The ‘Rocky’ franchise has been a cultural phenomenon for nearly five decades, captivating audiences with its underdog spirit and heart-pounding boxing action. From the streets of Philadelphia to the glitzy rings of Las Vegas, Rocky Balboa’s journey has inspired millions. Let’s lace up our gloves and dive into the world of Rocky, ranking these iconic films from worst to best.
9. Rocky V (1990)
At the bottom of our list is the fifth installment in the Rocky saga. Rocky V tried to bring the series back to its roots but ultimately fell flat. After losing his fortune due to poor financial decisions, Rocky returns to his old Philadelphia neighborhood. Unable to fight due to brain damage, he takes on a protégé named Tommy Gunn.
While the film attempted to recapture the gritty feel of the original, it missed the mark in several ways:
- The story felt forced and disconnected from the previous films
- Tommy Gunn was an unlikable character, failing to engage audiences
- The street fight finale lacked the excitement of a proper boxing match
Despite these shortcomings, Rocky V does have a few redeeming qualities. The flashback scenes with Mickey (Burgess Meredith) are touching, and seeing Rocky back in his old neighborhood provides some nostalgia. However, these moments aren’t enough to save the film from being the least favorite among fans and critics alike.
8. Rocky IV (1985)
Coming in at number eight is Rocky IV, a film that perfectly encapsulates the excess and patriotism of the 1980s. This installment sees Rocky facing off against Ivan Drago, a towering Soviet boxer with superhuman strength.
While Rocky IV is often criticized for its over-the-top plot and lack of character development, it’s undeniably entertaining:
- The training montages are legendary, set to iconic 80s music
- Dolph Lundgren’s portrayal of Ivan Drago is memorably intimidating
- The final fight scene is intense and emotionally charged
However, the film suffers from a lack of depth compared to its predecessors. The characters feel more like caricatures, and the plot is simplistic, essentially boiling down to “America vs. Soviet Union.” Despite these flaws, Rocky IV remains a guilty pleasure for many fans, thanks to its high-energy soundtrack and quotable lines.
7. Rocky II (1979)
Rocky II picks up where the original left off, with Rocky and Apollo Creed recovering from their brutal fight. While not as groundbreaking as the first film, Rocky II still delivers a solid punch:
- We see Rocky struggling with his newfound fame and trying to build a life with Adrian
- The rematch with Apollo is well-choreographed and exciting
- There’s more depth to Apollo’s character, showing his struggle with pride and public perception
However, the film does have its drawbacks. The pacing can feel slow at times, and some plot points seem repetitive. Despite these issues, Rocky II successfully continues the underdog story that made the original so beloved.
6. Creed II (2018)
Moving into the newer era of the franchise, Creed II brings the story full circle by pitting Adonis Creed against Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago. This film blends nostalgia with fresh energy:
- Michael B. Jordan delivers another powerful performance as Adonis
- The callbacks to Rocky IV add depth for long-time fans
- The father-son dynamics (both Creed-Rocky and Drago-Drago) are compelling
While Creed II doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, it’s a solid entry in the franchise. The film explores themes of legacy and family, adding layers to characters both old and new.
5. Rocky III (1982)
Rocky III marks a turning point in the franchise, introducing the flamboyant Clubber Lang (Mr. T) as Rocky’s new nemesis. This installment sees Rocky at the top of his game, only to be brought low by a hungrier, more aggressive opponent.
Highlights of Rocky III include:
- The introduction of “Eye of the Tiger,” which became the franchise’s unofficial anthem
- A more complex Rocky, dealing with complacency and fear
- The evolving relationship between Rocky and Apollo, from rivals to friends
While some critics felt the film was less grounded than its predecessors, Rocky III successfully keeps the franchise fresh by exploring new themes and introducing memorable new characters.
4. Rocky Balboa (2006)
After a 16-year hiatus, Sylvester Stallone brought Rocky back to the big screen with Rocky Balboa. This film serves as a poignant epilogue to the original series:
- It deals with themes of aging, loss, and finding purpose later in life
- The relationship between Rocky and his son is explored in depth
- The final fight, while unrealistic, is emotionally satisfying
Rocky Balboa surprised many with its thoughtful approach and strong performances. It proved that even after all these years, there was still heart in the Italian Stallion’s story.
3. Creed (2015)
Creed breathed new life into the Rocky franchise by shifting focus to Adonis Creed, son of Apollo. Directed by Ryan Coogler, this film manages to honor the past while charting a new course:
- Michael B. Jordan’s performance as Adonis is captivating and nuanced
- Sylvester Stallone delivers one of his best performances as an aging Rocky
- The boxing scenes are visceral and innovative, especially the one-take fight
Creed successfully passes the torch to a new generation while maintaining the spirit that made the original films so beloved.
2. Creed III (2023)
The most recent entry in the franchise, Creed III, takes a bold step by being the first film without Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky. Despite this, it stands tall:
- Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut, bringing a fresh visual style
- The rivalry between Adonis and Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) is compelling
- The film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and confronting one’s past
Creed III proves that the franchise can thrive even without its original star, thanks to strong performances and thoughtful storytelling.
1. Rocky (1976)
At the top of our list, we have the one that started it all. Rocky isn’t just the best film in the franchise; it’s one of the greatest sports movies ever made. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, Rocky captured lightning in a bottle:
- The underdog story resonated with audiences worldwide
- The chemistry between Rocky and Adrian feels genuine and heartwarming
- The training montages and final fight are iconic pieces of cinema history
Rocky won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and launched Stallone’s career into the stratosphere. Its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, inspiring countless other underdog stories across all media.
Conclusion
The Rocky franchise has had its ups and downs over the years, but its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of its central themes. From the gritty streets of 1970s Philadelphia to the modern boxing world, these films continue to inspire audiences with stories of determination, heart, and the indomitable human spirit.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, each Rocky film offers something unique. The franchise’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is what keeps fans coming back for more. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the legacy of Rocky Balboa will continue to influence and inspire new generations of filmmakers and moviegoers alike.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for some inspiration, why not have a Rocky marathon? Start with the original classic and work your way through the rankings. You might find yourself shadow boxing and humming “Gonna Fly Now” before you know it. After all, in the words of the Italian Stallion himself, “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” And that’s exactly what this franchise has done for nearly 50 years.
