Overview

Cliffhanger is a high-altitude action thriller set in the icy Rocky Mountains, following veteran mountain rescuer Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone), who returns to the peaks after a traumatic incident. When a group of ruthless criminals led by Eric Qualen (John Lithgow) hijacks a U.S. Treasury plane and loses millions in the mountains, Gabe is forced into a deadly cat-and-mouse chase across unforgiving cliffs, frozen ravines, and deadly heights.

Highlights

Sylvester Stallone delivers a physical, emotionally driven performance — tough, guilt-ridden, and pushed to his limit by the brutal terrain and the villains chasing him.

John Lithgow is deliciously villainous, bringing razor-sharp menace and cold arrogance to Qualen, making him one of the more memorable ’90s action antagonists.

Michael Rooker adds depth and tension as Hal, Gabe’s former friend still haunted by their shared tragedy.

Spectacular set pieces:

The opening rescue sequence — one of the most intense and iconic cliff-edge scenes in action cinema.

The mid-air plane heist, executed with practical stunts that still hold up.

The snowy cliff battles, rope-bridge fight, and explosive helicopter finale.

The film thrives on themes of redemption, survival, courage, and human endurance, wrapped in harsh natural danger and practical stunt work.

Stunning real mountain cinematography gives the film a gritty, immersive feel — every ledge and fall looks painfully real.

Verdict

Cliffhanger remains a standout ’90s action classic — lean, thrilling, beautifully shot, and packed with practical stunts that modern CGI can’t replicate. With Stallone at his peak and intense mountaintop action, it’s a gripping ride from start to finish.

Rating: 7.4/10