Sylvester Stallone created two of cinema’s most iconic characters: Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. While Rambo has racked up quite the body count over five films, Rocky has had his fair share of knockouts and being knocked out. Both characters are as far removed from each other, but Stallone always made each one endearing, especially Rocky.
A working-class small-time boxer from the slums of Philadelphia, he worked his way up from being a collector for a loan shark to World Heavyweight Champion of the World. Throughout six films (not including “Creed” and “Creed II”), we witness Rocky’s historic rise to become the World Heavyweight Champion, only for him to lose it all, regain it back, and then lose it all over again.
As a child, the original “Rocky” didn’t resonate with me; I found it too dialogue-heavy and lacking in boxing action. However, with age, I’ve come to appreciate the film. My favorite installment remains “Rocky III,” due to the compelling character of Clubber Lang, portrayed by a chiseled Mr. T. While some argue Ivan Drago from “Rocky IV” was Rocky’s ultimate foe, I believe Lang’s backstory and hunger made him the most formidable opponent. Lang’s impoverished childhood in Chicago orphanages and on the streets fueled his burning desire for the World Heavyweight Championship, making him a dangerous contender.
The first “Rocky” film showcases Balboa’s evolution from street thug to determined boxer. Given the chance to spar with World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Balboa earns the respect of Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith), owner of Philadelphia’s Mighty Mick’s Boxing gym. Despite ultimately losing the bout by a split decision, Rocky’s ability to go the distance with Creed – a feat no other fighter had achieved – earns him recognition. Having found love with Adrian (Talia Shire), his best friend Paulie’s (Burt Young) sister, Rocky is content. The film concludes with both fighters pledging no rematch, setting the stage for “Rocky II.”
“Rocky II” stands as a strong sequel, raising the stakes both in and out of the ring. Apollo Creed, convinced Rocky’s performance was a fluke, goads him into a rematch. Rocky reluctantly agrees, despite Adrian’s objections and his doctors’ warnings that another bout could worsen his detached retina and potentially cause blindness. As Adrian’s pregnancy complications leave her comatose, Rocky is too distracted to train, vowing to never fight again. However, when Adrian awakens, she urges him to win, prompting Rocky to rapidly get back in shape.
The climactic fight surpasses the first in intensity, with both men fully aware of the other’s capabilities and determined to emerge victorious at any cost. The training sequences are grueling, making viewers grateful for their armchair perspective. The iconic run culminates in Rocky’s triumphant ascent up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, cheered on by a crowd of children. As we know, Rocky secures a narrow victory, setting the stage for “Rocky III.”
“Rocky III” was the first film in the series I saw on the big screen, a thrilling experience with friends at Dublin’s Adelphi Cinema when I was ten. The movie’s energy was so infectious, afterward, we briefly joined a local boxing club. The film opens with Rocky reigning supreme, effortlessly defending his title. His fame has brought wealth and endorsements, but as he prepares to announce his retirement, a new challenger emerges: the formidable Clubber Lang (Mr. T.). When Lang publicly insults Adrian, Rocky angrily accepts his challenge.
As Lang trains with fierce determination, Rocky holds flashy, publicity-driven workouts. Tensions between the boxers culminate in a pre-fight altercation that leaves Mickey hospitalized with a heart attack. Despite his concerns, Rocky goes through with the match, only to lose and return to devastating news: Mickey has died. Adrift, Rocky is approached by his former rival Apollo, who offers to train him for a rematch. After intense training at Apollo’s gym, Rocky is ready to face Lang again.
Watching Rocky lose everything and then reclaim his title makes “Rocky III” the best of the series. Lang’s brutal defeat of Rocky sets the stage for one of cinema’s most satisfying moments: Rocky’s third-round knockout of the despised Lang. The film teaches Rocky that family is paramount, but he is unprepared for the losses awaiting him in “Rocky IV.”
Released in 1985, “Rocky IV” remains the highest-grossing film in the series. The movie picks up where “Rocky III” left off, introducing Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a formidable fighter from the USSR. Apollo, eager to prove himself, steps in to face Drago, but the exhibition ends in tragedy. Drago’s defeat of Apollo sets the stage for a Christmas Day showdown in Moscow between Rocky and Drago.
