MGM Sets Rocky 4K UHD Release for Dec. 15, 2026

MGM has confirmed it is releasing Rocky in two 4K UHD sets on Dec. 15, 2026, marking the film's 50th anniversary, according to movieweb.com. The release includes a limited-edition 2-disc 4K UHD / Blu-ray SteelBook that comes with a mini-poster.

The special features include three commentaries featuring Sylvester Stallone, members of the cast and filmmakers, and boxing experts. Bonus material includes archival 8mm home movies of the making of Rocky, a three-part making-of documentary, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

Before the home release, the original 1976 film will return to theaters on Dec. 3 for the 50th anniversary, with a popcorn bucket modeled after the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia is also offering guided tours of Rocky filming locations through Dec. 3.

Rocky was released in 1976 and spawned six films and three Creed movies over five decades. It was directed by John G. Avildsen and starred Stallone as Rocky Balboa, with Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers and Burgess Meredith in the cast and Irwin Winkler as producer.

Legend holds that Stallone wrote the script in the days following the Muhammad Ali–Chuck Wepner championship match, in which Ali knocked Wepner out in the 15th round. The film made $225 million on a budget of $1 million and won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing.