First Blood (1982)

Kernel Score: 83% · 6,774 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller, War

Released: 1982-10-22

Runtime: 93 minutes

Is First Blood worth watching?

Worth watching. The first Rambo film is a lean action thriller about a veteran pushed too far, and it's better than its sequels' reputation suggests. Sylvester Stallone plays him as a wounded man, not a one-liner machine.

Watch it if you

  • like straightforward 80s action
  • enjoy one-man-against-the-world stories
  • want a short, tense watch

Skip it if you

  • dislike violence
  • want the loud, cheesy sequels

Best for: Action night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch First Blood

  • Stream: YouTube TV
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free, Tubi
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

When former Green Beret John Rambo is harassed by local law enforcement and arrested for vagrancy, he is forced to flee into the mountains and wage an escalating one-man war against his pursuers.

First Blood parents' guide: ages 14+

Parents need to know that First Blood is an R-rated action-thriller about a traumatized Vietnam veteran who wages a one-man war against local police.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Intense action violence including firearms and explosions as Rambo battles police, rated R.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like First Blood

If you liked First Blood, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Predator (1987) — 85%: 80s action about a lone hunter in the wilderness.
  • Mad Max 2 (1981) — 84%: Lean, hard-edged action in a harsh world.
  • Platoon (1986) — 87%: Serious look at the Vietnam war and its soldiers.
  • Apocalypse Now (1979) — 91%: Dark, ambitious war epic about what the war does to men.
  • Escape from New York (1981) — 79%: Gritty 80s action with a hard loner.

Director

Ted Kotcheff

Cast

  • Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo
  • Richard Crenna as Col. Samuel Trautman
  • Brian Dennehy as Hope Sheriff Will Teasle
  • Bill McKinney as State Police Capt. Dave Kern
  • Jack Starrett as Deputy Sgt. Arthur Galt
  • Michael Talbott as Deputy Balford
  • Chris Mulkey as Deputy Ward
  • John McLiam as Orval the Dog Man
  • Alf Humphreys as Deputy Lester
  • David Caruso as Deputy Mitch

First Blood FAQ

Is First Blood worth watching?

Worth watching. The first Rambo film is a lean action thriller about a veteran pushed too far, and it's better than its sequels' reputation suggests. Sylvester Stallone plays him as a wounded man, not a one-liner machine.

Where can I watch First Blood?

In the US you can stream First Blood on YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is First Blood OK for kids?

First Blood is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that First Blood is an R-rated action-thriller about a traumatized Vietnam veteran who wages a one-man war against local police.

What movies are like First Blood?

If you liked First Blood, try Predator, Mad Max 2, Platoon and Apocalypse Now.