Sylvester Stallone is synonymous with two iconic franchises: Rocky and Rambo. However, the Hollywood legend has starred in numerous other films that have achieved significant box office success. Here is a look at some of his biggest box office hits outside of those well-known franchises:
80’s Hits for Sylvester Stallone
Cobra (1986) Stallone stars as Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, a maverick detective tasked with stopping a cult leader who plans to unleash a deadly plague on Los Angeles. The film is a stylish and violent action spectacle, featuring iconic imagery like Stallone’s trench coat and sunglasses. Cobra is a quintessential 80s action movie, embracing over-the-top violence and showcasing Stallone’s physical prowess, grossing $49.4 million worldwide.
Tango & Cash (1989) This buddy cop action-comedy paired Stallone with Kurt Russell as two rival detectives framed for a crime they didn’t commit. The film, directed by Andrei Konchalovsky, is a non-stop thrill ride with explosive action sequences, witty banter, and a healthy dose of 80s excess to the tune of $63.4 million worldwide gross.
Nighthawks (1981) This earlier Stallone film, directed by Bruce Malmuth, sees him as Detective Deke DaSilva, a New York City cop partnered with detective Matthew Fox (Billy Dee Williams) to stop a lethal terrorist (Rutger Hauer). The film grossed $19.6 million.
Stallone’s 90s Hits
Cliffhanger (1993) This action-thriller, set amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, saw Stallone as a mountain rescue expert Gabe Walker battling a group of criminals led by John Lithgow as Eric Qualen. Its stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences captivated audiences worldwide, grossing in excess of $255 million worldwide.
The Specialist (1994) This action film, co-starring Sharon Stone, Eric Roberts and James Woods, saw Stallone as former assassin Ray Quick hired to kill an underworld figure that is responsible for murdering a woman’s parents in Miami. Its explosive action sequences and intriguing plot kept audiences entertained, contributing to its box office success of $170.4 million.
Sylvester Stallone in The Specialist (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Judge Dredd (1995) This adaptation of the popular comic book features Stallone as the titular character, a futuristic lawman with both judge and jury powers. While the film received mixed reviews, Stallone’s portrayal of the stoic and imposing Judge Dredd remains a memorable aspect. The film grossed $113.5 million.
Assassins (1995) This action-packed thriller saw Stallone face off against Antonio Banderas in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film’s stylish action sequences and intriguing premise resonated with audiences, grossing $83.3 million.
Demolition Man (1993) A futuristic action comedy, this film paired Stallone with Wesley Snipes in a clash between a modern-day cop and a cryogenically frozen criminal. Its satirical take on the future and witty dialogue resonated with audiences and co-starring Sandra Bullock, contributing to its box office take of $159.1 million.
Daylight (1996) This disaster film, where Stallone plays a rescue expert trapped in a flooded tunnel, delivered a thrilling ride and performed well at the box office with a worldwide gross of $158.9 million.
Cop Land (1997) A departure from his typical action roles, Stallone played a deaf sheriff in this critically acclaimed crime drama alongside such heavyweights as Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta and Harvey Keitel. The film showcased his dramatic range and garnered him praise for his nuanced performance while grossing $63.7 million at the box office.
Sly’s Blockbusters in the 2000s
The Expendables series – This action-packed franchise, with Stallone as mercenary Barney Ross, capitalized on nostalgia and brought together a legendary cast of action stars including Arnold Schwarzennegger, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Chuck Norris, Jean Claude Van Damme, Antonio Banderas, Wesley Snipes, Glen Powell, Andy Garcia, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Charisma Carpenter, Randy Couture, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews, Scott Adkins and Ronda Rousey. The original grossed $268.3 million worldwide. The Expendables 2 grossed $312 million worldwide, The Expendables 3 grossed $209.5 million worldwide and the final installment Expend4bles pulled in $51.1 million.
Guardians of the Galaxy series – Stallone joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Stakar Ogord, a Ravager and mentor to Star-Lord in Volume 2 (2017, grossing $869.1 million) and Volume 3 (2023, grossing $845.2 million).
Escape Plan (2013) pairs Stallone with Schwarzenegger and 50 Cent as Sly plays a structural-security authority finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world’s most secret and secure prison en route to grossing $103.7 million.
Wrap Up
These films, while perhaps not as iconic as Rocky or Rambo for his fans, demonstrate the breadth of Stallone’s appeal and his ability to deliver entertaining and commercially successful films across various genres.
