Rocky Is Returning In 2 Months With New Release For 50th Anniversary

Published Oct 14, 2026, 5:43 PM EDT Adam Bentz is a senior news writer at ScreenRant, where he has authored nearly 5,000 articles, including features and lists. He studied creative writing and English with a concentration in screenwriting at Southern New Hampshire University and interned as a writer/journalist for The Borgen Project, an influential organization that fights global poverty. However, one of his proudest achievements is editing a Leonardo DiCaprio freakout compilation that has over 150K views on YouTube. Adam also fancies himself an amateur film critic on his personal website. Rocky is returning to the ring in two months for a new release celebrating its 50th anniversary. The boxing franchise began with the iconic 1976 film, which was followed by five sequels starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, and the Creed spinoff movies starring Michael B. Jordan. The franchise has several releases upcoming, including I Play Rocky, a biographical film following the development and production of the original movie, which is set for release on November 20. Now, Rocky (1976) will be receiving a limited-edition 50th anniversary 4K Ultra-HD SteelBook on December 15. It is currently available to pre-order on Amazon and other retailers for $46.99. The limited-edition SteelBook includes a mini-poster, commentary tracks featuring Sylvester Stallone, cast members, filmmakers, and boxing experts, over three hours of bonus content, including rare home footage, a three-part making-of documentary, and behind-the-scenes looks at the film's music, makeup, direction, and cinematography. The original Rocky will also return to theaters on December 3 to celebrate the film's 50th anniversary, giving fans another chance to experience the 1976 classic on the big screen. The celebration also includes a fun collectible: a popcorn bucket inspired by the iconic steps of Philadelphia's Museum of Art, made famous by Rocky's legendary training run. However, the 50th anniversary festivities don't stop there. Through December 3, marking the official anniversary of Rocky's release, Philadelphia will offer guided tours of iconic filming locations, letting fans step into the footsteps of the legendary underdog himself. Directed by John G. Avildsen, Rocky was written by and starred Sylvester Stallone as the titular small-time club fighter and loan shark debt collector from Philadelphia, who receives an unlikely once-in-a-lifetime shot at the world heavyweight championship held by Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Rocky's cast also includes Talia Shire as his love interest Adrian, Burt Young as his pal Paulie, and Burgess Meredith as his trainer Mickey, alongside Thayer David, Joe Spinell, Jimmy Gambina, Tony Burton, Pedro Lovell, Stan Shaw, Jodi Letizia, Frank Stallone, and Joe Frazier. Made on a small budget of $1 million, Rocky was released in theaters on December 3 and went on to become the highest-grossing movie of 1976, making $225 million at the box office. It received rave reviews, resulting in a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics claiming that although the tale of a struggling boxer follows a familiar, predictable path, Sylvester Stallone's compelling screenplay and powerhouse performance in the lead role deliver a knockout that makes any criticism fade into the background. Rocky received 10 Oscar nominations, winning Best Picture and Best Director for John G. Avildsen. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the best movies of all time. Whether you are a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, there has never been a better time to step back into the ring for Rocky. Rocky (1976) is currently streaming on Paramount+, Prime Video, and for free on Pluto TV. Release Date November 20, 1976 Runtime 120 minutes Director John G. Avildsen Cast Talia Shire Adrianna 'Adrian' Pennino