Netflix’s New R-Rated Sci-Fi Thriller With Reacher Star Debuts To Solid Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Early reviews are out for , and the new series starring Alan Ritchson on Netflix is getting a decent reception on Rotten Tomatoes.

Alan Ritchson is most famous for playing the main character in the Prime Video series Reacher, but he’s also been gaining attention in movies. His newest film, the R-rated action movie War Machine, will be available to stream on March 6th.

Since its release on Netflix, War Machine has received a score of 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 28 reviews. While not overwhelmingly positive, this score still qualifies the film as “fresh.” The score could change as more reviews come in.

The critics gave the film a score slightly lower than the audience score on Popcornmeter, which is currently 73%. Popcornmeter is based on over 250 viewer ratings, and both scores may shift as more people see the movie.

War Machine, directed by Patrick Hughes (who also co-wrote the script with James Beaufort), is about the last group of soldiers training at a special forces camp. During a practice exercise, they come face-to-face with a dangerous robot. The film stars Joe Ritchson as 81, and also features Dennis Quaid, Stephen James, Jai Courtney, Esai Morales, Blake Richardson, and Alex King.

The Rotten Tomatoes score is similar to Alexander Harrison’s review of War Machine for ScreenRant. Harrison gave the film a 6 out of 10, noting that it effectively builds suspense and features strong initial action. However, he felt the film didn’t maintain that level of intensity or visual appeal throughout. He explained:

This opening scene is fantastic. Director Hughes expertly builds tension from the established groundwork, and the visual effects are particularly impressive. However, the film’s real power lies in how realistically it portrays physical action. Through a skillful combination of acting, cinematography, editing, and sound design, the audience almost feels the characters’ strain and injuries. The first time the soldiers are forced to run from the machine, and the resulting physical toll it takes on them, is genuinely captivating.

Okay, so the special effects aren’t perfect, and the story isn’t reinventing sci-fi, but honestly, most reviewers seem to think War Machine is a really fun ride! What really carries it is the classic action and Jack Ritchson – he’s a total star. It’s hard to say if it’ll be a massive hit for Netflix, but I think the cool idea and intense action could really make it one. I’m hoping it does well!

If enough people watch the movie, the way it ends suggests a sequel could happen. While nothing is confirmed yet, the creators, Hughes and Ritchson, recently shared with ScreenRant that they’ve already started brainstorming ideas for another film.

Hughes says he really connected with the character of 81 and the world he inhabits. He adds that if he were asked to return for another installment, he’d be eager to do so.

Ritchson says a potential sequel would be amazing. He also mentioned they have a lot of plans for the future of the franchise, depending on how well the first film is received.

While it’s too soon to know for sure, the initial response to War Machine is encouraging, with both critics and viewers reacting positively. This suggests Netflix may have another successful series, and actor Ritchson seems poised for a major movie career.

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2026-03-07 20:48