If you've ever wondered what would happen if the gritty realism of Black Hawk Down collided with the alien-invasion spectacle of Independence Day, you need to check out Battle: Los Angeles—but hurry, because it's leaving Peacock on June 1, 2026.
Released in 2011, this sci-fi war thriller stars Aaron Eckhart as a Marine staff sergeant leading a platoon through a devastated Los Angeles during an extraterrestrial assault. The film also features Bridget Moynahan, Michael Peña, Michelle Rodriguez, Ne-Yo, and Ramon Rodriguez. Despite earning a solid $210 million worldwide on a $75 million budget, the movie was panned by critics—including the legendary Roger Ebert, who gave it half a star and called it "noisy, violent, ugly and stupid."
A Divisive Blend of Genres
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman (who later helmed Wrath of the Titans and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot), Battle: Los Angeles holds a 37% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus there reads: "Overlong and overly burdened with war movie clichés, Battle: Los Angeles will entertain only the most ardent action junkies." Yet for fans of intense, no-holds-barred combat sequences mixed with sci-fi thrills, it remains a guilty pleasure.
Ebert's review is legendary in its savagery. He wrote: "Here’s a science-fiction film that’s an insult to the words 'science' and 'fiction,' and the hyphen in between them. You want to cut it up to clean under your fingernails." That kind of dismissal only adds to the film's cult appeal.
If you're in the mood for a loud, explosive war movie with aliens, Battle: Los Angeles delivers exactly what it promises. It's a perfect pick for a mindless action night—but only if you catch it before June 1 on Peacock.
For more streaming departures, check out our list of 25 Years of Nail-Biting Thrillers or see why Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron's Wild Mystery Thriller 'The Paperboy' Leaves Netflix in May 2026.
