Xander Cage, played by Vin Diesel, is a extreme sports athlete and notorious thrill-seeker who lives a lawless life. He is brought to the attention of the NSA by Agent Gibbons, who is seeking unconventional operatives for a covert mission. Gibbons sends a team to kidnap Cage, but he escapes. Shortly after, Cage is approached by Gibbons personally, who explains that he works for a National Security Agency that handles sensitive and dangerous missions. Cage is invited to meet the NSA brass, who explain that they have intercepted a message that indicates that a terrorist group known as Anarchy 99 is planning a massive attack on the world that could bring the world to a standstill.
Cage is reluctant at first but is convinced when the NSA offers him full absolution for any past crimes in exchange for his help. Cage is dropped into the criminal underworld of Prague to gather information on Anarchy 99, run by the ruthless Yorgi. He meets Yelena, a former lover of Yorgi's who has evidence that could bring down his organization. Cage gains Yelena's trust and soon infiltrates Yorgi's organization.
However, things take a turn for the worse when Cage's cover is blown, and he's captured by Yorgi and his men. It's revealed that Yorgi plans to use a biochemical weapon that would cause an epidemic and wipe out a substantial portion of the world's population. Cage escapes and sets out to stop Yorgi's plan.
In the end, Cage and his team succeed in thwarting Yorgi's plans and saving the world. Cage is celebrated back in the United States and offered a new job at the NSA. He declines, opting instead to continue living his dangerous, lawless life.