Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated Cold War-themed boxing sequel has violence.
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Rocky IV
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say this installment in the series is regarded as one of the best, combining patriotic themes with compelling dramatic elements amidst significant violence, especially surrounding Apollo Creed's tragic fate. Many reviewers commend the iconic training montages and memorable music while noting that the film's portrayal of the Cold War adds to its appeal.
- best rocky movie
- notable violence
- patriotic themes
- iconic training montages
- memorable music
- compelling drama
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ROCKY IV, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) are trying to settle into what's supposed to be the "happily ever after" part of their lives after successful careers in boxing. But when the Soviet Union brags to an international audience that their boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) is the greatest in the world, Apollo, out of a sense of personal and patriotic pride, offers to fight against Drago in an unofficial prime time match in Las Vegas. But what's supposed to be an exhibition match turns into something else when Drago's punches kill Apollo in the ring. To avenge his friend and defend America's honor on the world stage, Rocky has no choice but to fight Drago in the Soviet Union.
Is It Any Good?
This campy sequel was a hit when it came out in the 1980s, but it hasn't aged well. While franchise fatigue is common enough these days, Rocky IV audiences had never expected Stallone's series to go the distance like this, and the cracks are showing. Gone is the scrappy Philly underdog, replaced by a character as invincible as Stallone's other action characters, like Rambo. Here, he's transformed into a representation of America on the world stage.
The film feels patriotic to the point of jingoism. Scenes in which a Mikhail Gorbachev lookalike looks displeased, then inspired, by Rocky's post-fight pleas for world peace read as corny. The same goes for the synth-heavy score and many pop-ballad montages played with tooth-aching sincerity. Stallone feels lost here, as does then-newcomer Lundgren, whose few line deliveries make the early work of Arnold Schwarzenegger seem like the best of Sir Laurence Olivier by comparison. And then there's that utterly bizarre female robot, a birthday gift for Paulie. All of this makes for an entertaining movie, but not necessarily for the reasons Stallone intended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about 1980s movies. What are some ways in which Rocky IV is a good representation of movies from that decade? What are some recurring themes?
How are American and Soviet cultures compared in this movie? Are there any stereotypes?
Compare the training methods Rocky and Drago use in their big montage: Rocky hauling logs in the snow versus Drago using specialized government equipment. What values are they championing, and which does the film seem to value more?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 21, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : May 6, 2014
- Cast : Sylvester Stallone , Talia Shire , Burt Young
- Director : Sylvester Stallone
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Sports ( Boxing )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2025
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