Maps of Movies

Rocky III (1982)

Where Rocky III says it takes place, and where it was really shot.

The Philadelphia statue is real, but the rest of Rocky's comeback was mostly built in Los Angeles

Scenes and places

The statue on the museum steps (1981)

Rocky, now a rich and famous champion, begins to announce his retirement at his own statue unveiling. Clubber Lang cuts him off and publicly challenges him, accusing him of dodging real fighters. Rocky is goaded into accepting.

Set in Philadelphia Museum of Art steps — The top of the museum stairway where Rocky's statue is unveiled. Google Maps · Apple Maps

The steps in front of the museum are one of Philadelphia's best-known landmarks.

Filmed at Philadelphia Museum of Art steps — The statue was placed on the steps for the 1982 shoot. Google Maps · Apple Maps

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Mickey tells Rocky the truth (1981)

Mickey refuses to train Rocky for the Lang fight. Pressed, he admits he picked every title-defense opponent to protect Rocky. Shattered, Rocky begs him for one last fight.

Set in Mickey and Rocky's talk about Lang — A private talk where Mickey explains why he wants no part of the Lang fight; the film does not name the place.

The film gives no place for this scene.

Training in a hotel ballroom (1981)

Rocky promised Mickey to live in the gym, yet he trains in a crowded hotel ballroom full of distractions. Lang trains alone with ruthless focus.

Set in Hotel ballroom training — A crowded hotel ballroom where Rocky lets the public watch him train; the film does not name the hotel or city.

A grand downtown Los Angeles hotel known for its ornate ballrooms.

Filmed at Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Crystal Ballroom, Los Angeles (506 S. Grand Ave) — Filmed here, according to location-guide pages. Google Maps · Apple Maps

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Rocky vs. Lang at the Spectrum (1981)

Backstage, Lang violently shoves Mickey, who suffers a heart attack. Rocky wants to call the fight off, but Mickey urges him on. Rocky cannot concentrate with his mind on Mickey.

Set in The Spectrum — The Philadelphia arena where the first fight with Lang is held on August 15, 1981. Google Maps · Apple Maps

A Philadelphia indoor arena, since demolished.

Mickey's closed gym (1981)

Rocky, depressed and alone, stops by Mickey's closed gym and finds his former rival Apollo. Apollo offers to train him for a rematch in exchange for a future favor, and Rocky accepts.

Set in Mickey's closed gym — The shuttered gym where Rocky meets Apollo Creed again.

The film gives no more detail about this gym.

Apollo's Tough Gym (1981)

Apollo grows frustrated with Rocky's lack of effort, as Rocky is haunted by nightmares of Lang. Adrian helps Rocky come to terms with Mickey's death, and he regains his focus. Apollo and his manager add footwork, skill and speed to Rocky's style.

Set in Tough Gym, Los Angeles — The Los Angeles gym where Apollo once trained.

A Los Angeles gym; the film names it but the exact address is not in the sources used.

The beach run with Apollo (1981)

Rocky and Apollo run and train outdoors as Rocky is rebuilt into a faster, more skilled fighter.

Set in Beach training — Rocky and Apollo run on a beach as part of the training; the film's setting is not named in the sources used.

A Southern California beach.

Filmed at Santa Monica beach, California — The beach scenes are placed at Santa Monica by a single source. Google Maps · Apple Maps

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The rematch at Madison Square Garden (1981)

After months of training, Rocky faces Lang again. Apollo lends him the American flag trunks he wore in their first match. Rocky starts fast and then changes strategy in a way that confuses Apollo.

Set in Madison Square Garden — The New York arena where the rematch takes place. Google Maps · Apple Maps

One of the best-known arenas in New York City.

Characters

• Rocky Balboa — A rich, famous heavyweight champion who has lost his hunger.
• Clubber Lang — A young, powerful and hungry contender who challenges Rocky in public.
• Mickey Goldmill — Rocky's manager, who has quietly protected him from tough opponents.
• Apollo Creed — Rocky's former rival, who offers to train him for a rematch.
• Adrian — Rocky's wife, who helps him find his focus again.

Questions answered on the map

• Where was Rocky III's comeback really filmed?