Rocky

PG

Now Playing

1 hr. 59 min.

Drama

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for Rocky: Trailer 1

List

92%

75 Reviews

Tomatometer

69%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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

Howard H

Classic film, loveable characters and emotionally gripping.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/23/24

Full Review

Jones J

Rocky is undoubtedly the ultimate underdog story. It's a cinematic triumph of the American spirit. It's a heart-aching portrait of any promising young man who is willing to go the distance. Sensitive direction, excellent visuals, and a great cast glue this film together. But what really is the true fabric of Rocky, and what stood out to me the most, is Sylvester Stallone's performance. Endearing, charming, moronic, determined, diffident, and bold…Stallone fully emulates the heart and mind of Balboa and rises to the top in a both wonderfully moving and iconic role. I think part of the reason that is though, is because Rocky IS Stallone…you know what I mean?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/07/24

Full Review

Angelo L

Great story! If you like sport movies you will love it. It is also a great drama.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/01/24

Full Review

Azizkhuja T

"Rocky" (1976), directed by John G. Avildsen and written by its star Sylvester Stallone, is an epitome of the American Dream woven into the cinematic fabric with such raw emotion and authenticity that it's impossible not to be moved. Stallone's portrayal of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, is nothing short of iconic. His journey from the streets of Philadelphia to the boxing ring is a masterclass in character development, filled with heart, determination, and the spirit of an underdog fighting against all odds. The film's gritty realism, combined with Bill Conti's uplifting score, including the now legendary "Gonna Fly Now," creates an atmosphere of inspiration that transcends the screen. The cinematography captures the essence of 1970s Philadelphia, creating a backdrop that's as compelling as the characters themselves. The supporting cast, including Talia Shire as Adrian, Burt Young as Paulie, and Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, deliver performances that are both authentic and deeply moving. "Rocky" isn't just a sports movie; it's a story about love, life, and the pursuit of greatness against insurmountable odds. It's a film that resonates with the fighter in all of us, reminding viewers that it's not about how hard you hit, but about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It is, therefore, quite surprising to see that the audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes do not reflect the monumental impact and universal acclaim that "Rocky" has garnered over the years. This discrepancy is puzzling, considering the film's significant cultural impact, its enduring legacy as a source of motivation, and its recognition by the Academy, where it won the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. Such ratings undervalue the deep emotional connection and the inspirational uplift that "Rocky" provides to its audience. In the annals of cinematic history, "Rocky" stands tall not just as a sports movie, but as a beacon of hope and perseverance, making the viewer ratings on Rotten Tomatoes a curious anomaly that does little to tarnish the film's illustrious reputation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/28/24

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John G. Avildsen

Director

Sylvester Stallone

Rocky Balboa

Talia Shire

Adrian

Burgess Meredith

Mickey

Burt Young

Paulie

Carl Weathers

Apollo

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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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Rocky: Trailer 1

1:39

Most Inspiring Movies

24:28

Sylvester Stallone vs. Arnold Schwarzenegger

7:42

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Pauline Kael

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

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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
Executive Producer: Gene Kirkwood
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
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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