For more than 40 years, Sylvester Stallone has captivated and delighted viewers as a renowned actor, skilled writer, and accomplished director. His contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified his status as a true legend. Throughout his career, Sylvester Stallone has taken on unforgettable roles in countless films that have become cultural touchstones – among them, the enduring “Rocky and Rambo” series.
Sylvester Stallone graced the silver screen once again in 2019 with two powerful performances in “Rambo: Last Blood and Creed II.” The former marks the culmination of the legendary “Rambo” saga, while the latter follows in the footsteps of the beloved “Rocky” franchise, now centering around the son of “Apollo Creed.” Both films garnered high praise from critics and audiences alike, a testament to Stallone’s dynamic range and versatility as an actor.
Sylvester Stallone’s achievements in the entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed – his noteworthy contributions have been celebrated with numerous accolades, including various awards and nominations. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Creed.” Stallone has also won several Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and People’s Choice Awards, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.
His talent and dedication have earned him a number of prestigious awards, and now we’re diving into his most beloved and enduring cinematic achievements with our list of the top 10 Sylvester Stallone movies ever made.
#10: Lock Up
“Lock Up” is a 1989 American prison action film directed by John Flynn, starring Sylvester Stallone, Donald Sutherland, and John Amos. Stallone plays Frank Leone, a model prisoner nearing the end of his sentence, transferred to a maximum-security prison run by sadistic warden Drumgoole (Sutherland). Drumgoole has a personal vendetta against Leone, making his life a living hell.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Stallone’s performance was praised. The movie “Lock Up” made a whopping $22 million in revenue from its screening in the United States.
In the movie, Stallone’s depiction of Leone is powerful and moving, and the dynamic between him and Sutherland is undeniable. You’ll be on the edge of your seat during the exhilarating scenes of action, such as the nerve-wracking prison uprising and the heart-pounding jailbreak. For those who admire Stallone’s action-packed films, “Lock Up” is definitely a must-watch.
#9: Escape Plan
Mikael Håfström’s action-packed thriller “Escape Plan” hit theaters in 2013, featuring the talented duo of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stallone plays the character of Ray Breslin, a structural security specialist hired to evaluate the defenses of a high-security prison. But things take a dramatic turn when he is betrayed and thrown into the very jail he had designed. Alongside fellow prisoner Emil Rottmayer (played by Schwarzenegger), Breslin must employ all his expertise to devise an escape plan and break out of the prison’s clutches.
Critics had a mixed reaction to the movie, offering a range of opinions. While some admired the connection between Stallone and Schwarzenegger, others found fault with the storyline and pace of the film. Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing over \$137 million worldwide.
“Escape Plan” has since spawned two sequels, “Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018)” and “Escape Plan: The Extractors (2019),” both released direct-to-video. While the sequels did not receive the same critical acclaim as the original film, they performed well commercially.
“Escape Plan” franchise boasts of a star-studded ensemble cast featuring the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Bautista, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Jim Caviezel. Enthusiasts of action-packed movies, particularly fans of Stallone, are sure to relish the “Escape Plan” films for their adrenaline-fueled action scenes and an impressive array of big-name talent.
#8: Cop Land
Released in 1997, “Cop Land” is a gripping crime drama directed by James Mangold. The film boasts of an all-star cast, including the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, and Robert De Niro. Stallone takes on the role of Freddy Heflin, the sheriff of a peaceful New Jersey town who uncovers a web of corruption and mafia ties lurking beneath the town’s tranquil façade.
Critics praised the film, particularly Sylvester Stallone’s performance, as a vulnerable and conflicted character. “Cop Land” was a departure from his usual high-octane roles, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.
The movie has a 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is available on HBO Max. Cop Land is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and for those who want to see Stallone in a different light.
#7: Tango & Cash
Released in 1989, “Tango & Cash” is an action-packed buddy cop movie starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell. The film follows two rival cops, Ray Tango (Stallone) and Gabriel Cash (Russell), who are framed for a crime they didn’t commit and sent to prison.
Once inside, “Tango and Cash” must put their differences aside and work together to clear their names and bring down the real criminals. The movie features over-the-top action scenes, witty one-liners, and intense chemistry between Stallone and Russell.
“Tango & Cash” was a box office success, grossing over $63 million worldwide. It’s a must-see for fans of ’80s action movies and Stallone’s filmography.
#6: Demolition Man
Sylvester Stallone plays John Spartan in the “Demolition Man,” a reckless yet driven police officer who is cryogenically frozen after a failed rescue attempt takes the lives of innocents. In 2032, Spartan is thawed out to take down his old nemesis Simon Phoenix, played by Wesley Snipes, who has also been thawed out of cryogenic sleep. Marco Brambilla and stars Sandra Bullock and Nigel Hawthorne direct the movie.
The movie mixes action, sci-fi, and comedy, with Stallone delivering his classic tough-guy one-liners. The futuristic world created in the film is both imaginative and absurd, with things like the three seashells and Taco Bell being the only restaurant in the world.
