44 Years Later, the “Greatest Action Film Ever Made” Is Making a Comeback on Free Streaming

by

Widely considered one of the best action movies of all time, First Blood is coming to a free streaming service. Released in 1982, it introduced a legendary action hero and helped define the over-the-top, one-person army style that became popular in the 80s. While it may seem a bit slower-paced by today’s standards, the film remains a classic and launched its star into the ranks of action icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, a new generation will have the chance to experience this masterpiece for free.

Get ready for some classic action! Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo, originally titled First Blood, will be available to stream on Pluto TV this February. Starting February 1st, you can watch the movie for free, along with other favorites like Gladiator, High Noon, and films from the Mission: Impossible series. Many know the story through the Stallone film, but First Blood actually began as a novel by David Morrell, which Michael Kozoli and William Sackhelm then adapted into a screenplay directed by Ted Kotcheff.

Sylvester Stallone stars as John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran battling post-traumatic stress. The film centers on Rambo’s difficult adjustment to life back home, as he’s the sole survivor of his unit. After visiting a friend, he’s forced to leave the town of Hope, Washington, and is seen as a wandering drifter. However, the local police underestimate him, unaware that his combat skills and instincts remain sharp. Here’s what the movie is about:

John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran struggling to find his place, arrives in a quiet Washington town hoping to reconnect with an old friend. Instead, he’s immediately confronted by the town’s sheriff, Will Teasle, who treats him with hostility and force. A humiliating encounter with Teasle and his deputies triggers painful memories of Rambo’s time as a prisoner of war, causing him to violently retaliate and escape into the wilderness. Ultimately, it will take someone from Rambo’s past – his former commander – to prevent a deadly escalation between the law enforcement officers and the now-pursued veteran.

‘First Blood’ Is a Timeless Action Classic

As a huge film buff, I can honestly say First Blood is way more than just a great action movie – it’s legendary. It didn’t just do well at the box office, it launched a massive franchise worth billions! More importantly, it really cemented Sylvester Stallone’s status as a true Hollywood star, and it’s still one of the most impactful action films from the 80s, inspiring so much of what came after.

The movie is a rare critical and popular success, boasting an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many reviewers and viewers alike consider it a masterpiece of action cinema. One user praised it as one of the best films of the 1980s, noting how well it holds up today, and calling it a dark, compelling, and standout achievement for Sylvester Stallone.

Rambo Only Kills One Person in ‘First Blood’


Orion Pictures

Viewers used to today’s fast-paced action movies might find First Blood a little different. Though it has exciting parts, it’s more of a tense thriller than a non-stop action film. The movie spends a lot of time exploring John Rambo’s emotional state, and Sylvester Stallone gives a fantastic performance as the troubled Vietnam veteran. Surprisingly, Rambo isn’t the ruthless killer he becomes in later films. He only directly causes one death in the entire movie – a deputy sergeant who falls from a helicopter after Rambo hits it with a rock. While he inflicts a lot of damage and serious injuries, that’s the only confirmed fatality.

Read More

2026-01-31 22:18