The “Boots on the Ground” Sci-Fi Action Movie That Divided Audiences Will Soon Stream for Free

One of the most underrated sci-fi action movies of the century is about to explode onto a new free streaming home. During the early 2010s, Hollywood was throwing money at countless sci-fi action films in the hopes of creating a blockbuster and starting a new franchise. While that led to some outright flops like Battleship (which was based on the classic board game, in name only), there were also some underrated hits among that tidal wave of films. The movie was destined for the bargain bin at the time, as it was slated by critics and audiences, despite being a decent box office hit. The film also featured some great talent, including one The Dark Knight star and one of the core members of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and the Fast and Furious franchise. If we haven’t already given it away, the film in question is the unfortunately forgotten Battle: Los Angeles.

Battle: Los Angeles will soon stream for free on Tubi. The completely free streaming platform will host Battle: Los Angeles from November 1. Released in 2011, Battle: Los Angeles was directed by Jonathan Liebesman and written by Christopher Bertolini and featured a decent cast, including Aaron Eckhart, Ramon Rodriguez, Michael Peña, Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Will Rothhaar, Joey King, and, for some reason, Ne-Yo. If the title and the image above didn’t give it away, the film follows a group of US Marines who are the last line of defense against an alien force attempting to take over Earth. The official synopsis reads:

“For many years, humans have reported various UFO sightings around the world, fueling speculation about the existence of life on other worlds. In 2011, mankind learns the truth the hard way when alien invaders attack. One by one, the world’s great cities fall, leaving Los Angeles as the battleground for humanity’s last stand. It’s up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his platoon to draw a line in the sand against a powerful enemy unlike any previously encountered.”

The militaristic version of War of the Worlds was a modest box office hit in 2011, grossing just over $200 million, against an estimated budget of $70 million. However, both audiences and critics at the time slated the movie. It holds a measly 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a slightly kinder audience score of 48%. Those who did enjoy the film really loved it, as it has developed a strong cult following. “No clue what movie the other reviewers saw. This is a very good movie. A boots on the ground war film with aliens,” wrote one user on Rotten Tomatoes. While the film has gained a slight cult-following in recent years, it appears as though that once-dreamed-of sequel will never happen.

Was ‘Battle: Los Angeles’ Meant to Start a Franchise?

Columbia Pictures

Following Battle: Los Angeles‘ release, the few who enjoyed the movie were desperately awaiting a sequel. But, like the people who thought the world would end in 2012, they’re still left waiting. $200 million isn’t a bad box office take, but it’s nowhere near enough to immediately greenlight a sequel.

However, given the film’s title, many thought that Battle: Los Angeles would kickstart a new franchise. Movies tend to use colons in titles when they intend to start a franchise, like Spider-Man: Homecoming and Mad Max: Fury Road. Although with Battle: Los Angeles 2 nothing more than a pipe dream, there’s no way the cult fan base will ever see a full franchise.