Carl Weathers is a legendary actor known for his roles in Star Wars and other movies. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2024. Weathers made a lasting impact on pop culture, and his contributions as an actor and director are worth celebrating. He gained fame in college football, and after his NFL dreams did not work out, he turned to acting. His muscular build suited the role of Apollo Creed in the first Rocky movie and made him a pop culture icon. He also appeared in popular ’80s films like Predator.
Whether you’ve been a fan of Weathers for a while or are curious about why he was so popular in the ’70s and ’80s action films, we have listed his ten best Carl Weathers movies and shows that are a must-watch. If you want to explore Carl Weathers’ work beyond Rocky, Predator, and Star Wars, stay tuned for thrilling plots and trailers.
10 Best Carl Weathers Movies and TV Shows
The best Carl Weathers movies and TV shows are listed below.
1. Rocky I – IV — 1976 – 1985
| Genre | Action, comedy, sports |
| Director | Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler, Steven Caple Jr. |
| Cast | Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Thayer David |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1 |
Rocky is a small-time boxer in Philadelphia. He gets the chance of a lifetime to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers. Initially, Creed sees it as a publicity stunt, but Rocky’s determination impresses him. As they clash in the ring, it becomes more than just about; it is a symbol of resilience and the American dream. Weathers portrays Apollo Creed with great talent and build-up. He embodies the confident and skilled champion. Weathers’ dynamic performance made the film a cultural phenomenon and earned great acclaim.
2. Predator — (1987)
| Genre | Action, Sci-fi |
| Director | John McTiernan |
| Cast | Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Elpidia Carrillo, Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura, Sonny Landham, Richard Chaves |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8 |
In the 1987 film Predator, Carl Weathers plays Dillon, who is a CIA operative. He joins a team of elite soldiers led by the Dutch on a rescue mission in a Central American jungle. They encounter a mysterious alien creature called the Predator while facing guerrilla forces that hunt them individually. Dillon’s tough and authoritative demeanor adds tension to the group dynamics. Weathers’ portrayal adds depth to the character and highlights the complexities of alliances in the face of a formidable foreign enemy. Predator is a gripping sci-fi action that blends suspense, camaraderie, and Weathers’ compelling performance to create a timeless classic.
3. Arrested Development — (2003-2019)
| Genre | Sitcom |
| Director | Mitchell Hurwitz |
| Cast | Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7 |
Arrested Development follows the dysfunctional Bluth family after their patriarch’s arrest. Carl Weathers plays a humorous version of himself hired by Michael Bluth as an acting coach. Despite dubious acting skills, Weathers becomes an integral part of the family and participates in absurd scenarios. His comical role adds to the show’s humorous tone. The show is known for its unmatched writing, characters, and enjoyable humor. It showcases Weathers’ comedic talent and contributes to the show’s critical acclaim and cult following.
4. The Mandalorian — (2019) – Present
| Genre | Action |
| Director | Jon Favreau, Deborah Chow, Taika Waititi, Rick Famuyiwa, Bryce Dallas Howard |
| Cast | Pedro Pascal, Chris Bartlett, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Emily Swallow, Brendan Wayne |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7 |
The Mandalorian is set in the Star Wars universe, where Carl Weathers portrays Greef Karga. Karga is a famous magistrate on the desert planet Navarro. He initially hires the titular Mandalorian, Din Djarin, for bounty missions. As the series progresses, Karga evolves from a self-centered character to an ally of Djarin. Weathers brings a sense of authority to the role and makes Karga a memorable part of the Mandalorian’s journey. The show is known for its great storytelling and visually stunning cinematography. It has greatly benefited from Weather’s performance.
5. Toy Story of Terror (2013)
| Genre | Horror, Adventure |
| Director | Angus MacLane |
| Cast | Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Carl Weathers, Stephen Tobolowsky, Timothy Dalton |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 |
Toy Story of Terror is a Halloween-themed TV special where Woody, Buzz, and friends find themselves in a mysterious roadside motel. Fear sets in when toys start disappearing. This leads them to a suspenseful adventure. Carl Weathers lends his voice to Combat Carl, a toy who becomes part of this eerie tale. Combat Carl adds humor to the story. Weathers’ charismatic voice work contributes to the special’s success. It was a unique and unforgettable project that mixed the beloved Toy Story characters with a spooky atmosphere.
