Delve deep into the mind of action icon Sylvester Stallone as he candidly shares his truly surprising picks for his most underestimated and impactful films, from a prescient sci-fi classic to a gritty crime thriller he sees as a ‘Tulsa King’ prequel, offering fans an insider’s look at his storied career.
For decades, Sylvester Stallone has carved out an indelible legacy in Hollywood, synonymous with underdog triumphs like Rocky Balboa and the unwavering grit of John Rambo. Yet, when the legendary actor looks back on his prolific career, his personal favorites often veer into unexpected territory, revealing a nuanced perspective far removed from the blockbuster sagas that cemented his global stardom.
From critically lauded masterpieces to under-the-radar thrillers, Stallone’s candid reflections offer a fascinating lens through which to rediscover his filmography, highlighting projects he believes deserve a second look, or perhaps, were simply ahead of their time.
The Gritty Resurgence: Why ‘Get Carter’ is a Prequel to ‘Tulsa King’
Among his less celebrated works, the 2001 neo-noir thriller Get Carter holds a special place for Stallone. A remake of the 1970s film La Loi du Milieu, this polar saw Stallone portray a cold, implacable gangster seeking vengeance for his brother’s death. Despite its modest critical reception (2.5 from critics, 2.1 from spectators), Stallone has consistently championed the film, calling it one of his “best” and “underestimated” movies.
His affection for Get Carter recently resurfaced on Instagram, where he drew a surprising connection to his current hit series, Tulsa King. “It’s interesting to note that 25 years ago, I was in one of my best films, the underrated Get Carter,” Stallone reflected. “And now that I think back to that film, I tell myself that I was unconsciously preparing to play Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King, which was going to arrive 25 years later! So let’s just say that Get Carter is the prequel to Tulsa King!”
This insight highlights Stallone’s view of a narrative thread connecting his characters, from the vengeful gangster in Get Carter to the ex-mafia capo rebuilding an empire in Tulsa King. His past comments to The Hollywood Reporter reveal a broader sentiment about remakes, where he noted the challenge of overcoming “enormous nostalgia” for original works, even if a remake aims to improve upon them.
‘Rambo IV’: The Unflinching Brutality of Truth
While often remembered for his more heroic or overtly patriotic roles, Stallone’s 2008 sequel, Rambo IV (also known as Rambo), stands out as a personal achievement for the actor. Set against the backdrop of Myanmar’s long-running civil war, the film was criticized for its graphic violence, yet Stallone fiercely defends its artistic and ethical merits.
“One film I’m truly proud of — it’s the best action film I’ve ever done because it’s the most truthful — is Rambo IV, dealing with Burma,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. He elaborated on his intention to depict the true horrors of civil conflict, including children being burnt alive, acknowledging its horrifying nature.
Stallone also took the opportunity to correct longstanding misconceptions about the character’s politics. Despite President Reagan‘s past appropriation of Rambo as a conservative symbol, Stallone insists, “Rambo is totally neutral.” He clarified that John Rambo, a Vietnam veteran, feels scorned by America and that Stallone himself holds a centrist political view, stressing the disconnect between actor and character.
‘Demolition Man’: A Visionary Glimpse into the Future
Perhaps Stallone’s most surprising pick for a film that has aged exceptionally well is the 1993 sci-fi action flick, Demolition Man. In a video for GQ, Stallone expressed his belief that the film, set in a dystopian 2032, accurately predicted many societal trends.
“I think it was a great movie. It’s one of the few films that really hangs up,” he stated, adding that the movie’s portrayal of a “gentle-ization of society, everything’s so meek,” feels “almost close to happening” and “very contemporary.”
Stallone also lauded co-star Wesley Snipes, describing him as “wild,” “energetic,” and a “good fighter,” whose performance created a “very memorable character.” He fondly recalled the intricate set design and the genuinely dangerous stunts involved, including being cryogenically frozen in a thick plexiglass tub that required significant backup measures for safety. As of 2020, Stallone mentioned a sequel was in the works with Warner Bros., though no further updates have been provided since, as reported by People.
The Enduring Heart of ‘Rocky’ and the Rise of ‘Creed’
While the Rocky franchise remains Stallone’s most celebrated achievement, his favorite entries reveal a focus on emotional depth over spectacle. He considers the original 1976 film, which earned Best Picture at the Academy Awards, his absolute favorite. Emotionally, he also holds deep pride for 2006’s Rocky Balboa, seeing it as a fitting, impactful epilogue that brought the character’s arc full circle, especially considering the challenges of getting it made, as reported by Far Out Magazine.
These choices implicitly acknowledge the inconsistent quality of some of the sequels, which sometimes traded emotional gravitas for one-dimensional villains and formulaic plots. Critically, the spin-off Creed series is seen as a superior continuation, praised for its thematic consistency, emotional depth, and ability to explore issues of class, privilege, and race in ways the original Rocky films did not.
With Michael B. Jordan taking the lead as Adonis Creed, the films struck a perfect balance between honoring the past and forging a new cinematic legacy. The consistent high quality of the Creed movies, marked by thoughtful character development for both protagonists and antagonists (like Ivan and Viktor Drago), ensures the franchise evolves without losing its inherent heart.
Stallone’s Legacy: A Deeper Look
Sylvester Stallone‘s willingness to champion these less obvious films provides fans with a richer understanding of his artistic journey. It’s a reminder that beneath the blockbuster persona lies an actor deeply invested in the craft, the messages, and the enduring impact of his work. His personal favorites, whether critically acclaimed or underestimated, contribute to a complex and compelling legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
