Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is one of the most inspirational figures to ever be integrated into pop culture. He's the true underdog, rising to the top in Philadelphia's boxing world, and even falling back down again in the fifth film. His fights are always long, sometimes painfully extensive, but the main point is that Rocky never gives up, and it's a message worth reinforcing in each Rocky film.
The franchise is an inspiration in itself. Rocky had to fight, literally and metaphorically, for everything he had, and sometimes the cost was mighty, but most of the time, his efforts were rewarded. He found love and friendship, but he also suffered huge losses with Mickey and Apollo. Yet, the Italian Stallion always held his head high.
"Because I Can't Sing Or Dance."
Rocky's answer to Adrian when she asks him why he wants to fight is priceless. Rocky is a simple guy. He's great at giving speeches, but he doesn't always sort through his feelings so well. This quote brings some comedy, but the other aspect to it is that it's a perfect example in providing explanations when you don't have a particular one. Sometimes people can't quite put into words why they do what they do or why they love the things they love, so quippy answers like these are sometimes the necessity, and it holds more meaning than words could ever say.
"Derogatory? Yeah. He's great."
If only the whole world misunderstood what 'derogatory' means like Rocky. During the press conference in the second film, Apollo spends pretty much the entire time talking about how he's going to beat Rocky, but Rocky only has nice things to say in return. He keeps the press conference civil and light-hearted despite Apollo's obvious frustration and intensity, and we have to admire the way Rocky presents himself. He's lovable and a good sport, which are some of his best qualities, and this quote is an inspiration to us all to present ourselves in a similar civil and pleasant manner.
"Yo, Adrian!"
This is probably Rocky's most famous quote. It suits him, and the way in which he says it sticks with audiences to this day. The fights don't matter at the end of the day, Adrian does. She is Rocky's support, and he knows she will be there for him, win or lose. The biggest win of all is having someone there for you, whether you're coming out of a literal ring or a figurative one. So much love and joy is contained in those two words, and it'll forever be a beloved part of pop culture.
"I Stopped Thinking The Way Other People Think A Long Time Ago. You Gotta Think Like You Think."
Worrying about everyone else's thoughts and opinions is exhausting. You're always wondering about their judgments, their perceptions, their reactions. It gets old, doesn't it? Rocky has a mantra, placed in terms that could only be his, that really works.
You have to think like you. Every single person is an individual. No two people speak, act, or think alike. That's what makes people special. Take Rocky's advice, and just think like you.
"Nobody Owes Nobody Nothin'. You Owe Yourself."
Debts hang over people's heads all the time. The thing is, sometimes those debts are out of perspective. Rocky and Paulie have a discussion about debts and friendships in the third film, and Rocky says this quote, and later adds that friends do things for each other because they want to - friendship isn't a debt. It's a good message. Paulie's insistent and Rocky handles the matter delicately, giving Paulie a job. Rocky's right, you owe yourself. And you owe it to yourself to make something out of your life (preferably debt-free).
"Every Champion Was Once A Contender Who Refused To Give Up."
Sometimes you look at someone else and you envy them. A friend, a celebrity, maybe even a family member. You're jealous because of the things they've achieved that you haven't. Everyone has that moment, it's normal.
The thing is, they worked for it, and from all your hard work, you'll reach your dreams, too. You don't start out as a champion, you have to work hard, have faith, and never give up, hence the importance of this Rocky quote.
"It Ain't About How Hard You Hit. It's About How Hard You Can Get Hit And Keep Moving Forward."
Rocky's wise when it comes to life. He tells it like it is, creating a meaningful message even in the darkest aspects of life. It's suiting that the quote suits Rocky's boxing background, but more importantly, it's an important perspective and approach to life. There are times where life itself just breaks down your door and lets you really have it, and it's your choice whether or not you'll let those many hits, or one big hit, keep you down. When you can keep moving forward despite being knocked to the ground, that really says something about your character.
"If This Is Something You Wanna Do, And If This Is Something You Gotta Do, Then You Do It. Fighters Fight."
You have to be a fighter, you have to be a survivor. The world does not pave the road for you. It's unfortunate, it's difficult, and it can be downright depressing, but the more you fight, the further you will get and the happier you'll be for trying so hard.
If you have the drive and the passion to follow your dreams, or to do the right thing, or just simply answer a calling, then you fight for it and make it a reality. Take it from Rocky, he knows what he's talking about.
"But Until You Start Believing In Yourself, You Ain't Gonna Have A Life."
Never have truer words been spoken. In 2006's Rocky Balboa, Rocky says this to his adult son as part of a speech. He's trying to get his son to stop blaming others and to just believe in himself. It's a good speech for anyone who starts blaming others because they're angry with the world over their life circumstances and need someone or something to blame for it other than themselves. The thing is, you have to be your own biggest believer, and that will get you so much farther than placing blame on others.
"Going In One More Round When You Don't Think You Can, That's What Makes All The Difference In Your Life."
The special part about this quote is that it's something Rocky said to his son in the fourth film. There are many moments in life when everything just gets to you, and you want to give up and walk away. The thing is, you have to find an inner strength to keep pushing through, and going in that one more round, well, it could mean great things. It could mean new chances, new opportunities, a better life overall. So go in that one more round. You'll never know the greatness that could come of it if you don't.