Sylvester Stallone’s career since 2000 includes both hits and misses. From action blockbusters to dramatic character studies and straight-to-streaming features to major theatrical releases, Stallone has consistently demonstrated his range while maintaining the screen presence that made him an icon. This period showcases not just his endurance as a leading man but also his skills as a filmmaker, as Sylvester Stallone has also directed several movies.
✕ Remove Ads
Stallone’s output during this era varies significantly, ranging from forgettable action vehicles to career-defining performances and a few unloved Stallone movies that are actually good. His willingness to take on more minor character-driven roles and massive franchise entries reveals an actor more committed to craft than star power, although some of Stallone’s 2000s movies were much better than others.
26 Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over
Digital Mayhem Meets Action Star Charisma
Spy Kids 3D: Game Over PGActionAdventureComedyFamilySci-Fi
Director Robert Rodriguez Release Date July 25, 2003 Writers Robert Rodriguez Cast Antonio Banderas , Carla Gugino , Alexa Vega , Daryl Sabara , Ricardo Montalban , Holland Taylor Runtime 84 minutes Main Genre Action Expand
Robert Rodriguez’s third entry in his family adventure series, Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, sees Stallone as the Toymaker, a digital mastermind whose virtual reality game threatens the real world. Playing multiple versions of his character allows Stallone to showcase his comedic timing, even if the material doesn’t always serve his talents. The film’s early adoption of 3D technology gives his performance an appropriately larger-than-life quality.
✕ Remove Ads
Related All 12 Sylvester Stallone Movies From The 1980s, Ranked
Sylvester Stallone was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1980s, whose filmography during this decade had more to offer than just Rock and Rambo.
4
While the role represents an admirable attempt to branch into family entertainment, the script never quite figures out how to best utilize Stallone’s natural charisma. His interactions with the young cast feel stilted, and his character’s multiple personalities often appear more confusing than compelling. Despite his evident enthusiasm for the part, this ranks among his less successful performances.
25 Animal Crackers
Voice Acting Adventures In A Magical Circus
✕ Remove Ads
Taking on voice acting duties as Bullet-Man in this animated feature Animal Crackers, Stallone demonstrates his ability to bring energy to even the most whimsical roles. The film’s story of magical cookies that transform people into animals provides plenty of opportunities for playful performance, though the script rarely capitalizes on Stallone’s distinctive screen presence.
The animation style and family-friendly tone make this a curious entry in Stallone’s filmography. While he commits fully to the role, the character lacks memorable moments that would make this more than a minor footnote in his career. The film’s limited release and modest reception reflect its status as an exciting but ultimately forgettable experiment.
24 Zookeeper
When Action Stars Talk To Animals
The Zookeeper pg-13ComedyRomance
Director Frank Coraci Release Date July 8, 2011 Studio(s) Sony Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures , Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , Sony Writers Frank Coraci Cast Kevin James , Adam Sandler , Rosario Dawson Runtime 112minutes Sequel(s) The Zookeeper’s Wife Budget $80 million Expand
✕ Remove Ads
In The Zookeeper, Stallone lends his voice to Joe the Lion, bringing his trademark intensity to an unusual role. The premise of zoo animals helping their keeper find love allows Stallone to play against type, delivering advice about romance from a lion’s perspective. His distinctive voice adds gravitas to what could have been a throwaway role.
However, the film’s broader comedy never quite gels with Stallone’s line delivery style. While he makes a game attempt at light-hearted banter, the script gives him little to work with beyond obvious jokes about his tough-guy persona. The result is a performance that, while competent, fails to leave any lasting impression.
23 Escape Plan: The Extractors
Prison Breaking Meets Diminishing Returns
Escape Plan: The Extractors RActionThrillerCrime
Director John Herzfeld Release Date July 2, 2019 Writers Miles Chapman , John Herzfeld Character(s) Ray Breslin , Trent DeRosa , Hush , Shen , BAO , Lester Clark Jr. , Abigail Ross , Jules , Daya , Wu Zhang , Silva , Frankie , Ralf , Sonny , Boone , Axel , FBI Agent Richland , Male Techie Hostage , Receptionist , Ling May , Narco , Realtor Michael , Jiang , Chow , Female Hostage , Accountant Hostage , Businessman 1 , Businessman 2 , Businessman 3 , Businesswoman , Felon 1 , Felon 2 , Prisoner , Devil’s Station Guard Runtime 97 minutes Main Genre Action Expand
✕ Remove Ads
The third entry in the Escape Plan franchise finds Stallone’s Ray Breslin tackling another high-stakes prison break, this time motivated by personal vengeance. The film attempts to maintain the series’ focus on elaborate security systems and breakout tactics but struggles to recapture the energy of the original despite action stars like Dave Bautista returning for another entry in the franchise.
