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Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever

Your most dangerous enemies are the friends you've double-crossed.

200291 minRMidcredits score: 1st percentile of all films
Director
Wych Kaosayananda
Starring
Antonio Banderas, Lucy Liu, Gregg Henry, Ray Park

Jeremiah Ecks, an FBI agent, realizes that he must join with his lifelong enemy, Agent Sever, a rogue DIA agent with whom he is in mortal combat, in order to defeat a common enemy. That enemy has developed a "micro-device" that can be injected into victims in order to kill them at will.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever?

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever earns 6 badges, led by Overhyped and Universally Panned.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever worth watching?

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever's Midcredits score is the 1st percentile of all films, from 31K ratings across 6 sources. 12% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

1st percentile

Among the least well received films

3rd percentile among Action1st percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)4th
Approval (how many liked it)1st

39 /100

4th percentile of all films

7th percentile among Action4th percentile among 2000s

Critics 19 · Audience 41

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

12% liked it

1st percentile of all films

3rd percentile among Action1st percentile among 2000s
12% rated it 7–1088% rated it 1–6

Critics 0% · Audience 21%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 5 noms overall

90th percentile

30K ratings across platforms

82nd percentile among Action84th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$70M
Opening weekend$7M
Domestic gross$14M
Worldwide gross$20M

Returned 0.3× its budget — 68th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A big, dumb action film that prioritizes explosions over story and character.

Fans praised

  • relentless non-stop action and explosions
  • Lucy Liu's fierce physical performance and martial arts
  • stylish, high-energy gunfights and stunt work

Detractors panned

  • incoherent, threadbare plot that makes no sense
  • wooden acting, especially Lucy Liu's nearly silent, expressionless performance
  • overstuffed with pointless slow-motion and derivative Matrix-isms

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive55

abundant explosions but often poorly integrated

PacingDivisive45

relentless but monotonous; action feels repetitive

CinematographyDivisive40

slick but overused slow-motion and close framing

ActingDivisive25

leads underused; Liu nearly silent and cold, Banderas disengaged

CharactersDivisive15

paper-thin archetypes with no development

Dialogue15

minimal and clichéd; Liu speaks only a few lines

Plot and story10

confused, full of plot holes, virtually nonexistent

Originality10

blatant Matrix imitation; rehashes old action tropes

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It never lets up, swings between moods and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingManic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsMelodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its action and melodrama straight, without ironic distance, despite its absurdity.
The rideNon-stop explosions and action keep the mood tense and thrilling, with little variation.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning, middle, and end structure without nonlinear elements.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves a mindless, entertaining impression from the explosions, but nothing lasting.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA retired FBI agent must team up with his former enemy, a rogue agent, to rescue his family from a villain with a deadly injection device.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bonds
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe protagonist's motivation is rescuing his wife and son, making family the central concern.
StanceThe film presents its action and plot without commentary, simply as spectacle.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
RockOrchestral classicalForeground music · hybrid · Don Davis
SettingA Vancouver doubling for US cities in a spy thriller.
MusicScore by Don Davis, known for The Matrix; soundtrack includes hard rock.

Content guide

Is Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever okay for kids?

R

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is rated R: “Rated R for strong violence” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (44/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at moderate (44/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at mild (19/100). Its sexual content, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Germany16
  • CzechiaU
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 24%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (44 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever?

Cast

Antonio Banderas
as Jeremiah Ecks
Lucy Liu
as Sever
Gregg Henry
as Robert Gant
Ray Park
as A.J. Ross
Talisa Soto
as Vinn
Miguel Sandoval
as Julio Martin
Terry Chen
as Harry
Roger Cross
as Zane
Sandrine Holt
as Agent Bennett
Steve Bacic
as Agent Fleming

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever?

Movies like Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever include Double Team (1997), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and A Good Day to Die Hard (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about spies, and several are rescue stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: espionage. Those cards say what else they share.

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