Guide Note

Rocky chronicles the story of a young Philadelphia boxer getting a shot at the heavyweight champion of the world. The film inspired five sequels, won three Oscars, and was named one of the American Film Institute's "Greatest Movies of All Time."

Fast Facts

1. Director: John G. Avildsen
2. Producers: Robert Chartoff, Irwin Winkler
3. Writer: Sylvester Stallone
4. Distributor: United Artists
5. Release date: November 21, 1976
6. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Tony Burton
7. Music: Bill Conti
8. Running time: 120 min.
9. Budget: $1,100,000

Stallone plays Rocky, a small-time boxer who makes his living as a collector for a loan shark. World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) has the idea to give a no-name fighter a shot at the title. Rocky is selected for the fight and given the nickname, "The Italian Stallion" by Creed.

The story also revolves around Rocky and his pursuit of love interest, Adrian (Talia Shire). Adrian is the sister of Rocky's friend, Paulie (Burt Young). Adrian stays by Rocky's side as he trains for the biggest fight of his life against Creed.

Rocky received excellent reviews by top film critics and was considered a sleeper hit at the box office. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won three of them. The movie is considered a classic today and has been the most profitable of the series.