Rocky IV
Movie, 1985, Rocky
Rocky IV is #4 of 9 in release order and #4 of 9 in chronological order in the Rocky & Creed.
The story
Rocky Balboa holds the world heavyweight championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. This time, Rocky's training regimen takes him to Siberia, where he prepares for a globally televised match in the heart of Moscow. But nothing can truly prepare him for what he's about to face – a fight to the finish, in which he must defend not only himself, but also the honor of his country!
Rocky IV recap
The Soviet Union sends a giant amateur boxer, Ivan Drago, to the United States, enhanced by science and possibly steroids. Apollo Creed, now retired, insists on fighting him in an exhibition match in Las Vegas, with Rocky in his corner. Drago beats Apollo to death in the second round, and Rocky, who did not throw in the towel as Apollo asked, is consumed with guilt. Rocky agrees to fight Drago on Christmas Day in Moscow, in an unsanctioned bout, without pay. Adrian at first refuses to support him. Rocky trains in a remote cabin in snowy Siberia with Apollo's trainer Duke and his brother-in-law Paulie, chopping wood and climbing mountains, while Drago trains with high-tech machines and injections. Adrian arrives to support him, and Rocky climbs a mountain peak and yells Drago's name.
Rocky IV ending explained
Rocky knocks out Drago in the fifteenth round in Moscow and wins over the Soviet crowd. He cuts Drago early and the crowd turns, chanting Rocky's name. In the ring, Rocky gives a speech saying that if he can change and the crowd can change, everybody can change, and the Soviet leaders stand and applaud. Drago and his son return in Creed II.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Rocky IV
Rocky IV 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 38%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Rocky III, before Rocky V.
- Chronological order: after Rocky III, before Rocky V.
What to watch before Rocky IV
In release order, the essentials before Rocky IV (1985) are Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), and Rocky III (1982).
Cast
- Sylvester Stallone as Robert "Rocky" Balboa
- Dolph Lundgren as Ivan Drago
- Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed
- Talia Shire as Adrianna "Adrian" Balboa
- Burt Young as Paulie Pennino
- Brigitte Nielsen as Ludmilla Vobet Drago
- Tony Burton as Tony "Duke" Evers
- Michael Pataki as Nicoli Koloff
- Stu Nahan as Commentator #1
- R.J. Adams as Sports Announcer
- Al Bandiero as American Commentator #2
- Dominic Barto as Russian Government Official
Directed by Sylvester Stallone.