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Rocky II

Play trailer Poster for Rocky II PG Released Jun 15, 1979 1h 59m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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70% Tomatometer 33 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 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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Rocky II

Rocky II

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review Stephen H ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/15/24 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Laze T I think this is better then the first one they are both 5 stars but I love this one Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/30/24 Full Review Audience Member Rocky 2 es una gran pelicula y es mas completa que la primera. Aunque en algunas cosas puede ser repetitiva su historia es genial, la ecena de el entrenamiento es genial al igual que la pelea, y su banda sonora es muy buena. La historia amorosa me encanta y como su esposa lo motiva a entrenar. Una muy buena pelicula. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/24/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Rocky II

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Rocky II

Rocky II: Official Clip - Beast Aftershave Rocky II: Official Clip - Beast Aftershave 1:56 Rocky II: Official Clip - Rocky Proposes to Adrian Rocky II: Official Clip - Rocky Proposes to Adrian 1:48 Rocky II: Official Clip - Heated Press Conference Rocky II: Official Clip - Heated Press Conference 2:11 Rocky II: Official Clip - You Got the Heart, But You Ain't Got the Tools Rocky II: Official Clip - You Got the Heart, But You Ain't Got the Tools 2:29 Rocky II: Official Clip - Kentucky Fried Idiot Rocky II: Official Clip - Kentucky Fried Idiot 2:16 Rocky II: Official Clip - Rocky's Run Rocky II: Official Clip - Rocky's Run 2:35 Rocky II: Official Clip - Adrian Comes Back Rocky II: Official Clip - Adrian Comes Back 2:12 Rocky II: Official Clip - Yo Adrian, I Did It! Rocky II: Official Clip - Yo Adrian, I Did It! 1:01 Rocky II: Official Clip - I Won, But I Didn't Beat Him Rocky II: Official Clip - I Won, But I Didn't Beat Him 2:04 Rocky II: Official Clip - 200 Pound Italian Tank Rocky II: Official Clip - 200 Pound Italian Tank 2:45 View more videos
Rocky 93% 69% Rocky Watchlist TRAILER for Rocky Rocky III 65% 74% Rocky III Watchlist The Champ 40% 81% The Champ Watchlist The Great Santini 95% 75% The Great Santini Watchlist Staying Alive 0% 40% Staying Alive Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

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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