Sylvester Stallone's Best Movies, Ranked
- 1Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
Sylvester Stallone's iconic role as Rocky Balboa in the 1976 film Rocky quickly established him as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. This inspiring tale of an underdog boxer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight for the world heavyweight championship resonated with moviegoers, earning it three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With its gritty realism and masterful storytelling, Rocky remains a beloved cinematic treasure that showcases Stallone's incredible acting prowess and undeniable screen presence.
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- 2Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Brian Dennehy
In 1982's action-packed thriller First Blood, Stallone brought another memorable character to life: John Rambo, a traumatized Vietnam War veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life. Underneath the film's explosive violence lies a powerful commentary on the treatment of war veterans and their psychological scars. With its thoughtfully crafted story and Stallone's intense performance, First Blood elevated itself beyond mere action spectacle, securing its place as a compelling exploration of sacrifice and survival.
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- 3Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
The highly anticipated sequel to the smash hit original, Rocky II (1979), sees Sylvester Stallone return as both star and director in this rousing sports drama. Picking up where the first film left off, we follow protagonist Rocky Balboa as he faces new challenges in his personal life while preparing for a rematch against formidable rival Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). With its adrenaline-fueled fight scenes and emotionally charged storyline, Rocky II proved that lightning can indeed strike twice.
More Rocky II- #21 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
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- 4Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Julia Nickson
In this explosive 1985 sequel to First Blood, Stallone reprises his role as John Rambo, who is sent on a covert mission to Vietnam to locate missing American POWs – only to find himself betrayed by those he trusted most. The film deftly combines thrilling action set-pieces with poignant commentary on the lingering effects of war upon soldiers, demonstrating once more why Stallone is an undeniable force within Hollywood.
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- 5Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
1985's Rocky IV saw Sylvester Stallone donning his boxing gloves once more while also taking on writing and directing duties for this blockbuster installment of the storied franchise. In this Cold War-era classic, Rocky must face off against Soviet powerhouse Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) in a high-stakes match that transcends the ring. Showcasing Stallone's indomitable spirit and the film's iconic training montage, Rocky IV remains etched in the pantheon of great sports dramas.
More Rocky IV- #98 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 6Sylvester Stallone, Mr. T, Talia Shire
The third chapter of the legendary series, 1982's Rocky III finds Stallone reprising his role as the titular character - this time facing off against brash newcomer Clubber Lang (played by Mr. T in his Hollywood debut). As both star and director, Stallone expertly navigates the emotional journey of Rocky Balboa, who must grapple with newfound fame while seeking redemption in the ring. With its memorable catchphrase "Eye of the Tiger," this installment further solidified this enduring franchise's place in cinema history.
More Rocky III- #101 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 7Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden
Continuing his portrayal of iconic action hero John Rambo, Sylvester Stallone starred in and co-wrote 2008's Rambo, which sees our eponymous hero return to war-torn Burma on a daring rescue mission. This fourth entry into the adrenaline-fueled franchise delivers brutal action sequences and pulse-pounding suspense, showcasing Stallone's unwavering commitment to bringing his larger-than-life characters back to theaters for a new generation.
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- 8Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker
1993’s Cliffhanger offered audiences a thrilling change of pace from Sylvester Stallone’s previous roles. The film follows expert mountain climber Gabe Walker (Stallone) as he becomes entangled in a dangerous heist led by ruthless criminals high atop the Rocky Mountains. Combining nail-biting suspense with breathtaking action sequences, Cliffhanger showcased Stallone’s versatility as an actor and cemented its place as a classic 90s blockbuster.
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- 9Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock
A fast-paced sci-fi romp, 1993's Demolition Man pits Stallone's hard-nosed cop John Spartan against Wesley Snipes' malevolent criminal Simon Phoenix in a dystopian future where crime has been all but eradicated. Cleverly satirizing society's preoccupation with safety and conformity, the film is bolstered by Stallone's earnest performance and thrilling sequences that make it an enduring cult favorite among fans of science fiction and action.
