Top 6 Movies Featuring Sylvester Stallone’s Ultimate Co-Star Revealed!

Sylvester Stallone’s filmography spans over 90 feature films, including two legendary series: Rambo and Rocky. He has been nominated for three Oscars: Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay for Rocky (1976), and Best Supporting Actor for Creed: Legacy of Rocky Balboa four decades later.

Technically, the individual Stallone has appeared with most frequently is his brother, singer Frank Stallone, who had minor roles in eight of his movies. But who are the professional actors that Sly has truly collaborated with the most?

Do You Know His Name?

You might immediately think of Burt Young, the recently deceased actor who portrayed Paulie, Rocky’s brother-in-law and Adrianne’s brother. Initially a somewhat troublesome character, Paulie ultimately shows his big heart. He features in all six films of the series, from the original up to Rocky Balboa.

Young was not part of the Creed series and his character, Paulie, passes away off-screen. His death is revealed in Creed, where he is buried next to Adrianne. Interestingly, Burt Young was paid more than the lead actor in the first Rocky. However, he is not the only one to have starred in six films with Stallone.

Three Tied for the Lead!

Another notable member from the Rocky universe is Dolph Lundgren, the Swedish actor who first clashed with the Italian Stallion in Rocky IV. In the film, Lundgren played Ivan Drago, a symbol of communism whom Rocky confronts in the boxing ring on his home turf. Lundgren has teamed up with Stallone a total of six times!

Lundgren reprised his role as Ivan Drago in Creed 2 and appeared in all four Expendables movies as Gunner Jensen, a somewhat unhinged grenade enthusiast. He also features in archival footage in Rocky V and Rocky Balboa.

To round out the list, Jason Statham stands as another of Stallone’s frequent collaborators. In addition to his roles in all four Expendables films, the action star headlines two movies written by Stallone (where Stallone does not act): Homefront (2013) and the upcoming A Working Man (2025).

Will Stallone work with any of these actors again, potentially making one the definitive most frequent collaborator? Stay tuned!