Rocky IV is a 1985 American sports drama film written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone. The film co-stars Dolph Lundgren, Burt Young, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, Brigitte Nielsen and Michael Pataki. Rocky IV was the highest-grossing sports movie of all time for 24 years, before it was overtaken by The Blind Side. It is the sequel to the 1982 film Rocky III, and the fourth installment in Rocky franchise. To date, it is the most financially successful installment of the franchise.
In the film, the Soviet Union and its top boxer make an entrance into professional boxing with their best athlete Ivan Drago, who initially wants to take on world champion Rocky Balboa.
Rocky’s close friend Apollo Creed decides to fight him instead in an exhibition but is fatally beaten and killed in the ring by Drago. Enraged, Rocky decides to fight Drago in the Soviet Union to avenge the death of his friend and defend the honor of his country.
Critical reception was mixed, but the film was a huge success at the box office, earning $300 million. While the film marked Carl Weathers’ final appearance in the series, his character would still be referenced in each subsequent film. Its success led to a fifth film, released in 1990. Rocky Vs Drago, was released on November 11, 2021, in theaters, before releasing on digital the following day. This version received better reviews from critics.
