Every Sylvester Stallone Movie From the ’90s, Ranked

The 1990s were a turbulent period for Sylvester Stallonecareer after the highly successful decade that was the 1980s. As the cinematic landscape changed and action films developed, he found himself choosing roles that were either very similar to those in previous films or very different. Whether it’s his oft-maligned comedies or his attempts to recapture the success of Stallone’s best films like First Blood or the previous one Rocky films.

There are still plenty of gems to be found in his work throughout the decade, with some of his best performances on display. He has always had an inconsistent track record with the projects he has chosen each decade. Ranging from treble like Belief for low points like rhinestones, but no matter what happens, Stallone remains an imposing figure in blockbuster cinema. Good or bad, there’s rarely a boring Stallone project and many of these films prove it.

12

The Good Life (1997)

Directed by Alan Mehrez

A curious entry into Stallone’s work, it’s highly likely we’ve never seen, much less heard of The good life. The film was a passion project for his brother, Frank Stallone, and followed three golfing buddies moving to New Jersey, with one being killed by the others. The film features a variety of actors and celebritiessuch as Dennis Hopper, Andrew Dice Clay, David Carradine and Tony Sirico.

Stallone agreed to make a cameo in the film as a favor to his brother, but his scene was later heavily used in marketing, leading to a lawsuit. He sued them for his usual $20 million salary, and the case was later settled out of court. The film was later shelved and never saw the light of day, but by all accounts it was a flop that was not meant to be released.

11

To stop! Or My Mother Will Shoot (1992)

Directed by Roger Spottiswoode

To stop! Or my mother will shoot has become somewhat legendary for failing so much, from conception to eventual release. The film follows a police officer played by Stallone who receives a visit from his overbearing mother, played by the usually fantastic Estelle Getty. It was an odd choice to combine the two stars, Stallone’s acting style hardly matched Getty’s experience in The golden girls. It’s a completely dull film and fails to capture anything of what makes these two stars charismatic.

The film was clearly an attempt by Stallone to recapture the success that Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved with Kindergarten police officer. Stallone never had much success in the comedy genre and this film is a clear example of why. It’s a weak script, an even weaker concept, and its box office failure proved it.

10

The Specialist (1994)

Directed by Luis Llosa

Despite being a box office success in 1994, The expert It has faded from people’s memories over the years. Stallone plays an assassin hired by Sharon Stone’s femme fatale to take revenge on the man who killed her parents. It’s absolutely ridiculous and has a lot of flaws. both in its story and its execution. It features a litany of strange choices, from James Woods’ crazed performance to its downright languid pacing.

It is this clear lack of care that makes The expert it’s so boring to watch, even though it presents some good choices that are ridiculous enough to be appreciated. This includes one of Sharon Stone’s best performances, played in such a sexualized way that you have no choice but to have fun with her. It’s a film full of underwhelming action, poor performances, and an exceptionally overwrought plot.

9

Rocky V (1990)

Directed by John G. Avildsen

If there is a low point in the Rocky franchise, it certainly is. Presenting none of the nonsense he did Rocky IV fun and none of the drama that made the first an immediate classic, Rocky V ends up being an easy punching bag for the series. The film finds the titular protagonist losing the wealth he built over the last four films and having to train a young fighter named Tommy Gunn. Makes a fatal miscalculation by not properly developing the younger boxer.

A fatal flaw of the film also comes from the simple lack of good boxing matches that take place throughout the film. While there is some fun in the street fight that gets Rocky fighting again, it feels like too little, too late. The film certainly has some moments, with Stallone’s scenes with his real-life son, Sage Stallone, being a highlight. Although John G. Avildsen returned to direct after making the first one, it seems that Karate Kid sequelae passed to him.

8

Judge Dredd (1995)

Directed by Danny Cannon

After release and to this day, Danny Cannon Judge Dredd was a colossal failure for any fan of the comics. Infamously removing the titular hero’s helmet early in the film’s runtime, the film was vilified by fans and critics alike for failing to elevate the source material. The film saw Stallone’s hero framed for murder by his half-brother and having to thwart his attempts to take over the dystopian city.

Any positive points that can be attributed to the film certainly come from the production design and costumes, which do justice to the bold aestheticism of the comics. Gianni Versace produced the suit for Stallone, which has since become iconic for its eagle decal and codpiece. It’s an interesting film and struggles to do justice to the iconic material it’s based on.

7

Daylight (1996)

Directed by Rob Cohen

The only disaster film Sylvester Stallone appeared in, Daylight, it was a change in contribution from his other works in previous decades. He paired the star with an ensemble of actors as they were trapped in the collapsing Holland tunnel. Although the film’s premise seems to offer a lot of excitement, Rob Cohen never seems to hit a thrilling pace. The explosion that triggers the collapse of the tunnel is perhaps the highlight and features some suitably destructive accidents.

The ensemble is also the film’s strongest element, but mainly because Stallone’s protagonist is considerably less interesting than other characters. He plays a former head of emergency medical services who now works as a taxi driver, which is a little too ridiculous to believe. The performances of Stan Shaw, Amy Brenneman and especially Viggo Mortensen shine, but all in favor of a weak script.

