Rocky (1976) follows Rocky Balboa, a struggling Philadelphia club boxer who works as a debt collector and feels that his life is going nowhere.
When heavyweight champion Apollo Creed’s scheduled opponent is injured, Apollo chooses Rocky as a replacement for a New Year’s Day title fight. Although Apollo expects an easy victory, Rocky sees the opportunity as a chance to prove that he is more than a “nobody.” He begins training with the previously dismissive Mickey Goldmill and starts a relationship with Adrian, a shy pet-store clerk.
Before the fight, Rocky admits that he does not expect to win. His goal is simply to last all fifteen rounds—something no one has done against Apollo. During the match, Rocky surprises Apollo by knocking him down in the first round. Despite suffering severe injuries, Rocky remains standing through the final bell.
Apollo wins by split decision, but Rocky considers the fight a personal victory because he went the distance and earned the respect he had been seeking. As reporters and spectators surround him, Rocky calls for Adrian. They embrace and declare their love for each other, ending the film on an emotional note.
