Rocky Balboa is a 2006 American sports drama film written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars. It is the sequel to Rocky V (1990) and the sixth installment in the Rocky franchise. Burt Young and Antonio Tarver also star. It was Tarver’s first and only film, and Stallone’s first film as director since Rocky IV (1985). In the film, Rocky Balboa (Stallone), now an aging small restaurant owner, is challenged to an exhibition fight by hothead boxer Mason Dixon (Tarver).

Development for a sixth Rocky film began after Stallone expressed regret of the outcome of Rocky V, which was viewed as a disappointing conclusion to the end of the franchise. Rocky Balboa includes references to characters and objects from previous installments, and Stallone was inspired by recent personal struggles and triumphs when writing the film.[3] Principal photography began in December 2005 and lasted until January 2006, with filming locations including Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. In contrast to previous entries in the franchise, the fight choreography in Rocky Balboa was less scripted, featuring real punches thrown by Stallone and Tarver.