Dolph Lundgren’s breakout role, Drago, is a merciless fighter driven by a desire to destroy Rocky. Without Apollo, Rocky feels lost, but with the support of his loved ones and Apollo’s trainer, Duke (Tony Burton), he pushes himself to new limits. Despite the odds, Rocky ultimately defeats the Siberian Express.
“Rocky IV” shows signs of franchise fatigue, rehashing familiar themes and eliciting criticism for its propagandistic tone and stereotypes. While commercially successful, it lacked the emotional depth of its predecessors. The film’s conclusion, with Rocky winning over the Russian crowd, feels hollow compared to the satisfying ending of “Rocky III.” That film, where Rocky loses and then regains his title, would have been a fitting conclusion to his story. Yet, the franchise persists.
After the triumph of “Rocky IV,” it seemed the franchise had reached its conclusion. However, six years later, “Rocky V” was released to a disappointing reception. The film finds Rocky facing new challenges: brain damage from his bout with Drago and unexpected bankruptcy due to his accountant’s mismanagement. Forced to sell his assets, the Balboas return to their old Philadelphia neighborhood.
Rocky finds a new purpose in mentoring a young boxer, Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison). As Tommy rises through the ranks, he seeks a fight with the heavyweight champion, but Rocky believes he’s not ready. This leads to a rift, with Tommy leaving him and winning the title but facing criticism for not earning it by defeating Rocky. When Tommy, now manipulated by a new manager, targets Rocky’s family, Rocky engages him in a street fight to prove his superiority.
While “Rocky V” is widely panned, rewatching it reveals it’s not as terrible as remembered. Sylvester Stallone has said he intended it to be the final installment, but its poor reception led him to revive the franchise with “Rocky Balboa” in 2006. “Rocky V” takes a darker turn, depicting Rocky’s loss of everything, including his ability to fight due to brain damage. This bold choice adds a layer of realism, highlighting the risks boxers face. If “Rocky V” left you with a sour taste, it may be worth reevaluating. While it’s still the weakest entry in the series, it provides a more nuanced view of Rocky’s character. Ideally, the series would have jumped from “Rocky IV” to “Rocky Balboa,” skipping this misstep.
In 2006, Sylvester Stallone defied expectations by releasing a well-received new Rocky film. At 60, both Stallone and his iconic character seemed past their prime, yet “Rocky Balboa” proved a fitting addition to the series. The film finds Rocky, now widowed and running an Italian restaurant, drawn back to boxing for one final match against the current heavyweight champion, Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver).
When a computer simulation suggests Rocky could have beaten Dixon in his prime, Rocky is inspired to begin training again. Despite initial reluctance from his estranged son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) and brother-in-law Paulie, Rocky decides to take on the fight. “Rocky Balboa” beautifully captures the boxer’s enduring spirit, emphasizing that family, friendship, and pursuing one’s passion are what truly matter.
The film shares a similar tone with the original “Rocky,” finding the protagonist at a crossroads. In “Rocky,” he was preparing to face the champion for the first time; here, he readies himself for a similar challenge but with decades of experience. The absence of Adrian is deeply felt, and Rocky must now draw strength from his memories of her.
While Stallone reprised his role in “Creed” and “Creed II,” those films centered on Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), Apollo’s illegitimate son. Stallone did not participate in “Creed III.” Rumors swirl about potential spin-offs focusing on Ivan Drago and new Rocky and Creed stories, but these remain speculative. The Rocky saga is complete; further films risk feeling like cash grabs, tarnishing the legacy of the preceding movies. Hollywood’s lack of restraint suggests otherwise, but ideally, the franchise should be left intact. This collection is a must-have for Rocky fans and a great addition to any 4K library.
The “Rocky I-VI 4K Collection” includes the MGM feature films “Rocky,” “Rocky II,” “Rocky III,” “Rocky IV,” “Rocky V,” and “Rocky Balboa, along with the “Rocky IV Ultimate Director’s Cut – Rocky vs. Drago” and the “Rocky Balboa Director’s Cut.” The collection contains a Blu-ray™ disc featuring the hour-long behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the extended director’s cut of “Rocky IV,” Sylvester Stallone’s commentary on “Rocky Balboa,” along with an alternate ending, deleted scenes, and four behind-the-scenes featurettes from the film. The disc also includes a selection of previously released special features.
Now available on Newly Remastered 4K Ultra HD™
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