Rocky III
Movie, 1982, Rocky
Rocky III is #3 of 9 in release order and #3 of 9 in chronological order in the Rocky & Creed.
The story
Following Rocky Balboa's intense battle with his most powerful adversary yet – the ferocious Clubber Lang – Rocky joins forces with former rival Apollo Creed in an effort to get back his fighting spirit.
Rocky III recap
Rocky defends his title ten times and becomes rich and famous. He plans to retire, but the hungry contender Clubber Lang challenges him publicly and insults Adrian. Mickey admits he has been picking easy opponents to keep Rocky safe, and that Clubber will destroy him. Rocky fights anyway, training at a hotel while fans watch. Before the fight, Clubber shoves Mickey, who suffers a heart attack. Rocky is knocked out in the second round and loses the title, and Mickey dies in the locker room. Apollo Creed, who lost to Rocky, offers to train him in Los Angeles at the gym where Apollo started, to get back the "eye of the tiger". Rocky struggles with fear, and Adrian confronts him on the beach to make him admit it.
Rocky III ending explained
Rocky wins back the title from Clubber Lang with a knockout in the third round, using Apollo's speed and letting Clubber tire himself out. In return for training Rocky, Apollo asks for a favour. After the fight, Rocky and Apollo meet alone in the old gym for a private third bout, and the film freezes as they throw their first punches.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Rocky III
Rocky III 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 6.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes 66%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Rocky II, before Rocky IV.
- Chronological order: after Rocky II, before Rocky IV.
What to watch before Rocky III
In release order, the essentials before Rocky III (1982) are Rocky (1976) and Rocky II (1979).
Cast
- Sylvester Stallone as Robert 'Rocky' Balboa
- Talia Shire as Adrianna 'Adrian' Balboa
- Burt Young as Paulie Pennino
- Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed
- Mr. T as Clubber Lang
- Burgess Meredith as Mickey Goldmill
- Tony Burton as Tony 'Duke' Evers
- Hulk Hogan as Thunderlips
- Ina Fried as Robert 'Rocky' Balboa Jr.
- Al Silvani as Al
- Wally Taylor as Clubber Lang's Manager
- Jim Hill as Sportscaster
Directed by Sylvester Stallone.