Sylvester Stallone has carved out an impressive legacy in Hollywood, amassing a collection of blockbuster films that collectively generated hundreds of millions in box office revenue. His journey to stardom began in the late 1960s, where he navigated the challenging landscape of uncredited roles and minor television appearances. Stallone’s breakthrough came with a script he penned himself for a compelling sports drama titled Rocky.
Today, Rocky stands as a cinematic landmark, giving rise to a vast franchise and various spin-offs. The monumental success of the original film was pivotal, propelling Stallone from relative obscurity to one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. While the subsequent films listed below are not adjusted for inflation, they showcase the significant box-office impact Stallone’s works have had over the years.
10 Rocky II (1979)
Box Office Total: $200,182,160
The first sequel to Stallone’s groundbreaking hit, Rocky II, debuted just three years later, following the iconic boxer Rocky Balboa as he continued his ascent in the sport. The film’s heartwarming portrayal of determination resonated with audiences, leading it to gross over $200 million, making it the second highest-grossing film of the year globally. Although the critical response was less stellar compared to its predecessor, the film cemented Stallone’s status in the industry.
9 The Expendables 3 (2014)
Box Office Total: $209,461,378
Decades later, Stallone’s status as an action star remained strong, though achievements at the box office became increasingly rare. Teaming up with fellow action icons, he co-wrote the Expendables series, which celebrated the heyday of action films. While the first two entries were beloved, The Expendables 3 struggled to recapture that enthusiasm, receiving diminished box office returns, yet still crossing the $200 million threshold.
8 Creed II (2018)
Box Office Total: $213,591,522
The Creed franchise grew out of the Rocky legacy, focusing on Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo, played by Michael B. Jordan. Under the direction of Ryan Coogler, Creed II brought Stallone back in a mentorship role. The sequel surpassed $200 million globally, marking Stallone’s last appearance in the franchise due to creative disagreements with the studio.
7 Rocky (1976)
Box Office Total: $225,000,000
The origin of Stallone’s remarkable journey, Rocky revolutionized the sports genre and secured its place in cinema history. Stallone’s passion drove him to pitch his script to numerous studios until it found a home with Chartoff-Winkler Productions. Released in December 1976, the film quickly captivated audiences, ultimately earning over $225 million. Adjusting for inflation, this sum would surpass $1.2 billion today, solidifying its status among the top earners.
6 Cliffhanger (1993)
Box Office Total: $255,000,000
Diverging from the franchise route, Cliffhanger presented Stallone as Gabe Walker, a mountain climber embroiled in a high-stakes heist. Released in 1993, the standalone film resonated deeply with audiences, grossing a substantial $255 million. Despite interest in sequels that lingered in development limbo for years, the film’s legacy remains entrenched in action cinema.
5 The Expendables (2010)
Box Office Total: $268,268,174
The Expendables redefined the action genre by uniting a formidable cast of action legends under Stallone’s direction. The film, which showcased a nostalgia-laden story reminiscent of 1980s action flicks, garnered over $268 million at the box office. Its success sparked a resurgence in action films, influencing franchises like Fast & Furious to adopt a more adrenaline-fueled approach.
4 Rocky III (1982)
Box Office Total: $270,000,000
Rocky III debuted six years after its predecessor and outperformed the previous entries in terms of revenue. However, it faced increased competition from other blockbuster films of the time, despite remaining a solid revenue generator. After adjustment for inflation, its box office numbers approach $900 million, reaffirming the franchise’s enduring popularity.
3 Rocky IV (1985)
Box Office Total: $300,373,716
In Rocky IV, Stallone faced off against the formidable Ivan Drago, a storyline that heightened the stakes significantly. The film’s high-energy action led to a box office triumph, raking in over $300 million. Nevertheless, it contended with rival blockbusters that year, showcasing the fierce competition within the film industry.
2 Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Box Office Total: $300,400,000
While the original Rambo film explored profound themes of a soldier’s struggle to reintegrate, First Blood Part II shifted gears into unrelenting action. Capitalizing on an engaging narrative, it transformed Rambo into an action hero, achieving a remarkable box office success of over $300 million and propelling the franchise into further installments.
1 The Expendables 2 (2012)
Box Office Total: $311,979,256
Ultimately, The Expendables 2 represents Stallone’s highest-grossing film to date, pulling in over $311 million at the box office. If adjusted for inflation, its total would be approximately $426 million, trailing behind many of his earlier titles from the ’70s and ’80s. Nevertheless, the film marked a historic collaboration between Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, expanding their roles in this ensemble cast that reignited interest in the action genre.
Source: The Numbers
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