well you know, do what you want, but to me it's truly a must-see kind of movie for any rocky fan. I absolutely recommend it though obviously I can't speak as a non-rocky fan so whoever isn't is totally on their own in deciding. It's a sequel and I viewed it as one, even by watching rocky before going to see it and the two films I guess compliment each other very well. So to truly get the most out of this film, I think you have to watch the first movie. That's just a suggestion for anyone considering seeing it. It works fine without it I'm sure, but for the best experience, watch the first before seeing Balboa.