The Rocky 3 Theme: From Queen to Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger'

The Iconic Rocky III

Rocky III is a memorable installment in the Rocky franchise, best known for its use of Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger' as the theme song. The film features Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa facing off against the formidable Clubber Lang, portrayed by Mr. T. At the peak of his career as a heavyweight champion, Rocky seeks the assistance of his former adversary, Apollo Creed, in his battle against the relentless Lang. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, Rocky III became a massive box office success, grossing $270 million worldwide (via The Bulletin).

Sylvester Stallone shirtless in Rocky 3.

The original Rocky film achieved iconic status due to its distinct visual style, Stallone's outstanding performance, and the use of now-famous shooting locations, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. While Rocky III may not have garnered the same acclaim as the original, it remains a significant part of the franchise, largely attributed to the introduction of Mr. T's Clubber Lang and, notably, the inclusion of Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger,' which has become synonymous with the Rocky series. The song not only contributed to the movie's box office success but also propelled the band Survivor into stardom. However, 'Eye of the Tiger' was not the filmmakers' original choice for the Rocky III theme; the initial selection was far from ideal.

Clubber Lang (Mr. T) and Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) in Rocky III

Rocky 3's Original Song Choice

The original theme choice for Rocky III was 'Another One Bites the Dust' by Queen, a classic glam rock track. Despite its musical merits, the song did not align with the tone and spirit of the Rocky franchise and would have been an ill-fitting selection for the movie. 'Eye of the Tiger' possesses an energetic '80s rock edge and carries an anthem-like quality with its powerful instrumentals and motivational lyrics. In contrast, 'Another One Bites the Dust' is a funk song with a smooth and poppy sound, featuring lyrics that exude self-assurance and boastfulness rather than motivation. While the Queen song was already well-known, 'Eye of the Tiger' was specifically written for the film, making it a more effective choice in encapsulating the essence of Rocky III. The catchy chorus of 'Eye of the Tiger' has become synonymous with Rocky Balboa's enduring legacy, rightfully earning its place as the film's iconic theme song.

Sylvester Stallone fighting Mr. T in Rocky 3.

The Challenge of Obtaining the Queen Song

The producers of Rocky III encountered difficulty in securing the rights to 'Another One Bites the Dust' by Queen. Known for their protective stance on their music, Queen has limited the use of their songs in films, with notable exceptions like the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' scene in Wayne's World and the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. While 'Another One Bites the Dust' has appeared in numerous sports movies, the negotiations between the producers and Queen for its use in Rocky III did not yield a mutually agreeable deal. However, this setback turned out to be serendipitous, leading to the selection of one of the greatest theme songs in cinematic history.

Sylvester Stallone at a podium in front of the Rocky statue in Rocky 3