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- 10Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Antonio Tarver
In the emotionally charged conclusion to his beloved boxing saga, Sylvester Stallone returns as the iconic pugilist for one last bout in 2006's Rocky Balboa. Exploring themes of loss, regret, and redemption, this understated yet powerful entry serves as a fitting swan song for Rocky himself while also providing an inspiring message about the indomitable human spirit that has characterized this storied franchise from its inception.
More Rocky Balboa- #54 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
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- 11Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, Reni Santoni
As both star and screenwriter, Sylvester Stallone brings urban vigilante Marion Cobretti to life in 1986's Cobra, showcasing his knack for crafting memorable characters and thrilling experiences onscreen. In this gritty action vehicle, Cobretti takes on a vicious cult bent on purging society of its undesirable elements - making for tense shootouts and white-knuckle thrills throughout.
More Cobra- #261 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 12Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Teri Hatcher
Pairing up with fellow Hollywood heavyweight Kurt Russell in 1989's buddy-cop action-comedy Tango & Cash, Stallone showcased his comedic chops as Ray Tango, a stylish and sophisticated police officer who must team up with Russell's rough-around-the-edges Cash to take down a ruthless criminal mastermind. Their contrasting styles create an electric chemistry onscreen, resulting in a fun, tongue-in-cheek romp that delights from start to finish.
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- 13Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
Serving as both a sequel and spin-off to the Rocky series, 2015's Creed sees Stallone reprising his role as Rocky Balboa – this time stepping into the mentor role for young boxer Adonis Creed (played by Michael B. Jordan). With its emotionally resonant performances and powerful story of determination and resilience, Creed breathed new life into the franchise while giving Stallone yet another opportunity to shine in his most enduring character.
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- #45 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
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- 14Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta
In this compelling crime drama from 1997, Sylvester Stallone takes on the role of Freddy Heflin, a small-town sheriff grappling with corruption within his community and police force. Featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, and Ray Liotta, Cop Land allows Stallone to display his dramatic range, proving he can hold his own against some of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors.
More Cop Land- #35 of 94 onThe 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
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- 15Sylvester Stallone, Donald Sutherland, John Amos
Set within the unforgiving confines of prison life, 1989's Lock Up showcases Sylvester Stallone as Frank Leone - an upstanding inmate serving out the remaining months of his sentence who is targeted by a sadistic warden (played by Donald Sutherland). The film features tense confrontations and brutal fights that highlight Stallone's physicality while also providing an intense look at perseverance in the face of adversity.
- 16Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li
Sylvester Stallone assembled an all-star cast of action heroes for 2010’s The Expendables, which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in. As leader Barney Ross, Stallone guides a team of mercenaries on a dangerous mission to overthrow a South American dictator. Featuring pulse-pounding stunts and nostalgic camaraderie among the seasoned performers, The Expendables quickly became an entertaining throwback to classic ensemble action films.
More The Expendables- #515 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #68 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
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- 17Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Marc de Jonge
As John Rambo returns for another thrilling adventure in 1988's Rambo III, Stallone brings his trademark intensity to this tale of courage and resilience, as he battles Soviet forces in Afghanistan to rescue his mentor, Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna). With its high-stakes action sequences and hard-hitting themes of loyalty and sacrifice, Rambo III cements John Rambo's status as a legendary action hero.
More Rambo III- #268 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- 18Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li
Sequels can be hit or miss, but 2012's The Expendables 2 proves that bigger is sometimes better. Returning alongside fellow action legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone leads the mercenary team through another high-stakes mission filled with explosive showdowns and cheeky one-liners. This successful follow-up demonstrates how Stallone's magnetic presence continues to draw audiences into thrilling adventures.
- 19Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel
Sylvester Stallone teams up with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2013’s Escape Plan, a gripping prison-break thriller centered around Ray Breslin (Stallone), a structural-security expert tasked with escaping from an impenetrable fortress designed by himself. Demonstrating remarkable ingenuity amid nail-biting tension, this film provides yet another showcase for Stallone’s unparalleled talents within the world of cinematic suspense.
More Escape Plan- #131 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
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- 20Sylvester Stallone, David Mendenhall, Robert Loggia
In this unique blend of drama and sports action from 1987, Sylvester Stallone stars as Lincoln Hawk, a long-haul trucker who moonlights as an arm-wrestling champion while attempting to reconnect with his estranged son. Over the Top serves as a heartfelt exploration of fatherhood and perseverance, demonstrating that Stallone's range extends well beyond adrenaline-fueled blockbusters.
