Sylvester Stallonewas one of the biggest motion-picture show stars of the 1980s and had many acclaimed roles in action mechanism striking , enfranchisement sequels , and underrated thriller . While this was a 10 specify byStallone ’s feud with Arnold Schwarzenegger , these two icons pushed each other forward to asterisk in more and more outrageous cult favorites throughout this unbelievable decennary in filmmaking . During this time , Stallone often one - upped the stakes of his long - standing rival by branching out into comedies , neo - noirs , and go on to make his own work as a author , director , and star of some of the grownup hit of this era .

Many of thebest Stallone movieswere bring out during the 1980s , as this was a choice time for the popularity of his characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo . Stallone had plenty of underrated moviesduring this meter that , only with the power of hindsight , have come to be regarded as cult classics and misunderstood fan dearie . WhileStallone continued to surpass in Hollywood in the subsequent decades , the eighties were rightfully an unbelievable time for this activity movie fable .

12Rhinestone (1984)

Sylvester Stallone as Nick Martinelli

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Rhinestone is a 1984 comedy celluloid sport a country vocaliser who look that she can transform a cab gadget driver into a country euphony mavin . As the singer mentors him , they prepare for his performance at a notable New York City nightclub , go down the stage for comedic and musical challenge .

While the match ofSylvester Stallone and Dolly Partonin a account about becoming a state euphony hotshot had mess of furor movie appeal , Rhinestone , alas , neglect the marking . The most memorable matter aboutRhinestonewas Parton ’s employment on the soundtrack , as the film led to her Country Singles ' number one hit , “ Tennessee Homesick Blues . ” The rest of the film was a forced and artificial interpretation of the song “ Rhinestone Cowboy ” by Larry Weiss , have Stallone in a funniness before he ’d really found his footing in funny movies .

Stallone was Nick Martinelli , an obnoxious New York hack driver who endeavor to turn into a popular Isaac M. Singer to win a bet , while Parton was Jake Farris , the down - on - her - luck country singer tasked with transforming Martinelli . With a lackluster story and practically no chemistry between its stars , Rhinestoneflopped at the box place and was one of the most jarring model of Stallone being woefully miscast .

Sylvester-Stallone-in-Tango-&-Cash-and-Kurt-Russell-in-Big-Trouble-in-Little-China–

11Over the Top (1987)

Sylvester Stallone as Linc Hawk

Lincoln Hawk , a trucker and weapon system - wrestler , vie in a high - stakes arm - wrestling tournament to gain ground a fresh truck and rebuild his animation . He battles both in the ring and for the custody of his estranged son . The film blend in acute sports activeness with a devout story of redemption and family .

While Sylvester Stallone had turn himself into one of the most iconic action mechanism movie stars of all time with stumble franchise likeRockyandRambo , his punk weapon system wrestling movieOver the Topdid not have the quite same appeal . The sheer ridiculousness of this flick ’s construct intend it lived up to its title , butOver the Top’stale of truck drivers arm wrestling for custody of their tyke sense almost like a mockery of a Stallone flick . Although it had its entertaining moments , this was perhaps Stallone ’s most forgettable flop from this clock time period .

Stallone was even nominated for the Worst Actor awarding at the Razziesfor his portrayal of Linc Hawk . The actor himself has gone on record to criticise the motion-picture show , with Stallone later state there was a lot he ’d change aboutOver the Topif he could go back in clock time ( viaAin’t It Cool News . ) Stallone criticise the “ carnival - same ” climatic sequences in Las Vegas and sound out that he would have liked to have had the celluloid score alternatively of including a “ never - stop flow of stone Song . ”

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

10Rambo III (1988)

Sylvester Stallone as John J. Rambo

Rambo III , directed by Peter MacDonald , follows John Rambo , played by Sylvester Stallone , as he leave his peaceful monastery life to rescue his wise man , Col . Trautman , from Soviet force in Afghanistan after Trautman is captured during a top - private missionary work .

It must be admitted that Rambo ’s character reference drop with each subsequent entry in the series . While the first movie was a thoughtful geographic expedition of a PTSD - suffering Vietnam veteran and the second leaned more to a great extent into activity picture show tropes , by the timeRambo IIIhad come around , he was a full - blown superhero - style action whiz . With a plot that execute the level to the Soviet - Afghan War , Rambo IIIsaw Sylvester Stallone going on a last - hold up mission to rescue his former commander .

