Rocky Balboa
Movie, 2006, Rocky
Rocky Balboa is #6 of 9 in release order and #6 of 9 in chronological order in the Rocky & Creed.
The story
When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa, reigning heavyweight titleholder Mason Dixon retaliates by challenging the Italian Stallion to a 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who's faster, stronger and thirty years his junior. Rocky takes on Dixon in what will become the greatest fight in boxing history!
Rocky Balboa recap
Rocky is in his late fifties, a widower who runs an Italian restaurant named after Adrian, who died of cancer a few years earlier. He visits her grave and tells stories to diners. His son Robert, a young executive, is distant and feels overshadowed by his father. A TV computer simulation shows Rocky in his prime beating the current heavyweight champion, Mason "The Line" Dixon, who is unpopular because he has never had a real test. Rocky reconnects with Marie, a woman he knew as a teenager, and her son Steps. Rocky applies for a license to box again, and Dixon's promoters set up an exhibition match. Robert begs his father not to fight, and Rocky tells him that life is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Robert quits his job to join his father's corner.
Rocky Balboa ending explained
Rocky loses to Mason Dixon on a split decision, but goes the distance, and leaves the ring to the cheers of the crowd. Dixon breaks his hand in the second round, and Rocky knocks him down. Rocky waves to the crowd and walks out before the decision is read. He lays flowers at Adrian's grave and says, "Yo, Adrian, we did it."
Post-credits scenes
During the credits, ordinary people of all ages run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and celebrate at the top, as Rocky did.
Where to watch Rocky Balboa
Rocky Balboa is streaming on Prime Video and Paramount+ in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes 78%
Where it fits
What to watch before Rocky Balboa
In release order, the essentials before Rocky Balboa (2006) are Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), and Rocky V (1990).
Cast
- Sylvester Stallone as Robert 'Rocky' Balboa
- Burt Young as Paulie Pennino
- Antonio Tarver as Mason 'The Line' Dixon
- Geraldine Hughes as Marie
- Milo Ventimiglia as Robert 'Rocky' Balboa Jr.
- Tony Burton as Tony 'Duke' Evers
- A.J. Benza as L.C.
- James Francis Kelly III as Steps
- Lou DiBella as Lou DiBella
- Mike Tyson as Mike Tyson
- Henry G. Sanders as Martin
- Pedro Lovell as Spider Rico
Directed by Sylvester Stallone.