As a movie enthusiast who appreciates the raw power of the Rambo saga, it’s only natural for me to recommend some other action masterpieces that you might also enjoy. Classics like Die Hard and The Terminator (and its sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day) certainly deserve a spot on your watchlist if you’ve found yourself revisiting First Blood or Rambo: First Blood Part II more than once. These films starring Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger are undoubtedly action classics that have left an indelible mark in the genre.
However, there are other equally impressive action movies that might not be as instantly associated with the A-list of action flicks but are definitely worth your time. They may not reach the same level of fame, but their impact is undeniable. When someone asks me to think about the most iconic action movie, I doubt images of Nakatomi Plaza, Rambo’s harrowing journey through Vietnam, or the T-800 would be far from their mind. But these films are certainly contenders for that title.
Although other films starring Sylvester Stallone weren’t specifically highlighted, it’s not surprising that he appears in them, given that action movies have remained his primary focus throughout his career.
Cobra
For The Cannon Group, known for distributing low-cost action films like “Missing in Action,” “Invasion U.S.A.,” and originally intended to be “Beverly Hills Cop,” the movie “Cobra” represents a significant financial success. However, when Sylvester Stallone’s vision for “Beverly Hills Cop” became too grim, the project was revised, resulting in this ultra-violent story about LAPD Lt. Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, who is targeted by a sinister cult of killers.
In certain aspects, Cobra doesn’t seem to have aged gracefully. Its overall approach appears to be that every problem can be solved with a barrage of gunfire. To put it simply, it fits just as well with the Dirty Harry films as it does with Rambo: First Blood Part II.
Rent Cobra on Prime Video.
Commando
Arnold Schwarzenegger gained significant fame with roles in “Conan the Barbarian” and “The Terminator”, but his first notable action hero movie was “Commando”. To this day, it’s considered one of his best films and, when it comes to memorable one-liners, it might just be the cream of the crop.
The essence of the Rambo film series, particularly its sequels, lies in the idea that he’s practically indestructible – a man who can wreak havoc on an entire army and emerge with just a few minor scrapes or cuts. This is also true for the movie ‘Commando’, which acknowledges this very trait.
Stream Commando on Prime Video.
The Expendables 2
The Expendables 2 stands out as the best of its series not merely because its predecessor is mediocre and subsequent films are poor. It’s exceptional due to its raw, unfiltered action that makes it one of the most intense action movies ever produced, living up to what the Stallone-directed first film nearly achieved. Furthermore, Jean-Claude Van Damme delivers a stunning performance as the fittingly named Villain, stealing the show in this movie.
Minimally, “The Expendables 2” is the one where they successfully assembled most ’80s action stars (excluding Steven Seagal, who wasn’t notably missed). To some degree, it remains Sylvester Stallone’s show, but compared to the first film, other characters are given a bit more depth, even if they still don’t rise above being stereotypes. This is particularly evident in the case of Dolph Lundgren, who in the 2010 film was treated much like Jeremy Renner was in “The Avengers”. However, here he gets the chance to acknowledge his own intellectual background and demonstrates himself as the epitome of what makes the second “Expendables” sequel so entertaining. It’s not just a nod to their on-screen roles, but also to their real-life personas.
Rent The Expendables 2 on Prime Video.
Taken
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the transformative impact “Taken” had on Liam Neeson’s career. This film, remarkably released in the often overlooked month of January, managed to perform with the same vigor as a summer blockbuster. While Neeson was already well-established before the release of “Taken”, it served as a significant shift in his professional journey, launching a series of solo action films where he became a relentless force, leaving chaos in his wake as a one-man demolition derby.
It’s just as true that John Rambo significantly impacted Stallone’s career, much like how different characters but equally influential to his succession of action roles. Unlike Rocky Balboa, Rambo was a distinct character and spawned more action movies such as the mentioned Cobra. Therefore, pairing films like The Marksman, The Commuter, A Walk Among the Tombstones, and Taken with a Rambo film makes for an exciting double feature night.
Rent Taken on Prime Video.
Homefront
Surprisingly, the movie “Homefront” debuted in cinemas over the Thanksgiving holiday period and it’s easy to see why it resembles a Rambo film. The script was penned by Sylvester Stallone, who originally planned it as the fourth Rambo film. Luckily for us, we received the critically underestimated 2008 film “Rambo” instead.
Experiencing John Rambo transitioning into a DEA agent and father would have been a dramatic shift for the character, a change that might have felt tough to accept. However, transforming this concept into a Jason Statham-led film? It’s perfectly suited to his style, and aside from James Franco’s questionable performance, “Homefront” stands alongside “Parker” and “The Beekeeper” as one of Statham’s strongest mid-budget solo action films.
Stream Homefront on Max.
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2025-02-22 07:11