Sylvester Stallone calls 'Rhinestone' his favourite film after 'Rocky'
Synopsis
Stallone's Instagram tribute to 'Rhinestone' is more than nostalgia — it's a public campaign to restore a film the world largely forgot, timed to Dolly Parton Day and weeks after Parton's death at 80. The actor who gave the world Rocky is quietly making the case that his most personal film may be one nobody ever got the chance to love.
Key Takeaways
Sylvester Stallone posted on Instagram on 25 September 2026 calling 'Rhinestone' (1984) his favourite film after 'Rocky'.
He urged streaming platforms to make the film available, noting it cannot currently be found online.
The post was timed to Dolly Parton Day and served as a tribute to Parton, who died on 25 August 2026 at age 80 .
Despite being a critical and box-office failure, 'Rhinestone' produced two top-10 country hits for Parton on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
The film is based on the 1975 song 'Rhinestone Cowboy' by Larry Weiss and also stars Richard Farnsworth and Ron Leibman .
Sylvester Stallone has declared the 1984 musical comedy 'Rhinestone' his favourite film after 'Rocky', paying tribute to the late Dolly Parton and calling on streaming platforms to make the long-unavailable movie accessible again. The Hollywood actor shared the heartfelt message on Instagram on 25 September 2026, posting a string of clips and photographs from the cult classic.
Stallone's Own Words
In the caption accompanying his Instagram post, Stallone wrote: 'Believe it or not, Rhinestone is my favorite film I've ever done - besides Rocky, of course! Because it's the one where Dolly and I just had a ball. And now I can't find it streaming anywhere.' He followed up with a direct appeal: 'This special movie needs to see the light of day! In honor of Dolly Parton Day, let's get this on streaming. Swipe through to see some of my favorite scenes.'
About the Film
'Rhinestone' is based on the 1975 hit song 'Rhinestone Cowboy', written by Larry Weiss. The film follows country singer Jake Farris, who bets she can transform any stranger into a Nashville-style crooner — only to land on a tone-deaf New York City cabbie named Nick. The story unfolds in her tiny Tennessee hometown, where she attempts the impossible task while an ex-boyfriend complicates matters. The cast also includes Richard Farnsworth and Ron Leibman.
Despite being a critical and commercial disappointment on release, the film notably spawned two top-10 country hits for Parton on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, cementing its place in country music history even as it faltered at the box office.
Tribute to Dolly Parton
Stallone's Instagram post doubled as a tribute to Dolly Parton, who passed away on 25 August 2026 at the age of 80. Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, broke the news in a video posted to her official Instagram page. Stallone described Parton as 'the greatest' and 'one of a kind' in a separate heartfelt tribute on 25 September, underscoring how deeply the collaboration had meant to him.
The Streaming Gap
Notably, 'Rhinestone' currently appears unavailable on major streaming platforms — a gap Stallone is now publicly pushing to close. His appeal arrives on Dolly Parton Day, adding cultural weight to what might otherwise be a routine licensing request. With Parton's passing still recent and global tributes ongoing, the call to revive the film is likely to attract renewed audience interest and potential platform attention.
Point of View
Yet Stallone's candid affection for it may now be the most authentic piece of celebrity film advocacy in recent memory. Whether streaming services respond will say something about how cultural legacy gets curated in the age of algorithm-driven catalogues, where a personally meaningful flop can disappear entirely while franchise sequels multiply endlessly.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sylvester Stallone talking about 'Rhinestone' now?
Stallone revived interest in 'Rhinestone' on 25 September 2026, on Dolly Parton Day, as a tribute to his late co-star Dolly Parton, who passed away on 25 August 2026 at age 80. He posted clips and photos from the film on Instagram, calling it his favourite project after 'Rocky' and urging streaming platforms to make it available again.
What is the film 'Rhinestone' about?
'Rhinestone' (1984) is a musical comedy in which country singer Jake Farris bets she can turn any stranger into a Nashville-style singer, only to pick a tone-deaf New York City cabbie named Nick. The film is based on the 1975 song 'Rhinestone Cowboy' by Larry Weiss and also stars Richard Farnsworth and Ron Leibman.
Was 'Rhinestone' a successful film?
'Rhinestone' was a critical and commercial failure upon its 1984 release. However, it produced two top-10 country hits for Dolly Parton on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, giving it an enduring legacy in country music despite its box-office disappointment.
When did Dolly Parton die?
Dolly Parton passed away on 25 August 2026 at the age of 80. The news was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, in a video posted to her official Instagram page.
Is 'Rhinestone' available on streaming platforms?
According to Stallone's Instagram post, 'Rhinestone' is currently unavailable on major streaming platforms. He has publicly appealed to streaming services to restore the film, describing it as a 'special movie' that 'needs to see the light of day.'
