Release CalendarTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop 250 TV ShowsMost Popular TV ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV News
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily Entertainment GuideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsCannes Film FestivalStar WarsAsian Pacific American Heritage MonthSummer Watch GuideSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign In
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Rocky III

  • 1982
  • PG
  • 1h 39m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
220K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,710
230
Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III (1982)
Trailer 2 for Rocky III
Play trailer2:30
1 Video
99+ Photos
BoxingDramaSport

Rocky faces the ultimate challenge from a powerful new contender, and must turn to a former rival to help regain his throne as the undisputed fighting champion.Rocky faces the ultimate challenge from a powerful new contender, and must turn to a former rival to help regain his throne as the undisputed fighting champion.Rocky faces the ultimate challenge from a powerful new contender, and must turn to a former rival to help regain his throne as the undisputed fighting champion.

  • Director
    • Sylvester Stallone
  • Writer
    • Sylvester Stallone
  • Stars
    • Sylvester Stallone
    • Talia Shire
    • Burt Young
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.8/10
    220K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    3,710
    230
    • Director
      • Sylvester Stallone
    • Writer
      • Sylvester Stallone
    • Stars
      • Sylvester Stallone
      • Talia Shire
      • Burt Young
    • 315User reviews
    • 73Critic reviews
    • 57Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 3 wins & 9 nominations total

    Videos1

    Rocky III
    Trailer 2:30
    Rocky III

    Photos162

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 154
    View Poster

    Top cast66

    Edit
    Sylvester Stallone
    Sylvester Stallone
    • Rocky Balboa
    Talia Shire
    Talia Shire
    • Adrian
    Burt Young
    Burt Young
    • Paulie
    Carl Weathers
    Carl Weathers
    • Apollo Creed
    Burgess Meredith
    Burgess Meredith
    • Mickey Goldmill
    Tony Burton
    Tony Burton
    • Duke
    Mr. T
    Mr. T
    • Clubber Lang
    Hulk Hogan
    Hulk Hogan
    • Thunderlips
    Ian Fried
    • Rocky Jr.
    Al Silvani
    Al Silvani
    • Al
    Wally Taylor
    • Clubber's Manager
    Jim Hill
    • Sportscaster
    Don Sherman
    Don Sherman
    • Andy
    Dennis James
    Dennis James
    • Wrestling Commentator
    Jim Healy
    • Wrestling Commentator
    Ray Gedeon
    • Wrestling Referee
    Gene Crane
    • Mayor
    Stu Nahan
    Stu Nahan
    • Title Rematch Commentator
    • Director
      • Sylvester Stallone
    • Writer
      • Sylvester Stallone
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews315

    6.8219.7K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    8masonsaul

    Great third installment

    Despite the familiar narrative, Rocky III is still a great third installment that's funny, emotional and thrilling. Sylvester Stallone gives an incredible performance once again and his direction is great. Carl Weathers, Talia Shire and Mr. T are all great. It's extremely well filmed with intense and visceral fight scenes. It's also expertly paced and the music by Bill Conti is really good.
    8caspian1978

    A great flick !

    Another film worthy of a Frank Stallone sound track, Rocky 3 has been one of the biggest box office turn outs in history. Not only did every Italian American run out to see this film when it was in the theaters but it made the song "Eye of the Tiger" a national hit. Rocky 3 was also a debut film for MR. T. An excellent performance as one of the best villains in movie history. This one is not only written by Sly....it is also directed by him as well. Check it out.
    8RiffRaffMcKinley

    Wow, Look Who's Still Got It!

    30 minutes shorter than its predecessors-- according to audience reactions I still disagree with, that's the same curse that held "Superman IV" in Hollywood Purgatory (or maybe lower).

    Thank heavens "Rocky III" is still an enjoyable piece of work!

    For Stallone's second shot in the director's chair, he pits his famous character against Clubber Lang, a testosterone-oozing Mr. T. The trouble is, has Rocky grown complacent in light of his massive celebrity?

    While it does stick to something of a formula, R3 still comes out swinging, with more humor and better drama than the first two, but doesn't reach the cheer-inspiring fever pitch of the second.

    A worthwhile entry.
    10ivo-cobra8

    Rise and fall from grace - undoubtedly tied best classic movie with IV!

    Rocky III (1982) is definitely tied best Rocky film with IV. It is my third favorite Rocky film. The first one will always be the best. I think the third entry of the franchise is a big improvement over Rocky II in my opinion. He's on top of the world now, bags a statue, and for some reason, Adrian became attractive in this one. Like, REALLY attractive. He got soft, he got arrogant, and he got lazy. He lost his trainer, his title, and most of all, his self-respect to one of the most that makes me angry villains ever to grace the silver screen: Mr. T's Oscar-robbed performance as Clubber Lang and had to regain the 'eye of the tiger' to get it all back in front of the world. This one also proves further that Apollo Creed is human. Guy went from an arrogant prick and sore loser to Rocky's finest ally. Kudos, Carl. I love Mr. T he become famous after this movie there is also Hulk Hogan in it. Adrian in this movie is very supportive and I love Apollo how he was helping Rocky. Rocky III has a heart beside Rocky I.

    Why I love this film? This is the only Rocky film in which Adrian is well written - to further support my stance that III fires on all cylinders. Really, what purpose does Adrian serve in II, IV and V? She spends most of those movies telling Rocky not to fight - she is not supportive and just a burden to him. In this one, she actually encourages him and is an asset (speach on the beach.) Heck, there wouldn't be much of Rocky II if not for her objections to. It is the best all around Rocky movie. On a literary level (story), entertainment level, filmmaking level, boxing choreography, characters, etc... The fight at the end actually means something for Rocky. He has something to gain from it (unlike V.) This and Rocky I are the ONLY two Rocky movies where Adrian actually encourages Rocky the whole time (unlike II, IV, and V.) Mr. T is perfectly cast. It was so successful because it was the best.

    Rocky lost everything his manager, his title, his self respect and mostly he lost his edge! Like Apollo said "Now, when we fought, you had that eye of the tiger, man; the edge! And now you gotta get it back, and the way to get it back is to go back to the beginning." That's what I love. When you lose something don't quit. You need gained back the thing you lost. I love how Apollo motivated Rocky in this film and I think Apollo is well written and portrayed in here. I seriously I think Carl Weathers did a wonderful job portraying arrogant Apollo to an awesome Rocky's friend, to a support and ally. I was surprised Apollo was back in the third entry of the Series franchise. I love the training sequences and the music Score by Bill Conti the same score he used in Rocky I, and II. The same year that Sylvester Stallone made Rocky III the same year he went and started in First Blood, his famous role to this days Rambo!

    Carl Weathers also said that Rocky III is his favorite film he made. Not only that it is the only Rocky sequel film who won another Oscar award, which is the only one. Beside Carl Weathers I think Mr. T was the best actor portraying a villain in this movie I love how he provoked Rocky I really love that. This is the only film the lasted three rounds. The film has two fight with Clubber Lang (Mr. T) and more fights in which Rocky and Clubber are attending too in the opening scene. Rocky fights a wrestler Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan) in this film. I also love the music score Eye of the Tiger performed by Survivor!

    I love this film it is my third best favorite rocky film alongside with Rocky IV. The rating I am giving is 9.5/10, I would have give it 10, I didn't because Mickey dies in this film and that was the most shocking disturbing scene to me.

    Three years and 10 successful title defenses after beating Apollo Creed, with whom he has become great friends, a now wealthy Rocky Balboa is considering retirement. Fame and complacency soon cause Balboa to lose his title to Clubber Lang, who inadvertently causes the death of Rocky's trainer Mickey. Rocky sinks into a depression, and Apollo decides to train Rocky for a rematch against Lang so Rocky can try to win the title back. That is the basic main plot.

    Rocky III is a 1982 American film written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the third installment in the Rocky film series, and the second in the franchise to be directed by Stallone.

    9.5/10 Grade: A
    7ma-cortes

    Charming and enjoyable sequel with the Italian Stallion taking on the brute Clubber Land , Mr. T

    Acceptable follow-up in which Balboa is willing to risk his life against a violent boxer , Clubber Lang . Officially a sequel is most a rehash but happens to be a nice third chapter about Rocky saga with intimate Stallone . Interesting sequel that works every time and in which beloved Balboa is considering retirement , but he faces off a tough contender performed by Mister T (A Team) , being dethroned by the obnoxious , corpulent boxer , that's why Rocky sinks into a depression . Excessive confidence and complacency soon give rise to lose his heavyweight championship title . Two-bit fighter Rocky is now almost retired and has hit rock bottom , but he rises from ashes to fight a daring contender . About to be retired from boxing and back from riches to ring , Rocky takes on a new combat . Although he is homaged as one of the greatest boxing champions in the history also is panned as a down-and-out fighter . Then , ¨The Italian Stallion¨ , the one time champion , returns to take on the ultimate boxing combat , as he comes out from retirement for fame and self-respect to combat the strongest , youngest and faster contender . While Rocky attempts to prove himself and his family , his wife (Talia Shire), brother-in-law (Burt Young) and his veteran trainer (Burguess Meredith) . Shortly after , Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) and Duke (Tony Burton) decide to train Rocky for a rematch against the brave and invincible opponent Lang , so Rocky can attempt to win the championship back .

