Alan Ritchson's 106-minute science fiction action thriller, "War Machine," has officially become Netflix's most-viewed movie of 2026, accumulating an impressive 147 million views in the first half of the year. This figure surpasses "The Rip" by 11 million views and even exceeds Netflix's most-watched television series during the same period by 44 million views.
Directed and co-written by Patrick Hughes, known for "The Hitman's Bodyguard," "War Machine" stars Ritchson as a soldier identified by the candidate number 81. The narrative follows his struggle with the trauma of losing his brother and his subsequent encounter with an alien invasion during a military training exercise. The plot unfolds as an alien craft crashes near the training grounds, leading to a survival scenario reminiscent of classic sci-fi films like "Predator" and "Aliens," where 81 and his squad are systematically targeted by an unknown enemy.
Polygon's Tasha Robinson noted a strong element of "competence porn" in her review, highlighting the soldiers' focused efficiency, the tangible weight of the practical stunts, and the story's streamlined progression. The film emphasizes practical stunt work and on-location shooting, contributing to a gritty, tactile feel that Netflix's marketing has also underscored, focusing on the production's authentic physical demands.
Central to the film's appeal is Ritchson's commanding presence. The story's relatively simple premise and broadly drawn characters allow Hughes to emphasize Ritchson's physicality, evoking a style of Hollywood action films from a previous era. The film's success suggests a continued audience appetite for Ritchson in action-oriented roles, regardless of the specific threat he faces.
"War Machine" is currently available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
