Rocky II
Movie, 1979, Rocky, Set in 1976
Rocky II is #2 of 9 in release order and #2 of 9 in chronological order in the Rocky & Creed.
The story
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.
Rocky II recap
After the fight, both men are hospitalised. Apollo, stung by accusations that the fight was fixed, demands a rematch, but Rocky, who has a damaged eye, promises to retire. He marries Adrian and spends his fight money quickly, then struggles to find work: he flops at making TV ads because he cannot read the cue cards, is laid off at the meat-packing plant, and ends up sweeping the gym. Apollo taunts him publicly, and Rocky agrees to the rematch, with Mickey training him. Adrian, pregnant, does not want him to fight, and Rocky cannot focus. She collapses giving birth early to their son, Robert, and falls into a coma. When she wakes, she tells him to win, and Rocky trains hard, running through the city with a crowd of children behind him.
Rocky II ending explained
Rocky becomes the heavyweight champion of the world, knocking Apollo out in the final round as both men collapse; Rocky gets up before the count of ten and Apollo does not. Apollo dominates most of the fight, and Mickey has Rocky fight right-handed to protect his eye until the last round. In the ring, Rocky tells Adrian on TV, "Yo, Adrian, I did it."
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Rocky II
Rocky II is streaming on Prime Video, Paramount+, and YouTube TV in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes 68%
Where it fits
What to watch before Rocky II
Rocky (1976), which Rocky II (1979) continues.
Cast
- Sylvester Stallone as Robert 'Rocky' Balboa
- Talia Shire as Adrianna 'Adrian' Balboa
- Burt Young as Paulie Pennino
- Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed
- Burgess Meredith as Mickey Goldmill
- Tony Burton as Tony 'Duke' Evers
- Joe Spinell as Tony Gazzo
- Leonard Gaines as Agent
- Sylvia Meals as Mary Anne Creed
- Frank McRae as Meat Foreman (uncredited)
- Al Silvani as Cutman (uncredited)
- John Pleshette as Director (uncredited)
Directed by Sylvester Stallone.