Rocky

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1:39

Rocky

PG

Released Dec 1, 1976

1h 59m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

73 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer from working-class Philadelphia, is arbitrarily chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), when the undefeated fighter's scheduled opponent is injured. While training with feisty former bantamweight contender Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith), Rocky tentatively begins a relationship with Adrian (Talia Shire), the wallflower sister of his meat-packer pal Paulie (Burt Young).

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Critics Consensus

This story of a down-on-his-luck boxer is thoroughly predictable, but Sylvester Stallone's script and stunning performance in the title role brush aside complaints.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

Rocky is a threadbare patchwork of old-movie bits, yet it's engaging, and the naive elements are emotionally effective.

Jan 20, 2024

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John Pym

Sight & Sound

Rocky, Stallone's alter ego, is sufficiently engaging to make one forget, momentarily at least, the script's milk-fed lack of originality.

Feb 6, 2020

Full Review

Kathleen Carroll

New York Daily News

Like the movies of Frank Capra, Rocky is a glowing tribute to the human spirit - a chin-up reminder that the decent, little guys of the world often accomplish the impossible if only because they try so hard.

Feb 24, 2016

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

The story is simple, and it’s told in a very traditional Hollywood fashion, but it’s entirely about people in which the audience can believe and recognise.

Rated: 10/10

Feb 6, 2024

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Elisa Guimarães

Collider

John G. Avildsen’s movie packs more feelings than punches.

Feb 1, 2024

Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

The ultimate tale of the underdog. Rocky beautifully encapsulates the essence of the blue-collar worker, drawing a striking parallel to Sylvester Stallone’s own journey before this monumental breakthrough.

Jun 8, 2023

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Steven C

Such a classic. Was able to show this awesome movie to a younger generation and I'm sure they are fans now. Just wished Starlight was showing all of the Rocky movies in theaters.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/22

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Jason R

The single greatest movie in the history of movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/22

Full Review

Johnathan S.

Rocky is an instant classic

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

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Carson K

Any sport, from football to basketball to track to rowing can relate to this masterpiece. It inspired everyone in not just sports but life in general.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/18/25

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Stephen C

Rated PG for Language Throughout, and Some Boxing Action Violence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1 hour and 59 minutes of Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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Audience Member

best movie ever....this movie has inspired me to pursue my dreams

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

Full Review

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John G. Avildsen

Director

Sylvester Stallone

Rocky Balboa

Talia Shire

Adrian

Burgess Meredith

Mickey

Burt Young

Paulie

Carl Weathers

Apollo

Rocky: Official Clip - Gonna Fly Now

2:44

Rocky: Official Clip - Breakfast of Champions

1:20

Rocky: Official Clip - Rocky's Wasted Talent

1:05

Rocky: Official Clip - Date at the Ice Rink

3:16

Rocky: Official Clip - Women Weaken Legs

1:25

Rocky: Official Clip - Pain and Experience

3:32

Rocky: Official Clip - The Meat Locker

2:02

Rocky: Official Clip - Paulie Breaks Down

2:31

Rocky: Official Clip - Adrian!

2:26

Rocky: Official Clip - Creed Gets Knocked Down

2:51

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Synopsis

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer from working-class Philadelphia, is arbitrarily chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), when the undefeated fighter's scheduled opponent is injured. While training with feisty former bantamweight contender Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith), Rocky tentatively begins a relationship with Adrian (Talia Shire), the wallflower sister of his meat-packer pal Paulie (Burt Young).

Director: John G. Avildsen
Producer: Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff
Screenwriter: Sylvester Stallone
Distributor: CBS/Fox, United Artists, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: United Artists
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 1, 1976, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 31, 2015
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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