After Rocky goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed, both try to put the fight behind them and move on. Rocky settles down with Adrian but can't put his life together outside the ring, while Creed seeks a rematch to restore his reputation. Soon enough, the "Master of Disaster" and the "Italian Stallion" are set on a collision course for a climactic battle that is brutal and unforgettable.
Acting
Stallone's pitch-perfect desperation as a guy who peaked.
Practical Effects
Those final fight rounds? Actually brutal, no stunt doubles.
Direction
Sly's debut behind camera — surprisingly tender.
Director
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone
Robert 'Rocky' Balboa
Talia Shire
Adrianna 'Adrian' Balboa
Burt Young
Paulie Pennino
Carl Weathers
Apollo Creed
Burgess Meredith
Mickey Goldmill
Tony Burton
Tony 'Duke' Evers
Joe Spinell
Tony Gazzo
Leonard Gaines
Agent
Sylvia Meals
Mary Anne Creed
Frank McRae
Meat Foreman (uncredited)
Al Silvani
Cutman (uncredited)
John Pleshette
Director (uncredited)
Stu Nahan
Announcer (uncredited)
Bill Baldwin
Commentator (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Stallone directed this immediately after firing the original director — his first time ever behind camera.
The 'running through Philadelphia' montage became tourism catnip; that art museum still has Rocky's footprints.
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