Rocky IV

Right now you can watch Rocky IV in Australia on Stan and HBO Max, and in the US on Netflix and Philo — and it holds up to as much attention as you give it. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 4,870 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Sylvester Stallone's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Stan and see for yourself.

Rocky IV is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The writing in Rocky IV treats its characters as people first, plot devices second. Rocky Balboa holds the world heavyweight championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. This time, Rocky's training regimen takes him to Siberia, where he prepares for a globally televised match in the heart of Moscow. But nothing can truly prepare him for what he's about to face – a fight to the finish, in which he must defend not only himself, but also the honor of his country! The performances from Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren give it more weight than the premise alone would suggest. It hit screens in 1985. What elevates Rocky IV is a refusal to let any character off the hook too easily. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For anyone looking for storytelling that takes its characters seriously, Rocky IV delivers. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Sylvester Stallone anchors a cast that never overplays its hand. The kind of drama that stays with you well after the finale.