As a longtime connoisseur of cinematic masterpieces, I find myself deeply immersed in the world of action films that have graced our screens over the years. Among these, there are some standouts that leave a lasting impression, and I must say that the films you’ve mentioned certainly fall into this category.
Known for his memorable roles as John Rambo and Rocky, Sylvester Stallone is one of Hollywood’s most recognized action stars. However, beyond the silver screen, Stallone has made a significant impact off-camera, contributing to the scripts and direction of many films he starred in. This demonstrates that his talent extends beyond making action movies more appealing.
His name is synonymous with success, and while he prefers to do other kinds of films today, Stallone is still very active. To celebrate his legacy, we went through his catalog, and ranked his most successful films by box office performance. These are Stallone’s highest-grossing films.
10 Creed II (2018)
Production Budget: $50 Million – Box Office Gross: $214.1 Million
Creed II
In this iteration of Creed II, Stallone lends his hand to the script, and the impact of his involvement is palpable. The movie shows significant enhancement from its predecessor, adhering to sports drama conventions while also delivering as an engaging dramatic film. Despite being somewhat predictable, the film manages to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, particularly during the reunion of Ivan Drago and Rocky. This moment may have been what drew audiences to the cinema, as many still fondly remember the impact of Rocky IV from the ’80s.
9 Rocky (1976)
Production Budget: $1.1 Million – Box Office Gross: $225 Million
The story Rocky revolves around Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer from Philadelphia who’s given a tough opportunity. Champion boxer Apollo Creed has chosen Philadelphia as his next fight location, but the original opponent pulls out. With help from a doubtful coach named Mickey, Rocky steps up, but to truly win, he must first believe in his own abilities.
Undoubtedly, Sylvester Stallone’s groundbreaking film “Rocky” is his most significant cinematic achievement. This boxing epic was the top-grossing movie of 1976, solidifying Stallone’s position as a leading actor and a talented screenwriter. The film won the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director (John G. Avildsen), outshining notable films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Network,” and “All the President’s Men.” We challenge you to find another sports drama that surpasses this iconic masterpiece.
You can stream Rocky on MGM+.
8 Cliffhanger (1993)
Production Budget: $70 Million – Box Office Gross: $255 Million
In the movie titled “Cliffhanger“, a mountain climber burdened by guilt revisits his old post following an unfortunate incident that occurred eight months prior, with the intention of retrieving his belongings. The ex-rescue ranger Gabe Walker (played by Stallone) is haunted by the past, yet finds himself in the crossfire of mysterious individuals who are actually skilled thieves intent on making off with a substantial amount of money. These criminals coerce him into transporting the extraordinarily heavy cases across the Colorado Rockies against his will.
Renny Harlin skillfully directed Stallone’s action-packed thriller that Stallone co-wrote, resulting in a well-made movie. The poster featuring just Stallone’s last name drew audiences in, and despite its $70 million production budget being considered extravagant at the time, it grossed over $250 million. John Lithgow’s portrayal of the ruthless villain Eric Qualen was exceptional.
7 Rocky III (1982)
Production Budget: $17 Million – Box Office Gross: $270 Million
In Rocky III, the struggles that Rocky the fighter encounters are different from what he’s used to. Having triumphed over his longtime adversary Apollo Creed in the last film, he now finds himself as a champion. However, Clubber, who appears to be a formidable challenger, publicly questions Rocky’s tactics of battling lesser opponents to maintain his top position. Later on, when Rocky decides to face Clubber, his mentor Mickey unfortunately passes away. Grieving, Rocky is compelled to find assistance from an unexpected trainer.
To set the record straight, it’s important to note that “Rocky III” is generally considered a notch below the rest of the films in the series. While it may not be as strong as its counterparts, it generated an immense amount of buzz and became the highest-grossing Rocky film financially at the time of its release. Sylvester Stallone, who also directed the previous installment, returned to the helm for this film, delivering a solid addition that has since been recognized as somewhat underrated in the sequel series. This is the movie where the iconic “Eye of the Tiger” from the Rocky franchise was first introduced, earning the film a solitary Academy Award nomination.
6 The Expendables (2010)
Production Budget: $82 Million – Box Office Gross: $274.5 Million
The Expendables revolves around a band of skilled, battle-hardened mercenaries, led by Barney Ross (Stallone). They unite for their most critical task yet: to oust a tyrant dictator in South America and thwart his nefarious plans. However, it is later revealed that General Garza is merely a puppet under someone else’s control.
