Hulk Hogan, one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable figures, died of cardiac arrest today, at the age of 71, according to TMZ. While his name became synonymous with the golden age of WWF and the rise of WCW, Hogan also chased stardom beyond the ring, starring in a string of wild, over-the-top movies throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
These films weren’t exactly critical darlings, but they captured the era’s love for musclebound heroes, absurd plots, and feel-good chaos. Here are ten roles that turned Hulkamania into full-blown movie madness.
Rocky III (1982)
Source: IMDb
Before launching his own starring career, Hogan made a memorable splash as Thunderlips, a cartoonishly arrogant wrestler who faces off against Rocky Balboa in a charity match gone off the rails. It’s a brief but unforgettable cameo — part parody, part prophecy — and a perfect intro to Hogan’s brand of cinematic chaos.
No Holds Barred (1989)
Source: IMDb
Hogan’s first true leading role was tailor-made for him — literally. He plays Rip, a noble pro wrestler who battles a TV executive and his monstrous enforcer, Zeus. The film blurred the line between wrestling and storytelling in the most gloriously unhinged way possible. It bombed critically but became a cult classic of sports-entertainment absurdity.
Suburban Commando (1991)
Source: IMDb
As an alien warrior stranded on Earth, Hogan stomps through suburbia in full space armor, trying to blend in with a white-picket world. Featuring Christopher Lloyd, freeze-ray hijinks, and skateboarding mishaps, this one proudly leans into sci-fi camp — and it knows exactly what it is.
Mr. Nanny (1993)
Source: IMDb
This family comedy sees Hogan as a reluctant bodyguard-turned-babysitter protecting two rich brats from cartoonish villains. Cue the tutu scene, the bubble bath fiasco, and a dog on a motorcycle. It’s one of Hogan’s most infamous roles, and that’s saying something.
Santa with Muscles (1996)
Source: IMDb
In what may be the peak of Hogan’s holiday cheese, he plays a selfish millionaire who gets amnesia and believes he’s Santa Claus. From underground lairs to evil scientists, this one has everything but logic. It’s a baffling, unforgettable mess.
3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998)
Source: MUBI
By the time he joined this fourth “3 Ninjas” installment, Hogan was sporting a skullet and a black bandana. Playing a retired action star named Dave Dragon, he helps a group of kids stop terrorists at a theme park. It’s pure straight-to-video chaos.
Thunder in Paradise (1993)
Source: MUBI
Originally a made-for-TV movie that spawned a short-lived series, “Thunder in Paradise” stars Hogan as a former Navy SEAL who cruises around Florida in a high-tech speedboat, solving crimes and dodging explosions. It’s part “Knight Rider,” part “Baywatch,” and all neon-soaked nonsense.
The Ultimate Weapon (1998)
Source: IMDb
Trying his hand at gritty direct-to-video action, Hogan plays a retired mercenary pulled back into battle. It’s loaded with gunfights, gravelly one-liners, and a weirdly serious tone that clashes with his sunny persona.
