Rocky

Rocky (1976)

  • 91% of critics liked it
    (46 reviews)

  • 65% of users liked it
    (31,852,186 ratings)

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a Philadelphia boxer, is but one step removed from total bum-hood. A once-promising pugilist, Rocky is now taking nickel-and-dime bouts and running strongarm errands for local loan sharks to survive. Even his supportive trainer, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), has given… More

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PG, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By
John G. Avildsen
Written By
Sylvester Stallone
Genres
Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance
In Theaters
Nov 21, 1976 Limited
On DVD
Aug 7, 2006
United Artists

Critic Reviews

  • Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

    The story is achingly familiar, and though Stallone has a certain power, he is certainly not the subtlest actor to crawl out from under Marlon's overcoat.

  • A.D. Murphy, Variety

    There are occasional flashes that the film may be patronizing the lower end of the blue-collar mentality, as much if not more than the characters who keep putting Rocky down on the screen. However, Avildsen is noted for creating such ambiguities.

  • Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

    I wanted to like it more than I did, but it'll do.

  • Vincent Canby, New York Times

    The screenplay of Rocky is purest Hollywood make-believe of the 1930's, but there would be nothing wrong with that, had the film been executed with any verve.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    A description of it would sound like a cliche from beginning to end. But Rocky isn't about a story, it's about a hero. And it's inhabited with supreme confidence by a star.

Read all 22 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Alexander D


    THE sports movie. Unbeatable.

  • Michael M


    Rocky is truly inspirational. This story of an underdog boxer is a greatly compelling story with drama and romance in a solidly made script and outstanding performances from all of its cast members. Definetely Stalllone's best film. Nothing he has made to date has had the same… More

  • Brad W


    Rocky is a lifechanging boxing movie that will be in your heart forever. Its the story of Rocky Balboa who is a small time boxer who gets the chance to make it big when he must fight boxing champion Apollo Creed. The plot is not just a simple boxing film, this movie has a great… More

  • Cassie H


    This movie is the reason why Sylvester is my #1 favorite actor. Not only did he have great acting in this movie, he had the coolness factor, and was SO CUTE!!! Just a great movie. I love it so much! :) A great way to celebrate the aniversary. :) Love it! :) Everyone should see this… More

  • Jameson W


    I'm not going to lie...I didn't see what the big deal was. A very good film, but completely overrated!

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

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