Rocky V

A lifetime of taking shots has ended Rocky’s career, and a crooked accountant has left him broke. Inspired by the memory of his trainer, however, Rocky finds glory in training and takes on an up-and-coming boxer.

Critics broadly found the attempt to return the series to working-class character drama undermined by contrived plot developments and a muddled screenplay.

• Rocky shifts from champion boxer to trainer while Tommy Gunn becomes the new center of his professional ambitions.
• Rocky remains psychologically attached to his championship past while his finances, health, and family life have changed.
• The film returns Rocky to Philadelphia, family concerns, financial hardship, and street-level boxing culture after the international spectacle of the Drago bout.
• Tommy Gunn is drawn away from Rocky by managers offering larger salaries and more glittering prizes.

• Rockyshared boxing drama, working-class perseverance, mentorship, and inspirational sports themes
• The Champshared boxing film structure, trainer fighter relationship, family tension, and underdog determination
• The Karate Kidshared sports drama, mentor protege conflict, ambition, and betrayal within a competitive career
• Cinderella Manshared working-class sports setting, personal reinvention, family pressures, and comeback themes

Director

John G. Avildsen

Release Date

1990-11-16

Runtime

104 min

Rating

5.8 / 10 (3616)

What is Rocky V about?

After brain trauma and financial ruin end Rocky Balboa’s career, the former champion mentors a gifted young fighter whose ambition threatens to sever their bond.

What is Rocky V like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rocky V as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Rocky V violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Rocky V as moderate.

What did critics think of Rocky V?

Critics broadly found the attempt to return the series to working-class character drama undermined by contrived plot developments and a muddled screenplay.

Which films are like Rocky V?

Films with a similar feel include Rocky, The Champ, The Karate Kid, and Cinderella Man.

How long is Rocky V?

Rocky V runs 104 minutes.

Where can I watch Rocky V?

In United States, Rocky V streams on Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Philo, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.