Common Sense Media Review
Boxing Best Picture sets underdog-hero standard; drinking.
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Rocky
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Based on 103 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a classic, highly recommended for its inspiring underdog story and strong performances, particularly by the main character, but warns of the violence and some profanity throughout. While many reviews acknowledge the emotional depth and character development, some also mention uncomfortable or slow moments that may not engage younger audiences or may require parental guidance due to its themes and language.
- inspiring story
- character development
- violence warning
- language concerns
- engaging for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ROCKY Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is a sweet, street-smart boxer and small-time enforcer for a loan shark. He has a crush on Adrian (Talia Shire), the painfully shy sister of his friend, Paulie (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 they pick Rocky. Rocky shows potential, but he's never made a commitment to anything. Gym owner 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 as someone who can hold his own with a world champion. Rocky also finds the courage to get closer to Adrian and to help her learn to value herself for her strengths. In return, he leans on her love—and Mickey's tutelage—as he prepares for the bout of his career.
Is It Any Good?
John G. Avildsen's Best Picture-winning boxing film is a classic for a reason. Cinematic, poignant, and featuring a brilliant breakout role for Stallone early in his career, Rocky set up the beats of underdog sports stories for decades to come: the training montages, the come-from-behind stories, the rough trainer who pushes the uncertain hero to their limit. Rocky is an appealing lead, a guy who's hardly book-smart but has a good heart and lots of ambition. Stallone plays him with an incredible amount of vulnerability.
Compared to more fast-paced sports movies, Rocky takes its time, starting with just a small fight and ending with the big match against Apollo. In between, though, sits a sensitive, compelling drama about a man who's trying to rise to his potential and move through the world as best he can. Aided by impressive location shooting around Philadelphia (including the iconic stairs Rocky runs up) and Bill Conti's inspiring musical score, it's the film that set the mold for entire generations of sports movies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of the underdog character like Rocky. What other historical or literary characters fit this profile?
How does watching Rocky's training routine feel to viewers who want to train for a sport or get in shape? What should and shouldn't be emulated?
How do the characters in Rocky demonstrate gratitude, self-control, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1976
- On DVD or streaming : February 8, 2005
- Cast : Burt Young , Sylvester Stallone , Talia Shire
- Director : John G. Avildsen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Sports ( Boxing )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 119 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Winner , Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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