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Cliffhanger
1993
Suspense/Thriller, Action
1h 53m
A botched mid-air heist results in suitcases full of cash being searched for by various groups throughout the Rocky Mountains (imdb)
Directed by:
Renny HarlinCliffhanger
1993
Suspense/Thriller, Action
1h 53m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 32.6% from 3996 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
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Rated 27 Apr 2019
65
42nd
Watching Jon Lithgow take Sly on in a fist fight “oh yes this is fair.”
Rated 27 Apr 2019
Rated 09 Jun 2021
55
30th
The taglines for this included "The Height of Adventure" and, you may want to sit down for this one, "Hang On!" I would've gone with, "The most fun you can have without a harness" or "Gabe Walker is in for the rockiest moment of his life, atop the Rocky Mountains" or "From Renny Harlin, a director of films" or "4,000 feet above the Earth, the last thing to hold onto...is your breath!" I'm wasting my talents.
Rated 09 Jun 2021
Rated 01 Dec 2006
5
44th
"Kill a few people, they call you a murderer. Kill a million and you're a conqueror." MOVIE GOLD
Rated 01 Dec 2006
Rated 07 Aug 2013
64
63rd
Solid actioner that doesn't have any warehouse scenes! The mountain-climbing action and cinematography really sets this film apart from other action films with lower production value and less creativity. The heist plot is great, and Michael Rooker gives a strong performance, as does Lithgow. Worth a watch.
Rated 07 Aug 2013
Rated 23 Mar 2015
60
42nd
While the premise and script are very typical of action movies of the period, what really sets this effort apart are the excellent stunt work and photography, all impressively filmed on location rather than in the studio. This, as well as the good pacing and eclectic cast, help to keep it engaging throughout. Stallone gives a better showing than his usual, but Lithgow's over-the-top villain feels underused.
Rated 23 Mar 2015
Rated 18 Feb 2010
55
19th
A film that I honestly cannot hate because of how silly it is. Also it's entertaining to see John Lithgow ham it up as much as possible as a pretty unlikely villain. The action is preposterous stuff and the take on mountain climbing is.."interesting" to say the least.
Rated 18 Feb 2010
Rated 27 Apr 2008
62
35th
This movie is a ridiculously plotted, horribly overacted, action packed shitbox stuffed with terrible quips and ludicrous stunts...and I can't stop watching every time its on TV. I'm not going to over analyse why, other than to say Lithgow is hilarious as the 'Smarmy Bad Guy'.
Rated 27 Apr 2008
Rated 06 Jul 2007
28
10th
I like John Lithgow. He has the face, voice and mannerisms of a good action film baddy. But the dialogue in this is just appaling. I mean at least with Schwarzenegger it was stuff you wouldn't be embarressed repeating in front of friends. Also the number of times someone got killed, there's a brief "Nooooooooooo" from one of the goodies and then they just skip swiftly on... Rubbish.
Rated 06 Jul 2007
Rated 26 May 2021
69
55th
Wasn't great but was still entertaining on release and that can still be said about it after another recent rewatch. Slightly different Stallone action fare in that he's trying to play less of an action bad ass and more of an everyman (with 40 inch biceps) but many of the climbing scenes offer enough entertainment to hold the viewer's interest in what is otherwise a fairly mediocre plot.
Rated 26 May 2021
Rated 08 Jul 2020
69
35th
Passable (if stunningly shot) actioner never quite gets the energy back from its brilliantly tense opening sequence, a mini-masterpiece of action film-making. It's an enjoyable (if brutal) bit of fun, lacking a powerful villain or chemistry between its actors - Lithgow seems to be dialing back from the manic zeal of RICOCHET, and Stallone too often falls into monosyllabic mumbling, meaning the tension ebbs and flows (especially compared to SHOOT TO KILL, which this shares some resonances with).
Rated 08 Jul 2020
Rated 04 Oct 2019
6
42nd
The beautiful yet intimidating natural setting of the snow-capped Rockies is a breath of fresh (mountain) air for the action-thriller genre here, and together with the notable performances by all the main players it makes for a solid film able to withstand the test of time, as the unforgiving elements and edge-of-your-seat rock climbs appreciably amplify the character-focused heist/hostage tension. It's not flashy or deep and its plot is a bit forgettable but it's a taut and exciting watch.
Rated 04 Oct 2019
Rated 22 Dec 2015
70
72nd
It's preposterous, even by Stallone's standards, but Cliffhanger remains one of the better Die Hard inspired actioners to be released during the tail end of the genre's golden era. It's a technically precise, incredibly well executed mountain thriller that offers exhilarating stunts and visceral white knuckle thrills. What elevates the film above its admittedly mediocre material is the stunning use of its rocky mountain setting, which is beautiful and terrifying in equal measure.
Rated 22 Dec 2015
Rated 03 Jan 2014
69
42nd
While it can't escape comparisons to the movies it borrows from, Cliffhanger is a tense, action-packed thriller and a showcase for the talents that made Sylvester Stallone a star.
Rated 03 Jan 2014
Rated 17 Nov 2013
7
57th
Cliffhanger is a very underrated action film and one of Stallone's only decent films of the 90's. The set pieces, suspense and violence make this a good all round and exciting action film. Looking back Stallone gives a cardboard cut out performance but as a kid I loved him in this. Lithgow is a real nasty bastard of a villain. Rooker is half decent here also. Cliffhanger hasn't aged particularly well, but growing up I loved this film and I still enjoy it after umpteen viewings. Classic Stallone.
Rated 17 Nov 2013
Rated 12 Jul 2012
73
82nd
Re-watched this and while parts were pretty cheezy and some of the dialogue was cringe worthy I have to say this is still a damn fun action film.
Rated 12 Jul 2012
Rated 07 May 2012
40
31st
Cliffhanger is your generic action film that has nothing special to offer us. The action scenes are standard affair, the plot is there just as a backdrop for the action scenes, and the actors aren't any good, but how could they considering their characters are less interesting than a rock. I couldn't get involved in the film, even though it got off to a decent start. Cliffhanger might work better as a film to play in the background while doing something more interesting.
Rated 07 May 2012
Rated 21 Sep 2010
64
39th
This actually is pretty entertaining. They manage to pull of the menace of climbing etc. quite well. Lithgow is a lot of fun and Stallone is solid.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
Rated 10 Aug 2009
45
31st
As it reminds me of my childhood I can't but enjoy watching this ridiculous crap. One of those action flicks that formed entire generation. There were some genuinely suspenseful scenes and Litgow is the new experience for me in this flick. When you're underteen kid it's all about Stallone.
Rated 10 Aug 2009
Rated 01 Aug 2009
65
59th
PSI of 27!? Love Sly in this silly and over the top action thriller. I don't care what anyone says, it fun and satisfyingly stupid. Lithgow is awesome as the stereotypical nasty villian too.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
Rated 06 Apr 2009
84
91st
The sheer physicality and danger of the mountain climbing parts makes this far more engrossing that just another thriller about men pointing guns at each other over money. The outdoor location makes a change from the genre's usual convention too. It does resort to some clichés, but with that outdoor freshness, and good music and editing, the package is definitely one of the better action man movies of the 90s.
Rated 06 Apr 2009
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
85th
Aside from a few cheesy lines, Cliffhanger is a great action-adventure movie. It's funny and keeps you glued to your seat. Maintains focus, presents a plenty of fun-to-hate bad guys and throws in a few well visualized scenes. Stallone climbs his way out of trouble, which is a marked change from his usual. Great snowy mountain views and Lithgow plants the seeds that saw him dominate on Dexter as Trinity. It makes rock climbing sexy.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 01 May 2007
86
78th
Gloriously, ridiculously violent in only the way Renny Harlin could do it, we should have a parade for this guy.
Rated 01 May 2007
Rated 12 Jan 2007
64
80th
Director Harlin gets a lot of shit these says but this is actually a very competent action film which utilizes its location perfectly. It's a clear continuation of bad-ass 80's action films with un-PC one liners and violence. Stallone is OK while Lithgow is hilarious in his scenery-chewing villain role.
Rated 12 Jan 2007
Rated 23 Jun 2023
33
10th
Pretty dumb. One liners and comically bad characterizations at times. Lithgow is even too far over the top.
Rated 23 Jun 2023
Rated 06 Jan 2023
70
26th
pretty damn cheesy. Seeing it for first time in 2023, it's not what I'd hoped. super dated!
Rated 06 Jan 2023
Rated 27 Sep 2022
5
40th
90s action movies aged really poorly due to all the cheesy moments and one liners, but if you're into them it's one of the better action flicks of its era. While the movie has an entertaining plot and some decent action, some of the scenes are just so soooo bad and I can't get over them. The final fight was pretty cool though, but Stallone had to ruin it by grunting so much and saying an awful one liner before going for the kill. Too bad.
