The Untold Story Behind 'Rocky'S' Iconic Scene: Stallone'S Unsanctioned Adventure

The Birth of an Iconic Scene

In 1976, the gritty yet inspiring film 'Rocky' took the world by storm, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year with its underdog story and a worldwide box office of $225 million. Starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, the lovable Philly boxer, the movie also featured talents like Burgess Meredith, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, and Talia Shire. Despite its massive success, 'Rocky' was a scrappy production with a modest budget of just $1 million. It catapulted Stallone to stardom and snagged three Oscars, including Best Picture.

Spontaneity and Serendipity on the Streets of Philly

One of the most beloved sequences from 'Rocky' is the training montage where Rocky, prepping for his fight against Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), charges through the streets of Philadelphia before triumphantly running up the 72 iconic steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But as Stallone revealed in a 2025 sit-down with Jimmy Fallon, the filming of this scene was a happy accident. "When I got to Philadelphia and did the movie Rocky, I wasn't even thinking about the steps. We didn't have any money to shoot there. We didn't have the license," Stallone recalled on The Tonight Show. "I just got out of the car, I said, 'Let me just run up the steps, get a shot of it, and we'll get out of here before the police come.'"

“The first take, I said, 'Let me carry my dog up the steps,’” Stallone shared. “My dog is a buffalo; it's a 130 lb. bull mastiff. I get halfway up, my knees buckle. We're like, 'Dog, out. Back in the car, pal.'”

The Steps to Success

Stallone's impromptu decision to feature the museum steps granted the film a scene brimming with symbolism. In a 2021 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, he expressed his longstanding fascination with steps: "Ever since I was 10 years old, I’ve always been fascinated with steps... it's like it's almost a pathway to your life."

Fast forward almost fifty years since the film's release, and the steps remain a must-visit destination for fans. Thousands flock annually to Philadelphia, trying to capture the magic of running up the "Rocky Steps" just as Balboa did, with the rhythm of Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now” echoing in their minds. Adding to the allure, Stallone gifted a bronze statue of Rocky – originally made for 'Rocky III' – to the city, securing his cinematic legacy.

This story originally graced the pages of Parade on February 22, 2026. Be sure to make Parade your go-to for all things pop culture!