Rambo IIIwas the last motion-picture show in the serial publication during the eighties for good reason , as it was reset the dealership had go out of originative steam . WhileRambo IIIwas a solid natural action movie with some telling particular impression , it just felt like a scale of its former ego . The Cold War political themes ofRambo IIIalso felt one - dimensional and lacked nuances , meaning that this was Rambo ’s worst outing in the 1980s .

Kristen Stewart with Bella hugging Robert Pattinson as Edward in Twilight.

9Lock Up (1989)

Sylvester Stallone as Frank Leone

operate Up star Sylvester Stallone as Frank Leone , a convict nearing the closing of his sentence in a minimum - certificate prison house . He is circumstantially transferred to a maximum - certificate facility by a vengeful warden who harbors a personal grievance against him . engineer by John Flynn , the moving picture search theme of resiliency and DoJ as Leone navigates brutal challenge to regain his freedom .

WhileLock Uphad a haphazard production that meant the movie started film before they even had the hand amply ready ( viaShock Cinema ) , there was still plenty to love about this sundry - bag prison house movie . With Sylvester Stallone as Frank Leone , a yardbird draw near the end of his sentence , his incarceration became more difficult than he ’d imagined after he was suddenly transplant to the violent maximum - surety adroitness know as Gateway Prison , and his sentence was expand by five year .

This spell of events for Stallone ’s character was due to the sadistic practice of Warden Drumgoole , a valet de chambre with a hatred of Leone who wants to see him suffer . WhileLock Upfelt rather meandering at meter , praise must go to Donald Sutherland for his incredible characterization of Drumgoole , who added a sinister energy to the imprisonment story . AlthoughLock Upwas seriously receive at the time of its release , it ’s since built up a beloved following among Stallone enthusiasts .

imagery-from-Nighthawks-and-Rocky-III

Custom image by Yailin Chacon.

8Escape to Victory (1981)

Sylvester Stallone as Captain Robert Hatch

Escape to Victory ( 1981 ) is a wartime sports drama directed by John Huston . The film centers on Allied prisoner of war who are coerce into playing an exhibition football game match against a German team , while secretly planning their escape . feature performances by Sylvester Stallone , Michael Caine , and football legend Pelé , the movie combines elements of gymnastic contention with the root of resilience and camaraderie during World War II .

Escape to Victory , also have a go at it as simplyVictory , was a sport movie star Sylvester Stallone , dealing with entirely dissimilar themes thanRocky . Set in 1942 amid the war against Nazi Germany , Escape to Victoryfocused on Allied prisoners expo football game match against a German squad . With an all - adept cast include Stallone , Michael Caine , Max von Sydow , and even soccer legend Pelé , Escape to Victorywas an inspirational moving picture with a unique plot of ground .

train by filmmaking legend John Huston , Escape from Victoryreceived mixed review from critics at the metre but has gained much more acclaim in late age . With fantabulous football game sequences featuring many literal players , Escape to Victorywas an farfetched but enjoyable level that blended sport , prison , and state of war genres into one piece of pure cinematic entertainment . While some may dismiss its concept as silly , if audiences suspend their disbelief , Escape to Victorywas a highly absorbing picture .

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Rhinestone is a 1984 comedy film featuring a country singer who bets that she can transform a cab driver into a country music star. As the singer mentors him, they prepare for his performance at a notable New York City nightclub, setting the stage for comedic and musical challenges.

7Tango & Cash (1989)

Sylvester Stallone as Lieutenant Ray Tango

Two rival Los Angeles cops are force to team up when a drug lord implicate them in a crime they did n’t dedicate . They end up in jail and their only pick is to get away in club to take the real culprit to justice .

Sylvester Stallone rounded out the 1980s with the buddy cop classicTango & Cash , starring himself and Kurt Russell . This cult news report of uneven police officers saw Stallone dally the slick detective Ray Tango while Russell was the induction - happy cattleman cop Gabe Cash . As the last great action comedy of its decennary , despite being full of tropes and cliches , it ’s unvoiced to denyTango & Cash’sstatus as a solidly fun movie .

The eighties were a grand metre for action funniness as major movie adept took up now iconic roles in buddy fuzz story and franchise starters .

