It might be hard to believe, but Rocky, the celebrated boxing franchise that charts the exploits of the Italian American boxer Rocky Balboa as he sets out to make a name for himself, has been around for more than 50 years. With 9 films made to date, the Rocky franchise has endured and prospered in the five decades after the first film was released in 1976. Let’s dive into this franchise and rank out its top 7 movies that changed the boxing genre and cinema, as a whole, forever.
These Rocky movies ranked lists include both the original Rocky films and the Creed trilogy, showcasing the franchise’s greatest entries.
Rocky Movies Ranked: The 7 Best Rocky and Creed Films
7. Rocky III (1982) – Rocky Faces Clubber Lang
At the bottom of our list in 7th place is Rocky III. This threequel sees Stallone’s Rocky unexpectedly losing a brutal match against Clubber Lang and spiraling into hopelessness. With his chances getting slim by the hour, Rocky has to turn to his old foe, Apollo Creed, to get back on track.
Rocky III is where the original franchise started to get off track, but there are still some aspects to thoroughly enjoy here. Stallone once again brings his A-game, and Apollo Creed is a welcome addition in his turn as a supporting protagonist. Not as bad as the disastrous Rocky 4 and 5, but not as good as the first two, this one sits comfortably in the middle.
Best Supporting Actor - Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed shines as Rocky’s new trainer.
6. Creed III (2023) – Adonis Faces His Past
The final Creed movie and the first directed by Michael B. Jordan sees Adonis come face to face with childhood friend and boxer Damian Anderson. Recently retired, the entry of Damian in his life sees Adonis struggle to balance his family with the past, leading to another no-holds-barred brawl in the ring that will change him forever.
Creed III is unique because it's the first film in the franchise not to feature Stallone as Rocky, and shockingly, he is not missed at all. Oscar Winner Michael B. Jordan carries the film with his fantastic performance, and this one rounds out the Creed trilogy in a more than acceptable manner.
Best Supporting Actor - Jonathan Majors as Damian is fantastic; a true equal counterpart to Adonis and what he represents.
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5. Creed II (2018) – The Return of Ivan Drago
This 2018 sequel finds Apollo Creed’s son going up against Ivan Drago’s son as Rocky and Drago coach from the sidelines. Creed II is a direct sequel to Rocky IV and cranks up the nostalgia from that 1985 film to 11. Visually, this film ended up short, but what it lacks in flashy fight scenes, it more than makes up for in grit alone. Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed is great, and the inclusion of Lundgren in the film gave it a much-needed breath of fresh air. The presence of Drago and other cast from Rocky IV makes this feel like a trip down memory lane.
Best Supporting Actor - Dolph Lundgren, all the way, as mean as he was 40 years ago.
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4. Rocky II (1979) – Rocky and Apollo’s Legendary Rematch
After the stratospheric success of Rocky, a sequel was sure to be a guaranteed hit. Hoping to take advantage, Sylvester Stallone got the team quickly back together for a story that sees Rocky Balboa struggling to adapt to his newfound fame and the birth of his child as Apollo Creed berates him for a rematch.
While a loose retread of the first film, Rocky II gives its star and its antagonist so much-needed narrative depth. The stakes are high, the fight scenes are brutal, but the predictable ending almost sours what could have been a great sequel.
Best Supporting Actor - Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, one more time.
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3. Rocky Balboa (2006) – Stallone’s Emotional Comeback
Rocky movies ranked
The disastrous reception of Rocky V put the franchise on ice for the next 16 years before Stallone himself resurrected it once more with 2006’s Rocky Balboa. A retired and aging Rocky is challenged to an exhibition match by a young hot head, Mason Dixon, causing tension within his family and friends.
What propels Rocky Balboa to the top 3 is the acceptance of his hero that he must hang up his cape. The film is heavy on nostalgia, but that never interferes with the plot; it amplifies it and makes us feel for Rocky as he makes his final stand. The result of the final showdown being unpredictable also works in the film’s favor.
Best Supporting Actor - Antonio Tarver as Mason Dixon is a force of nature.
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2. Creed (2015) – The Perfect Rocky Revival
Rocky movies ranked
Who knew the second-best film in the franchise would be the spinoff starring Apollo Creed’s son (Michael B. Jordan) and Sylvester Stallone Rocky returning as his mentor. Ryan Coogler directs this story of Adonis Creed, Apollo’s illegitimate son, as he strives to make his mark on the sport that defined his father. Anchored by earnest performances and a resonant central story, 2015’s Creed proved that the only way for Rocky to continue was to take a back seat to someone else’s story. Stallone managed to give such a nuanced performance here that he bagged a Supporting Actor nod from the Academy itself.
Best Supporting Actor - Sylvester Stallone deserved that Oscar every bit.
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1. Rocky (1976) – The Greatest Boxing Movie Ever Made
Rocky movies ranked
In line with popular opinion, the best Rocky film remains the first one. A small-time fighter and debt collector (Stallone) gets a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship, and his life is changed forever. While this story of the comeback of a down-on-his-luck boxer follows the standard plot expected of such films, the performance of Sylvester Stallone ensures the film turns out to be something special. Delivering what is possibly the best performance of his career, Stallone makes one of the best sports films of all time, making Rocky a part of the cultural zeitgeist and an immortal legend for all time to come. Winning three Oscars from a total of 10 nominations, Rocky is an electrifying experience that has no equal.
Best Supporting Actor - Talia Shire as Rocky’s girlfriend Adriana is the heart of the film.
