modest plot, variable performances, and inconsistent visual polish lead to a limited lasting appeal beyond the initial watch.

Plot

War Machine Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in War Machine from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In Afghanistan, a lone Staff Sergeant Alan Ritchson arrives to assist his brother and a battered convoy, only to be thrust into a moment that tests everything he believes about duty and family. His brother urges them to consider joining the Army Rangers, but as Taliban insurgents close in, the mission spirals out of control. Everyone but the Sergeant is killed, leaving him with a severe knee injury and a harrowing memory of trying to drag his mortally wounded sibling back to safety before he passes out. Waking in a hospital, he learns his brother did not survive, yet the act is honored with the Silver Star, a quiet acknowledgment of a violent, formative moment he struggles to process.

Full summary

The whole story of War Machine, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

War Machine Box Office & Budget

War Machine grossed $56,984 worldwide on a $73 million budget.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$57K

International
$57K
Budget
$73M
Videos

War Machine Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer, 2 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

Official Trailer
  • Featurette Alan Ritchson & Patrick Hughes Break Down the River Crossing Scene
  • Featurette Patrick Hughes Challenges Alan Ritchson to Beat the Machines
  • Behind the Scenes Alan Ritchson, Built Different - Inside Look
Quiz

How Well Do You Know War Machine?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What military decoration does the Staff Sergeant receive for his actions during the Afghanistan convoy incident?

Cars

Cars in War Machine

17 cars on screen, including the 1999 Cadillac-Gage M1117 Guardian ASV and the Caterpillar 992 G.

All 17 cars
  • 1999 Cadillac-Gage M1117 Guardian ASV in War Machine 1999 Cadillac-Gage M1117 Guardian ASV Important role
  • Caterpillar 992 G in War Machine Caterpillar 992 G Important role
  • 1985 AM General HMMWV M1025 in War Machine 1985 AM General HMMWV M1025 Minor role
  • AM General HMMWV M1043 in War Machine AM General HMMWV M1043 Minor role

Seen War Machine?

FAQ

War Machine FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of War Machine, each answered in a sentence.

How long is War Machine?

War Machine runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).

When was War Machine released?

War Machine was released on March 6, 2026.

Who directed War Machine?

War Machine was directed by Patrick Hughes.

More films by Patrick Hughes

Who is in the cast of War Machine?

War Machine stars Alan Ritchson as 81, Jack Patten as 109 and Dennis Quaid, among 20 credited actors.

How much did War Machine make at the box office?

War Machine grossed $56,984 worldwide on a budget of $73 million.

How is War Machine rated?

War Machine has 54 on Metacritic.

Does War Machine have a post-credit scene?

No. War Machine has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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