Rocky: Directed by John G. Avildsen. With Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers. A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

The classic movie starring Sylvester Stallone was released 49 years ago on Dec. 3, 1976. Here's the cast of 'Rocky' from their first time in the film franchise to their final appearance.

The Rocky Cast, 49 Years Later: See the Stars in the First Movie vs ...

Find out how and where to watch "Rocky" online on Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ today – including 4K and free options.

Rocky, American boxing film, released in 1976, that was the highest-grossing movie of that year, earning more than $117 million at the box office. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won three, including best picture, and made its writer and lead actor, Sylvester Stallone, a star.

Rocky is a small-time Philadelphia boxer going nowhere, until an unbelievable shot to fight the world heavyweight champion lights a fire inside him. Watch trailers & learn more.

Rocky Balboa is a Philadelphia club fighter who seems to be going nowhere. But when a stroke of fate puts him in the ring with a world heavyweight champion, Rocky knows that it's his one shot at the big time — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go the distance and come out a winner!