“There’s no shortcut home.”
If you’re a true Rocky fan, you know exactly where this is going. The “No Easy Way Out” montage in Rocky IV is one of the most adrenaline-pumping, emotional sequences in the franchise. It’s the moment when Rocky, grieving Apollo’s death, jumps into his Lamborghini Jalpa and speeds through the streets of Los Angeles—right into the 2nd Street Tunnel.
But did you know that tunnel isn’t just a random movie set? It’s a real Los Angeles landmark, and one that has appeared in countless films. If you’re ever in L.A., this is one Rocky IV filming location you don’t want to miss.
Where Is the ‘Rocky IV No Easy Way Out’ Tunnel?
The tunnel featured in Rocky IV is officially called the 2nd Street Tunnel, located in downtown Los Angeles. This quarter-mile stretch runs underneath Bunker Hill and is famous for its arched design and white tile ceiling, making it an ideal backdrop for cinematographers.
- Entrance Rocky Uses: Hill Street, heading west along 2nd Street.
- Notable Feature: Reflective tiles on the ceiling create that glowing effect.
- Best Time to Visit: Late at night for the true cinematic feel.
- What to Play: “No Easy Way Out” on full blast.
- Speeding? Bad idea—LAPD isn’t as forgiving as Rocky’s editors.
While it looks long and dramatic in the film, in reality, this tunnel is much shorter than you’d expect. So if you’re thinking about channeling your inner Rocky and speeding through it while blasting “No Easy Way Out,” be warned—you’ll be out the other side before you know it!
Why Is This Tunnel So Famous?
The 2nd Street Tunnel is one of Hollywood’s go-to filming locations. It’s been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and car commercials. Besides Rocky IV, some of its most iconic appearances include:
- Demolition Man
- Lethal Weapon 2
- Blade Runner
- Charlies Angels: Full Throttle
- The Terminator
- Independence Day
- Kill Bill Vol. 1
If you’ve ever watched an action-packed car chase set in a glowing L.A. tunnel, there’s a good chance it was this one.
