Ranking Rocky V to Creed Movies from worst to best | MarkMeets

In 1977, Rocky secured the Best Picture Oscar, triumphing over cinematic giants like All the President’s Men and Taxi Driver. This marked the start of an extraordinary journey, where the Rocky franchise navigated from its character-driven origins to confronting the Cold War and then circling back to intimate character dramas. Sylvester Stallone, the visionary behind Rocky, guided the series through decades of transformation. Let’s delve into the entire Rocky saga, including the Creed films, and rank them from the least to the very best.

Table of Contents

9. Rocky V (1990)

Released on November 16, 1990, Rocky V aimed to return to the series’ roots in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the film, directed by Rocky’s original director John G. Avildsen, falters by venturing into campier territory. The narrative, involving Rocky mentoring Tommy “The Machine” Gunn, juggling family dynamics, and contending with a Don King-inspired character, loses the emotional honesty of its predecessors. The climax, where Rocky overcomes brain damage to win in a street fight, departs from the established themes, making Rocky V a regrettable entry in the franchise.

8. Rocky IV (1985)

Released on November 27, 1985, Rocky IV is a peculiar blend of lacking substance yet being irresistibly campy. While the film’s storytelling and character development fall short, its jingoistic nature and 80s charm make it oddly memorable. The narrative, featuring Rocky taking on Ivan Drago to win the Cold War, is laden with training montages and lacks the depth seen in previous installments. Despite its flaws, Rocky IV stands as a testament to the era’s cinematic quirks and cultural context.

7. Creed II (2018)

Creed II, released on November 21, 2018, finds itself overshadowed by its predecessor due to a focus shift towards Rocky rather than Adonis Creed’s growth. While the boxing matches and training sequences provide cinematic thrills, the storyline opts for the obvious, resulting in a somewhat rote sequel. Directed by Steven Caple Jr., Creed II maintains the franchise’s visual punch but falls short in delivering a narrative as compelling as its forerunner.

6. Rocky II (1979)

Released on June 15, 1979, Rocky II toes a fine line between embracing a campier direction and retaining the original’s essence. The film explores Rocky’s struggle with newfound fame, attempting to provide a natural continuation from the first installment. However, it succumbs to wish fulfillment, pushing characters like Mickey and Paulie into caricatures. Despite these drawbacks, Rocky II carries echoes of greatness in scenes depicting Rocky’s humbling return to his roots.

5. Rocky III (1982)

Rocky III, hitting theaters on May 28, 1982, represents the lighter side of the franchise. Departing from the gritty realism of the original, Sylvester Stallone embraces a glossier, more hero-centric narrative. The film, while lacking the gravitas of its predecessor, succeeds in being an enjoyable ride with just enough campiness. Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky’s realization, aided by an old rival, and the exploration of friendship with Apollo inject a refreshing dynamism into the series.

4. Rocky Balboa (2006)

Rocky Balboa, released on December 20, 2006, surprises with its return to the franchise’s roots. While the framing device involving a computer simulation may raise eyebrows, the film captures the tone and sentiment of the original. Sylvester Stallone, both behind and in front of the camera, leads Rocky through an intimate character drama. By largely ignoring the intervening sequels, Rocky Balboa reconnects with the humanity that made the first film endearing, offering a poignant exit for the champ.

3. Creed III (2023)

Released on May 3, 2023, Creed III marks a significant departure from the Rocky-centric narrative, with Michael B. Jordan taking the directorial reins. This installment propels Adonis Creed into the spotlight, exploring his relationship with childhood friend Damien Anderson. Jonathan Majors delivers an outstanding performance, contributing to a role reversal dynamic reminiscent of earlier Rocky films. Creed III delves deeper into the complexities of family, love, and legacy, showcasing Jordan’s directorial prowess.

2. Creed (2015)

Released on November 25, 2015, Creed defied expectations, emerging not as a mere attempt to cash in on the Rocky legacy but as a cinematic triumph. Helmed by Ryan Coogler, the film focuses on Adonis Creed’s internal journey rather than conforming to traditional Rocky sequels. By embracing character-driven drama and steering clear of clichés, Creed becomes a refreshing addition to the franchise, delivering a rich and compelling narrative.

1. Rocky (1976)

The original Rocky, released on December 3, 1976, remains the undisputed champion of the franchise. While not as technically polished as its Best Picture competitors, the film transcends its “underdog” label. Directed by John G. Avildsen, Rocky immerses audiences in a character-driven drama about an average boxer given one shot at glory. The film’s realism, portraying the gritty streets of Philadelphia, captures the universal desire to matter. Rocky stands as a testament to enduring storytelling, marking a little boxing movie that went the distance for almost fifty years.

Author Profile

Sam Cleal: Sam Cleal, a dynamic voice on HuffPost, brings a fresh perspective to cultural commentary. With a flair for storytelling, Cleal freelances for MarkMeets.com, enriching our news site with engaging insights at the intersection of entertainment and current affairs.