6. Star vs. The Forces of Evil (2015 – 2019)
| Genre | Adventure |
| Director | Dominic Bisignano |
| Cast | Eden Sher, Adam McArthur, Grey Griffin, Daron Nefcy, Alan Tudyk, Mark Gagliardi, Fred Tatasciore, Dominic Bisignano |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9 |
It follows Star Butterfly, who is a magical princess from another dimension, and her Earth friend Marco Diaz. Together, they battle supernatural threats. Carl Weathers voices Omnitraxus Prime, the magical High Chancellor responsible for overseeing space-time continuums. Omnitraxus guides Star and her friends in their interdimensional adventures. The animated series is known for its humor and imaginative storytelling. Weathers makes Omnitraxus a memorable character in the fantasy world of Star vs. The Forces of Evil.
7. Action Jackson (1988)
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Director | Craig R. Baxley |
| Cast | Carl Weathers, Craig T. Nelson, Vanity, Sharon Stone, Tom Wilson, Bill Duke, Robert Davi, Jack Thibeau |
| IMDb Rating | 5.5 |
In the 1988 film Action Jackson, Carl Weathers stars as Jericho “Action” Jackson. He is a Detroit cop with a reputation for taking down criminals. When Jackson discovers a conspiracy involving a corrupt businessman and a drug cartel, he becomes the target of a deadly scheme. His relentless pursuit of justice leads to explosive confrontations, high-speed chases, and hand-to-hand combat. Weathers’ portrayal of the tough Action Jackson adds thrill to the action-packed storyline. The film is a fantastic ’80s action experience with thrilling stunts and Weathers’s remarkable performance.
8. Happy Gilmore (1996)
| Genre | Comedy, Sport |
| Director | Dennis Dugan |
| Cast | Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Carl Weathers, Allen Covert, Robert Smigel |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0 |
Happy Gilmore follows the titular character, played by Adam Sandler, who discovers an unusual talent for golf. He has a powerful swing but needs more finesse. To save his grandmother’s house, Happy joins the pro golf tour. Carl Weathers plays Chubbs Peterson, a former golf champion turned coach. He helps Happy refine his skills. Chubbs’ wisdom and humor guide Happy through the challenges of the golf world. Weathers’ portrayal adds a comedic and mentorship element to the coach’s character. The film is full of sports, humor, and heart, making it a comedy genre favorite.
9. Psych 2006 – (2014)
| Genre | Drama |
| Director | Steve Franks |
| Cast | James Roday Rodriguez, Dulé Hill, Timothy Omundson, Corbin Bernsen, Maggie Lawson |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4 |
It centers on Shawn Spencer, who uses his observational skills to pose as a psychic detective working with his best friend, Gus. Carl Weathers appears in multiple episodes as Gus’s boss, Guster’s former supervisor at the pharmaceutical company. Despite his stern exterior, Weathers’s character showcases a humorous side as he interacts with Shawn and Gus. His appearances add comedy to the detective series. Weathers’ role becomes a memorable and entertaining aspect of Psych.
10. Force 10 from Navarone (1978)
| Genre | War, Action |
| Director | Guy Hamilton |
| Cast | Robert Shaw, Harrison Ford, Barbara Bach, Edward Fox, Franco Nero, Carl Weathers, Richard Kiel, Alan Badel |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4 |
Force 10 from Navarone is a World War II adventure film where a team, including Carl Weathers as Sergeant Weaver, sets on a mission to sabotage a bridge in Yugoslavia. Major Mallory and Colonel Barnsby lead the team. Weathers’s character contributes to the action-packed journey with his military expertise. Force 10 from Navarone mixes suspense and camaraderie as the team faces dangerous situations.
Bottom Line
Carl Weathers demonstrated his ability to shine in both supporting and leading roles. Whenever he’s on the screen, he gives his best performance. Carl Weathers had a remarkable career, as evidenced by notable acting, sports, and directing achievements. His iconic role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise showcased his unmatched talent. Weathers continued to captivate audiences with memorable performances in diverse genres, including action films like Predator and comedies like Happy Gilmore. We hope you liked our list of best Carl Weathers movies and shows.