Sylvester Stallone's Most Iconic Action Hero Roles

King Shark

Sylvester Stallone's portrayal of King Shark in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad takes the top spot as his most powerful action hero. King Shark is a lovable yet dangerous anti-hero capable of tearing people in half with his bare hands, making him an unforgettable character in Stallone's repertoire.

Sylvester-Stallone-Copland

Joe 'Samaritan' Smith

In his latest project from 2022, Stallone plays Joe Smith, a real-life super with super strength and super healing abilities. Despite having retired into hiding for the past 25 years, Joe's strength is undiminished, solidifying his position as one of Stallone's most powerful characters to date.

Sylvester Stallone as Marion Cobretti In Cobra

Judge Dredd

Despite the 1995 adaptation receiving mixed reviews, Judge Dredd remains one of Stallone's most powerful characters. Dredd doles out justice in a dystopian future with extreme violence, showcasing raw strength and power that almost make him a superhero.

Sylvester Stallone crossing a rope bridge as Gabe Walker in Cliffhanger

Barney Ross

Stallone's portrayal of Barney Ross in The Expendables series showcases a physically intimidating and powerful character, capable of holding back extraordinary threats. Despite happening with Stallone as an older man, Ross remains one of his most impressive human characters.

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in a prison cafeteria in Escape Plan

John Spartan

John Spartan from Demolition Man is a talented yet reckless police sergeant who settles into a brand-new decade and takes down an enhanced villain. His extreme methods and raw strength solidify his position as one of Stallone's strongest characters.

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger on the poster for Escape Plan

Stakar Ogord

Stakar Ogord from Guardians of the Galaxy marks Stallone's first entry as an alien. As a legendary Ravager leading a famous group of space pirates, his missions see him face off against aliens and creatures throughout the universe, making him likely more powerful than the average human character.

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in Escape Plan

Ray Breslin

Ray Breslin is a security expert with incredible intelligence and skill, allowing him to perform extraordinary feats that border on superhuman. Despite Stallone's age at this point, Breslin's strength and abilities are unparalleled.

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Rocky Balboa

Rocky Balboa, Stallone's iconic role, exemplifies the idea of getting back up when knocked down, facing extreme challenges and loss while showcasing incredible strength and determination.

Escape Plan Sylvester Stallone

John Rambo

John Rambo goes on an epic journey through five films, constantly overcoming any threat and becoming more superhuman with each sequel. His skill and invincibility make him one of Stallone's most formidable characters.

Sylverster Stallone wearing a hat is Rocky 5 while training

Gabe Walker

Gabe Walker from Cliffhanger demonstrates incredible skill and strength, swiftly traversing mountains and cliffs with ease while fighting back against major criminal dealings.

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) sweating in Rocky (1976).

Marion Cobretti

Marion Cobretti from Cobra is an elite member of the 'zombie squad' who places the safety of victims above all else, using extreme measures to dole out justice and save others from crime.

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) faces off against Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in Rocky (1976).

Freddy Heflin

Freddy Heflin from Cop Land is a local sheriff morally strong and dedicated to his work, but his character ranks at the bottom of Stallone's action hero list due to his grounded nature.

Sylvester Stallone as Rocky comforting Michael B. Jordan as Donnie in Creed