Over the Top
Performance & Direction: Over the Top Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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 / Region | Collection (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.
Top Cast: Over the Top
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Where to Watch Over the Top Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoOver the Top Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Over the Top age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ 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
I guess someone at Canon sat down and said "You know what, there are not enough movies about arm wrestling out there, we can pin the market on it." And they kind of did, I have never seen a movie about arm wrestling since... or before. In fact, this is the only one. But, it also as a decent soundtrack in an 80s action flick kind of way. And, it tells a good story about a kid trying to re-connect with his father, who is a truck driver... and an arm wrestler. And it manages to do it all in a very entertaining way, given the fact that it's about what a sport that you would think could only be boring, but the film manages to make look exciting... and I still have no idea how they did it using really nothing but a montague, and a typical 8os montage at that. But, hey, it actually works, so take that where you will... and watch it, because it's really a lot better than anyone would think.
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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