The Expendables was a movie that represented Sylvester Stallone’s deep enthusiasm, as it gathered action stars he successfully persuaded to be part of his directorial venture. Stars such as Jason Statham, Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Dolph Lundgren, and Mickey Rourke were among those who took part. The iconic status of these actors attracted crowds to the cinemas, launching a series of films collectively known as a franchise.
5 Rocky IV (1985)
Production Budget: $28 Million – Box Office Gross: $300.4 Million
In the film Rocky IV, the renowned boxer and his former adversary-turned-ally, Apollo Creed, have both hung up their gloves. However, Ivan Drago, a Soviet boxer, makes an appearance in the U.S., challenging Apollo to demonstrate the superiority of the Soviets. Apollo agrees, but meets his tragic end at the hands of a relentless opponent. Who steps forward to take on the challenge, honoring his fallen friend and his nation?
In “Rocky IV,” Sylvester Stallone achieved a significant breakthrough, both writing and directing the film. This installment was not only the top-grossing in the series but also faced criticism due to its perceived anti-Soviet message. Featuring popular theme songs, an iconic villain, and a test of Stallone’s endurance as a symbol of American sports perseverance, it remains a memorable part of the franchise.
4 Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Production Budget: $25.5 Million – Box Office Gross: $300.4 Million
In “Rambo: First Blood Part II,” John Rambo finds himself freed from prison to undertake a task that promises a full pardon. This mission takes him back to Vietnam, where he’s supposed to record evidence of POW camps. However, in true action hero fashion, Rambo chooses to disobey orders and instead sets out to rescue the prisoners himself.
Absolutely! The original Rambo movie, titled “First Blood“, is a classic within the action genre. However, among all films in the series, “Rambo: First Blood Part II ” stands out as the most memorable due to its increased intensity and ambition, characterized by more graphic scenes. At the time of its release, it broke numerous box office records. An interesting tidbit is that Sylvester Stallone’s script for this movie was actually a revision of an original script written by renowned action maestro, James Cameron.
3 The Expendables 2 (2012)
Production Budget: $100 Million – Box Office Gross: $315 Million
In “The Expendables 2”, the team reunites to confront Jean Vilain, an unyielding weapons merchant who tragically slays their youngest comrade. Determined to seek retribution, Barney Ross assembles additional action legends to carry out his mission.
In this movie, Sylvester Stallone aimed to up the ante, demonstrating to Hollywood that he was capable enough to bring in more talents to an already spectacular storyline. Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped into the limelight as a significant character (he made a brief appearance in the initial one), and both Chuck Norris and Jean Claude Van Damme joined the cast, boosting the franchise. The collective return of action cinema’s most iconic stars propelled it to become the highest-grossing film in the series.
2 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Production Budget: $250 Million – Box Office Gross: $845.6 Million
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, viewers join the Guardians as they navigate through Knowhere, a location where tensions are high following Gamora’s alternate self’s unsuccessful reconciliation with the team. Rocket sustains severe injuries during an assault by Adam Warlock, prompting them to devise a solution to deactivate a lethal switch within him before it triggers. Michael Douglas, who portrays Ravager leader Stakar, reappears in this installment, having previously appeared in Volume 2.
The movie garnered just one Oscar nod for Best Visual Effects, but it was something else that truly stood out. In fact, what really impressed viewers was the fulfilling end to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Guardians saga, with director Gunn returning to Marvel following a stint with the DC Extended Universe. Similar to its predecessors in the series, Vol. 3 received positive reviews from critics as well.
1 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Production Budget: $200 Million – Box Office Gross: $869 Million
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, this band of unconventional interstellar heroes finally earns their due respect, but they can’t seem to escape trouble for long. Peter Quill discovers that the source of the turmoil is Ego, his biological father, whom he yearns to bond with. Simultaneously, Queen Ayesha engages Yondu in a mission to apprehend the Guardians, providing him an opportunity for atonement following Stakar Ogord’s expulsion from their community.
Participating as Stakar in James Gunn’s unconventional Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, which blended superheroes with elements of comedy, was one of Sylvester Stallone’s standout performances. This film, a part of the Guardians sub-series within the MCU, was its most successful installment and set the stage for a less complex third movie. Luckily, Stallone’s character had a more significant role in the conclusion.
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2024-11-04 06:32