Ranking all films in 'Rambo' series from best to worst
The Rambo series, right from the iconic First Blood through its three sequels has garnered a cult following worldwide. While the first one was praised for the performances and an accurate portrayal of PTSD, the subsequent films were acclaimed for the action sequences. Now that the series is ending with Rambo: Last Blood, we rank the films in the franchise from best to worst.
One of the best films in Stallone's career
First Blood wasn't a typical 'action' film but a film that captured various layers of the human psyche. In Rambo, we had a man suffering from PTSD searching for his place in a society that refused to accept him. In Sheriff Teasle, we had the embodiment of destructive pride and arrogance, and in Trautman, we saw a father figure to Rambo. Truly a masterpiece!
The 'Rambo' most people know featured in this one
Rambo: First Blood Part II changed the series' tone. It had a higher body count, more action sequences and gave birth to the iconic image of Stallone, machine-gun and the works! The film had prison breaks, helicopter fights, explosions, and seemed cartoonish at times. Nevertheless, it was a good action film that wasn't deep or layered but made up for casual viewing.
The film that made the series darker than ever
Rambo (2008) was a gory mess of a film with only a few good scenes. To its credit, it accurately portrayed the atrocities happening in Burma and its climax was satisfactory. The rest of the film, however, was nothing but a sadist's delight. It was co-written and directed by Stallone himself and had the highest body count with scenes of mutilated women and children.
Biggest production, Weakest storyline, Campiest action sequences, Worst film
Rambo III was Rambo II on steroids. The steroids, however, were inferior in quality and ended up harming the series. It was a big budget film with a simple story (Rambo in Afghanistan saving Trautman) and campy action sequences like a helicopter crashing into a tank! The film left Stallone so dissatisfied that he left the franchise for 20 years! Not a great watch.
