Sylvester Stallone has graced the big screen for decades, becoming synonymous with underdog stories and action-packed blockbusters. Here we have curated a list of the 18 best, and 5 worst, Sylvester Stallone movies that have defined his career.

Best:

1. Rocky (1976) – The iconic tale of an underdog boxer that won three Oscars, including Best Picture.

2. First Blood (1982) – Introducing the world to John Rambo, this film blends action with a poignant look at post-war trauma.

3. Creed (2015) – A powerful return to the Rocky franchise, with Stallone delivering an Oscar-nominated performance as an aging Balboa.

4. Cop Land (1997) – Stallone’s dramatic chops shine in this crime drama where he plays a sherrif battling corruption.

5. Rocky II (1979) – The compelling sequel that sees Rocky Balboa become champion.

6. Cliffhanger (1993) – A thrilling mountain-top rescue movie featuring Stallone in peak physical condition.

7. The Expendables 2 (2012) – A fun-filled action ensemble with a cast of genre legends.

8. Rocky III (1982) – Featuring Mr. T as Clubber Lang and the famous “Eye of the Tiger” montage.

9. Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) – An explosive follow-up to First Blood that became emblematic of action films in the ’80s.

10. Demolition Man (1993) – A sci-fi film showcasing a dystopian future with Wesley Snipes as the antagonist.

11. Rocky IV (1985) – The Cold War-themed film that has Rocky take on Ivan Drago.

12. Rambo (2008) – A brutal and realistic entry into the Rambo series many years after the first films.

13. Creed II (2018) – Continuing the saga with Michael B. Jordan’s character and revisiting old rivalries from Rocky IV.

14. Over the Top (1987) – An arm-wrestling film that’s both heartfelt and adrenaline-pumping.

15. Tango & Cash (1989) – Stallone teams up with Kurt Russell for this buddy cop action-comedy.

16. The Expendables (2010) – This throwback to ’80s action movies was a hit with fans of the genre.

17. Daylight (1996) – An intense disaster film where Stallone plays a hero in a tunnel collapse.

18. The Expendables 3 (2014) – Rounding out the trilogy with even more stars joining Stallone’s gang of mercenaries.

Worst:

1. Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992) – An ill-conceived comedy that even Stallone has criticized publicly.

2. Rhinestone (1984) – This country-music themed comedy was widely panned by audiences and critics alike.

3. Driven (2001) – A racing film that failed to excite fans or critics, suffering from a lackluster script and execution.

4. Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018) – Despite being an ambitious sequel, it was considered a straight-to-DVD quality project overshadowed by its predecessor.

5. Judge Dredd (1995) – Despite its cult following, this adaptation of the British comic book failed critically and struggled at the box office.

Sylvester Stallone’s career spans gripping dramas, enthralling action movies and unforgettable characters who’ve become a part of cinematic history – these selections showcase his highs and lows onscreen.