Cobra (1986)


Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, Reni Santoni, Brian Thompson
Genre: Action / Crime / Thriller
Runtime: 87 minutes
Cobra follows Lt. Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, a hard-edged LAPD officer who specializes in handling the city’s most violent criminals. When a brutal cult known as the “Night Slasher” begins terrorizing Los Angeles, Cobra is assigned to protect Ingrid, the sole eyewitness who can identify the killers. The film embraces 80s action grit—sleek cars, moody neon visuals, and a no-nonsense hero taking justice into his own hands.
Sylvester Stallone delivers an iconic tough-guy performance—minimal words, maximum intimidation.
Brian Thompson’s Night Slasher is a chilling, memorable villain with a menacing physical presence.
Classic 80s action style: practical stunts, heavy gunfights, and gritty street violence.
Strong atmospheric aesthetic—neon lights, synth-heavy soundtrack, and dark urban environments.
Brigitte Nielsen adds star power and chemistry, giving the story a human anchor.
The supermarket intro and the final rural showdown remain standout sequences in Stallone’s action legacy.
Cobra is pure 80s action excess—stylish, aggressive, and unapologetically over-the-top. While the story is straightforward, the film thrives on attitude, visual flair, and Stallone’s iconic presence. A must-watch for fans of classic tough-guy cinema and adrenaline-packed retro thrillers.