Rated 27 Sep 2022
Rated 19 Mar 2022
60
41st
It’s cheesy, but it’s got a few great scenes and some surprisingly good deaths. Bonus points for “No bullets bitch!”.
Rated 19 Mar 2022
Rated 01 May 2021
40
11th
Points for the opening scene. Rest of the film is brain fart. Especially that stupid Hal is like an angel of death.
Rated 01 May 2021
Rated 10 Jan 2021
80
37th
Viewed January 9, 2021.
Rated 10 Jan 2021
Rated 23 Aug 2020
30
13th
Damn. This entire movie, just because Stallone and Rooker's characters didn't want to talk things through.
Rated 23 Aug 2020
Rated 14 Jun 2020
2
30th
could always use more lithgow but then, what couldn't ?
Rated 14 Jun 2020
Rated 30 Apr 2020
81
44th
This is exactly what I'd expect Renny Harlin to make following Die Hard 2. Like that film, Cliffhanger's absurd plot is kept afloat by charming characters (even when they're overacting), bonkers practical effects, and gratuitous bullet squibs. It doesn't always hold up, and Stallone quickly becomes one-note after the action kicks in, but I had a ball experiencing this for the first time. I think that says a lot for a near 30 year old flick.
Rated 30 Apr 2020
Rated 27 Dec 2019
39
9th
Awesome opening. Dumb rest. Has some great shots, though. And some cool performances (Rooker, Linn, Goodall, Turner). And the basic plot premise is decent enough, I guess. But I think Renny Harlin is just too much of a dumb director for it to be any better. And I don't mean to say he's a director, who is dumb. I'm saying he directs and puts together movies in a a way so that they're really dumb. But not in a fun way. In a boring, dumb way.
Rated 27 Dec 2019
Rated 07 Jun 2019
68
24th
This film does have some exciting scenes and some very good stunt work. However the script has many boring and some predictable parts. John Lithgow is usually great at playing villains but his accent does not work this time around. Overall this film is disappointing.
Rated 07 Jun 2019
Rated 12 Jul 2018
71
38th
B-
Rated 12 Jul 2018
Rated 02 Apr 2018
85
91st
Come on, that opening act is one of the most memorable and emotionally impactful in all of cinema history. The first time you see it, it's totally devastating. Great character relationships, motivations, breathtaking setting, interesting action scenes, compelling plot, a good sense of humor. There are a few plot/logic holes and a few cheesy things here or there, but how could an action hero/thriller/mountain climbing/heist film not be a little cheesy here and there?
Rated 02 Apr 2018
Rated 08 Jan 2018
60
26th
Cliffhanger is above the average Die Hard rip off. Due to Sylvester Stallone's lead and John Lithgow's villain. These two play to their strengths in a film you'll probably watch one for the honest good time it has to offer and then forget about it a day later.
Rated 08 Jan 2018
Rated 05 Nov 2017
49
12th
Passably distracting nonsense.
Rated 05 Nov 2017
Rated 21 Aug 2017
50
12th
Silly mindless fun & a sentimental VHS favorite! Glad to see them reunite in GoG Vol 2 ;-) Not exactly Pacino & De Niro but.....
Rated 21 Aug 2017
Rated 16 May 2017
28
15th
Not, of course, actually... you know... good, but John Lithgow makes a hysterical bad guy., and there are some great shots of the Italian Dolomites.
Rated 16 May 2017
Rated 28 Apr 2017
75
29th
As stupid as it is pretty. But it is seriously pretty, more stuff needs to be shot on location in the mountains.
Rated 28 Apr 2017
Rated 01 Jan 2017
88
44th
The movie holds the viewers tight throughout. Sylvester Stallone is amazing from the first scene to till the end. Heroism is the idea of the movie.
Rated 01 Jan 2017
Rated 26 Jun 2016
40
6th
I was so young when I watched this, it explaines...
Rated 26 Jun 2016
Rated 12 May 2016
65
42nd
This is both really stupid and really fun - both in a distinctly nineties way. If you enjoy Stallone or John Lithgow, this is definitely worth a watch, just don't expect it to be anything award-worthy.