    This agreeable predictable entertainment displays splendidly the 'formula Rocky'. The movie works in usual manner , fitting appropriately to franchise , even though we know the plot the film works . This soaper on the ring is developed in gentleness , dignity , feel-good style as well as the initial outing . Great training montage and spectacular and climatic final bout . Writer-director-actor Stallone new entry is surprisingly entertaining and packs good feeling . Usual and nostalgic musical score by Bill Conti and atmospheric cinematography by Bill Butler . The motion picture was lavishly financed by the producers of complete saga , Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler and well directed by Stallone who along John G. Avildsen created the six Rocky saga.

    In previous and subsequent entries the contenders were the followings : ¨Rocky I¨ and ¨II¨ was Carl Weathers ; ¨Rocky III¨ the fast-mouthed and cruel boxer Mister T ; ¨Rocky IV¨ against a massive Russian boxer played by Dolph Lundgren ; ¨Rocky V¨ in which Rocky , nicknamed as the Chicken Stallion , lives from records being ostracized , but our hero returns as a coach , as Rocky goes back despite his own cerebral damage through a rematch on the streets , as he fights Tommy 'Machine' Gunn/Tommy Morrison ; meanwhile , the champ must adjust to his family's new life on bankruptcy ; subsequently ¨Rocky Balboa¨ proving his estranged young son Milo Ventiglimia who still can fight . And , finally , ¨Creed¨ in which Rocky eventually agrees to mentor Adonis , son of the known boxing champion Apollo Creed . Rating : Good , being impossible to dislike , the result is deliciously corny agreeable and predictable amusement . Although we've seen it all before , Sylvester manages to make it work one more time and it works every way even better than successive Rockys .

    More like this

    Rocky II
    7.3
    Rocky II
    Rocky IV
    6.9
    Rocky IV
    Rocky V
    5.4
    Rocky V
    Rocky Balboa
    7.1
    Rocky Balboa
    Rocky
    8.1
    Rocky
    Creed
    7.6
    Creed
    Creed II
    7.1
    Creed II
    Rambo: First Blood Part II
    6.5
    Rambo: First Blood Part II
    Creed III
    6.7
    Creed III
    First Blood
    7.7
    First Blood
    Rambo III
    5.8
    Rambo III
    Rambo
    7.0
    Rambo

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      According to an interview given by Mr. T, he attended the movie's premiere with his mother. During the scene where he yells lurid remarks at Adrian, his mother turned to him and said, "I did not raise you to talk to a lady like that." She then stormed out of the theater.
    • Goofs
      At Micky's funeral, there are only 4 people present (Rocky, Adrian, Paulie and Al the Cutman. In order for a Jewish service/prayer to take place, there must be a minimum of 10 men (Minyan). If there is not a Minyan then the prayers have no validity and therefore strangers are often invited to the prayers ensuring there are 10 or more men.
    • Quotes

      Interviewer: Do you hate Rocky?

      Clubber Lang: No, I don't hate Balboa. I pity the fool, and I will destroy any man who tries to take what I got!

    • Crazy credits
      For the first time in the series, Tony Burton's character is credited (and referred to on screen for the first time) as Duke.
    • Alternate versions
      Several scenes were added for the European Theatrical Release:
      • During the Thunderlips charity fight, there are several glances between Rocky and Clubber Lang (Mr. T).
      • A romantic scene between Rocky and Adrian before the Statue unveiling.
      • A funeral march for Mickey (Burgess Meredith).
      • The dialogue between Apollo ('Carl Weathers') and Rocky in Mick's Gym is longer.
    • Connections
      Edited from Rocky II (1979)
    • Soundtracks
      Eye of the Tiger
      Composed and Produced by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan

      Performed by Survivor

      Survivor appears by courtesy of Scotti Brothers Records

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    Sylvester Stallone's Most Iconic Roles

    Sylvester Stallone's Most Iconic Roles

    We're celebrating the iconic Sylvester Stallone with a look back at some of his most indelible film performances, from Rocky and Rambo, to Joe in the new superhero movie Samaritan.
    See the full gallery
    Editorial Image
    Photos

    FAQ30

    • How long is Rocky III?Powered by Alexa
    • When Rocky was punching Clubber during a clinch, was that even legal?
    • What is 'Rocky III' about?
    • Did Sylvester Stallone write the screenplay for 'Rocky III'?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 28, 1982 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Instagram
      • MGM
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Rocky, Part 3
    • Filming locations
      • Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, California, USA(running scenes)
    • Production companies
      • Chartoff-Winkler Productions
      • United Artists
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $17,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $125,049,125
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $12,431,486
      • May 30, 1982
    • Gross worldwide
      • $125,052,898
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 39 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Related news

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III (1982)
    Top Gap
    What is the streaming release date of Rocky III (1982) in India?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb app
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb app
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb app
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.