Rocky IV (1985)

Kernel Score: 79% · 4,731 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama

Released: 1985-11-21

Runtime: 91 minutes

Is Rocky IV worth watching?

Depends on your taste. The most cartoonish Rocky: a Cold War showdown packed with training montages and loud 80s spectacle. It's short and fun if you want a crowd-pleaser, not if you want the drama of the first film.

Watch it if you

  • love 80s action spectacle and montages
  • enjoy the Rocky series' underdog formula
  • want a short, high-energy sports film

Skip it if you

  • want the grounded drama of the original
  • dislike jingoistic, Cold War-era storylines

Best for: Fun action night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Rocky IV

  • Stream: Prime Video, Paramount+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

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!

Movies like Rocky IV

If you liked Rocky IV, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Rocky (1976) — 88%: The grounded original that started it all
  • Rocky II (1979) — 81%: Rocky's rematch story with more heart
  • Creed II (2018) — 78%: Drago's story picked up decades later
  • Creed III (2023) — 79%: Fresh take on a boxer's rivalry and past
  • Southpaw (2015) — 83%: Hard-hitting redemption boxing drama
  • Cinderella Man (2005) — 84%: Classic underdog boxing story

Director

Sylvester Stallone

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

Rocky IV FAQ

Is Rocky IV worth watching?

Depends on your taste. The most cartoonish Rocky: a Cold War showdown packed with training montages and loud 80s spectacle. It's short and fun if you want a crowd-pleaser, not if you want the drama of the first film.

Where can I watch Rocky IV?

In the US you can stream Rocky IV on Prime Video and Paramount+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

What is Rocky IV rated?

Rocky IV is rated PG-13.

What movies are like Rocky IV?

If you liked Rocky IV, try Rocky, Rocky II, Creed II and Creed III.