Rated 12 May 2016
Rated 20 Aug 2015
100
91st
Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone) is a member of a mountain climbing rescue team. When one of his operations goes wrong and the girlfriend of his best friend, Hal Tucker (Michael Rooker), is killed, Gabe blames himself and leaves. Eight months later, after setting up a life in Denver, he returns to the mountains to persuade his lover, Jessie (Janine Turner), to come with him. While he's there, a call for help comes in and Gabe decides to become involved in one last rescue attempt. However, unknow
Rated 20 Aug 2015
Rated 30 Nov 2014
6
70th
It's possible I would have rated this much lower had I watched it under less pliant circumstances, but it was pretty ideal "buzzed at 1 AM on a Saturday night" cable viewing. Just dumb and fast-paced enough, pre-CGI era action. I liked that it gave Stallone a role halfway in between his more macho action guy roles and more humanistic roles.
Rated 30 Nov 2014
Rated 10 Oct 2014
14
36th
National Lampoon's Vacation to the Alps
Rated 10 Oct 2014
Rated 12 Aug 2014
80
50th
A star vehicle that relies on awe-inspiring stunt work, two stunning early set pieces and a good cast of villains.
Rated 12 Aug 2014
Rated 27 Jun 2014
65
55th
Everyone you expect to die dies, and boy is it dramatic.
Rated 27 Jun 2014
Rated 30 Aug 2013
35
10th
The best part of this movie is the way Rex Linn says "God Damn!"
Rated 30 Aug 2013
Rated 18 Nov 2012
72
51st
Not so hot, but i have seen worse and this one is enjoyable.
Rated 18 Nov 2012
Rated 08 Aug 2012
85
75th
Çocukluğumuzun efsanesi. Ne izlerdik Cine5'de be. :)
Rated 08 Aug 2012
Rated 30 Jul 2012
3
73rd
Loved Lithgow's baddie and the beautiful scenery he chews on. Caught between eighties action and The Rock/Con-Air fun but falls short of both.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
Rated 25 Jun 2012
68
46th
I was pretty much expecting shit going into this, since this movie pretty much fell under the radar. It might be your typical cheesy 90s action movie, but if that's what you're looking for, it won't disappoint. You'll get lots of people falling off cliffs (some people doing so multiple times), explosions, an avalanche or two, impalement on rocks... Generally every kind of death you'd expect in a cliff-themed action movie. John Lithgow and Rex Linn are especially enjoyable villains.
Rated 25 Jun 2012
Rated 09 Apr 2012
46
11th
I only saw this to fully appreciate the parody scene in Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls.
Rated 09 Apr 2012
Rated 09 Jan 2012
62
38th
Comically preposterous!
Rated 09 Jan 2012
Rated 27 Mar 2011
57
19th
It's suppose to be an action picture, and it does deliver on that promise. But it's also a comedy of errors, with John Lithgow's Snidely Whiplash imitation leading the comedic charge. Add the ridiculously physics defying stunts and you have a somewhat campy, but shallowly entertaining film. If I could say one word to Renny Harlin before he made this film it would be this...HYPOTHERMIA!!! They're above the snowline and Stallone wears nothing but a T-shirt for most of the film.
Rated 27 Mar 2011
Rated 25 Oct 2010
50
23rd
A rather common movie salvaged by some breathtaking mountain action.
Rated 25 Oct 2010
Rated 01 Oct 2010
5
42nd
So hilariously amazing at times. Its dreadful stuff but had me laughing.
Rated 01 Oct 2010
Rated 02 Sep 2010
46
60th
#90s(l)#, popcorn, liked, rewatch(2) }*{ #90s(e)#, popcorn, story, S Stallone.
Rated 02 Sep 2010
Rated 27 Aug 2010
39
15th
Standard action fare from Stallone. Good for those who like seeing Stallone take down a bunch of archetypal goons, this is decent enough. For the rest of us, it's a way to blow a Sunday afternoon.
Rated 27 Aug 2010
Rated 24 Jul 2010
65
17th
I suppose it's ok. This kind of over the top action isn't my thing, but I'll admit this one's reasonably well paced and exciting if you like that sort of thing.
Rated 24 Jul 2010
Rated 21 Feb 2010
60
31st
Haha, I used to LOVE this movie as a kid. You have to be young to be a perfect film critic, because you are impressionable, and so you see the film through the directors eyes. Now though, I'm jaded by years of good films, and simply refuse to acknowledge that I ever used to tell my friends that 'gravity's a bitch, ain't it?' after I pushed them off the swings in the playground. Happy times.
Rated 21 Feb 2010
Rated 17 Feb 2010
40
22nd
Third Rock from the Sun series finale takes weird dark turn.
Rated 17 Feb 2010
Rated 27 Jan 2010
46
15th
Every time this comes on I think it must be a made for TV movie, then every time I realize it wasn't I have a little chuckle.
