After a decade of bullets, brawls, and bad guys, The Expendables franchise refuses to slow down. The Expendables 5: Back for War (2025) brings back the legendary crew of action heroes for another high-octane adventure, filled with machine gun mayhem, hand-to-hand combat, and a testosterone-fueled energy that will leave fans cheering. With new faces joining the fight and a storyline that ups the stakes, this fifth installment reminds us why old-school action still reigns supreme.
Plot: The Ultimate Mission
Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) has been retired—again. But when an unknown terrorist organization begins targeting world leaders in a global assassination plot, he is forced to reunite his elite team for their deadliest mission yet. With Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) now leading operations, the Expendables must track down the mastermind behind the attacks: a rogue ex-special forces operative named Damien Wolfe (played by action veteran Keanu Reeves).
The film takes the crew across the globe, from war-torn cities in Eastern Europe to the jungles of South America, leading up to a brutal final showdown in a fortress rigged with explosives. As always, the story takes a backseat to the non-stop action, but with just enough emotional weight to keep the stakes high.
The Cast: Legends and Newcomers
The biggest draw of The Expendables movies has always been its star-studded lineup, and Back for War delivers once again. Stallone, Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture return, bringing their signature grit and camaraderie. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jean-Claude Van Damme (despite his character’s apparent demise in Expendables 2) make surprising appearances, fueling the nostalgia factor.
The real excitement comes from the new recruits. Keanu Reeves shines as Damien Wolfe, a villain who is as charismatic as he is lethal. His brutal hand-to-hand combat skills and psychological warfare tactics make him one of the best antagonists in the franchise.
Joining the Expendables’ ranks are Dave Bautista, Michelle Rodriguez, and Iko Uwais, each bringing a new flavor to the team. Bautista’s powerhouse brawler, Rodriguez’s sharp-witted demolitions expert, and Uwais’ lightning-fast martial arts sequences inject fresh energy into the series.
Action: Bigger, Badder, and Bloodier
If you come to The Expendables for explosive action, you won’t be disappointed. Back for War delivers some of the franchise’s most intense set pieces yet. A high-speed chase through the streets of Istanbul, an insane skydiving battle over the Amazon, and a climactic one-on-one duel between Statham and Reeves are just a few of the standout moments.
The stunt choreography is top-notch, blending practical effects with just the right amount of CGI. The film leans heavily into hand-to-hand combat, giving each character their moment to shine. Reeves’ background in John Wick films is evident in his fight sequences, making him a formidable opponent for the team.
Direction and Style: A Throwback Done Right
Directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick series), The Expendables 5 maintains the franchise’s old-school action DNA while modernizing its cinematography and fight choreography. Gone are the shaky cams and overly-edited sequences of past films. Instead, we get long takes, brutal impacts, and a relentless pace that keeps the adrenaline pumping.
The humor remains intact as well, with sharp one-liners, self-aware jabs at action movie tropes, and playful banter between the team. Stallone and Statham continue to be the heart of the group, delivering their lines with just the right amount of grit and charm.
Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Franchise
The Expendables 5: Back for War doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It delivers exactly what fans want: big explosions, bigger fights, and the biggest action stars coming together for a two-hour adrenaline rush. With an improved story, better choreography, and an all-star villain in Keanu Reeves, this may be the best Expendables entry yet.
Rating: 8.5/10 – Pure action bliss for fans of the genre.
