Over the Top

  • 1987
  • PG
  • 94m
movieMx RATING
6.4/10$1.8K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Over the Top Review

Last updated: January 23, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 23, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Over the Top (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Over the Top features a noteworthy lineup led by Sylvester Stallone . Supported by the likes of Robert Loggia and Susan Blakely , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Over the Top (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: Over the Top

Quick Plot Summary: Over the Top is a Action, Drama film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. Lincoln Hawk a hard-luck big-rig trucker takes us under the glaring Las Vegas lights for all the boisterous action of the World Armwrestling Championship. Relying on wits and willpower, Hawk tries to rebuild his life by capturing the first-place prize money, and the love of the son he abandoned years earlier into the keeping of his rich, ruthless father-in-law. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Ending Explained: Over the Top

Ending Breakdown: Over the Top concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Over the Top reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Over the Top?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Over the Top

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $25.0M
Worldwide Gross $16.1M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Over the Top Budget

The estimated production budget for Over the Top is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Over the Top

All Cast & Crew →
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester StalloneLincoln Hawk
Robert Loggia
Robert LoggiaJason Cutler
Susan Blakely
Susan BlakelyChristina Hawk
Rick Zumwalt
Rick ZumwaltBob "Bull" Hurley
David Mendenhall
David MendenhallMichael Cutler/Michael Hawk
Chris McCarty
Chris McCartyTim Salanger
Bob Beattie
Bob BeattieAnnouncer
Allan Graf
Allan GrafCollins
Bruce Way
Bruce WayJohn Grizzly
Jimmy Keegan
Jimmy KeeganBig Boy (Richie)
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Where to Watch Over the Top Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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Over the Top Parents Guide & Age Rating

1987 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Over the Top age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Over the Top is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Over the Top is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Over the Top stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Over the Top worth watching?

Over the Top is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Over the Top parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Over the Top identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Over the Top?

The total duration of Over the Top is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.

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Critic Reviews for Over the Top

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.4
Over the Top
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/over-the-top-1825" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.4</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Over the Top</div></div></a>

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