Overview
A champion's journey continues as he faces the ultimate challenge: himself.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- sincere
- motivational
- romantic
- sports movie night
- motivational viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the sequel familiar but effective, praising its character continuity and emotionally powerful boxing climax while noting slower soap-opera detours.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Rocky’s post-fight fame, marriage, financial anxiety, and return to boxing logically continue the first film’s ending.
Rocky’s bond with Adrian and concern for their shared future shape his decisions about returning to the ring.
Rocky’s conditioning and boxing preparation convert private doubt into visible athletic determination.
Rocky’s endorsement failure and meat-packing job expose the limits of his brief public success.
Films like Rocky II, and why
Rocky
shared underdog sports drama, motivational training arc, working-class protagonist, and emotionally cathartic competition
The Fighter
shared boxing-film structure, disciplined preparation, personal sacrifice, and triumphant athletic climax
Cinderella Man
shared inspirational sports drama, intimate relationship stakes, and determination against professional obstacles
Million Dollar Baby
shared working-class ambition, mentor relationship, and emotionally charged championship pursuit
Movie Details
- Director
- Sylvester Stallone
- Release Date
- 1979-06-15
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (4982)
Cast
- Sylvester Stallone
- Talia Shire
- Burt Young
- Carl Weathers
- Burgess Meredith
- Tony Burton
- Joe Spinell
- Leonard Gaines
- Sylvia Meals
- Frank McRae
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 II about?
- A newly famous boxer must choose between ordinary domestic security and one more chance to prove himself in the ring.
- What is Rocky II like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rocky II as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Rocky II violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Rocky II as moderate.
- What did critics think of Rocky II?
- Critics broadly found the sequel familiar but effective, praising its character continuity and emotionally powerful boxing climax while noting slower soap-opera detours.
- Which films are like Rocky II?
- Films with a similar feel include Rocky, The Fighter, Cinderella Man, and Million Dollar Baby.
- How long is Rocky II?
- Rocky II runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch Rocky II?
- In United States, Rocky II 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.
