Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable sequel is still enjoyable; boxing violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rocky II
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the sequel maintains the essence of its predecessor, showcasing Rocky's personal and professional struggles while providing an inspiring story. Though some critics note that it contains fillers and may drag in parts, it remains a decent family film with minimal inappropriate content, making it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
- inspiring story
- decent family film
- minimal inappropriate content
- similar to predecessor
- some drag parts
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Picking up where Rocky left off, ROCKY II finds the underdog Philadelphia prizefighter (Sylvester Stallone) enjoying a touch of fame after his controversial split-decision loss to champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Rocky is able to marry his girlfriend, Adrian (Talia Shire), and move into an upscale townhouse. But when he shoots a TV commercial, Rocky's secret comes out: He can barely read. Moreover, boxing has damaged his vision. He tries to support Adrian by returning to his meat market job but is laid off. Meanwhile, Creed nurses a grudge about his bout against Rocky and publicly challenges him to come out of retirement to settle once and for all who's the greatest. Facing the twin dangers of risking both his health and that of his pregnant wife, Rocky nonetheless steps back into the ring for the ultimate face-off.
Is It Any Good?
This predictable sequel is very similar to the first film, except this time around, it feels like Stallone's ultra-fans got to vote on the ending. Cornball complications are made palatable by Stallone's decent direction in Rocky II. He knows his lovable-lummox character thoroughly, and he puts so much joy into the performance that we end up following Rocky and Adrian from Palookaville to Cliché-ville in spite of ourselves.
Rocky is almost too good to be true here, saying nothing but nice things about Apollo Creed, even thanking Creed for the rematch in which his fearsome enemy plans to humiliate and destroy him. Watching Rocky embodying good sporting conduct does give you cause to reflect on how often opponents in sports dramas are demonized into monsters rather than respectful competitors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between the honorable lug Rocky and the vain, vengeful Apollo Creed. How does the sporting conduct of both opponents in Rocky II compare? Can you see each character's perspective and why they might feel in the right?
Why do you think there is such a timeless appeal for "underdog" movies? What are some other examples of movies in which the lead character or characters defy the odds and emerge victorious?
Are sequels ever better than the original? If you've seen the first Rocky film, how does this compare? What about with the sequels and Creed spin-offs that came after?
How do characters demonstrate perseverance? What are some other character strengths you see on display in Rocky II?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 15, 1979
- On DVD or streaming : October 1, 1997
- Cast : Burgess Meredith , Carl Weathers , Sylvester Stallone , Talia Shire
- Director : Sylvester Stallone
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Sports ( Boxing )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : boxing violence
- Last updated : November 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate