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Rocky

Play trailer 1:39 Poster for Rocky PG Released Dec 1, 1976 1h 59m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review Jason R The single greatest movie in the history of movies. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/20/22 Full Review Stelio K What elevates Rocky beyond a simple sports drama is its profound focus on heart. This isn't just about winning a belt; it's about Rocky finding his self-worth, earning respect, and fighting for something beyond himself – for Adrian, for his dignity, and for every person who's ever felt overlooked. The movie understands that "heart" in boxing isn't just courage; it's the ability to absorb blow after blow and still keep moving forward, to dig deep when everything hurts, and to stand tall even when victory seems impossible. Rocky embodies this, showing that true greatness isn't always measured by a score or a title, but by the will to endure and fight with everything you have. The film's enduring appeal lies in its celebration of the underdog. Rocky's journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the biggest victories aren't about defeating an opponent, but about conquering your own doubts and fears. It champions the idea that everyone, no matter how humble their beginnings, possesses the potential for extraordinary grit. Rocky is a timeless narrative about finding your fight, embracing your imperfections, and proving that with enough heart and determination, even the longest of odds can be faced head-on. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/24/25 Full Review Mike W. Apollo may have won the fight but Rocky won the night! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/17/25 Full Review Jace E 59th movie watched in the IMDb Top 250 I love the city of Philadelphia. There is a lot of heart in the city of brotherly love and that is captured here in "Rocky". I think that the underdog story is beautiful, the finale is strong and the character of Rocky and his endless rambling is interesting. I would have liked more boxing (there is really only the scene at the beginning and the end), more Apollo Creed and more depth to the side characters. This film is a classic for a reason. The music is phenomenal and it opened the gate for many more sports dramas to come. Best Character: Rocky Best Quote: "I was nobody. But that don't matter either, you know? 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight. It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either. 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood." - Rocky Best Scene: Running the Stairs Best Piece of Score: "Going the Distance" Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/15/25 Full Review Tagen K Although people say it’s the best in the series, it’s really not. It’s quite boring, but nonetheless it’s a good watch but I think Rocky 3 and 4 are leagues better but still worth a watch. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/14/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Rocky

Rocky: Official Clip - Gonna Fly Now Rocky: Official Clip - Gonna Fly Now 2:44 Rocky: Official Clip - Breakfast of Champions Rocky: Official Clip - Breakfast of Champions 1:20 Rocky: Official Clip - Rocky's Wasted Talent Rocky: Official Clip - Rocky's Wasted Talent 1:05 Rocky: Official Clip - Date at the Ice Rink Rocky: Official Clip - Date at the Ice Rink 3:16 Rocky: Official Clip - Women Weaken Legs Rocky: Official Clip - Women Weaken Legs 1:25 Rocky: Official Clip - Pain and Experience Rocky: Official Clip - Pain and Experience 3:32 Rocky: Official Clip - The Meat Locker Rocky: Official Clip - The Meat Locker 2:02 Rocky: Official Clip - Paulie Breaks Down Rocky: Official Clip - Paulie Breaks Down 2:31 Rocky: Official Clip - Adrian! Rocky: Official Clip - Adrian! 2:26 Rocky: Official Clip - Creed Gets Knocked Down Rocky: Official Clip - Creed Gets Knocked Down 2:51 View more videos
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Movie Info

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
United Artists, CBS/Fox, 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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