The Rambo movie series, also known as the John Rambo movie series, is a collection of five action films that follow the character John Rambo as he embarks on a series of dangerous and violent missions. The movies are known for their intense and graphic violence, as well as their exploration of themes such as war, revenge, and the human cost of conflict.
The primary themes of the Rambo movies are survival and the toll of war on the human psyche. The films often depict Rambo as a veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life after serving in Vietnam, and his missions serve as a form of catharsis for the trauma he has experienced. Additionally, the movies often deal with issues of American foreign policy and the way that soldiers are treated when they return home from war.
People love the Rambo movies for their high-octane action scenes and their portrayal of the main character as a lone wolf fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds. Rambo is often depicted as a hero who is willing to put his own life on the line to protect others, and his unwavering bravery and commitment to his missions have made him a beloved and iconic action hero.
The Rambo movie series has been highly successful and has developed a dedicated following over the years. The first film in the series, “First Blood,” was released in 1982 and was followed by four sequels, with the most recent film, “Rambo: Last Blood,” being released in 2019. The franchise has been praised for its exploration of complex themes, as well as its thrilling and intense action scenes, and it remains one of the most popular and influential movie series in the action genre.
The Rambo movie series consists of the following films in chronological order:
- First Blood (1982)
- Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
- Rambo III (1988)
- John Rambo (2008)
- Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
1. “First Blood” (1982)
“First Blood” is the first film in the Rambo movie series and introduces the character of John Rambo, a former Green Beret and veteran of the Vietnam War. The movie opens with Rambo arriving in a small town in search of an old friend, but he is met with hostility from the local authorities. When he is arrested and subjected to mistreatment by the police, Rambo becomes embroiled in a violent confrontation that leads to him being hunted by a large group of law enforcement officers.
The film is known for its realistic portrayal of the psychological toll of war on soldiers, and it explores themes such as the treatment of veterans, the power of the state, and the consequences of violence. Despite its intense violence and dark subject matter, “First Blood” is widely regarded as a classic action movie that established the franchise and solidified Rambo as an iconic action hero.
IMDb rating: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomato score: 90%
2. “Rambo: First Blood Part II” (1985)
“Rambo: First Blood Part II” picks up where the first film left off, with Rambo being recruited for a top-secret mission to rescue American prisoners of war who are being held in a Vietnamese camp. The movie is known for its over-the-top action scenes and explosive violence, as well as its patriotic tone and depiction of Rambo as a one-man army.
Despite its sometimes cartoonish violence, “Rambo: First Blood Part II” was a major commercial success and solidified the franchise as one of the most popular and influential action movie series of the 1980s. The movie’s themes of war, revenge, and American patriotism have made it a cult classic, and its impact on the action genre cannot be overstated.
IMDb rating: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomato score: 55%
3. “Rambo III” (1988)
In “Rambo III,” Rambo is recruited by his former commanding officer to assist the Afghan Mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union. The movie is known for its intense action scenes and graphic violence, as well as its depiction of the conflict in Afghanistan as a battle between good and evil.
“Rambo III” was a commercial success, but it received mixed reviews from critics who criticized its exaggerated violence and simplistic depiction of the conflict in Afghanistan. Despite these criticisms, the movie remains a fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of the defining action movies of the late 1980s.
IMDb rating: 6.0/10 Rotten Tomato score: 38%
4. “John Rambo” (2008)
“John Rambo” is the fourth film in the Rambo movie series, and it marks a departure from the over-the-top violence and patriotic tone of the earlier films. The movie opens with Rambo living in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand, but he is drawn back into violence when a group of Christian missionaries ask him to guide them into war-torn Burma. When the missionaries are taken captive by Burmese soldiers, Rambo sets out on a one-man mission to rescue them and bring them to safety.
The movie is known for its more grounded and realistic approach to violence, as well as its exploration of themes such as the consequences of violence, the effects of war on soldiers, and the power of hope. “John Rambo” received mixed reviews from critics, but it was a commercial success and established the franchise as a staple of the action genre.
IMDb rating: 6.1/10 Rotten Tomato score: 38%
5. “Rambo: Last Blood” (2019)
“Rambo: Last Blood” is the fifth and final film in the Rambo movie series, and it sees the titular character facing off against a Mexican sex trafficking ring that has taken one of his friends captive. The movie is known for its intense violence and action scenes, as well as its exploration of themes such as justice, revenge, and the fight against evil.
“Rambo: Last Blood” was a commercial success, but it received mixed reviews from critics who criticized its formulaic plot and over-the-top violence. Despite these criticisms, the movie remains a fan favorite and a fitting end to the franchise.
IMDb rating: 5.3/10 Rotten Tomato score: 35%
| Movie | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomato Score |
|---|---|---|
| First Blood (1982) | 7.6/10 | 87% |
| Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) | 6.3/10 | 43% |
| Rambo III (1988) | 5.2/10 | 36% |
| John Rambo (2008) | 6.1/10 | 38% |
| Rambo: Last Blood (2019) | 5.3/10 | 35% |
FAQ
First Blood (1982)
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Rambo III (1988)
John Rambo (2008)
Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
A. The main character in the Rambo movies is John Rambo, a former Green Beret and a highly skilled veteran of the Vietnam War.
A. The Rambo movies are action-packed films that follow the story of John Rambo, a war veteran who is struggling to adjust to civilian life. The series explores themes of patriotism, trauma, and justice, and it is often seen as a commentary on the consequences of war and the effects of conflict on soldiers.
A. The first three Rambo movies were directed by Ted Kotcheff, while the fourth and fifth films were directed by Sylvester Stallone, who also played the lead role of John Rambo.
A. The Rambo movies have become popular due to their intense and exciting action sequences, as well as their exploration of complex themes related to the effects of war and conflict. The series has a strong fanbase, and many viewers have been drawn to the character of John Rambo as a symbol of toughness, courage, and resilience.
A. In “First Blood,” John Rambo returns to the United States after serving in the Vietnam War and finds himself struggling to adjust to civilian life. He travels to a small town in search of an old friend, but he ends up getting into a conflict with the local police, who treat him with suspicion and aggression. After being arrested and mistreated, Rambo escapes and goes on the run, leading to an intense and dangerous confrontation with the police.