Jason Statham’s latest action film, which initially struggled at the box office, has unexpectedly become Netflix’s most-watched movie in the United States. This turnaround highlights the unpredictable nature of streaming success and the enduring appeal of Statham as a leading action star.
Jason Statham’s Rise in Hollywood Action Films
Known as one of Hollywood’s top action performers, Jason Statham has a solid reputation built on major franchises like Fast & Furious and stand-alone hits. Recently, he launched a new series with The Beekeeper, which is set to continue with a sequel expected in 2027. His involvement with The Expendables franchise placed him among legendary action figures such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, establishing Statham as a key figure in the genre.
The Expendables Franchise’s Latest Entry Finds Streaming Success
The Expendables films, featuring an ensemble cast including Statham, returned to Netflix on February 20, with Expend4bles emerging as the top-streamed film in the US. It outperformed several popular titles, including The Addams Family animated movies, the thriller Fall, and the record-breaking KPop Demon Hunters, previously Netflix’s most-watched film ever. Notably, Expend4bles is the only film from the franchise to appear on the current US Netflix charts.
Global Netflix Rankings Differ From US Trends
While Expend4bles dominates in the United States, none of the franchise’s films rank within Netflix’s top ten worldwide. According to FlixPatrol data, the leading global title on Netflix at the moment is the survival thriller Firebreak. Other prominently viewed films on the platform globally include the sci-fi movie Prometheus, the documentary Famous Last Words: Eric Dane, and the espionage thriller The Saint.
Expend4bles’ Disappointing Box Office and Budget Challenges
Despite its recent streaming success, Expend4bles had a disappointing box office performance after its release on September 22, 2023. The film earned only $51.1 million in theaters, marking the lowest revenue for the franchise, which previously saw much higher returns. The original The Expendables made $268.3 million, with the second and third films grossing $209.5 million and $312 million respectively. The nine-year gap since the last installment likely contributed to the decline in audience interest by the time Expend4bles arrived.
With a production budget reportedly around $100 million, Expend4bles needed to generate $200 million to $250 million to break even but ultimately lost money during its theatrical run. On November 3, 2025, Variety announced that Lionsgate had secured the rights to develop future projects within the franchise. The recent surge in Netflix viewership could encourage Lionsgate to explore more streaming-related ventures for The Expendables.
Key Players Behind Expend4bles
The film stars Jason Statham as Lee Christmas, supported by other notable cast members such as 50 Cent, who plays Drew “Easy Day” Farrell. This ensemble cast blends veteran genre favorites and newer talent, aiming to rejuvenate the franchise’s appeal for both longtime fans and streaming audiences.
Implications for Jason Statham and The Expendables
The transformation of Expend4bles from a box office disappointment to a Netflix hit reflects shifting audience consumption patterns and the power of streaming platforms to revitalize films post-release. For Jason Statham, this success strengthens his standing as a significant figure in the action genre across multiple media formats. Moreover, the momentum gained through Netflix could influence Lionsgate’s strategy for expanding or rebooting The Expendables franchise in the coming years, potentially increasing the visibility and longevity of the series.
