Rocky Balboa (2006)

76% of critics liked it
(174 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(486,507 ratings)

Sylvester Stallone returns to the director's chair for Rocky Balboa, the fifth sequel to the film that made him a superstar 30 years before. The movie begins with Rocky (Stallone) still mourning the death of his loyal and beloved wife, Adrian, who died three years previously after losing a battle… More Sylvester Stallone returns to the director's chair for Rocky Balboa, the fifth sequel to the film that made him a superstar 30 years before. The movie begins with Rocky (Stallone) still mourning the death of his loyal and beloved wife, Adrian, who died three years previously after losing a battle against cancer. Rocky owns an Italian restaurant and spends his days living in his working-class Philadelphia neighborhood, visiting with his customers, and telling stories about his past. His grown son has a job as a business professional, but the relationship between the two is strained. Rocky's growing dissatisfaction leads him to attempt to purge the feelings of frustration and loss by applying for a boxing license. When the current heavyweight champion, Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Tarver), needs to rehabilitate his image as a pretty boy who has never shown any real heart in the ring, his manager offers Rocky an exhibition match. This comeback allows Rocky to get his own life back on track, while also offering him the opportunity to help those around him redeem themselves and once again be a symbol of hope for the common man. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 41 min.
Directed By: Sylvester Stallone
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 22, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Mar 20, 2007
Studio: MGM

Critic Reviews

Bob Mondello, NPR.org
I know, I know, you're thinking, oh please, not Rocky again. I was thinking that too.
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
As usual with Stallone's Rocky sequels, the schmaltz is unbearable, but the fight is plausibly handled, and Stallone's sincere sadness at growing older makes this an unexpectedly satisfying conclusion to the series.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
We're only one round into the film and Stallone is already slipping in the old flashbacks.
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
Touchingly nostalgic, the sixth chapter in the saga of Sylvester Stallone's eternal underdog packs a far more powerful punch than anyone would have expected.
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
A sequel that is at once preposterous, unnecessary and weirdly entertaining.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Rocky Balboa scores a split decision: A familiar start, some flat-footed middle rounds and a solid, flailing finish.
Coco Forsythe, Future Movies UK
You either buy into this premise or you don't and I'm sorry to say I found Rocky utterly preposterous.
Neil Miller, Film School Rejects
Stallone still has what it takes to make Rocky the peoples champ, and while the film is by no means a knockout, it will certainly be right there 'til the final round.
Jeffrey Chen, Window to the Movies
Note to any other would-be franchise revivalists -- consult Stallone.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Stallone wrote and directed this cinematic ride down memory lane that puts a final grace note on his indelible creation.
Tom Meek, Boston Phoenix
It's no knockout, but it does go a solid, nostalgic 15 rounds.
Brian Marder, Hollywood.com
In the obligatory boxing terms, Balboa will K.O. your expectations, but that may only be because they're rightfully below the belt to begin with--and because this sixth installment is coming after the bell has already rung.
Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
Rocky's back, with new energy -- but same story.
Brian Holcomb, PopMatters
With "Rocky Balboa", Stallone's created the first real "sequel" to his original, a deserving bookend that recaptures that film's sense of character and realistic detail.
Rossiter Drake, San Francisco Examiner
Stallone, now 60, has something in common with Rocky - he's an awkwardly bulked-up dinosaur, fighting to prove that the game hasn't passed him by. On that level, he succeeds.
Steven Snyder, Zertinet Movies
There's nothing particularly memorable here -- no profound triumphs or lasting rallying cries.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
This film is as strong as the original, and a fitting requiem for the big screen's most popular heavyweight.
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
For a series that seemed out of gas decades ago, Rocky Balboa is a knock-out.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
One of the best of 2006, and a wonderful last hurrah for a character that deserved a proper send-off...
Kam Williams, NewsBlaze
Though technically the sixth in the series, this sure seems an awful lot like a remake of the first film in the storied franchise, as it somehow manages to tug at the heartstrings in a way likely to leave you wiping away tears afresh.