Headshot Of Dolly Parton

While the news report ofTango & Cashwas predictable , as the pair were set up and air to jail by their arch - nemesis , the chemistry between Stallone and Russell was deserving the price of admission . As the duo overtake the odds and sought DoJ while spewing endless cheesy one - liner , Tango & Cashwas a ill received buddy - cop adventure that never got the critical erotic love it deserve at the clock time of its release . While there have been rumble about a sequel over the twelvemonth , it was disappointing thataudiences never got to see more fromTango & Cash .

6Rocky III (1982)

Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa

Rocky III is the third installment in the Rocky enfranchisement , have Sylvester Stallone as the titular fictional character . The pic follow Rocky Balboa ’s journey as he faces a new antagonist , Clubber Lang , portrayed by Mr. T. After suffer a major defeat , Rocky essay to regain his title with the help of his former competitor , Apollo Creed . steer by Stallone , the film explore themes of determination and personal redemption .

TheRockyfranchise will always be the define aspect of Sylvester Stallone ’s career , as his breakout role bring him fame and fortune and was a part he systematically returned to . However , some entrance were better than others , andRocky IIIrepresented one of the weakest releases in the franchise . Although see Rocky geartrain with his old rival Apollo Creed was enjoyable , Clubber Lang ( Mr. T ) stand as one of the least engaging adversaries Rocky had come up against .

Many look ofRocky IIIfelt whole unneeded as the franchise failed to meaningfully add anything fresh with this installing . Despite this , the activity sequence were great , and it was enjoyable to continue watching theRockyseries ' theme song montage as Rocky and Creed prepare on the beach . There was also one more expression that helped secureRocky III’slegacy within the franchise , as this was the entry that included the song “ Eye of the Tiger , ” a perfect breeding path with an unmatched place in advanced democratic civilization .

Headshot Of Sylvester Stallone

5Cobra (1986)

Sylvester Stallone as Lieutenant Marion “Cobra” Cobretti

In Cobra , a genius mathematician turns vigilante and uses his mind to execute intricate criminal offence while police endeavor to grasp him . As the account progresses , layers of mystery unravel , leading to a gripping story filled with suspense and intellectual duels .

WithCobra , Sylvester Stallone admit his tough guy rope action picture show persona to the absolute extreme point with a incredibly violent showcase of sodding carnage . Unlike the careful cops of so many other action film from this meter , Lt . Marion " Cobra " Cobretti was a no - nonsense cop who did n’t let rule and regulation stand in the way of fun , fast - pace , and frenzied thrills . With Stallone investigating a mass shot and surety place at an L.A. supermarket , things soon heat up as Cobra disregards law subprogram in his quest to save the day .

Cobrawas a unbowed - up action movie that could be criticized for having one - dimensional personation , but this was the intact item , as the film prioritize military action - moving-picture show entertainment above all else . This uncompromising willingness to angle into activity trope and cliches madeCobraa business firm cult favorite and perhaps the utter encapsulation of Stallone ’s alone appealingness .

Official poster for Over the Top

Lincoln Hawk, a trucker and arm-wrestler, competes in a high-stakes arm-wrestling tournament to win a new truck and rebuild his life. He battles both in the ring and for the custody of his estranged son. The film blends intense sports action with a heartfelt story of redemption and family.

4Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

Rambo : First Blood Part II follows John Rambo , played by Sylvester Stallone , as he is released from prison house for a government - sanction covert mission back to the hostile jungles of Vietnam . tax with gathering intelligence information on American prisoner of war , he look formidable challenges in this high - interest cognitive process .

Rambo : First Blood Part IItook the nuanced concept of the original film and turn over the dial up for maximum effect . With this sequel , Rambo lose some of his three - dimensional characterizations and became more of a typical action hero , although the pic was so fun that this exit in type depth could be forgiven . First Blood Part IIsaw Rambo return to Vietnam , where he seek to unloosen possible prisoner of war who had been held captive in the nation since the conflict was on-going .

First Blood Part IIwas a major blockbuster hit that garner an dumbfounding $ 300 million at the global box office ( viaBox Office Mojo . ) Rambo ’s run - and - gun brainpower and the litany of explosion and natural action shots aid release Stallone into one of the most bankable stars of the 1980s and was a major contributor to his condition as an all - time action movie legend . While some viewer may criticize the direction this continuation maneuver theRambofranchise in , there ’s no deny it was n’t a solidly entertaining pic .

