All Rocky Movies in Order (Including The Creed Films)

The “Rocky” movie series is a sports drama film franchise centered around the character Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a chance to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. The series spans over seven films, from the original “Rocky” in 1976 to “Creed III” in 2022.

The primary themes of the “Rocky” movies include perseverance, determination, and the American Dream. Throughout the series, Rocky faces numerous challenges and obstacles, both inside and outside the ring, but he always gets back up and continues to fight. This has made him an inspiring and beloved character for audiences.

The “Rocky” series has been widely popular due to its combination of heartwarming storytelling, compelling characters, and intense action. People love the films for their ability to make them root for Rocky and feel invested in his journey. The films are also memorable for their iconic soundtrack, which has become synonymous with the franchise.

Other interesting facts about the “Rocky” series include its cultural impact, as the films have been widely quoted and referenced in popular culture, and its critical and commercial success, with each film receiving widespread acclaim and grossing millions of dollars at the box office. The series has also been recognized with numerous awards, including Academy Awards for the first and fourth films in the series.

Here is the list of all the “Rocky” movies in order of their release:

1. Rocky (1976)
2. Rocky II (1979)
3. Rocky III (1982)
4. Rocky IV (1985)
5. Rocky V (1990)
6. Rocky Balboa (2006)
7. Creed (2015)
8. Creed II (2018)
9. Creed III (2022)

1. “Rocky” (1976)

“Rocky” is a sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone. The movie stars Stallone as Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets an unexpected shot at the heavyweight championship. The movie follows Rocky’s journey from a struggling and unknown boxer to a celebrated fighter who becomes a symbol of hope for the people of Philadelphia. The film’s central theme is about the human spirit, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams.

The movie was a huge success and received critical acclaim, with Stallone receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film’s iconic training montage set to Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now” has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music in cinema history.

2. “Rocky II” (1979)

In “Rocky II,” the sequel to the original film, the story picks up where the first movie ended, with Rocky Balboa’s iconic victory over Apollo Creed. Despite his newfound fame and fortune, Rocky is struggling to find a sense of purpose and identity outside of the ring. Meanwhile, Apollo Creed is eager for a rematch and the two fighters face off in another epic showdown.

The film’s central theme is about personal growth, family, and finding true happiness. The film also explores the impact of fame and success, and how it can test a person’s character.

3. “Rocky III” (1982)

In “Rocky III,” Rocky Balboa has reached the pinnacle of success, holding the heavyweight championship for several years. However, when a new, powerful challenger named Clubber Lang emerges, Rocky is forced to face the biggest test of his career. The film also explores the relationship between Rocky and his trainer, Mickey, as Rocky must come to terms with the fact that he has outgrown Mickey’s teachings and must seek out new guidance in order to overcome Lang.

The film’s central theme is about growth, change, and learning to adapt in the face of adversity. “Rocky III” marked a change in tone for the series, incorporating more humor and spectacle, but still retaining its heart and emotional core.

4. “Rocky IV” (1985)

The fourth installment in the “Rocky” series sees the titular character, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), taking on the challenge of fighting a Russian boxer, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren).

After Drago kills Rocky’s best friend and former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Rocky is determined to avenge his friend’s death by fighting Drago in Russia. The film explores themes of patriotism, friendship, and the American dream. The training montage set to the upbeat music of “Living in America” is a standout scene that has become iconic in popular culture.

5. “Rocky V” (1990)

The fifth installment of the “Rocky” series takes place after the events of “Rocky IV”. The film follows Rocky as he retires from boxing, moves back to his hometown of Philadelphia, and tries to start a new life with his wife, Adrian (Talia Shire), and son, Robert (Sage Stallone).

However, financial problems and a series of personal struggles force Rocky to return to the ring and face his former protege, Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison). The film focuses on themes of family, pride, and redemption, as Rocky tries to reclaim his self-respect and restore his dignity.

6. “Rocky Balboa” (2006)

The sixth and final installment in the “Rocky” series, “Rocky Balboa” sees the aging boxer returning to the ring one final time. This time, it is to challenge the reigning heavyweight champion, Mason “The Line” Dixon (Antonio Tarver), in an exhibition match. The film delves into themes of aging, legacy, and what it means to be a champion.

The movie also serves as a tribute to the original “Rocky” film, as it features familiar locations and themes that are dear to fans of the series. “Rocky Balboa” is a fitting conclusion to the story of one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring characters.

7. Creed” (2015)

“Creed” is a sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson, Apollo Creed’s son, who seeks to follow in his father’s footsteps as a professional boxer. He seeks the guidance of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), who trained Apollo and becomes Adonis’ mentor. The film follows Adonis as he trains, fights and tries to make a name for himself in the boxing world while struggling with his own personal demons.

The film explores themes of family, identity, and perseverance, and was well received by both critics and audiences. Michael B. Jordan’s performance as Adonis was praised, as was Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky. The film was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Stallone, and won several, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for Stallone.

8. “Creed II” (2018)

“Creed II” is the sequel to “Creed” and picks up with Adonis as he faces off against the son of Ivan Drago, the boxer who killed Apollo Creed in the ring. The film explores themes of legacy, forgiveness, and redemption as Adonis must face his own fears and the weight of his family’s history in order to become the champion he was meant to be.

The film was also well received, with Michael B. Jordan and Stallone’s performances being praised. Stallone received another Golden Globe nomination for his role. The film also received positive reviews for its attention to detail and its connection to the “Rocky” franchise.

9. “Creed III” (2022)

“Creed III” is the latest installment in the “Creed” franchise and follows Adonis as he tries to balance his responsibilities as a champion and a father while facing a new challenger. The film explores themes of family, tradition, and perseverance and showcases Adonis’ continued journey to prove himself as a boxer and a man.

The film has received positive reviews for its performances, especially that of Michael B. Jordan, and for its attention to detail and connection to the “Rocky” franchise. It is a well-crafted and emotional conclusion to the “Creed” series and a fitting tribute to the “Rocky” franchise.

IMDb Ratings and Rotten Tomato Scores of “Rocky” Movie Series:

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