Why is expendables 4 so bad

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The Expendables 4 received poor reviews primarily due to its low Rotten Tomatoes score of 14% from critics and a 49% audience score as of its 2023 release. Critics cited weak storytelling, with a 103-minute runtime that felt rushed compared to previous installments, and a production budget of around $100 million that failed to deliver expected action sequences. The film underperformed at the box office, grossing only about $51 million worldwide against its budget, marking it as the lowest-earning entry in the franchise.

Key Facts

Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 14% as of 2023
Box office gross of approximately $51 million worldwide
Production budget around $100 million
Runtime of 103 minutes, shorter than previous films
Released in September 2023

Overview

The Expendables 4, officially titled "Expend4bles," is a 2023 American action film directed by Scott Waugh and starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and new additions like Megan Fox. It is the fourth installment in The Expendables franchise, which began in 2010 with a concept to unite action stars from the 1980s and 1990s. The series has grossed over $800 million globally across its first three films, with The Expendables 3 in 2014 earning about $214 million. However, Expend4bles faced delays, with initial plans for a 2018 release pushed back due to script and production issues, eventually filming in 2022. The film's plot involves the team battling terrorists to prevent a global conflict, but it was criticized for lacking the ensemble charm of earlier entries, with Stallone's reduced role and a focus on newer, less iconic actors.

How It Works

The poor reception of The Expendables 4 stems from several key factors in its production and execution. First, the film's storytelling mechanisms were flawed: the script, co-written by Spenser Cohen and others, was criticized for a convoluted plot and weak character development, failing to leverage the franchise's nostalgia. Second, the action sequences, a hallmark of the series, were seen as underwhelming due to rushed filming and a lower budget allocation for stunts, estimated at $20 million less than previous films. Third, marketing strategies focused heavily on new cast members like 50 Cent, which alienated fans expecting more classic stars. Finally, the release timing in September 2023, a less competitive month, may have contributed to low audience turnout, compounded by mixed reviews that highlighted its lack of innovation compared to modern action films.

Why It Matters

The failure of The Expendables 4 matters because it reflects broader trends in the film industry and impacts fan expectations. For audiences, it highlights how nostalgia-driven franchises can falter if they don't evolve or maintain quality, potentially discouraging similar revivals. Financially, the box office underperformance, with losses estimated over $50 million, may affect future installments or spin-offs, as studios reassess the viability of aging action star ensembles. In daily life, this serves as a case study in media consumption, showing how critical reviews and word-of-mouth, amplified by social media, can quickly diminish a film's success, influencing what movies people choose to watch in theaters or streaming platforms.