Sylvester Stallone Opens up About the Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies He Admires

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The decades-long competition between Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger is famous in Hollywood, marked by constant attempts to outdo each other and playful public teasing. While their rivalry sometimes involved genuinely mean-spirited behavior—like Stallone allegedly spreading false rumors about Schwarzenegger—it also included funny acts of sabotage. The most well-known example is when Schwarzenegger convinced Stallone to star in the poorly received 1992 comedy Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.

Schwarzenegger later admitted he’d pulled a prank. He’d read the script and thought it was terrible, but instead of rejecting the project outright, he decided to exploit the rivalry between him and Stallone. When Stallone called to ask if Schwarzenegger was interested in the role, Schwarzenegger told him he was seriously considering it and even called the movie a brilliant idea. He knew Stallone would do anything to get the part and keep it away from him.

The plan worked flawlessly, and Stallone ended up starring in a movie he now ranks as one of the worst ever made. He’s even joked that a simple flatworm could have written a better screenplay. Their relationship during this period was so intensely hostile that it’s documented on Wikipedia, with Stallone once saying they were at a point where even their DNA seemed to clash.

Luckily, Stallone and Schwarzenegger resolved their differences in the late 1990s and became close friends. Stallone has often praised Schwarzenegger’s work, even sharing his favorite movies during an online Q&A in 2022. He particularly loves Terminator 2: Judgment Day from 1991, but jokingly said Schwarzenegger always seemed to have an easy job in movies – his characters just walk through scenes, fighting everyone without getting injured.

Stallone also spoke highly of the 1994 film True Lies, which reunited Schwarzenegger with director James Cameron. He loved how the movie blended humor, romance, and charisma with exciting action. Today, the two actors frequently support each other’s projects, showing that time – and their past business partnership with the Planet Hollywood restaurant – has helped them overcome any differences.

As of February 2026, Sylvester Stallone and his counterpart continue to be highly successful in the film industry, challenging expectations of action stars in their 70s. Stallone is currently receiving a lot of attention for his upcoming movie, I Play Rocky, which will be released in theaters on November 20th. The film tells the story of how the original Rocky was made in 1976, starring Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone. It highlights Stallone’s dedication to both writing and starring in the iconic film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger remains busy with a variety of projects, including the upcoming action-comedy The Man with the Bag. Expected later this year, the film stars Schwarzenegger as a unique Santa Claus who partners with a thief, played by Alan Ritchson of Reacher, to get back his stolen magical bag.

Both Stallone and Schwarzenegger have left a huge mark on Hollywood, whether through their classic performances or by guiding new action heroes like Ritchson. They’ve gone from being rivals trying to outdo each other to becoming respected figures who represent the industry as a whole.

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2026-02-10 21:44