Read all 20 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Film C

i was okay, im not the most huge fan of the rocky series and the fact that ive only actually seen this one may not be bodding well, but it was okay just not my cup of tea!
moon r

Stallone finally, regretfully, buries the franchise that put him on the map, simply reheating the old formula ... with a smidgen of sadness on the side. He is ever aware of his age and not shy about telling us that. He makes a point to toast those now departed, but like all the… More
Stallone finally, regretfully, buries the franchise that put him on the map, simply reheating the old formula ... with a smidgen of sadness on the side. He is ever aware of his age and not shy about telling us that. He makes a point to toast those now departed, but like all the Rockys gone before ... guess who's the underdog and who wins the big fight? You peeked, didn't ya?!
Albert K

Don't remember too much about it but other then the fact that: a) The narrative was entertaining enough to be interested in the "big fight". b) The relationship story that stirs up between Stallone and Geraldine Hughes is pretty uninteresting. Nevertheless, it does what… More
Don't remember too much about it but other then the fact that: a) The narrative was entertaining enough to be interested in the "big fight". b) The relationship story that stirs up between Stallone and Geraldine Hughes is pretty uninteresting. Nevertheless, it does what it does pretty well. Everything else was average.
Lucas M

The best film that Stallone make since Rocky 3. Rocky Balboa presents all the elements of Rocky's franchise, just like others sequels of the first version. Despite, the excitation to see Rocky again, many years after Rocky 5 (1990), Rocky Balboa is a good, but, weak movie. The… More
The best film that Stallone make since Rocky 3. Rocky Balboa presents all the elements of Rocky's franchise, just like others sequels of the first version. Despite, the excitation to see Rocky again, many years after Rocky 5 (1990), Rocky Balboa is a good, but, weak movie. The director, Mr. Stallone, adjust this best character to the present day in a very good way, but lost the hand of a great screenplay since Rocky 2.
Brad W

Rocky Balboa is a genius finale to the most famous fictional boxer in film history, this movie was great. The plot is one about redemption and how to live with doing something you do not enjoy, and how the world tries to tell you what to do, and I just completely loved the story.… More
Rocky Balboa is a genius finale to the most famous fictional boxer in film history, this movie was great. The plot is one about redemption and how to live with doing something you do not enjoy, and how the world tries to tell you what to do, and I just completely loved the story. The cast is as incredible as thwy ever have been, Stallone still is great. The boxing scenes are still great and now modern arenas make it really feel incredible, I loved it. Rocky Balboa was the one sequel I heard was good in the series, and so I felt great watching what is the incredible finale to Rocky Balboa.
KJ P

This is the return of Rocky, after a few "Rocky" films. This comback is incredible. Just to see this legend back on screen, doing what he did his best, tells a story on it's own. Sylvester Stallone brought this story back to life all on his own, and he did a beautiful… More
This is the return of Rocky, after a few "Rocky" films. This comback is incredible. Just to see this legend back on screen, doing what he did his best, tells a story on it's own. Sylvester Stallone brought this story back to life all on his own, and he did a beautiful job with it. I love Rocky Balboa right down to it's last few films minutes on screen!
Richard C

C+
Tony G

Surprisingly smart, "Rocky Balboa" aspires to inspire all to not let age halt your dreams. Like all Rocky films, the film ends with a rousing battle that teaches all that winning is not nearly as important as trying and succeeding
Conner R

A great return/finale to an amazing series that needed a proper closing. Sylvester Stallone did such an amazing job writing, directing and starring in the most personal and heart-felt entry in the series since the first. I think this managed to make Rocky even more lovable than ever… More
A great return/finale to an amazing series that needed a proper closing. Sylvester Stallone did such an amazing job writing, directing and starring in the most personal and heart-felt entry in the series since the first. I think this managed to make Rocky even more lovable than ever before, proving that he is probably the greatest and most noble movie character to ever live. Seeing him fight someone half his age was only the tip of the ice berg in this story. What really shines in the film is what Rocky has done for himself and others in the community, acting as a guardian and protector over Philadelphia.
Carlos M

A wonderful film, almost on a par with the original one, as Stallone has finally realized that the very best about the series was the human drama, not the punches - and I can say I was really moved by this piece of work.
Al S

It's the best Rocky movie ever. It's rousing, powerful and very exciting. A stirring, riveting and breathtaking film. Utterly, deeply moving, emtional and outstandingly awe inspiring. An absolute triumph. A pure knockout thats all heart. It's Incrediable, extroadinary… More
It's the best Rocky movie ever. It's rousing, powerful and very exciting. A stirring, riveting and breathtaking film. Utterly, deeply moving, emtional and outstandingly awe inspiring. An absolute triumph. A pure knockout thats all heart. It's Incrediable, extroadinary and truly unforgettable. I loved this movie. Sylvester Stallone gives a knockout performance. His best in years. Stallone proves he can still play this character with a heart of gold and it only just gets better with age. Also showing he's just as good as a filmmaker, writing and directing his best film yet. Milo Ventimiglia gives an amasing performance. Burt Young is brilliant. It still makes us wanna stand on our feet and cheer. It has the hard-hitting action and drama to satisfy the crowd at anytime. A truly beautiful piece of excellence.
Anthony L

