Sylvester Stallonemay be one of thebiggest action movie stars of all time, but he’s always had a difficult relationship with comedy despite appearing in several funny films. While movie lovers will recognize Stallone for hisiconic roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, his comedic talent has been somewhat questionable, and his filmography includes both hilarious performances and wildly disappointing missteps. From major box office flops to cult favorites, Stallone’s career in comedy was truly a mixed bag.
Some ofStallone’s best movieswere comedies, and, although cameo roles such as inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2were not in the running for inclusion here, it should be noted he’s had several hilarious brief appearances in other films. With a recognizable voice, a unique acting style, and an underappreciated sense of comedic timing,it’s important to recognize Stallone’s work in comedy alongside his action movie triumphs. While not all of these movies were perfect, there’s a lot to love about Stallone’s funny side.
Avenging Angelowas a direct-to-video action comedy starring Sylvester Stallonethat was met with unanimous negative reviews from critics. Telling the story of a bodyguard whose mob boss client was murdered as revenge for a crime he didn’t commit, this tale of retribution saw Stallone team up with his former client’s long-lost daughter to seek vengeance. While this seems like a typical set-up for a Stallone classic,Avenging Angelofailed as both a comedy and an action movie and just did not work at all.
WhileAvenging Angelowas notable for being legendary actor Anthony Quinn’s final movie, as he played the killed mobster Angelo Allieghieri, this was sadly not a highlight of the famed performer’s career.Avenging Angelofeatured Stallone at a low point in his career when he was accepting roles that were far below his acclaimed legacy. With very little to offer,Avenging Angelois underseen and mostly unknown for a reason.
There’s no denying thatStop! Or My Mom Will Shootwas a total misfire from Sylvester Stallone and stands as one of the most laughable comedies in his entire filmography, and not in a good way. With Stallone as a cop dealing with an overbearing mother, played by the usually terrificThe Golden Girlsstar Estelle Getty, the concept of this movie was too silly to work as either an outrageous comedy or a compelling action movie. Without any of the wit or charm needed to make either of its two stars charismatic, this one just fell flat on its face.
Stop! Or My Mom Will Shootwas clearly Stallone trying to keep up with Arnold Schwarzenegger and recapture the success ofKindergarten Cop, to little success. Schwarzenegger has even revealed that he tricked Stallone into taking the role by falsely leaking information that he was considering the script (viaJoBlo.) WhileStop! Or My Mom Will Shootwas ridiculous enough to provide a few laughs when watched with a group of friends, the harsh truth was that its central joke just wasn’t funny enough.
Sylvester Stallone’s absolute worst movie of the 1980s was the musical comedyRhinestone, which, despite having some cult appeal, totally missed the mark. Pairing Stallone with country music legend Dolly Parton, the best thing about this film was Parton’s work on the soundtrack and her Country Singles' number one hit, “Tennessee Homesick Blues.” While this was enough to mean it was not a total waste, the rest ofRhinestonewas just alackluster interpretation of the song “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Larry Weissartificially stretched out to 111 minutes.
All 12 Sylvester Stallone Movies From The 1980s, Ranked
Sylvester Stallone was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1980s, whose filmography during this decade had more to offer than just Rock and Rambo.
The biggest problem withRhinestonewas that it featured Stallone in a comedy before he had really found his footing in the genre. As Nick Martinelli, an obnoxious New York taxi driver trying to win a bet and become a popular singer, Stallone had practically no chemistry with his down-on-her-luck country singing co-star. As a result,Rhinestoneflopped at the box office and was a prime example of Stallone miscast in a role he should have stayed far away from.
While it might be a sports movie lover’s dream to see the Italian Stallion face off against Jake LaMotta, the boxing comedyGrudge Matchmay have featured Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro in starring roles, but it certainly failed to live up to the legacies of eitherRockyorRaging Bull. Telling the story of aging boxers stepping into the ring for one last bout,Grudge Matchwas either a silly homage to each actor’s glory days or a cheap cash grab, depending on who you ask.
WhileGrudge Matchwas far from perfect, there was enough meta-humor, enjoyable cameos, and funny gags to keep it in the ring and hold viewers' attention for a few rounds.Stallone and De Niro have chemistry, and it’s fun to see them in a more lighthearted role after previously appearing together inCop Land. But the sad truth aboutGrudge Matchwas that it just could have been so much better, and so much A-list talent on display, the movie feels underwhelming.
