Rocky
A small-time Philadelphia boxer finds dignity, love, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance when he is invited to fight the heavyweight champion.
Overview
An underdog boxer gets his shot at glory in the ring, proving that determination can defy the odds.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- sincere
- gritty
- wistful
- inspirational movie night
- sports movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a classic and an emotionally effective underdog drama, praising its sincerity and Stallone's performance despite its predictable, sentimental script.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Rocky moves from poverty-level boxing and debt collection toward a world heavyweight title opportunity.
Rocky's rigorous training regimen becomes the central physical and emotional preparation for the Apollo Creed fight.
Rocky's relationship with Adrian develops alongside his boxing ambitions and gives the story its intimate emotional center.
The film pairs a modest Philadelphia setting and rough-edged characters with an openly sentimental, audience-facing dramatic style.
Films like Rocky, and why
The Fighter
shared underdog sports drama, working-class struggle, inspirational training arc, and emotionally direct storytelling
Cinderella Man
shared boxing drama, intimate character focus, family tension, and resilience against difficult circumstances
Breaking Away
shared working-class protagonist, self-belief, romantic tenderness, and uplifting sports competition
The Karate Kid
shared inspirational outsider narrative, New Hollywood sentiment, and determined protagonist pursuing recognition
Movie Details
- Director
- John G. Avildsen
- Release Date
- 1976-12-03
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (8931)
Cast
- Sylvester Stallone
- Talia Shire
- Burt Young
- Carl Weathers
- Burgess Meredith
- Thayer David
- Joe Spinell
- Jimmy Gambina
- Bill Baldwin
- Al Silvani
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, YouTube TV, AMC, MGM Plus, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Rocky about?
- A small-time Philadelphia boxer finds dignity, love, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance when he is invited to fight the heavyweight champion.
- What is Rocky like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rocky as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Rocky violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Rocky as moderate.
- What did critics think of Rocky?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a classic and an emotionally effective underdog drama, praising its sincerity and Stallone's performance despite its predictable, sentimental script.
- Which films are like Rocky?
- Films with a similar feel include The Fighter, Cinderella Man, Breaking Away, and The Karate Kid.
- How long is Rocky?
- Rocky runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch Rocky?
- In United States, Rocky streams on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, YouTube TV, AMC, MGM Plus, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel.