I love Rocky and this is a fitting and tastefully made final instalment. Like a fine wine, Rocky has matured well, and although this is by no means a perfect film, it did feel like a special treat, like a 'Go on then, just one more' treat.
Jason O

Surprised this film's rating is so high...must just be cause it's Rocky. The classic Rocky films rock, no pun intended, but this one not so much to me...wasn't worth the wait. I like the reminiscing, and the fight is alright, but just overall it lacks the flair and… More
Surprised this film's rating is so high...must just be cause it's Rocky. The classic Rocky films rock, no pun intended, but this one not so much to me...wasn't worth the wait. I like the reminiscing, and the fight is alright, but just overall it lacks the flair and excitement of the classics. The Rambo update was much better.
E.J. B

The age vs. youth element adds a whole new dynamic to the character. Will not disappoint Rocky fans.
Jon L

I just finished watching the first Rocky and then this one for the first time. This was such a good conclusion to the series. Though I watched them back-to-back you could potentially take out the middle4 movies and it would be a great sequel to the first one. Lot?s of nostalgic… More
I just finished watching the first Rocky and then this one for the first time. This was such a good conclusion to the series. Though I watched them back-to-back you could potentially take out the middle4 movies and it would be a great sequel to the first one. Lot?s of nostalgic parallels made this movie for me, as well as a climactic ending as usual. If you like Rocky movies, see this one to find out how it all ends.
Cassie H

Wow was I wrong to think this wasn't as better as the others in the rocky series. Sylvester is one heck of a good actor and proved to us all that no matter how old you are it's about how many times you can get hit and keep moving forward.
Tim S

WAY better than everybody gives it credit for.
Luke B

Watching Rocky Balboa enter the ring is a lot like watching an aging classic rock band on a reunion tour. They play the hits, but they don't sound as good. They lack the energy but they give it all they have and somehow just the sheer power in one final Hurrah is enough to keep… More
Watching Rocky Balboa enter the ring is a lot like watching an aging classic rock band on a reunion tour. They play the hits, but they don't sound as good. They lack the energy but they give it all they have and somehow just the sheer power in one final Hurrah is enough to keep it going. Rocky takes everything you want and keeps it the same. It pisses all over Rocky V and doesn't try to become something new and hip. It also begins really well with Rocky's future opponent given almost equal time as Rocky. He is an under appreciated champ and rather sympathetic. His only crime is being too good. The fun is in the familiarity and this is certainly a Rocky film with heart and a great performance by Stallone. As a final word on the franchise it's something special.
Bobby H

This movie has some 70's and 80's flair to it. Its a traditional underdog story, with a semi-happy ending and I think the only reason it gets bad reviews is because that dont satisfy our generation these days. For me, it was great. I still respect a good classic and I… More
This movie has some 70's and 80's flair to it. Its a traditional underdog story, with a semi-happy ending and I think the only reason it gets bad reviews is because that dont satisfy our generation these days. For me, it was great. I still respect a good classic and I challenge anyone to pick a would-be could-be sixth installment of any series, and see how it might stand against this one. In that sense, this movie is truly a classic finale to one of the greatest movie series ever.
Manu G

Great movie for those who followed Rocky, probably not so great for those who don't like his movies, but i loved it. The greatest underdog story of our time is back for one final round of the Academy Award-winning Rocky franchise. Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps… More
Great movie for those who followed Rocky, probably not so great for those who don't like his movies, but i loved it. The greatest underdog story of our time is back for one final round of the Academy Award-winning Rocky franchise. Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps out of retirement and back into the ring, putting himself against a new rival in a dramatically different era. After a virtual boxing match declares Rocky Balboa the victor over current champion Mason 'The Line' Dixon, the legendary fighter's passion and spirit are reignited. But when his desire to fight in small, regional competitions is trumped by promoters calling for a rematch of the cyber-fight, Balboa must weigh the mental and physical risks of a high profile exhibition match against his need to be in the ring.