6

Oscar (1991)

Directed by John Landis

A remake of a French film of the same name, Oscar I saw Stallone working on a comedy of errors. Inspired by screwball comedies of the 1930sThe film follows a gangster as he tries to live true to his father’s dying wish to move forward. Stallone works with a highly talented cast, including Tim Curry, Marisa Tomei and Chazz Palminteri. While the entire cast does a great job, it sometimes feels like Stallone is drowned out by much better comedians and never gets to shine despite being the lead.

It’s one of John Landis’ best films, and his direction, along with the supporting cast, help elevate the film from yet another of Stallone’s failed comedy projects. Marisa Tomei is especially strong, even nailing her role in My cousin Vinny because the director saw her on the set. It was criticized upon release, despite a positive review from Siskel and Ebert. By no means a perfect film and far from the best of Landis’ career Oscar proves the strength of a good supporting cast.

5

Ant (1998)

Directed by Eric Darnell and Tim Johnson

Since its launch in 1998, Ant has developed a somewhat strange reputation. Being released just two months before the extremely similar Bug’s LifeThe film was very well received upon release by critics and audiences. It tells the story of a disillusioned worker ant who falls in love with the princess of his colony, only to become embroiled in a power struggle. Including Sylvester Stallone, the film has an absurdly talented voice cast with Gene Hackman, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone and even more lending their talents.

Although it remains a childhood classic for many people, a general critical reappraisal has made it Ant a little less esteemed. The film, despite all its charm, is tonally confusing and features some truly horrific moments. An ant massacre at the hands of termites is the most notable and has left scars on some children over the years. Stallone’s supporting performance is a lot of fun, but the film overall feels misdirected.

4

Assassins (1995)

Directed by Richard Donner

Assassins is by no means the highlight of Richard Donner’s directing career, but it is certainly a fun and explosive watch from start to finish. The film stars Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas as assassin warriors in a cat-and-mouse chase, each trying to outwit the other at every turn. The film features a great supporting performance from Julianne Moore and sees her fleeing Banderas’ sadistic killer.

Although the film is ostensibly a Sylvester Stallone project, it is Antonio Banderas’ performance that makes the film so moving. The action sequences are extremely bombastic, with lots of explosions and machine guns. A shootout during a funeral and a taxi confrontation between the two protagonists create memorable moments in an otherwise lackluster plot. It’s definitely not as good as the cast deserves, but it’s certainly a fun watch.

3

Suspense (1993)

Directed by Renny Harlin

Probably the closest Stallone has come to recreating the 1980s films that made him a star, Suspense sees him facing off against thieves in the Colorado Rockies. The film Features great action sequences and some of the best stunts have been placed on the screen. Most notably, a plane stunt involving a criminal zipline from one plane to another in a truly challenging feat. The film also takes great advantage of its setting, snow-capped mountains and rock faces, perfectly portraying the violence.

The film is also elevated by John Lithgow’s scene as British criminal mastermind Eric Qualen. This suited Michael Rooker’s supporting performance and Janine Turner’s portrayal of Stallone’s helicopter pilot girlfriend. It’s incredible to watch and features some of the best action the movie star has ever been a part of, leading to one of the best films of his career. The film has had such a lasting legacy that a sequel is scheduled to begin filming this year.

2

Daredevil (1993)

Directed by Marco Brambilla

When it comes to heroes and villains, Demolition Man definitely showcases some of the best of them. With a deliciously rough performance from Stallone and an electric turn from Wesley Snipesthe film feels unstoppable when it’s on screen. The film features Stallone as a famous police officer who is cryogenically frozen for his explosive tactics, only to be thawed in the year 2032 after his enemy is freed.

The film presents one of the most well-developed futuristic landscapes, with numerous ridiculous developments arising from the various inventions. Whether it’s the three clamshells that replaced toilet paper or the reported restaurant wars, this has left Taco Bell as the only chain left. It’s a great time and features a cavalcade of great actors like Sandra Bullock, Benjamin Bratt and Bill Cobbs. It’s an absurdly fun moment and one that will always have a place for fans of bombastic 90s action.

1

Police Land (1997)

Directed by James Mangold

Before James Mangold became known with films like Girl, interrupted and Walk the line, he directed the criminally underrated crime drama Police Land. It’s a film, unlike most of Sylvester Stallone’s other works, with him taking on a more complex character than his traditionally stoic action heroes. The film follows the sheriff of a small New Jersey town populated mostly by New York cops as he slowly uncovers the web of corruption beneath the idyllic surface.

The film saw Stallone gain 20 pounds and play a more reserved character who was unwilling to take a stand for much of the film. It happens similarly to Midday with the town slowly turning its back on a sheriff, hoping to actually achieve something for once. Featuring one of the best casts assembled in the 1990s, with Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Janeane Garofalo making appearances. It is a police drama that deserves respect and especially appreciation for one of Sylvester Stallone’s best performances.