When Soviet boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) challenges reigning World Champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to an exhibition match, a retired Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) jumps into the ring first, desperate to prove both American superiority and that he’s still got what it takes. After tragedy strikes, Rocky is determined to avenge his best friend, and his country, whatever it takes.
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. The events of this film serve as the backstory to the plot of Creed II, where Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis, is challenged to fight Drago’s son, Viktor. A director’s cut of the film, entitled Rocky IV: Rocky Vs Drago, was released on November 11, 2021, in theaters, before releasing on digital the following day.