Rocky Returns

The iconic film that launched a legendary franchise is back on the big screen, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a stunning 4K restoration. Get ready to be inspired by the underdog story of Rocky Balboa.

Dir: John G. Avildsen

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Thayer David, Joe Spinell, Jimmy Gambina

120 mins · 1976 · United States of America · Cert PG · English, Italian, Spanish

IMDb 8.1/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 93% · Metacritic 70/100 · TMDB 7.8/10 · Trakt 80%

Awards: Won 3 Oscars. 23 wins & 23 nominations total

Rocky (50th Anniversary 4K Restoration)

8 Nov 2026

Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater (Greenhithe)

In the gritty streets of Philadelphia, a small-time boxer gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight for the heavyweight championship, while finding love in the unlikeliest of places. Directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is a powerful underdog story that has captivated audiences for decades. With its impressive cast, including Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, and Burt Young, this classic film is a masterpiece of American cinema.

As a drama film, Rocky boasts a runtime of 120 minutes, with a certificate of 12A for moderate violence, mouthed strong language, and domestic abuse. The film's scores are a testament to its enduring popularity, with an impressive 8.1/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70/100 on Metacritic, 7.8/10 on TMDB, and 80% on Trakt. Rocky's accolades include three Oscars and 23 wins and nominations, cementing its place as one of the greatest films of all time.

The film's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising Stallone's writing and performance, as well as the film's direction, musical score, cinematography, and editing. Viewers have also fallen in love with the film's inspiring story, memorable characters, and iconic theme song. With its 50th-anniversary screening, fans can experience the magic of Rocky on the big screen once again.

The Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater in Greenhithe will be hosting the 50th-anniversary screening of Rocky from Friday, 30 October 2026, to Friday, 13 November 2026. Tickets and details are available with the button beside this article, offering a unique opportunity to witness a piece of cinematic history in stunning 4K restoration.

Stills

What viewers say

Zelos7

A beautiful, touching and personal story of an underdog. An all time classic.

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SkinnyFilmBuff · 8/10

Up until this week there was a Sylvester Stallone sized gap in my viewing history, as I somehow had never seen the triple Oscar winning (with 7 more nominations) film that rocketed him to stardom. I finally sought this out because I saw an interview Stallone did on BBC back in 1977. In the interview, he described his background and motivations. He was well spoken and as an aspiring screenwriter, I found it incredibly relatable and inspiring. So,…

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ahmed365 · 9/10

Success is not about winning, it is about standing up after every time you fail and to never quit!!

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Nox Anexayi · 8/10

I watched this as a kid and over time I pretty much forgot how it went. Apart from popular culture references in other media, I pretty much went in not knowing anything. And I'm surprised how much heart is in this film. What a great character Rocky is. Sure some things won't go over well in movies nowadays but he's a product of his time and environment. He had every chance to become nothing more than a thug but he kept dreaming. Even when people…

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jarvis-8243417 · 8/10

The original Rocky is iconic, and launched one of the most influential cinema franchises. Yet, this first installment is far subdued from what Rocky would become; delivering a smart edgy drama. It’s a quintessential populist story: down-and-out “everyman” Rocky Balboa gets a shot to go the distance with world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in the Bicentennial Super Battle fight on New Year’s Day. Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, and Burgess…

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waltmellow · 10/10

Muito bom! Nunca pensei que fosse gostar tanto de um filme sobre boxe.

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PorterUk · 9/10

This film has to have been watched by almost everyone in the world at this point... Reviewing it as part of the (so far and presumably closed) 8 installations of the Rocky/Creed saga. What stands out? - It is a real drama and love story. The boxing is merely a vehicle to show the tough, luckless lives that these very nuanced individuals live. - Stallone plays Rocky not as a moron and a slow thinker but as an uneducated guy who has street smarts,…

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rickay · 9/10

This is The Godfather of sports movies. I loved it as a kid and it still holds up. Just a great story.

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