by While Harrison Ford and Sylvester Stallone starred together in the 1988 film Over the Top, there does not appear to be any evidence that Ford ever stated it was his “best time” working with Stallone. However, based on interviews and accounts from the set, it seems the two actors did enjoy a positive working relationship.
In the world of action movies, Ford and Stallone represent two of the biggest names of their era. Ford achieved global fame through Star Wars and the Indiana Jones films, bringing his trademark mix of humor and intensity to larger-than-life blockbuster roles. Stallone skyrocketed to stardom in 1976 with Rocky, creating an underdog icon in the boxing ring. With Over the Top, the two actors collaborated for the first and only time in their careers.
Over the Top follows Lincoln Hawk, a truck driver played by Stallone aiming to win back his estranged son and take first prize in a major arm wrestling tournament. Ford steps into the role of Hawk’s rival, a wealthy and arrogant arm wrestling champion. Though on the surface they are adversaries, accounts suggest Ford and Stallone got along well during filming.
In press interviews around the time of release, neither actor went so far as to declare it his “best time” working together. However, Ford described enjoying the change of pace of doing an action-drama outside his usual wheelhouse. “It was fun to do something I’ve never done before,” Ford told interviewers. For his part, Stallone commended Ford’s acting talents and work ethic.
Behind the scenes footage shows the actors smiling and laughing in between takes. Photos capture them socializing amiably off-set. All signs point to two professionals who respected one another and worked well together, though perhaps not to the hyperbolic degree of it being Ford’s proclaimed “best time” with a co-star.
Over 30 years later, Over the Top remains an iconic film spotlighting the singular talents of both Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford. Their positive working rapport seems to have contributed to the film’s lasting legacy for fans. While Ford may not have singled out the experience as a career highlight, he appeared to value the opportunity to collaborate with Stallone on this memorable story of determination, family bonds, and triumph over adversity. Their joint performance embodied an epic clash between titans that still thrills audiences today.