Rated 27 Jan 2010
Rated 26 Dec 2009
80
96th
Only watching this again recently did I appreciate how much I truly enjoy it. As an action film it's got everything: ludicrous but exciting plot, great backdrop and effective direction, larger-than-life characters and ridiculous dialogue, that "soccer" scene... In fact only the last bit with the helicopter does it go a little too far and start trying your patience. Stupid but brilliant: the type of film that gives you a smile plastered across your face throughout. I may still be underrating it.
Rated 26 Dec 2009
Rated 16 Nov 2009
75
56th
One of the best opening sequences in movie history. I almost left the theater with a panic attack it was so scary. Great action flick.
Rated 16 Nov 2009
Rated 01 Sep 2009
81
94th
Still a superior (and gorgeously shot) action movie up there with 'Die Hard' and Lethal Weapon 1 & 2.
Rated 01 Sep 2009
Rated 23 Aug 2009
75
65th
The movie itself is forgettable, but it has John Lithgow in it.
Rated 23 Aug 2009
Rated 07 Aug 2009
35
14th
CORNY AS HELL
Rated 07 Aug 2009
Rated 04 Jul 2009
61
27th
Exciting but ridiculous Stallone fare that passes the time effectively.
Rated 04 Jul 2009
Rated 10 Jun 2009
65
41st
Quite bold to take that name if you don't produce a "cliffhanger", but it does to some extent, luckily enough for them.
Rated 10 Jun 2009
Rated 23 May 2009
30
19th
Just... It is not the kind of movie that I have interest.
Rated 23 May 2009
Rated 11 May 2009
80
84th
looking at fellow critckerers ratings of this I'm baffled, just rewatched and I even considered upping the score - this is a very good action film.
Rated 11 May 2009
Rated 06 Apr 2009
44
14th
Ridiculous action movie, although it's pretty entertaining to watch Stallone's acting, and Lithgow is hilarious.
Rated 06 Apr 2009
Rated 27 Mar 2009
31
18th
Oh my this is certainly a hilariously guilty treat. John Lithgow plays probably one of the worst "master of everything" villain, probably because all of his crew just do pretty much whatever they want. Stallone plays a terrible hero who's more like a tag-a-long than anything else. Granted there are some impressive shots but they're counted by some not-so-impressive blue screen in areas. What can I say besides the movie is a good laugh.
Rated 27 Mar 2009
Rated 03 Mar 2009
68
35th
not to crazy about sylvester in anything ese but rambo and rocky
Rated 03 Mar 2009
Rated 01 Feb 2009
50
17th
Ham Alert!
Rated 01 Feb 2009
Rated 17 Jan 2009
68
30th
A-typical Stallone action flick.
Rated 17 Jan 2009
Rated 04 Jan 2009
70
18th
Good ol' 90s action
Rated 04 Jan 2009
Rated 15 Dec 2008
55
24th
Knock knock? Who's there? Cliffhanger? Cliffhanger who?
Rated 15 Dec 2008
Rated 07 Dec 2008
40
16th
Not the worst movie ever, but it really doesn't have much of a reason for existing either.
Rated 07 Dec 2008
Rated 09 Nov 2008
72
45th
If you can overlook stallone, and the cheese which I like its not bad.
Rated 09 Nov 2008
Rated 25 Sep 2008
70
61st
John Lithgow rules this flick, though apparently stallone has a fear of heights. God on him for taking this on
Rated 25 Sep 2008
Rated 17 Sep 2008
20
15th
Total latterlig og dårlig lavet film. Mange løse ender og sjusket instruktørarbejde, mikset med dårligt skuespil... Den er så dårlig at et retro-kult-gensyn ikke engang har værdi.
Rated 17 Sep 2008
Rated 30 Mar 2008
76
36th
Sucker for Stallone movies. Even bad ones.
Rated 30 Mar 2008
Rated 11 Feb 2008
40
23rd
Between Sylvester's acting and the riveting script, it's a wonder that this film didn't win the academy award.
Rated 11 Feb 2008
Rated 10 Feb 2008
85
79th
DO you know what real love is Crystal? SACRIFIICCCCCCE
Rated 10 Feb 2008
Rated 06 Jan 2008
60
23rd
John Lithgow ought to be embarrassed for his role in this film. He's obnoxious. Aside from his especially pathetic work in the film, Cliffhanger is a generic 90's Stallone flick that lacks the sci-fi aspects of his more memorable trash. Ugh!
Rated 06 Jan 2008
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