Rocky
A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.
Directed by John G. Avildsen · Drama · Sport · 120 min · 1976
Trailer
Director
John G. Avildsen
Writer
Sylvester Stallone
Studio
Chartoff-Winkler Productions
Release
03 Dec 1976
Runtime
120 min
Genres
Drama, Sport
Full Plot
Rocky Balboa is a struggling boxer trying to make the big time, working as a debt collector for a pittance. When heavyweight champion Apollo Creed visits Philadelphia, his managers want to set up an exhibition match between Creed and a struggling boxer, touting the fight as a chance for a "nobody" to become a "somebody". The match is supposed to be easily won by Creed, but someone forgot to tell Rocky, who sees this as his only shot at the big time.
Cast & Characters
Robert "Rocky" Balboa
Sylvester Stallone
Adrianna "Adrian" Pennino
Talia Shire
Paulie Pennino
Burt Young
Apollo Creed
Carl Weathers
Michael "Mickey" Goldmill
Burgess Meredith
George "Miles" Jergens
Thayer David
Tony Gazzo
Joe Spinell
Mike
Jimmy Gambina
Tony "Duke" Evers
Tony Burton
Spider Rico
Pedro Lovell
"Big Dipper" Brown
Stan Shaw
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $1.0M, Rocky has grossed $117.3M worldwide — about 117.3x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Rocky is part of TMDb's "Rocky Collection."
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Rocky grossed $5,488 on its opening day at Cinema II, a house record.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-03
Critical Assessment
Rocky holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (683,546 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70/100 on Metacritic.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of August 2, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
India
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.1/10 on IMDb (683,546 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rocky's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
Rocky holds a 93% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Rocky's IMDb rating?+
Rocky has a 8.1/10 rating on IMDb from 683,546 votes.
What is Rocky's Metacritic score?+
Rocky has a Metascore of 70/100 on Metacritic.
Is Rocky good? What are critics saying?+
Rocky holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (683,546 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70/100 on Metacritic.
How long is Rocky?+
Rocky has a runtime of 120 min.
Who directed Rocky?+
Rocky was directed by John G. Avildsen.
Where can I watch Rocky?+
Rocky is available to stream, rent, or buy on Netflix, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Netflix Standard with Ads, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex, Rakuten TV, Sky Store.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The public reaction to the movie "Rocky" is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its inspiring story, strong characters, and authentic portrayal of training and underdog success. Some reviewers also appreciate the movie's early start, although note that it takes a turn after about 20 minutes. The trailer has generated significant enthusiasm and devotion, particularly among fans who have experienced personal inspiration or nostalgia for the film.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
This was the ultimate Rocky story wasn't it? It was inspiring with the training, it was inspiring with the fight, and it was about the characters and the characters are what makes a great story. The down side was Creed, he was a little under-developed in this wasn't he? They make…
GenerationofSwine · 10/10Rocky is an inspiring story about an ordinary man who takes advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I do have to say, the movie has a rocky beginning, as the dialogue is pretty clunky and awkward at times. But after about twenty minutes, the movie really gets into its groo…
Nathan · 10/10Sylvester Stallone is "Rocky", an enforcer for a small-time Philadelphia mobster who works out in Burgess Meredith's gym ("Mickey's") and is keen on the sister of his friend "Paulie" (Burt Young), the shy and retiring "Adrian" (Talia Shire). Meantime, World Heavyweight Champion "…
CinemaSerf · 7/10
From the trailer's comments
Who's here reminiscing after watching the 'I play Rocky' trailer?
@roopesh1 · 418 likesHere after the "I Play Rocky" trailer released.
@CinemaRabbit · 126 likesI’m here because of I Play Rocky (2026)
@fernandgonzales · 43 likesThis is the only movie that ever gave me inspiration in everything I ever did in this life and I'm still going at it. Thanks to you Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers.
@picturefish40 · 119 likesR.I.P Carl Weathers
@johnlivingstone3483 · 104 likesTo Think S.Stallone got Turned Down So Many Times and its only through his determination it got Released 💯🥊👌🏻✌🏻
@rockyv1balboa776 · 96 likesThis is effectively the whole film 😂❤
@thomaswillans4085 · 233 likes"Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it." I've said this a lot in my life!
@danfromnorcal · 21 likes