Headshot Of Robert Loggia

3Nighthawks (1981)

Sylvester Stallone as Sergeant Deke DaSilva

Nighthawks is a 1981 activity thriller featuring Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams as New York City police detective pursuing an international terrorist play by Rutger Hauer . Directed by Bruce Malmuth , the motion picture follow the tense and parlous cat - and - mouse biz between law enforcement and the cute fugitive , presenting a coarse-grained enactment of urban law-breaking and counter - terrorism efforts .

While the character of Rocky Balboa signal Sylvester Stallone as one of cinema ’s greatest underdogs , he trade in in this persona to play the gritty neo - noir bull Sergeant Deke DaSilva inNighthawks . This dark-skinned and highly underrated motion-picture show prove Stallone ’s science as a serious role player and was a sinister political thriller that exposed the drear underbody of urban living . With DaSilva hired on a fresh formed anti - terrorist team , he shortly found himself at odds with a pair of lethal European terrorists .

Although Stallone was great in his persona as DaSilva , the existent appeal ofNighthawkswas Rutger Hauer ’s performance as the psychopathic terrorist Wulfgar , a genuine murderous maniac creditworthy for the death of century . Nighthawks ' thrilling game of cat and mouse was a substantial starting to Stallone ’s movie career in the 1980s . Its unpretentious appealingness signaled an substitute account where Stallone pursued more nuanced parts like this rather than sweep up so many franchise and virgin action moving-picture show roles .

Rambo III

Rambo III, directed by Peter MacDonald, follows John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone, as he leaves his peaceful monastery life to rescue his mentor, Col. Trautman, from Soviet forces in Afghanistan after Trautman is captured during a top-secret mission.

Cast Placeholder Image

Lock Up - Poster

Lock Up stars Sylvester Stallone as Frank Leone, a convict nearing the end of his sentence in a minimum-security prison. He is unexpectedly transferred to a maximum-security facility by a vengeful warden who harbors a personal grudge against him. Directed by John Flynn, the film explores themes of resilience and justice as Leone navigates brutal challenges to regain his freedom.

Escape to Victory (1981) - Poster

Escape to Victory (1981) is a wartime sports drama directed by John Huston. The film centers on Allied prisoners of war who are coerced into playing an exhibition football match against a German team, while secretly planning their escape. Featuring performances by Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and football legend Pelé, the movie combines elements of athletic competition with the themes of resilience and camaraderie during World War II.

Shot Of Michael Caine In The World premiere of ‘The Great Escaper’ at BFI Southbank

Tango & Cash

Two rival Los Angeles cops are forced to team up when a drug lord implicates them in a crime they didn’t commit. They end up in jail and their only option is to escape in order to bring the real culprit to justice.

Headshot Of Kurt Russell In The Los Angeles Photo Call Of Apple TV+’s ‘Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters’

Rocky III - Poster

Rocky III is the third installment in the Rocky franchise, featuring Sylvester Stallone as the titular character. The film follows Rocky Balboa’s journey as he faces a new adversary, Clubber Lang, portrayed by Mr. T. After suffering a major defeat, Rocky seeks to regain his title with the help of his former rival, Apollo Creed. Directed by Stallone, the film explores themes of determination and personal redemption.

Headshot of Talia Shire

Cobra - Poster

In Cobra, a genius mathematician turns vigilante and uses his intellect to execute intricate crimes while police attempt to apprehend him. As the story progresses, layers of mystery unravel, leading to a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intellectual duels.

Headshot Of Brigitte Nielsen

Rambo- First Blood Part II

Rambo: First Blood Part II follows John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone, as he is released from prison for a government-sanctioned covert mission back to the hostile jungles of Vietnam. Tasked with gathering intelligence on American prisoners of war, he faces formidable challenges in this high-stakes operation.

Nighthawks - Poster

Nighthawks is a 1981 action thriller featuring Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams as New York City detectives pursuing an international terrorist played by Rutger Hauer. Directed by Bruce Malmuth, the film follows the tense and perilous cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the cunning fugitive, presenting a gritty portrayal of urban crime and counter-terrorism efforts.

Headshot Of Billy Dee Williams In The Premiere Of Disney’s Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker

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