The 10 Best Pop Culture Homages to the "Rocky" Steps Scene

Image via Complex Original

When the Philadelphia Museum of Art was established back in 1876, founders had no idea the steps leading to the entrance would become the most famous in pop culture history. A century later, a struggling Sylvester Stallone penned Rocky, the definitive underdog sports tale.

The film defines the gritty spirit of Philadelphia, and the character embodies the city's blue-collar nature. That underdog attitude is in the air, runs up and down Broad Street and even seeps through the pores of Philly's sports teams. It's a city with a chip on its shoulder, and doesn't care if the world knows.

Nobody could've predicted that the 72 steps before the museum would hold this mythical spot in popular culture, but they do, all thanks to Rocky. Because of their fame, climbing the steps has been often imitated as tribute to Stallone's classic. Today marks the 35th anniversary of Rocky's release, so take a gander at the 10 Best Pop Culture Homages to the Steps Scene in Rocky.

Words by Julian Kimble @JRK316

10. Will Smith, "Freakin' It," 2000

In the video for "Freakin' It," Will Smith ran through various spots in his hometown before leading damn near the whole city up the steps of the art museum.

Watch the video here.

9. In Her Shoes, 2005

In the 2005 film In Her Shoes, Toni Collette sprinted up those recognizable steps with her dogs. It's a chick flick for sure, but one with good taste. And dogs are pretty all right with us, so there's that too.

8. John Kerry's Promo Tour, 2004

Back in '04, John Kerry wrapped up his pre-campaign tour in front of the steps before heading back to Boston to accept the Democratic nod for President. 

7. The Nutty Professor, 1996

During Eddie Murphy's remake of The Nutty Professor, the famous scene was parodied as Sherman Klump struggled up the steps before finally making it in haphazard attempt to lose weight. Hey, at least he made it.

Watch the clip here.

6. The Contender, 2005

In the first episode of the first season of NBC's The Contender (which Stallone executive produced and appeared in), Philly native Naija Turpin was filmed running up the steps. Sadly, Turpin became the first American reality television star to commit suicide when he took his life on Valentine's Day 2005.

Watch the clip here.

5. Bam Margera & Brandon DiCamillo, "Eye of the Tiger"

Jackass star Bam Margera, who grew up in nearby West Chester, Pa., put together this parody to a distorted version of "Eye of the Tiger" with Brandon DiCamillo. Like everyone who grew up in the area, Bam understands the significance of those steps. 

Watch the clip here.

4. Dawn Staley, 1996

Philly native and women's basketball legend Dawn Staley was selected to sprint up the steps during the Olympic Torch Relay in '96. In August of that year, she capped the summer off by earning a gold medal at the Atlanta games. 

3. Allen Iverson Reebok Commercial, 2003

Back in '03, Reebok recreated the scene with A.I. cast in the lead role. Rock in hand, Iverson ripped through the streets of Philly and ended the ad by dribbling up the famous steps. He was already an adopted favorite son in Philly, but this helped solidify his legendary status.

Watch the video here.

2. "The Philadelphia Story," The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, 1994

Fresh Prince of Bel Air fans will remember this classic episode from the fourth season of the hit show where Will returned to Philly. While preparing to rumble with a bully from his past, he went through a Rocky-esque workout before tapping out atop the art museum steps.

Watch the scene here.

1. Rocky Balboa, 2006

At the conclusion of Rocky Balboa, Philly natives retraced Rocky's steps before viewers were left with a final shot of Stallone looking over the Ben Franklin Parkway from 30 years prior. It united the city with the clip that symbolizes the place so well.

Watch the scene here.