The Way Rocky’s Body Changes Throughout The Movies Is More Crucial Than You Think

Rocky’s physical transformation charts with his rags to riches to retirement story in addition to pointing to real-world change. Especially from the ’70s to the ’80s, beauty standards for men changed drastically. In the former decade, as seen in «Rocky» and «Rocky II,» the desired body shape was muscular but not too vascular and lean. However, in the decade and two films, «Rocky III» and «Rocky IV,» that followed, this perception changed drastically. Thus, Rocky and Sylvester Stallone adapted with the times.

In those two films, Rocky goes full-on ’80s action hero, with incredibly defined muscles and virtually nonexistent bodyfat. This was the style of the time, with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chuck Norris doing the same as they led action franchises of their own. In some form or fashion, this trend has stuck around long past «Rocky V» and «Rocky Balboa,» with modern properties centering on characters with such appearances. Look no further than the «Creed» saga — a «Rocky» sequel film series launched in 2015 focused on Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) — which has required the strict maintenance of Jordan’s already ripped Hollywood physique.

Sylvester Stallone undeniably put in the work to tell the story of Rocky Balboa on the big screen, both in front of the camera and in the gym. Little did he realize way back when just how influential his narratively and societally relevant body transformation would become.