Despite some intense moments, the film suffers from a sense of fatigue that even Stallone’s presence can’t overcome. The straight-to-video production values and convoluted plot undermine any attempts at serious drama. While Stallone still commands the screen, the material provides little opportunity for him to do more than go through familiar motions.
✕ Remove Ads
22 Backtrace
H3: Memory Loss Meets Murder Mystery
This crime thriller, Backtrace, casts Stallone as a detective investigating an amnesiac bank robber, offering a more subdued role focusing on investigation rather than action. The premise allows for exciting character work as his character pieces together a complex conspiracy. Stallone brings appropriate world-weariness to his detective role.
Related Every 1990s Sylvester Stallone Movie, Ranked
The 1990s proved a highly turbulent time for Sylvester Stallone’s career, his blockbuster success through the decade ultimately proving hit or miss.
Unfortunately, the film’s modest ambitions and predictable plotting prevent it from standing out among similar straight-to-video fare. While Stallone delivers a professional performance, the script gives him little room to develop his character beyond genre conventions. The result is a serviceable but ultimately forgettable movie.
✕ Remove Ads
21 Escape Plan 2: Hades
Technology Complicates The Prison Break Formula
Escape Plan 2: Hades pg-13ActionThriller
Director Steven C. Miller Release Date June 29, 2018 Studio(s) Lionsgate Distributor(s) Summit Entertainment , Lionsgate Writers Steven C. Miller Cast Sylvester Stallone , Dave Bautista , 50 Cent Runtime 105minutes Budget $20 million Expand
This sequel to the surprisingly successful Escape Plan attempts to modernize its premise with a high-tech prison facility. Stallone returns in Escape Plan 2: Hades as security expert Ray Breslin, though his reduced screen time and the film’s shift in focus to supporting characters diminish his impact. The advanced prison concept provides some interesting visual flourishes.
However, the film’s lower budget and confused plotting prevented it from matching its predecessor’s entertainment value. Stallone appears less engaged here, perhaps reflecting the project’s diminished scope. While some action sequences deliver basic thrills, the package is a missed opportunity to build on the original’s solid foundation.
✕ Remove Ads
20 Samaritan
Superhero Subversion With A Gritty Edge
Samaritan PG-13FantasyDramaAction
Director Julius Avery Release Date August 26, 2022 Studio(s) Amazon Studios Distributor(s) United Artists , Amazon Studios Writers Bragi F. Schut Cast Martin Starr , Jared Odrick , Sylvester Stallone , Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton , Pilou Asbæk , Deacon Randle , Dascha Polanco , Michael Aaron Milligan , Moises Arias , Sophia Tatum Runtime 101 minutes Budget $100 million Main Genre Action Expand
This streaming original attempts to deconstruct superhero tropes through the lens of a retired crime fighter living in anonymity. Stallone brings gravitas to Samaritan as a supposedly dead hero hiding as a garbage collector, allowing his age and world-weariness to inform the character. The premise offers interesting commentary on heroism and responsibility.
✕ Remove Ads
Though ambitious in concept, the film never quite delivers on its promising setup. Stallone’s performance provides emotional weight, but the script’s attempts at genre subversion feel half-developed. While there are moments where the film’s exploration of aging heroes resonates, it ultimately settles for conventional action over deeper themes.
