Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated 1990s action adventure has violence, language, peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cliffhanger
What's the Story?
In CLIFFHANGER, when a plane crashes into the Rocky Mountains, ranger Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone) goes to the survivors' aid. What Walker doesn't know is that they're in fact a group of criminals—led by Eric Qualen (John Lithgow)—who try to use Walker to locate stolen money lost during the crash. With the loot scattered and time running out, will Walker find a way to save himself from the greedy gang?
Is It Any Good?
A commercial smash upon its release in 1993, this thrilling action adventure was nominated for three Oscars for its sound and special effects. As might be expected, the latter have aged as the years have gone by, but the main thing that lets Cliffhanger down is a plot as thin as the high-altitude air that surrounds it. Stallone fully commits to the role of Walker, a talented but troubled ranger. But not even Sly flinging himself into the movie's set pieces or the long fight scenes can save this blockbuster. Likewise, Lithgow has little use for his talents, cast as the predictably British leader of a stranded gang of thieves who needs better one-liners. Not to mention the film's outdated views on women in the workplace and on people of color.
Finally, while it's unfair to judge '90s special effects by today's standards, the liberal use of green screens dates the movie at points where it should be at its most dramatic. Instead, it's the mountainous setting, a nerve-wracking opening scene, and a midair heist between aircraft that are the main attractions of this throwback action movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Cliffhanger. Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Was it shocking or thrilling? Why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Talk about Walker and Tucker's friendship. How was it tested during the film and how did their relationship change? Did it remind you of difficult times you've had with your own friends? How did you overcome your differences?
Walker struggles to come to terms with a tragic event. How do certain characters try to help him? How does the movie's portrayal of mental health compare to how mental health is talked about today? Why is it important to discuss mental health?
How do the CGI and special effects in the movie compare to today's moviemaking techniques? Do you prefer one over the other?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 28, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : June 13, 2000
- Cast : Sylvester Stallone , Michael Rooker , John Lithgow
- Director : Renny Harlin
- Studio : TriStar Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Award : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
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