G.I. Joe: Retaliation

After a presidential order dismantles the team on charges of treason, a group of elite soldiers loses its official label and support. Cut off from former backing, they must continue to battle their arch foe Cobra while wrestling with political maneuvering that targets them from within the government they serve. The movie follows their regrouping under new leadership as they race against time to clear their name and stop a plan that could destabilize global security. Along the way, loyal allies and uneasy allies reappear, testing loyalties and exposing how far power can bend justice. In the end, the survivors rely on grit, teamwork, and a stubborn faith in one another. Their resolve becomes the heart of the mission itself.

Released in 2013, the film was directed by Jon M Chu and based on Hasbro's G I Joe toy line. The script comes from Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, continuing the live action reboot with a brisk roster and stunts.

Worldwide, the film grossed into the hundreds, signaling solid interest in big budget action spectacles despite mixed reviews from audiences worldwide and beyond. The release strategy leaned into 3D and IMAX showings, expanding its footprint around the globe across continents.

Fans remember the high octane set pieces and the return of Cobra's threat in a more grounded, weapons heavy style. The film helped keep the G I Joe brand visible in pop culture, with Roadblock and Snake Eyes becoming familiar action icons, inspiring cosplay and memes. That leaves a mark.

Critics praised the film for its brisk action and solid cast but noted a thin plot and generic villainy. It probes loyalty under pressure, questions how power corrupts institutions, and shows soldiers who keep faith with their teammates when the system betrays them, and raises questions about duty versus survival.