19 Grudge Match
The Boxing Glory Days Revisited With Fellow Legend
Grudge Match tv-14ComedyRomance
Director Peter Segal Release Date December 13, 2013 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Tim Kelleher , Rodney Rothman Cast Robert De Niro , Sylvester Stallone , Jon Bernthal , Kim Basinger , Kevin Hart , Alan Arkin Runtime 113 Minutes Budget $40million Expand
Pairing Stallone with Robert De Niro for a story about aging boxers returning to the ring seems like a can’t-miss premise for Grudge Match. The film plays on both actors’ iconic boxing roles while attempting to tell a story about rivalry and redemption. Stallone brings authentic physicality and understated emotion to his role akin to his performances in the Rocky franchise.
Grudge Match
is only one of two movies in which Stallone and Di Nero have starred together, the other being
Cop Land
(1997).
✕ Remove Ads
Despite the appealing setup and genuine chemistry between its leads, the film struggles to balance comedy and drama. While Stallone commits fully to the physical demands and emotional beats, the script never quite lands the knockout punch it aims for. The result is an entertaining but uneven meditation on aging athletes.
18 Ratchet & Clank
Space Adventure Gets The Star Treatment
Ratchet & Clank PGAnimationActionAdventureComedyFamilySci-Fi
Director Jericca Cleland , Kevin Munroe Release Date April 13, 2016 Writers T.J. Fixman , Kevin Munroe , Gerry Swallow Cast James Arnold Taylor , David Kaye , Jim Ward , Kevin Michael Richardson , Armin Shimerman , Marc Graue Runtime 94 minutes Main Genre Animation Expand
Adapting the popular video game series Ratchet and Clank, this animated feature casts Stallone as Victor Von Ion, bringing his distinctive voice to the role of a mechanical enforcer. The film’s sci-fi setting allows him to play with his tough-guy image in a more fantastical context. His vocal performance adds menace to what could have been a stock villain role.
✕ Remove Ads
Though the film struggles to translate its source material’s charm to the big screen, Stallone’s contribution stands out among the voice cast. His character may be straightforward, but he delivers his lines with intensity. The role represents another interesting detour into animation, even if the overall project falls short.
17 Bullet to the Head
Old-School Action Meets Modern Grittiness
Bullet To The Head pg-13ActionThriller
Director Walter Hill Release Date February 1, 2013 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Walter Hill Cast Sylvester Stallone , Jason Momoa , Sung Kang Runtime 97minutes Budget $55 million Expand
This hard-hitting adaptation of a French graphic novel pairs Stallone with Sung Kang in a story of revenge and unlikely partnerships. Taking on the role of a New Orleans hitman, Stallone leans into his strengths as an action star while bringing a weathered edge to his character. Bullet To The Head’s straightforward approach to violence and partnership dynamics provides solid ground for both leads.
✕ Remove Ads
While the plot follows familiar beats, Stallone’s commitment to the role’s physical demands impresses throughout. Director Walter Hill’s no-nonsense approach to action serves the material well, even when the story threatens to become derivative. The result is a throwback that delivers basic genre pleasures without transcending them.
16 Shade
Card Sharks And Double Crosses
Shade RActionThrillerCrime
Director Damian Nieman Release Date May 18, 2003 Runtime 101 minutes
✕ Remove Ads
This neo-noir, Shade, about high-stakes poker and con artists lets Stallone explore his dramatic side as a legendary card player. The role allows him to dial back his usual intensity in favor of a more measured performance, proving effective in scenes that rely on subtle manipulation rather than physical prowess. His presence adds credibility to the film’s exploration of gambling culture.
Though the twisty plot sometimes overwhelms its characters, Stallone finds interesting notes to play in his supporting role. The film’s attempts to capture the tension of high-stakes gambling benefit from his understated approach. While not a standout in his filmography, it demonstrates his ability to serve an ensemble when the material demands it.
15 Driven
H3: Racing Drama Hits The Wall
Driven PG-13ActionDrama
Director Renny Harlin Release Date April 27, 2001 Studio(s) Epsilon Motion Pictures , Franchise Pictures , Trackform Film Productions , Warner Bros. Pictures , Don Carmody Productions Writers Jan Skrentny , Sylvester Stallone Cast Sylvester Stallone , Burt Reynolds , Kip Pardue , Stacy Edwards , Til Schweiger Runtime 116 Minutes Budget 94000000.0 Main Genre Action Expand
✕ Remove Ads
This ambitious look at the world of open-wheel racing sees Stallone as both the star and the screenwriter, bringing personal investment to the project. His role as a former champion returning to mentor a young driver provides action and an interesting character piece. The racing sequences deliver appropriate spectacle even when the drama falters.
