10 Movies and Shows Like Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

Description: 'Missing in Action' is directly comparable to 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' as both films deal with the Vietnam War and feature a lone soldier (Chuck Norris) returning to rescue POWs. The films share a patriotic tone, jungle warfare settings, and a focus on revenge and redemption.

Fact: The film was inspired by the controversy surrounding POW/MIA issues in Vietnam. Chuck Norris performed many of his own stunts. The film was a box office success, leading to two sequels.

Description: 'Red Dawn' and 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' both explore themes of guerrilla warfare and resistance against overwhelming enemy forces. While 'Red Dawn' focuses on a group of teenagers fighting a Soviet invasion, both films emphasize survival, patriotism, and the spirit of defiance.

Fact: 'Red Dawn' was the first film to be given a PG-13 rating. The 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: 'The Terminator' and 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' both feature relentless, nearly indestructible protagonists (Arnold Schwarzenegger in both cases) who are experts in combat. The films share a gritty, high-energy tone and a focus on survival against overwhelming forces. Both also became defining films of 80s action cinema.

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 was made on a relatively low budget of $

Description: Similar to 'Rambo: First Blood Part II', 'Commando' is a quintessential 80s action film featuring a lone warrior protagonist (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who takes on overwhelming odds with brute force and tactical skill. Both films emphasize hyper-masculinity, explosive action sequences, and a straightforward revenge/rescue plot. The visual style is also similar, with lush jungle settings and high-octane combat scenes.

Fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, John Matrix, was originally written as a retired Green Beret, much like Rambo. The film was shot in just 35 days. The infamous 'Let off some steam, Bennett' line was improvised by Schwarzenegger.

Description: 'Cobra' stars Sylvester Stallone, who also played Rambo, and shares the same hyper-violent, no-nonsense approach to action. Both films feature a lone cop/soldier taking on a dangerous enemy with extreme prejudice. The visual style and tone are similarly gritty and intense.

Fact: The film was based on the novel 'Fair Game' by Paula Gosling. Stallone's character, Marion Cobretti, was originally written as a more traditional detective. The film was criticized for its excessive violence but has since gained a cult following.

Description: 'Bloodsport' and 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' both feature protagonists (Jean-Claude Van Damme) who are highly skilled fighters pushed to their limits in a foreign land. Both films emphasize physical prowess, endurance, and the triumph of the underdog.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the life of Frank Dux, a martial artist who claimed to have participated in underground fights. Jean-Claude Van Damme performed all his own stunts. The film was a breakout role for Van Damme and helped establish him as an action star.

Description: 'Lethal Weapon' shares with 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' a focus on intense action and a protagonist (Mel Gibson) with a troubled past and a death wish. Both films blend high-octane action with deeper emotional undertones, exploring themes of redemption and the cost of violence.

Fact: The role of Martin Riggs was originally offered to Richard Donner's first choice, Nick Nolte. The film's success spawned three sequels and a television series. The famous 'I'm too old for this shit' line was improvised by Danny Glover.

Description: 'Predator' shares with 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' a focus on a highly skilled soldier (Arnold Schwarzenegger) battling in a jungle environment against a seemingly unstoppable foe. Both films explore themes of survival, military prowess, and the limits of human endurance. The action is intense and visceral, with a strong emphasis on physicality and combat.

Fact: The Predator's design was created by Stan Winston, who also worked on 'Aliens'. Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator but was replaced due to creative differences. The film's jungle scenes were shot in Mexico, where the cast endured extreme heat and humidity.

Description: 'The Running Man' shares with 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' a dystopian future where a lone hero (Arnold Schwarzenegger) fights against a corrupt system. Both films feature high-stakes survival scenarios, intense action, and a critique of authoritarianism.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Stephen King, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Arnold Schwarzenegger ad-libbed many of his famous one-liners. The film's gladiatorial game show concept has been compared to modern reality TV.

Description: While 'Die Hard' is set in an urban environment, it shares with 'Rambo: First Blood Part II' the theme of a lone hero (Bruce Willis) overcoming insurmountable odds through wit, courage, and sheer determination. Both films feature high-stakes scenarios, intense action sequences, and a protagonist who is an everyman pushed to his limits.

Fact: Bruce Willis was not the first choice for the role of John McClane; Frank Sinatra was initially considered due to a contractual obligation. The film was based on the novel 'Nothing Lasts Forever' by Roderick Thorp. Alan Rickman's performance as Hans Gruber was his first major film role.