“Demolition Man” proved to be a commercial triumph, pulling in more than $150 million in global box office sales. Along with its captivating action scenes, the on-screen rapport between Stallone and Bullock garnered considerable admiration. The movie has since established a devoted following and gained cult status among fans.
#5: Cliffhanger
In the thrilling 1993 action movie “Cliffhanger,” Sylvester Stallone portrays the character of Gabe Walker, a former mountain rescue ranger. The plot of the film centers around Gabe’s return to the Rocky Mountains, where he must take on a gang of heartless terrorists and rescue a group of hikers who are trapped and in peril.
The 1993 blockbuster “Cliffhanger” raked in an impressive $255 million from audiences around the world, cementing its status as a runaway success at the box office. However, critical reviews were split, with some reviewers lauding the film’s pulse-pounding action scenes and Stallone’s impressive performance. Others, however, criticized the movie’s storyline and lack of character development.
Nonetheless, despite the contrasting reviews, it remains a cherished movie among fans and is frequently cited as one of Stallone’s finest action movies. For enthusiasts of action movies, this film is an absolute must-see. It boasts stunning scenery that will leave you in awe and action sequences that are so gripping and memorable – particularly the opening scene – that you’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout.
Gabe Walker, played by Stallone, is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the movie, displaying his physical aptitude and his talent in depicting a character with depth. From beginning to end, “Cliffhanger” is a heart-stopping experience that will leave you breathless, and it’s a film that any fan of the action genre should not miss.
#4: The Expendables
“The Expendables” is a 2010 American action thriller directed by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars in the lead role alongside Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren. The film follows a group of elite mercenaries hired by the CIA to overthrow a Latin American dictator.
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $274 million worldwide. The film was praised for its impressive action sequences and the chemistry between the cast members. “The Expendables” was followed by two sequels, “The Expendables 2” and “The Expendables 3,” which Stallone also directed.
“The Expendables” features an all-star cast of action movie veterans, including Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who makes a cameo appearance. The movie also includes many notable action scenes, such as a fight between Stallone and Stone Cold Steve Austin and a climactic battle between the mercenaries and the dictator’s army.
“The Expendables” has become a fan favorite among action movie enthusiasts thanks to its mix of humor, over-the-top action, and nostalgic references to classic films. The film has also been praised for its commitment to practical effects and stunts, which the cast members themselves performed.
#3: Creed
“Creed” is a 2015 sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler and written by Coogler and Aaron Covington. In the movie, Michael B. Jordan takes on the character of Adonis Johnson Creed, the son of the late Apollo Creed, while Stallone reprises his iconic role as Rocky Balboa. The film, which is the seventh installment in the Rocky series, serves as a spin-off that centers around the character of Creed.
The film was met with widespread critical praise and proved to be a financial triumph, amassing a total of more than \$173 million in box office earnings across the globe. It earned several award nominations, with Stallone’s performance, in particular, receiving accolades, culminating in winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The movie’s plot centers on the journey of Adonis Creed as he turns to Rocky Balboa for guidance and training to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer. The movie explores a range of themes, including the weight of family history, the idea of legacy, and the struggle for self-discovery. Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone deliver remarkable performances that resonate with viewers, making the film an emotional and powerful experience.
The triumph of the initial “Creed” movie spurred the release of its sequel, “Creed II,” in 2018. The sequel was likewise met with favorable critical reception and proved to be a financial hit, earning more than $214 million in global box office receipts.
#2: Rambo
Ever since the release of the first movie, “First Blood,” in 1982, Sylvester Stallone’s unforgettable character, John Rambo, has been an instant hit among fans. Over the years, Rambo has become an action hero icon, featuring in four more films highlighting his unbeatable combat skills and unparalleled ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Considered the finest installment of the franchise, “Rambo: First Blood Part II” takes the audience on an enthralling ride. The plot revolves around Rambo, who is given an undercover assignment to snap photos of a POW camp in Vietnam after his release from prison. However, things quickly spiral out of control when he finds himself stranded in the wilderness, betrayed and abandoned by the very people who sent him on the mission.
This movie is an adrenaline-packed adventure, showcasing non-stop action sequences where Rambo fearlessly battles against entire armies of soldiers, relying solely on his intelligence and signature bow and arrow. The film also features iconic lines, such as “I’m your worst nightmare” and “Live for nothing, or die for something.”
Overall, “Rambo: First Blood Part II” is a must-watch for any action movie fan. It’s a perfect blend of action, drama, and suspense, showcasing Stallone at his best as both an actor and a writer.
#1: Rocky
“Rocky” is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. The film tells the rags-to-riches story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working-class Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when the scheduled opponent breaks his hand, and he decides to take the opportunity to prove himself to the world.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $225 million worldwide on a budget of just over $1 million. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. The film’s success led to a franchise of eight sequels, the most recent being “Creed II,” released in 2018.
Regarded as one of the all-time greatest sports films, Rocky features Sylvester Stallone’s iconic portrayal of Rocky Balboa, a role that has become synonymous with his name. The film’s uplifting tale of an underdog, combined with its moving musical score and memorable performances, has touched the hearts of audiences for over 40 years, cementing its status as a true classic that will endure for generations to come.