Despite Stallone’s evident passion for the material, the film struggles to make its racing drama compelling beyond the track. His screenplay attempts to explore the psychological pressures of competitive driving but often gets lost in melodrama. While the practical racing effects impress, the human story never quite shifts into high gear.
✕ Remove Ads
14 Expend4bles
The Band Plays A Familiar Tune
Expend4bles ThrillerActionAdventure
Director Scott Waugh Release Date September 22, 2023 Studio(s) Millennium Media , Campbell Grobman Films Distributor(s) Lionsgate Writers Spenser Cohen , John Joseph Connolly , Max Adams Cast Dolph Lundgren , Randy Couture , Eddie Hall , Sylvester Stallone , Levy Tran , Iko Uwais , tony jaa , Sheila Shah , Jacob Scipio , Jason Statham , Andy Garcia , Megan Fox , 50 Cent Runtime 103 Minutes Franchise(s) The Expendables prequel(s) The Expendables , The Expendables 2 , The Expendables 3 Budget $100 million Expand
The fourth entry in the Expendables franchise finds Stallone taking a reduced but pivotal role, passing the torch to a new generation of mercenaries. His limited screen time carries weight thanks to his history with the series, though the film struggles to justify its existence beyond franchise obligations.
However, Stallone’s diminished presence highlights how central he was to making previous entries work. Without his steady hand guiding the proceedings, the film loses much of what made the original concept appealing. His few scenes remind viewers of better entries in the series while emphasizing this one’s shortcomings.
✕ Remove Ads
13 Avenging Angelo
Romantic Comedy Meets Mob Drama
Avenging Angelo RActionComedyCrime
Director Martyn Burke Release Date August 30, 2002 Writers Steve Mackall Runtime 97 minutes
This unusual blend of romance and mob movie casts Stallone as a bodyguard protecting a mob boss’s daughter, allowing him to explore both action and lighter romantic elements in Avenging Angelo. His chemistry with Madeleine Stowe provides some charming moments, while the mob elements let him stay within familiar territory. The role showcases a gentler side of his screen persona.
✕ Remove Ads
Though the film never finds the right balance between its disparate elements, Stallone’s committed performance holds things together. His attempts at romantic comedy might surprise viewers expecting typical action fare, even if the results are uneven. The film represents an interesting if not entirely successful attempt to broaden his range.
12 D-Tox (Eye See You)
Psychological Thriller Gets The Action Treatment
D-Tox RActionThrillerHorror
Director Jim Gillespie Release Date January 4, 2002 Writers Howard Swindle Runtime 96 minutes
This dark thriller places Stallone in an isolated rehab facility for traumatized cops, combining psychological horror with action elements in D-Tox (also known as Eye See You). His portrayal of a detective haunted by personal tragedy allows for both emotional depth and physical confrontation. The snowy setting and claustrophobic atmosphere create tension that serves the story well.
✕ Remove Ads
Despite some effective moments of suspense, the film never fully capitalizes on its promising premise. Stallone delivers in the more emotionally demanding scenes, but the script’s eventual descent into standard action territory feels like a missed opportunity. The result is a curious blend of genres that doesn’t quite fulfill its potential.
11 Get Carter
British Classic Gets American Muscle
Get Carter RActionDramaThrillerCrime
Director Stephen Kay Release Date October 6, 2000 Writers Ted Lewis , David McKenna Runtime 102 Minutes Main Genre Action
This remake of the Michael Caine crime classic Get Carter transplants the action to Seattle, with Stallone bringing his interpretation to the vengeful gangster Jack Carter. His controlled performance suggests hidden depths to the character, while the modern setting allows for updated action sequences. The film’s moody atmosphere matches its star’s brooding presence.
✕ Remove Ads
Though inevitably suffering in comparison to the original, Stallone’s version finds its own rhythm through sheer commitment. His take on Carter may lack Caine’s cold precision, but he brings appropriate menace to the role. While not reaching the heights of its source material, the film demonstrates Stallone’s ability to carry darker dramatic material.
