Rocky II

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Rocky II

PG

Released Jun 15, 1979

1h 59m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

70%

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33 Reviews

82%

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250,000+ Ratings

Although working-class Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) lost his high-profile bout with the cocky world champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), his Cinderella story has caught the national sports media's attention, and he now has the opportunity to capitalize on his sudden fame. Meanwhile, Creed is still smarting from nearly losing to some palooka no one has ever heard of, and arrogantly prods his newfound nemesis into getting back into the ring.

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Critics Consensus

Rocky II is a movie that dares you to root again for the ultimate underdog -- and succeeds due to an infectiously powerful climax.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Rocky II contains the flaws of the original: simplistic characterizations, saccharine romance, a tendency to cuteness. But it also fills the heart and quickens the pulse.

Jul 17, 2019

Full Review

Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

By the punishing heft of the big fight, there is the clear hint that the series will soon plunge into an unpalatable patriotic fervour. For now, though, with its leathery texture of working class Philly-life it felt enough like reality.

Rated: 3/5

May 30, 2018

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Stallone and producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff know from experience audiences love to root for the underdog and have concocted an irresistible final 30 minutes.

Mar 26, 2009

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

It’s not the perfect sequel, in fact it’s a staggeringly uneven one, but it makes it across the line in the end and provides an immensely satisfying conclusion.

Rated: 7/10

Feb 6, 2024

Full Review

Jana Monji

Age of the Geek

This film is a predictable workhorse of a film with few surprises but an ending that will leave you satisfied.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 8, 2023

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Stallone captures much of the same look and feel of the original, and it works, even if it lacks the original's underdog appeal.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 28, 2022

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Shaun R

The moment Adrian tells Rocky “win”, the film goes from being very good to phenomenal. Greatest training sequence and fight scenes ever.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

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Fer S

I think the final fight is as intense or even more intense than the one in Rocky I! My hands were very tense. The first hour has a sadder tone, that is why some people might not like it that much. But I think it was absolutely necessary! Great sequel.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

Full Review

Jay W

"Rocky II" is the exception that gives me undue optimism for all sequels. There's the expression, "This film didn't NEED a sequel." And yes, "Rocky" didn't NEED a sequel. But if it didn't, we would have missed out on one of the most prevalent movie franchises of all time. I hold out hope whenever a "unnecessary" sequel comes out, maybe it will be as good as "Rocky II". "Rocky II" is every bit as good as the original Best Picture Winner. People look back on it now and think that is too similar to the first. I think part of that narrative comes from the fact that later Rocky sequels are so radically different in tone from the original. Rocky III and IV are action films, where the first two are both dramas. "Rocky" has one of the most emotionally satisfying endings in cinema history. "Rocky II" asks the question of, "What happens after this fairy tale ending?" Life and reality comes catching up with him. And what ensues is an emotionally gripping and deeply personal story. The training, the fighting, the dialogue, Rocky's financial trouble, the romance and even the ending are all-natural step ups from the first. This film gives more time for Apollo to shine as a character. It shows Rocky trying to shoulder the responsibilities of being a husband and soon to be father. Paulie has matured and is a more likable character but is still true to who he is. The way things are paid off, this feels like a sequel that was always planned. I absolutely LOVE this movie. I've seen it over a dozen times, and it still holds up to this day. Stop reading this review and just go and watch the film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/21/24

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Stephen H

ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/15/24

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Nick R

Piggybacking right off of the original, 'Rocky 2' soars with iconic moments and standout performances.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/04/24

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Korzer L

Much like the first, Rocky 2 delivers a fun time and a satisfying climax!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/18/24

Full Review

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Sylvester Stallone

Director

Sylvester Stallone

Rocky Balboa

Talia Shire

Adrian

Burgess Meredith

Mickey Goldmill

Burt Young

Paulie

Carl Weathers

Apollo Creed

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Rocky II: Official Clip - Beast Aftershave

1:56

Rocky II: Official Clip - Rocky Proposes to Adrian

1:48

Rocky II: Official Clip - Heated Press Conference

2:11

Rocky II: Official Clip - You Got the Heart, But You Ain't Got the Tools

2:29

Rocky II: Official Clip - Kentucky Fried Idiot

2:16

Rocky II: Official Clip - Rocky's Run

2:35

Rocky II: Official Clip - Adrian Comes Back

2:12

Rocky II: Official Clip - Yo Adrian, I Did It!

1:01

Rocky II: Official Clip - I Won, But I Didn't Beat Him

2:04

Rocky II: Official Clip - 200 Pound Italian Tank

2:45

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Synopsis

Although working-class Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) lost his high-profile bout with the cocky world champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), his Cinderella story has caught the national sports media's attention, and he now has the opportunity to capitalize on his sudden fame. Meanwhile, Creed is still smarting from nearly losing to some palooka no one has ever heard of, and arrogantly prods his newfound nemesis into getting back into the ring.

Director: Sylvester Stallone
Producer: Robert Chartoff, Irwin Winkler
Screenwriter: Sylvester Stallone
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: Chartoff-Winkler Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 15, 1979, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 31, 2015
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Surround

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