Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Cop Land’ Thrives on Paramount+ Streaming

NEW YORK, NY — Sylvester Stallone‘s film “Cop Land” is experiencing a resurgence on Paramount+, following its release on April 1, 2025. The crime drama, directed by James Mangold, stars Stallone as Freddy Heflin, a sheriff in a small New Jersey town. The film explores themes of corruption as Heflin uncovers a conspiracy involving corrupt NYPD officers.

Despite being released in 1997 and receiving mixed reviews, “Cop Land” has found new life in the streaming era. Currently, the film is the fourth most-watched movie on Paramount+ globally, according to FlixPatrol. While it hasn’t broken into the top charts in the U.S., it is performing well in 18 international markets.

Stallone’s performance has been widely discussed, with critics noting both his likability and the film’s simplistic take on good and evil. David Edelstein of Slate observed that the film echoes Stallone’s own slow-wittedness. Meanwhile, Roger Ebert criticized it as poorly executed, despite the promising concept.

In 2024, Mangold also directed the Oscar-nominated Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” and is set to take on a new Star Wars project, “Dawn of the Jedi.” As “Cop Land” climbs the streaming charts, there is speculation that viewers may be drawn to it due to Stallone’s current popularity with the series “Tulsa King,” where he plays disgraced mobster Dwight Manfredi.

Now resonating with both new and existing fans, “Cop Land” is being rediscovered by a new audience, showing that even older films can find a renewed appreciation in today’s streaming landscape.