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Sly vs Arnold: An Epic 80’s Rivalry

The 1980s was an era of unapologetic masculinity, bulging biceps, and action heroes that seemed almost superhuman. And while there were numerous contenders for the throne, two names stood head and shoulders above the rest: Sly vs Arnold. Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t just act in films—they dominated them. They built their bodies into veritable temples and took their rivalry beyond the screen, engaging in a battle of box office receipts, bodybuilding supremacy, and ultimately, who could best capture the imagination of the public.

But for all their differences, they shared more in common than most people realise. Both Stallone and Schwarzenegger started from humble beginnings, faced incredible odds, and had an ironclad work ethic that set them apart from their peers. The story of Sly vs Arnold is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about muscular showdowns and movie stardom.

This article accompanies my thorough post on the Hollywood physique throughout the years and why things may not always be as they initially seem!

The Rise of Sly vs Arnold: How the Rivalry Began

Sylvester Stallone showing his impressive physique

Their paths to stardom couldn’t have been more different. Stallone came up the hard way, struggling through menial jobs and low-budget films. His breakthrough came in 1976 with Rocky, a film he wrote and starred in. At the time, Stallone wasn’t the chiselled figure we would later come to know. He was a skilled actor and storyteller, but his physique wasn’t yet part of his appeal. You can check out my article on how rocky got so ripped for more insight into Stallone’s movie prep.

That all changed in 1982 with Rocky III. Stallone, in his mid-thirties, decided to completely transform his body. He adopted an almost punishing training routine, reducing his body fat to 4% and sculpting a physique that would redefine Hollywood’s standards for leading men. His iconic look in Rocky III and First Blood established him as a genuine action star, one who could throw punches as convincingly as he could deliver lines.

“Stallone’s transformation for Rocky III was groundbreaking,” says renowned Hollywood trainer, Jim Ryan. “He set the blueprint for how action stars would look for years to come—lean, defined, and athletic.”

Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger was already well-known for his immense physique long before Hollywood came calling. Born in a small Austrian town, Arnold began lifting weights at 15 and went on to win the Mr. Universe title at 20—becoming the youngest to ever do so. By the time he made his film debut in Hercules in New York (1970), he was already a seven-time Mr. Olympia champion, considered the greatest bodybuilder of all time. His transition to movies came in 1982 with Conan the Barbarian, where his hulking frame and larger-than-life presence captivated audiences.

“When you talk about sheer size and power, no one could touch Arnold in his prime,” states bodybuilding historian Mark Reynolds. “He was a game-changer, bringing bodybuilding to mainstream cinema.”

Yet, despite their different paths, Stallone and Schwarzenegger shared a similar drive. They both came from nothing, fought tooth and nail to get their big breaks, and never looked back once they had a taste of success.

Physical Stats and Body Comparisons: Sly vs Arnold in the 80s

Arnold Schwarzenegger physique

When it came to physiques, Arnold was, in many ways, a physical anomaly. Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 235 lbs during his bodybuilding peak, he sported a chest measurement of over 57 inches, with biceps close to 22 inches. His frame was sculpted for competition, yet it translated well to the big screen, making him a towering figure who could realistically take on armies single-handedly.

Sly, on the other hand, stood at 5’10” and typically weighed around 185-195 lbs during the 80s. What he lacked in sheer size, he made up for in definition and symmetry. Stallone’s physique in Rocky III and Rambo II was arguably the most ripped in Hollywood at the time—every muscle finely chiselled, every vein visible. In his words, “I wanted to look like a living piece of anatomy.” And boy, did he achieve it.

But perhaps the most telling comparison was in their bodybuilding styles. Arnold adhered to heavy weights, classic movements, and a bulkier look, while Sly focused on definition, high-rep training, and a boxing-inspired regimen. As a result, Stallone’s body looked more attainable, more agile, and, to many, more aesthetically pleasing.

“Stallone’s physique was something most men thought they could achieve,” says Michael Hauser, a fitness historian. “Arnold’s was more of a fantasy.”

