Production note The movie was cut from an initial rough cut reportedly over three hours down to 93 minutes.
Production note The original ending reportedly had Rambo killing himself in the script or in test versions.
Production note Stallone says the film’s success turned him into a major action star and set up the franchise.
Production note Richard Crenna was cast very late, reportedly the day before filming his part began.
Production note Stallone broke a rib doing the cliff stunt himself.
Production note A stuntman reportedly broke his back in the motorcycle jump sequence.
Disputed in the episode Brian Dennehy was later criticized for implying he had served in Vietnam.
Production note A deleted flashback scene allegedly featured a nude Vietnamese prostitute played by Susie Pie.
48 Hours Used as a marker of the early-1980s action-movie turn alongside First Blood.
Dirty Harry Referenced as part of the 70s action lineage that First Blood evolves from.
Billy Jack Cited as a similar outsider-pushed-too-far premise.
The Deer Hunter Used as a contrasting Vietnam film that is longer, sadder, and less rewatchable.
Coming Home Mentioned as another serious Vietnam film that is not especially rewatchable.
Apocalypse Now Held up as the best Vietnam movie overall, with First Blood in the next tier.
Full Metal Jacket Cited for its first hour as one of the best Vietnam-film stretches.
Platoon Included in the group of major Hollywood Vietnam movies that followed First Blood.
Missing Used in the Best Actor comparison, and Bill strongly praises it.
North Dallas Forty Mentioned as another Ted Kotcheff film Brian likes.
Weekend at Bernie's Mentioned as another Ted Kotcheff-directed movie.
The Verdict Referenced in the 1982 Oscar discussion as a film Bill thinks may have deserved Best Actor for Paul Newman.
Rocky III Used to explain Stallone’s rise in 1982 and his box-office power.
Rocky IV Mentioned as part of Stallone’s mid-80s domination.