More Over the Top- #275 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
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- 21Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
Following the success of 2015’s Creed, Sylvester Stallone returns as Rocky Balboa in 2018 to train Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) for a high-stakes rematch against Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago – the man responsible for Apollo Creed's death during Rocky IV. Creed II skillfully weaves together themes of family, legacy, and redemption while providing audiences with an emotionally charged continuation of this beloved saga.
More Creed II- #78 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
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- 22Sylvester Stallone, Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen
Sylvester Stallone plumbs new depths in this intense disaster film from 1996 as Kit Latura, a former emergency medical services chief trapped inside a collapsed tunnel beneath New York City's Hudson River with a group of survivors. With its claustrophobic setting and relentless suspense, Daylight showcases Stallone's ability to command attention even when faced with harrowing circumstances.
- 23Sylvester Stallone, Billy Dee Williams, Rutger Hauer
Depicting the cat-and-mouse game between two NYPD detectives (played by Stallone and Billy Dee Williams) and an international terrorist (Rutger Hauer), 1981's Nighthawks is a tense thriller that highlights Stallone's versatile acting skills within various genres. From dramatic confrontations to frenetic chase sequences set against New York City's urban landscape, this crime drama provides ample opportunity for its headlining star to shine.
- 24Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Julianne Moore
In 1995’s action-packed Assassins, Sylvester Stallone takes on the role of Robert Rath, an aging hitman seeking retirement but becoming embroiled in a dangerous rivalry with a younger, ruthless assassin (played by Antonio Banderas). With its stylish direction by Richard Donner and engaging performances from its leads, Assassins delivers thrilling encounters and compelling character drama.
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- 25
The Specialist
Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, James WoodsIn this action-packed thriller from 1994, Sylvester Stallone stars as Ray Quick – a former CIA explosives expert turned hitman who is hired to take down the criminals responsible for the death of an innocent woman's family. Also starring Sharon Stone and James Woods among others, The Specialist provides an explosive combination of suspenseful storytelling and powerhouse performances by its stellar cast.
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- 26Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas
In the third installment of his high-octane action series, Stallone helms another all-star cast in 2014's The Expendables 3, which includes newcomers like Wesley Snipes, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, and Ronda Rousey. As Barney Ross faces off against former teammate-turned-adversary Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), audiences are treated yet again to thrilling stunts and explosive mayhem that have become synonymous with this adrenaline-fueled franchise.
- 27Sylvester Stallone, Adriana Barraza, Paz Vega
Bringing his iconic character John Rambo full circle, Stallone returned for one final outing in 2019’s Rambo V: Last Blood. This gritty adventure finds our hero attempting to settle into a quiet life before being pulled back into action when his friend's daughter is kidnapped by a Mexican cartel. Delivering brutal violence and pulse-pounding thrills alongside poignant moments of introspection, Last Blood provides closure to this legendary cinematic journey.
- 28Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante, Diane Lane
Adapting the popular comic book character for the big screen in 1995’s Judge Dredd, Sylvester Stallone took on the role of the titular futuristic law enforcer who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy to overthrow the judiciary system. Though met with mixed reviews, the film has garnered a cult following for its visually striking world-building and Stallone’s dedicated portrayal of the stoic protagonist.
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- 29Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Pelé
In this classic World War II film from 1981, Sylvester Stallone stars as American POW Captain Robert Hatch, who joins forces with British officers and fellow prisoners to plot an escape during a soccer match against Nazi soldiers. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Michael Caine and Pelé, Escape to Victory masterfully blends thrilling sports action with gripping wartime drama under John Huston's skilled direction.
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- #41 of 75 onThe Best Movies Of 1981
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- 30Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Despite being less celebrated than its preceding installments, 1990’s Rocky V brings yet another layer of depth to Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character when he faces financial ruin and struggles with brain damage after retiring from boxing. The film offers valuable insight into the challenges faced by athletes transitioning out of their sport while also highlighting Stallone’s ability to explore complex emotions within his most iconic role.
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