Fitness Regimens and Training Anecdotes: How Sly vs Arnold Shaped Their Bodies

Stallone’s Approach: His workout routines were notorious for their intensity. High-rep sets, minimal rest, and a mix of boxing and weight training. For Rocky III, he reportedly trained six days a week, multiple times a day, dropping his body fat percentage to around 4%. His diet? Eggs, chicken, fish, and oatmeal—essentially whatever it took to maintain his razor-sharp look.

“I’ve never seen anyone more dedicated to getting shredded than Stallone during those years,” says former training partner Franco Columbu. “He trained with an intensity you don’t often see.”

Arnold’s Approach: He focused on the basics—heavy lifting, compound movements, and volume. Bench presses, squats, and deadlifts were staples in his routine. Even during his transition from bodybuilding to acting, he kept up his intense sessions, ensuring he remained the biggest action hero in more ways than one.

“I knew that if I wanted to make it in Hollywood, I had to bring the size and strength,” Arnold once said. “No one had ever seen muscles like mine on the big screen before.”

Movie Showdowns and Box Office Comparisons: Sly vs Arnold in Action

While their physiques were eye-catching, it was their films that solidified the Sly vs Arnold rivalry. Stallone took the boxing gloves off and wielded M60 machine guns in the Rambo series, while Arnold became the ultimate killing machine in The Terminator and single-handedly took on guerrilla armies in Commando (1985).

Gross Film Revenues Throughout the 1980s

Stallone:

  • Rocky III (1982): $125 million
  • Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985): $300 million
  • Rocky IV (1985): $300 million
  • Rambo III (1988): $189 million

Arnold:

  • Conan the Barbarian (1982): $130 million
  • The Terminator (1984): $78 million
  • Commando (1985): $57 million
  • Predator (1987): $98 million

It’s easy to see that both stars were juggernauts at the box office. But for every Rambo, there was a Predator to match. And while Arnold’s films didn’t always make as much at the box office, his sheer presence on screen was enough to keep the battle heated.

Sly vs Arnold: Digs, Jabs, and Rivalry References Across Movies

The rivalry between Sly vs Arnold wasn’t just confined to box office battles and muscle size comparisons; it was laced with subtle (and not so subtle) jabs in their films and off-screen antics that kept fans glued to every moment. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most memorable references, digs, and playful moments that highlighted their intense competition.

On-Screen References in Their Films

1. Arnold’s Dig at Stallone in Twins: In Twins (1988), Schwarzenegger’s character, Julius, comes across a Rambo poster. He looks at it, smirks, and makes a hand gesture suggesting that his muscles were far bigger than those depicted in the image. This subtle yet clear jab was Arnold’s way of mocking Stallone’s portrayal of an action hero, implying that he, Arnold, had the superior physique .

2. Stallone’s Comeback in Tango & Cash: Stallone didn’t let the Twins dig go unanswered. In Tango & Cash (1989), Stallone took a swipe back by having a fight scene where he beats up a man who looked strikingly similar to Schwarzenegger. Sly later confessed that during the filming, he imagined he was hitting Arnold, fuelling their rivalry even more .

3. The Last Action Hero Moment: In The Last Action Hero (1993), Arnold took another humorous shot at Sly by featuring a poster of Terminator 2—with Stallone’s face on it instead of his own. The line, “He’s fantastic in this,” delivered by Schwarzenegger’s character, was a tongue-in-cheek compliment suggesting that Stallone would never live up to his portrayal of the Terminator .

4. Stallone’s Demolition Man Presidential Library Reference: In Demolition Man (1993), Sandra Bullock’s character casually mentions the existence of a “Schwarzenegger Presidential Library,” much to the bewilderment of Stallone’s character, John Spartan. This clever nod was Stallone’s way of questioning Arnold’s political ambitions, long before Schwarzenegger actually became Governor of California .

Off-Screen Antics and Heated Moments

In addition to the Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot example above, two other notable offscreen stories are worthy of note.

1. The Nightclub Picture Incident: In September 1988, Stallone and his entourage walked into a nightclub and spotted a picture of Arnold on the wall. Stallone demanded it be taken down, threatening to leave otherwise. The nightclub owner complied, and Stallone’s team ended up destroying the picture—a bold move showcasing just how real the rivalry felt off-screen .