Director Robert Rodriguez’sSpy Kidsfranchise was known for its imaginative, family-friendly spy adventures, which carried heartfelt messages about family and fighting for what’s right. While this series already peaked with its opening movie, each installment offered enjoyable new adventures that powerfully blended action and comedy.Spy Kids 3-D: Game Oversaw the Cortez kids caught up in another adventure as a new nemesis, called the Toymaker (Sylvester Stallone), trapped Carmen (Alexa Vega) in a virtual reality video game.
Stallone made for a great villain in this family-friendly adventure asSpy Kids 3-D: Game Overdelivered more fast-paced thrills that will appeal to a young audience. While Stallone’s role was limited, the Toymaker’s actions were central to the narrative, and he made a big impact anytime he was on screen. However, not everyone will agree, as Stallone also earned a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor for his performance inSpy Kids 3-D: Game Over.
Like so many Sylvester Stallone comedies,Oscarhad a tough time at the box office and failed to even recoup its budget. Although looking back, this comedy of errors from director John Landis was not appreciated in its own time and was actually one of Stallone’s most engaging and interesting comedic roles. Inspired by the screwball comedies of the 1930s,Oscarfollows a gangster as he attempts to live true to his father’s dying wish that he give up his life of crime and become an upstanding businessman.
Oscarwas released during a time when audiences had come to expect non-stop action from Stallone, and this more old-fashioned comedy wasn’t what viewers were expecting. However, Oscar was also very funny and featured an incredible cast, including Tim Curry, Marisa Tomei, and Chazz Palminteri, whose immense talent was sometimes in danger of upstaging Stallone. WhileOscarhas earned a reputation as one of Stallone’s biggest failures, those who have actually watched it will admit that there was a lot to love about it.
WhileAntzis often overshadowed by the legacy of the extremely similar Pixar movieA Bug’s Lifethat was released just two months later, this DreamWorks animated release was a major hit with audiences and critics alike. Telling the story of a disillusioned worker ant that falls in love with the princess of his colony, the power struggle that takes place owes a lot more to Marxist philosophy than what’s usually seen in any child-oriented cartoons.Sylvester Stallone played Corporal Weaver, a brave soldier and best friend to Woody Allen’s Z.
With a stacked voice cast filled with A-list talent, including Gene Hackman, Jennifer Lopez, and Sharon Stone, Stallone stood out as his tough-guy reputation extended to this muscular ant. With a shocking ant massacre at the hands of terrifying termites,Antzwasn’t afraid to tackle dark subjects and truly contributed to plenty of nightmares in its time. With shifting tones throughout,Antzwas a very unusual movie, although its strangeness was part of its charm, and it stood as an important release in the early days of fully CGI animated movies.
The Suicide Squadhelped right the wrongs of the past, as this standalone sequel was a vast improvement over the universally derided 2016 movieSuicide Squad. Featuring the likes of Margot Robbie reprising her role as Harley Quinn, this James Gunn movie introduced new actors Idris Elba, John Cena, and Sylvester Stallone to its cast. With far more depth than its predecessor and a story that critiqued and parodied American foreign policy,The Suicide Squadrevived this team of notorious convicts for a far more compelling movie.
Stallone brought a unique charm to his role as the man-eating shark-human hybrid King Shark, whose depiction highlighted the loneliness at the center of his character. While King Shark’s appearance meant he found it difficult to connect with people, there was an emotional core to his characterization that highlighted his desire to be an active part of the world. In a movie filled with great performances,Stallone’s role inThe Suicide Squadwas a real highlight.
Sylvester Stallone bid goodbye to the 1980s with his greatest comedic role in the buddy cop classicTango & Cash. While this well-worn story structure about a pair of mismatched police officers may feel familiar, watchingStallone playing the slick detective Ray Tangowhile Kurt Russell portrayed the trigger-happy cowboy cop Gabe Cash will always be a good time. As the last great action comedy of the decade,Tango & Cashwas packed with so many tropes and clichés it’s impossible not to view it as a clever, tongue-in-cheek send-up of the buddy cop genre.
As a solidly fun film, it’s no surprise thatTango & Cashhas since gone on to become a cult classic, and it’s a crying shame that Stallone and Russell never reunited for a sequel. With the pair framed and sent to jail by their arch-nemesis,Tango & Cashsaw the duo overcome incredible odds in the pursuit of justice, all while uttering one incredible cheesy one-liner after another. While it’s true thatSylvester Stallonestruggled with finding his feet in comedies throughout the 1980s, by the time the decade came to an end, he got it just right.
