The Expendables Movies: Release Order
The Expendables franchise was conceived as a nostalgic homage to classic action blockbusters, bringing together legendary action stars from the 1980s and 1990s in an ensemble mercenary team. Created by Sylvester Stallone, the series follows Barney Ross and his team of elite soldiers-for-hire as they take on dangerous missions around the world.
This watch order presents the complete series in its intended progression, following the linear storyline where each film builds upon the previous one. The franchise maintains strong character continuity with recurring team members like Barney Ross (Stallone) and Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), while introducing new faces and escalating the action with each installment.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
The Expendables
Barney Ross leads a team of skilled mercenaries who are hired to assassinate a dictator on a small South American island. When they arrive to scout their mission, they discover the conflict is more complicated than it initially appeared.
The Expendables 2
When one of their own is killed during what should have been a simple mission, Barney Ross and his team of elite mercenaries embark on a dangerous quest for revenge that leads them into hostile territory.
The Expendables 3
Barney and his team of mercenaries face off against Conrad Stonebanks, Barney's former partner who has become a ruthless arms dealer. To defeat this personal enemy, Barney recruits a new generation of younger, tech-savvy fighters to join the classic Expendables crew.
Expend4bles
The Expendables return as the world's last line of defense, but new team members with fresh tactics are about to shake up the veteran mercenary squad's established methods.
Other Film Series
G.I. Joe
A live-action franchise based on the toy line, featuring military action films with continuity complications between the main series and later reboot attempts.
Jack Ryan
CIA analyst Jack Ryan becomes an unlikely action hero in this Cold War thriller trilogy based on Tom Clancy's novels.
James Bond
The longest-running film franchise in cinema history, following the adventures of British secret agent 007 across six decades and six different actors.
Predator
Elite alien hunters stalk Earth throughout history, seeking the most dangerous prey in brutal combat.
The Hunger Games
A dystopian saga following Katniss Everdeen as she fights for survival and freedom in Panem.
xXx
An action franchise about extreme sports athlete Xander Cage who becomes an unconventional government agent for high-stakes espionage missions.