Rocky IV is a 1985 American sports drama film written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone.Rocky IV was the highest-grossing sports movie for 24 years, before it was overtaken by The Blind Side.It is the fourth and most financially successful installment in the Rocky film series.Critical reception was mixed, but the film was a huge success at the box office, earning $300 million. This film marked Carl Weathers' final appearance in the series. Its success led to a fifth entry released on November 16, 1990.