Definitely an interesting sports movie that spawned way too many unneccessary sequels, I thought it was pretty good but definetly not 5-star worthy.
Rocky
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Sly's best pic winner sets underdog-hero standard.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10–11
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Rocky was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that this classic underdog boxing tale includes plenty of boxing violence, plus a character smashes up a room with a baseball bat and comes home drunk. Rocky and girlfriend Adrian move in together.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about why Mickey wanted to throw Rocky out of the gym. Why didn't Rocky have higher aspirations, until after he got the offer from Apollo? How is Apollo like the hare in the fable about the tortoise and the hare? Why is it so hard for Rocky and Adrian to get to know each other?
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More on Rocky
What’s the Story?
Rocky Balboa ( Sylvester Stallone ) is a sweet-natured but not very bright boxer and small-time enforcer for a loan-shark. He has a crush on Adrian (Talia Shire), the painfully shy sister of his friend, Pauly (Burt Young). When heavyweight champ Apollo Creed's (Carl Weathers) upcoming fight is cancelled, he and his promoters decide to give an unknown a shot at the title, and pick Rocky. Rocky shows potential, but has never made a commitment to anything. Mickey (Burgess Meredith) wants to throw him out of the gym because he doesn't take boxing seriously enough. But Apollo's offer gives Rocky a chance to see himself differently. Rocky has a chance to think of himself as someone who can hold his own with the world champion, and once he has that image of himself, it is just a matter of taking the steps to get there. Rocky also finds courage to get closer to Adrian, and to help her value herself for her strengths. Each sees the other as loveable, as no one has before. This, as much as anything, is what allows both of them to bloom.
Is It Any Good?
Rocky is realistic about his goal. He does not need to win. He just needs to acquit himself with dignity, to show that he is in the same league as the champion. In order to achieve that goal, he will risk giving everything he has, risk even the small pride of an unbroken nose. He develops enough self-respect to risk public disgrace. This is a big issue for teens -- adolescence has been characterized as the years in which everything centers around the prayer, "God, don't let me be embarrassed today." Rocky begins as someone afraid to give his best in case it is not good enough, and becomes someone who suspects that his best is enough to achieve his goals, and is willing to test himself to find out.
It's worth taking a look at Creed as well. Like the hare in the Aesop fable, he underestimates his opponent. He is so sure of himself, and so busy working on the business side of the fight that he comes to the fight unprepared.
Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA, Director: John Avildsen
Run time: 119 minutes
Theatrical release: 01/01/1976, DVD release: 02/08/2005
MPAA Rating: PG
Run time: 119 minutes
Theatrical release: 01/01/1976, DVD release: 02/08/2005
MPAA Rating: PG
Our Members Say
See all 11 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Probably PG-13 in today's standards.
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Great movie for the older crowd
Rocky's a great movie for the older crowd, because theres a lot of cussing, in one sscene they make out, and theres a fight with some blood. But overall great movie
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I rate this title pause for age 9 and give it
Awesome!!
ALL I CAN SAY IS AWESOME!!
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Great Movie. Rough talk.
I bought this movie thinking it would be good for my boys, who play sports to watch for motivation. After reading the reviews on this website stating that it would be appropriate for 10 year olds and older, I purchased the movie. Within the first 10 minutes, the Lords name was taken in vain at least 4 times and various other times in the movie along with other swearing. No F bombs which would have been better than the GD's. This is not something I want my sons to think is appropriate at any age.
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
Pointlessly Violent
It might be the worst film to ever win Best Picture.
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Really Good Movie
This is a really good film. While personally I don't think this is the best movie in the saga, it does introduce us to the character of Rocky and how he came to be a professional boxer. Suitable for children 7/8 +.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great Sports Drama
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Great Movie for older kids
We are a family of 6 kids ages 14 to 3. We only would let our oldest watch this, this year because of all the swearing. Burgess Merideth says the G D word WAY too much for little kids to handle. But of course it is an all time great movie.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Great underdog movie!
The at times crude language, small amount of perceived sex and loansharking are not for children under 11, but for 11+ the love story, underdog triumph and boxing action adrenaline rush is addicting. Everytime the Rocky theme is played your heart pumps a little faster. A real original masterpiece of sports writing.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
rocky is a great movie and any body who thinks its bad is stupid because rocky is an insperational movie and eh rocks
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
love it..
great movie...i would definately let my kids watch it
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