Every Sylvester Stallone Superhero Movie Performance, Ranked

As a longtime admirer of Sylvester Stallone‘s illustrious career, I must say that his journey through the world of superheroes has been nothing short of captivating. From his iconic roles in the Rocky and Rambo franchises to his more recent forays into the genre, Stallone has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to breathe life into even the most larger-than-life characters.

Sylvester “Sly” Stallone is a true symbol of success. He is one of only two actors in Hollywood history (alongside Harrison Ford) to have starred in a box-office number-one film across six consecutive decades, and, today, he remains globally recognized as one of the greatest action stars. However, he is more than just a puncher and shooter. Stallone has played a wide range of characters throughout his career, earning himself three Oscar nominations (a feat that archetypal action stars rarely achieve).

Despite numerous top-tier actors like Sylvester Stallone shying away from superhero movies due to their perceived lack of “cinematic” value, this esteemed actor has wholeheartedly adopted the genre. Over the years, he’s starred in five films based on comic books, with three of these roles being under James Gunn’s direction. Given their friendship, Stallone is often eager to contribute whenever Gunn calls upon him for a project.

However, let’s evaluate the quality of Sylvester Stallone’s acting in superhero films. After all, his commitment and passion for every character shines through.

5 Judge Dredd

‘Judge Dredd’ (1995)

In the science fiction comics known as 2000 AD, the character Judge Dredd is the focus. This role is played by Sylvester Stallone in the movie. He portrays a diligent law enforcer in the crime-infested metropolis of Mega-City One, which exists in the 22nd century. After a catastrophe that turned Earth into a desolate landscape, the inhabitants created a unit of “Judges”. These Judges serve as both police officers, judges, juries, and executors, all in one capacity.

Stallone Was Arguably not the Best Person for the Role

Action-packed and light on storylines, Judge Dredd was an ideal fit for Stallone during his action hero peak in the ’90s. Yet, his acting in this film could have been stronger, partly due to a lack of enthusiasm towards the original content.

As per writer Peter Briggs, who initially intended to work on the 1995 film but ended up directing the more lauded 2012 “Dredd” featuring Karl Urban, it was revealed that Stallone wasn’t familiar with the superhero character when he was cast. Interestingly, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the initial choice for the role, but he declined due to believing it would be too much like The Terminator. Indeed, Schwarzenegger’s assumption proved correct, and by pursuing a role similar to The Terminator, Stallone made a misstep.

The movie was mostly criticized for its weak storyline as well. Fans were particularly disappointed with how Dredd’s character was portrayed, specifically because he removed his mask (which might have been an intentional nod to Stallone under the helmet). However, it’s important to note that this action is inconsistent with his comic book counterpart, where the lawman never removes his mask.

4 Stakar Ogord

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, there appears to be a more joyful atmosphere, but old ghosts resurface, casting doubt on the future of the heroic team. The turmoil starts when Rocket Raccoon is assaulted and wounded by Adam Warlock. As they soon discover, Rocket’s creator, the High Evolutionary (played by Iwuji), has malicious intentions towards him and potentially the entire team. Consequently, the Guardians tirelessly work to thwart his plans. In this movie, Sylvester Stallone reappears as Stakar Orgord, a prominent member of the Ravagers, an interstellar criminal group.

There Isn’t Enough of Stallone in Guardians 3

Throughout much of his acting career, Stallone has been the leading man. However, the character Stakar Ogord presented a fresh challenge (as his role wasn’t the central focus). Director James Gunn disclosed that he initially hesitated to cast Stallone in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, as he feared he wouldn’t be able to live with himself for placing a friend in a situation where they might not have the opportunity to shine optimally with their talents.

Thankfully, everything turned out well. Throughout his tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stallone has been excellent, but unfortunately, his character in Guardians 3 is forgettable due to limited involvement. Stakar’s primary role in the third film revolves around aiding the Guardians in infiltrating the Orgoscope space station, as they search for a passkey that can deactivate the kill switch in Rocket’s heart.

3 King Shark

‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

Following David Ayer’s less-than-stellar Suicide Squad, James Gunn was brought on board to create something superior and he truly delivered. Known as The Suicide Squad, the movie was so impressive that it played a significant role in securing Gunn a position as the new DC chief. In this film, various DC criminals are given a perilous assignment in the South American island nation of Corto Maltese instead of serving their full sentences. One of these villains is King Shark, a man-shark hybrid character voiced by Stallone.

Another Role That Stallone Was Born For

Despite boasting top-notch visual effects that effectively divert attention, Gunn’s movie thrives primarily on the essential elements of plot and character development. Rapid tempo and exhilarating action scenes are accompanied by witty humor, making for an enjoyable watch, particularly John Cena and Sylvester Stallone’s performances.

Since Stallone isn’t required to reveal his facial expressions, he has more freedom in this role, allowing his quirky side to shine brilliantly. Interestingly, the part was tailor-made by Gunn with him in mind.

2 Stakar Ogord

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

In the sequel titled “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2“, Peter Quill embarks on a journey to uncover his true lineage. This quest begins when the Guardians cross paths with Ego, a cosmic entity who asserts himself as Quill’s biological father. However, given that comic book source material portrays a different character as Quill’s parent, one might wonder about Ego’s trustworthiness. Additionally, Sylvester Stallone lends his acting skills to the role of Stakar, a former criminal with a moral compass.

Stallone Has a Couple of Moving Scenes

In this second volume, the ride is pure entertainment! This lively, energetic cosmic journey delightfully blends over-the-top action scenes with jaw-dropping, hard-to-believe physical stunts. Furthermore, Michael Douglas delivers a stellar performance in this installment, outshining his portrayal in the third film. You’ll be moved by the emotional bond between his character and Yondu – the Centaurian leader of the Ravagers who adopted Peter Quill. Their intense clash throughout the movie would have fallen flat without Douglas’ exceptional acting talent.

1 Samaritan

‘Samaritan’ (2022)

In this version, “Samaritan” refers to Prime Video’s unique original superhero film, which has garnered mixed reviews from critics but showcases a stellar genre performance by Sylvester Stallone. The movie, produced by the actor under his Balboa Productions label, centers around a child who is involved with a gang and becomes suspicious that his secluded neighbor might be the legendary superhero called Samaritan, whom people had nearly forgotten about. As it turns out, his suspicions are confirmed.

Sylvester Stallone Thrives in a Relatable Superhero Story

As a cinephile, I must say that director Julius Avery has crafted an exhilarating, visually stunning masterpiece. It’s not just your typical crime drama or superhero thriller; it’s a unique blend of both, wrapped in a captivating, unconventional narrative. The story is intricately woven with numerous twists and turns, featuring characters ranging from lackeys to blue-collar workers, all the way to compassionate parents.

It’s great that Stallone is reprising his father figure role again, given his exceptional skills in these types of roles. The narrative brings to mind the dynamics of Creed, leaving you eager for more. Whether you’re a fan of superheroes or not, this gripping tale of crime and urban decay will captivate you and provoke thought.

2024-11-23 19:02