There are not too many actors who can say they have reached the level of an icon, yet Sylvester Stallone is certainly one of those who can. For years, Stallone was one of the biggest movie stars in the world and still remains a hugely popular actor with countless fans around the world.
Stallone started out as a character actor before becoming an action hero. Even as an older actor, he continues to show he can still handle the action while also reminding audiences of his tremendous skills as an actor. With such a stellar career, his top-rated films on IMDb are a slew of crowd-pleasing classics.
Rocky IV (1985:) 6.9
Though he has many great roles to his name, Rocky Balboa will always be Stallone's most famous character. Rocky IV finds Rocky at the peak of the boxing world when a Russian challenger named Ivan Drago emerges and makes the fight personal.
The franchise continued to veer away from its grounded roots and head towards the more cartoonish material. Still, it's hard to deny the character is still inspiring and Drago makes for the best villain in the series.
Cop Land (1997): 6.9
With his over-the-top action roles taking up most of his career, sometimes it's easy to forget Stallone is a really good actor. He reminded everyone with his starring role in the crime drama Cop Land. Stallone plays an out of shape sheriff who uncovers corruption in a neighborhood of New York City cops.
Stallone delivers a terrific, understated performance that showcases a vulnerable side he rarely gets to display. He is also ed by a great cast including Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta in this stirring crime story.
Rambo (2008): 7.0
It can be pretty disastrous when aging stars take on their most famous roles again, but Stallone has proven it can also work quite well. After a 20-year hiatus, Stallone returned to the role of John Rambo. The sequel finds the deadly warrior pulled out of his quiet and secluded life to save missionaries who have been captured in Burma.
Stallone falls right back into the action hero role with ease. Though the film is far from subtle, it does have a lot of fun embracing the carnage of the character and delivering some top-notch action sequences.
Rocky Balboa (2006): 7.1
Before returning to Rambo, Stallone proved he could bring another of his icons back after a long break. Rocky Balboa finds the aging boxer living a simple life outside the ring but finds himself back as the underdog when he goes after one more shot at being the champ.
The movie is a much quieter and grounded film than the Rocky sequels while also delivering on those moments fans love. Stallone brings heart and charm to the character and looks pretty convincing back in the ring.
Creed II (2018): 7.1
Stallone helped usher in a new generation of sports heroes with the Creed II once again stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed who works with Rocky Balboa to hold onto the championship title as the son of Ivan Drago becomes his latest challenger.
The movie takes what might have been a silly premise and injects it with some real emotion. Dolph Lundgren is fantastic playing Drago again and his scenes are among the highlights in the film.
Rocky II (1979) 7.3
The first Rocky film was a true underdog story that came out of nowhere to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Rocky II proved that there was still a lot more to this story than audiences may have thought. The sequel explores Rocky's life after his historic fight with Apollo Creed and the promise of a rematch.
While it doesn't quite capture the spirit of the first film, the sequel is a welcome return to the character. The personal relationships are still the heart of the story while the boxing aspects solid thrills.
Creed (2015): 7.6
Though the Rocky franchise once again seemed to be done, Ryan Coogler breathed new life into it by focusing on the next generation. Creed introduced Apollo Creed's illegitimate son Adonis who looks to prove himself by following his father's footsteps into the boxing ring with the help of Apollo's old friend Rocky.
Michael B. Jordan proved himself a star in the titular role while Stallone received an Oscar nomination for his emotional and powerful ing role. The film also cemented Coogler as an extremely exciting talent to watch for.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 (2017): 7.6
After playing the action hero role for years, it makes sense that Stallone would eventually find himself in a superhero movie. truth about Peter Quill's father.
Stallone pops up in a small role as the Ravager leader Stakar who was one of the original Guardians from the comics. It’s a fun addition to this big space adventure that is filled with action, humor, and a surprising amount of heart.
First Blood (1982): 7.7
Stallone's second most famous role was introduced on the big screen in First Blood. Stallone plays John Rambo, an ex-Green Beret who, after getting harassed by local police for no reason, begins a one-man war against them.
Given the reputation of the franchise as a whole, those seeing the film for the first time might be surprised at how small scale it is. It is more of a gripping thriller than an all-out action film and Stallone gives a powerful and reserved performance.
Rocky (1976): 8.1
It seems fitting that the movie that made Stallone a household name and kickstarted his career is also his most highly acclaimed film. Rocky is the story of a poor boxer living in Philadelphia who is given the ultimate underdog shot at becoming the world champion.
The movie is the pinnacle of inspiring sports dramas. Stallone is amazing in the title role, playing a quiet and not-too-bright hero that the audience still roots for the entire time. It remains one of the most iconic films of all time.
