Hulk Hogan's Best Movies: From Rocky III and Gremlins 2 to Mr. Nanny and More
Hulk Hogan's movie roles included pro wrestlers, an alien, a mercenary, and, of course, himself. And, yes, he was in a Shakespeare adaptation.
When Hulk Hogan died on July 24, the 71-year-old WWE Hall of Famer left behind a spectacular, shirt-ripping legacy in the ring.
But his WWE Superstar status was only part of the Hulkster’s complex story. Beyond Hulkamania, and multiple sports championships, and immortal lines like “Say your prayers and eat your vegetables,” he left a mark in Hollywood and on the big screen thanks to his megawatt charisma. Even his cameos turned heads.
Sit back and eat your popcorn. We’ve curated a Hulk Hogan film retrospective that recalls his roles as a pro wrestler (several of them), an alien, a mercenary, and, of course, himself. Hogan had a knack for turning a cameo into a star turn.
Rocky III
Hogan’s finest film moments have to start with this 1982 sequel that launched his film career with a bit of flash and showmanship. He played Thunderlips, a pro wrestler who spars with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in a bout for charity. The cameo set Hogan on his way onscreen.
No Holds Barred
In this 1989 action film, Hogan was in his comfort zone in his first lead role. He played Rip Thomas, a pro wrestler who battles a ruthless opponent named Zeus (Tom Lister Jr.). Turns out the match is part of a scheme to discredit Rip masterminded by a TV executive with a grudge. The Los Angeles Times cheered Hogan’s “appealing stage presence — like a gallant teddy bear who goes berserk every 10 minutes or so.”
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
In his much-talked-about cameo in this 1990 sequel, Hogan didn’t have to flex his acting muscles too hard. He played himself, after all. He stepped up to berate the famously badly-behaved title characters when their shenanigans disrupted the very movie screening the real-life audience was watching. Very meta. Very memorable. Very Hulkster.
Suburban Commando
This 1991 science fiction comedy adventure starred Hogan as Shep Ramsey, an extraterrestrial warrior who crash-lands on Earth after a mission goes kablooey. Then what? He has to deal with landlords! Between the fact that Hogan shedding his wrestler persona, the echoes of Resident Alien, and a young Elisabeth Moss in the cast, this one is must-watch.
Mr. Nanny
In 1993, Hogan revealed his softer side in this family-friendly flick about a former pro grappler-turned bodyguard who’s in charge of looking after unruly kids. Chaos and comedy ensue, along with Hogan in a pink tutu. Yes, really.
The Ultimate Weapon
Hogan put family fare in his rearview in this 1998 action flick. He starred as Ben “Hardball” Cutter, a mercenary contractor who crosses the IRA and ends up in the organization’s crosshairs.
Muppets from Space
In this 1999 science fiction comedy, Hogan pops up briefly as an agent at secret government agency pulled into a plot that revolves around the ever-eccentric Gozo and wisecracking Rizzo.
Gnomeo & Juliet
This 2011 animated film featuring James McAvoy and Emily Blunt in the title roles reimagined Shakespeare’s tragedy with garden gnomes. Hogan provided the voice of the announcer in a Terrafirminator lawnmower commercial. In a mixed review, NBC Los Angeles, noted that Hogan “brings the biggest laughs.”
