10 Movies and Shows Like Commando (1985)

Description: This film, like 'Commando', stars Chuck Norris as a one-man army rescuing hostages from a hostile regime. Both films are emblematic of 80s action cinema, with a focus on militaristic heroics, explosive action, and a clear-cut good vs. evil narrative.

Fact: 'Missing in Action' was rushed into production to compete with 'Rambo: First Blood Part II'. Chuck Norris performed many of his own stunts. The film's success led to two sequels.

Description: Similar to 'Commando', 'Red Dawn' features a group of fighters taking on a superior enemy force. Both films emphasize guerrilla warfare, survival against the odds, and a strong patriotic theme. The action is relentless, and the stakes are personal and national.

Fact: 'Red Dawn' was the first film to be rated PG-1The film's premise was inspired by fears of Soviet invasion during the Cold War. Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen starred as brothers in the film.

Description: Both 'The Terminator' and 'Commando' star Arnold Schwarzenegger as an unstoppable force. While 'The Terminator' leans more into sci-fi, both films feature relentless action, a near-indestructible protagonist, and a focus on physical confrontation. The tone of both movies is dark yet thrilling, with a strong emphasis on survival.

Fact: James Cameron came up with the idea for 'The Terminator' during a fever dream. Arnold Schwarzenegger was initially considered for the role of Kyle Reese, not the Terminator. The film's budget was so low that the time travel effects were created using aluminum foil and garbage bags.

Description: This film shares with 'Commando' the theme of a highly skilled soldier (Sylvester Stallone) on a mission against impossible odds. Both movies glorify the lone warrior archetype, feature intense combat sequences, and have a strong patriotic undertone. The visual style of explosive action and minimal dialogue is a hallmark of both.

Fact: Sylvester Stallone rewrote the script to make Rambo more heroic and less of a victim. The film's success led to the term 'Rambo' entering the lexicon as a symbol of extreme militarism. It was the highest-grossing film of 1985 in the U.S.

Description: 'Cobra' shares with 'Commando' the archetype of the ultra-violent, no-nonsense cop (Sylvester Stallone) taking on a criminal organization. Both films feature stylized violence, a charismatic lead, and a fast-paced narrative. The visual aesthetics of both are gritty and intense.

Fact: 'Cobra' was based on the novel 'Fair Game' by Paula Gosling. The film was heavily edited to avoid an X rating. Sylvester Stallone's character was originally written as more nuanced but was changed to fit his action-hero image.

Description: 'Raw Deal' stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a former FBI agent who goes undercover to take down a mobster, similar to 'Commando's plot of a retired soldier rescuing his daughter. Both films feature Schwarzenegger in peak physical form, delivering one-liners amidst explosive action sequences.

Fact: 'Raw Deal' was originally intended to be a sequel to 'The Terminator'. Arnold Schwarzenegger's salary for this film was significantly higher than for his previous roles. The film's director, John Irvin, was known for his work in war films, which influenced the movie's action sequences.

Description: Like 'Commando', 'Bloodsport' focuses on a lone warrior (Jean-Claude Van Damme) with exceptional combat skills. Both films highlight hand-to-hand combat and feature a protagonist who must prove himself in a foreign, hostile environment. The themes of honor and revenge are prevalent in both.

Fact: 'Bloodsport' is based on the alleged real-life exploits of Frank Dux. Jean-Claude Van Damme performed most of his own stunts. The film was made on a shoestring budget but became a cult classic.

Description: 'Lethal Weapon' shares with 'Commando' the buddy-cop dynamic, though it's more pronounced here. Both films feature high-octane action, explosive set pieces, and a mix of humor and violence. The protagonists in both are highly skilled in combat and face off against dangerous criminals.

Fact: The role of Riggs was written specifically for Mel Gibson. The film's success spawned three sequels and a television series. The famous 'I'm too old for this shit' line was ad-libbed by Danny Glover.

Description: Similar to 'Commando' (1985), 'Predator' is an action-packed film featuring a lone warrior (Arnold Schwarzenegger) battling against overwhelming odds. Both films emphasize physical prowess, explosive action sequences, and a larger-than-life hero. The jungle setting in 'Predator' mirrors the isolated, survivalist theme seen in 'Commando'.

Fact: 'Predator' was initially conceived as a vehicle for Rocky Balboa to fight an alien. The Predator's iconic clicking sound was created by rubbing a lobster's antennae against a microphone. Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator but was replaced due to creative differences.

Description: Like 'Commando', 'Die Hard' features a protagonist (Bruce Willis) who must single-handedly take on a group of terrorists. Both films are quintessential 80s action movies with high-stakes scenarios, relentless pacing, and a focus on one-man-army heroics. The themes of rescue and personal vendetta are central to both stories.

Fact: 'Die Hard' was based on a novel called 'Nothing Lasts Forever', which was a sequel to 'The Detective', a book previously adapted into a Frank Sinatra film. Bruce Willis was not the first choice for the role; Frank Sinatra was offered it due to a contractual obligation. The film's famous catchphrase 'Yippee-ki-yay' was almost cut to avoid an R rating.