2. Golden Globes Feud: Their feud reportedly began back in 1977 at the Golden Globe Awards when Stallone, incensed by Arnold’s success, threw a bowl of flowers at him. This incident set the stage for their competitive streaks and led to the heated exchanges in the years that followed .

3. Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot One of the most famous stories of their rivalry occurred during the production of Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. As the tale goes, Arnold got wind that Sly was interested in a new comedy role, but it was a project he felt would be a disaster. So, he pretended to show interest, leading Stallone to jump on it first. The result? A critical and commercial flop, and Arnold quietly chuckling behind the scenes.

“I read the script, and it was all wrong for me. So, I told my agent to let it slip that I was really interested. Stallone took the bait,” Schwarzenegger later admitted with a grin.

Mutual Respect and Reflections on Their Rivalry

While the competition between Sly vs Arnold was fierce, it also propelled both actors to new heights. Arnold even credited Stallone with pushing him to work harder and create better films in the 80s. “Without Stallone, maybe I wouldn’t have been as motivated… I had to figure out a way of outdoing him,” Schwarzenegger reflected .

Stallone, looking back, also acknowledged that Arnold’s immense presence forced him to keep evolving and experimenting with his roles. Their rivalry was indeed as legendary as it was antagonistic, forever etching their names into the annals of Hollywood history.

Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot poster. One of Stallone's worse movies. As part of the Sly vs Arnold feud, Stallone was convinced Arnold wanted to do this movie. Arnold tricked him.

Sly vs Arnold: From Rivals to Best Friends

By the early 2000s, the intense rivalry began to mellow. Both were approaching their 60s, and their days of competing over who had the best body or the most explosive movie seemed to be behind them. Instead, they appeared together in The Expendables series, a film franchise that paid homage to their 80s glory days.

“We had to grow up someday,” said Stallone. “But it’s a great feeling to look across the table and see someone who’s been through it all with you.”

Why I Think Sly Had the Superior Physique

It’s impossible to discuss Sly vs Arnold without mentioning their differing physiques. While Arnold was, and still is, viewed as the pinnacle of the bodybuilding world, Stallone’s physique was seen as more realistic and relatable. In films like Rocky III and Rambo II, Sly’s lean muscle definition and agility made his physical appearance more impressive to many.

I just leaned more towards finding Sly’s physique more impressive. In Hollywood physiques throughout the ages, I discuss why getting lean looks more visually impressive! Wanting Sly’s body in Rocky 3 and 4 was the reason started lifting weights and the big hulking physique never appealed to me. But it’s one of those situations where I respect and appreciate both opinions.

Key Takeaways

  • Sly vs Arnold was more than just a box office competition—it defined an entire era.
  • Stallone’s leaner, athletic build contrasted Arnold’s bulkier, more muscular frame, giving fans plenty to debate over.
  • Their rivalry extended off-screen with pranks and stories that are legendary in Hollywood.
  • Ultimately, their rivalry evolved into friendship, as they realised they were stronger together than apart.

Conclusion: Sly vs Arnold – A Rivalry That Shaped a Decade

You can read 7 Epic Movie Star transformations for more insight into some more modern day movie physique information.

The Sly vs Arnold rivalry transcended Hollywood, representing more than just two action stars duking it out at the box office. Their competition defined the physical ideals of a generation, inspiring millions to hit the gym and emulate their favourite action heroes. Each of their films felt like a new chapter in an unfolding saga, with audiences waiting eagerly to see who would outdo the other next—whether in terms of stunts, physique, or sheer on-screen presence.

Beyond the flexed biceps and explosive action scenes, the rivalry pushed both Stallone and Schwarzenegger to heights neither could have achieved alone. Each drove the other to perfect their craft, experiment with new genres, and ultimately solidify their legacies. Despite the playful barbs and public jabs, the truth was that their rivalry stemmed from a mutual respect—a recognition that they were both titans in a golden age of cinema.

Today, what remains of this legendary rivalry is a lasting friendship and a shared history of cinematic greatness. The Sly vs Arnold era stands as a testament to how competition, when channelled with respect and admiration, can elevate two individuals into icons—forever linked in the hearts of fans and the annals of Hollywood history.

Chat soon,

Matt

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