10 The Expendables 3
The Team Gets Too Big For Its Own Good
The Expendables 3 PG-13ActionAdventure
Director Patrick Hughes Release Date August 15, 2014 Studio(s) Lionsgate Distributor(s) Lionsgate Writers Katrin Benedikt , Creighton Rothenberger , Sylvester Stallone Runtime 131 Minutes Franchise(s) The Expendables Budget 90–100 million Expand
The third outing for Stallone’s Expendables franchise attempts to freshen the formula by introducing younger team members. His role as Barney Ross remains the emotional anchor, though the expanded cast reduces his impact. The film’s attempts to comment on generational differences in action heroes provide some meta-commentary on Stallone’s career.
✕ Remove Ads
However, the bloated cast and softened violence undermine what made the original concept work. While Stallone still commands attention in his scenes, the film’s efforts to appeal to a broader audience result in a diluted product. The franchise’s celebration of old-school action loses its impact in trying to modernize.
9 Escape Plan
Prison Break Gets A High-Tech Upgrade
Escape Plan pg-13ThrillerAction
Release Date October 10, 2013 Studio(s) Lionsgate Distributor(s) Summit Entertainment , Lionsgate Writers Jason Keller Cast Sylvester Stallone , Arnold Schwarzenegger Runtime 116minutes Budget $54 million Expand
Pairing Stallone with Arnold Schwarzenegger for this clever prison thriller, Escape Plan proves more successful than expected. As security expert Ray Breslin, Stallone brings both brains and brawn to a role that requires outsmarting opponents as much as overpowering them. The film’s focus on elaborate security systems and breakout tactics provides a fresh context for familiar action beats.
✕ Remove Ads
Related Escape Plan’s Twist Ending Explained: Rottmayer’s Real Identity & Plan
The ending of the Sylvester Stallone/Arnold Schwarzenegger prison movie Escape Plan features a big twist that reframes one of the heroes completely.
The chemistry between the two action icons elevates material that could have felt routine. Stallone’s more measured approach contrasts effectively with Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life presence. While not revolutionary, the film delivers solid entertainment through strong casting and creative set pieces that ultimately spawned two sequels.
8 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Marvel Magic Meets Stallone Gravitas
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 PG-13SuperheroActionAdventureComedySci-Fi
Director James Gunn Release Date May 5, 2017 Studio(s) Marvel , Disney Distributor(s) Disney Runtime 137 minutes Budget $200 million Expand
✕ Remove Ads
James Gunn’s cosmic sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 gives Stallone the role of Stakar Ogord, bringing gravitas to the expansion of the Marvel universe. Though his screen time is limited, his presence adds weight to the film’s exploration of found family and redemption. The character’s connection to the broader Marvel mythology suggests exciting possibilities for future appearances.
Despite the relatively small role, Stallone makes every moment count through sheer screen presence. His scenes with Michael Rooker carry particular emotional resonance, demonstrating how much impact a veteran actor can have in limited screen time. The part proves Stallone can enhance an ensemble without needing to dominate it.
7 The Suicide Squad
Comic Book Violence Gets A Voice
8/10 The Suicide Squad RActionAdventureComedyScience Fiction
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad acts as a soft reboot for David Ayer’s 2016 Suicide Squad. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is again recruiting a group of superheroes for a dangerous mission, this time pairing Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) with Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Savant (Michael Rooker), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Blackguard (Pete Davidson), and Javelin (Flula Borg).
Director James Gunn Release Date August 5, 2021 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers James Gunn Cast Margot Robbie , Viola Davis , Idris Elba , John Cena , Joel Kinnaman , Michael Rooker Runtime 132 minutes Franchise(s) DC Extended Universe , The Suicide Squad Budget 185million Expand
✕ Remove Ads
Stallone’s vocal performance as King Shark in James Gunn’s R-rated superhero film The Suicide Squad provides unexpected heart to a character that could have been pure comedy. His delivery of simple dialogue makes a CGI shark-man endearing while still maintaining menace when required. The role allows him to play both comedy and drama through vocal performance alone.
The success of his performance lies in finding the perfect balance between threat and charm. His King Shark becomes an essential part of the ensemble despite limited dialogue, proving Stallone’s ability to make an impact even without his physical presence. The role ranks among his most entertaining recent performances.