Rocky IV (1985)
Sylvester Stallone's Cold War boxing epic pits Rocky Balboa against the unstoppable Soviet giant Ivan Drago in a fight for honor, revenge, and country.
Rocky IV - Movie Information
- Original Title: Rocky IV
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Sylvester Stallone
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 21, 1985 (Denmark - 11), November 21, 1985 (United States - PG), January 24, 1986 (United Kingdom - PG), February 13, 1986 (Germany - 16), January 22, 1986 (France - U), December 19, 1985 (Australia - PG), November 27, 1985 (Brazil - 14), February 14, 1986 (Italy - T), March 7, 1986 (Spain - 18), July 17, 1987 (South Korea - All)
- Alternative Titles: Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago - The Ultimate Director's Cut (US)
- Production Companies: United Artists, Chartoff Productions, Winkler Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Rocky IV - Plot
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 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Cold War clash come to life:
He's facing the ultimate challenge. And fighting for his life.
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Rocky IV - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sylvester Stallone
Main Cast
- Sylvester Stallone
- Dolph Lundgren
- Carl Weathers
- Talia Shire
- Burt Young
- Brigitte Nielsen
- Tony Burton
- Michael Pataki
- Stu Nahan
- R.J. Adams
Writers
- Sylvester Stallone
Producers
- Robert Chartoff
- Irwin Winkler
Rocky IV - FAQs
What is Rocky IV about?
Rocky IV follows heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa as he takes on Ivan Drago, a physically imposing Soviet fighter backed by the full might of the USSR. After a personal tragedy fuels his determination, Rocky trains in the Siberian wilderness before a high-stakes, emotionally charged bout in Moscow that transcends sport and becomes a Cold War statement.
Does Apollo Creed die in Rocky IV?
Yes, Apollo Creed dies in Rocky IV. He steps into an exhibition match against Ivan Drago and is fatally beaten in the ring. Rocky, who is in Apollo's corner, watches helplessly as his closest friend loses his life — a devastating moment that drives the entire rest of the film.
Where can you stream Rocky IV right now?
Rocky IV is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, and Plex. It's not included in a flat-rate subscription at this time, but digital rental is widely available across most major platforms.
What does the ending of Rocky IV mean?
Rocky's victory speech in Moscow — delivered to a hostile Soviet crowd that gradually cheers him on — is widely read as a Cold War metaphor. He argues that if he can change, and the crowd can change, then everybody can change. It's a surprisingly earnest plea for mutual understanding wrapped inside a boxing movie.
Who are the main actors in Rocky IV?
The cast is led by Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa and Dolph Lundgren as the formidable Ivan Drago. Carl Weathers returns as Apollo Creed, with Talia Shire as Adrian, Burt Young as Paulie, and Brigitte Nielsen as Drago's wife Ludmilla rounding out the key players.
Is Rocky IV based on a true story?
Rocky IV is not based on a specific true story, though it draws heavily on the Cold War tensions of the mid-1980s. Some historians have noted parallels to real-life bouts between American and Soviet boxers during that era, but the characters and plot are entirely fictional creations of writer-director Sylvester Stallone.
How did Rocky IV perform at the box office?
Rocky IV was a massive commercial hit. Made on a budget of around $31 million, it earned over $300 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the Rocky franchise at the time of its release and one of the biggest box office successes of 1985.
Is there a director's cut version of Rocky IV?
Yes! Sylvester Stallone released Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago — The Ultimate Director's Cut in 2021. It runs about 40 minutes longer than the original, removes the famous robot subplot, adds new scenes and character depth, and reframes the film with a more grounded, emotional tone compared to the 1985 theatrical cut.
More About Rocky IV
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