Best Rocky Movies
When you think about the most iconic sports movie series of all time, Rocky stands in a league of its own. Across multiple decades and even into new generations, Rocky movies have brought us into the ring with underdogs, legends, and fighters trying to make something bigger out of their lives. From that first moment in Philadelphia to international battles, personal comebacks, and even the emotional mentorship found in Creed, each movie in the series has its own way of pulling you in and making you root for the character, no matter who they're up against.
After the death of his friend Apollo Creed in a match with Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, Rocky Balboa travels to the USSR to challenge Drago himself. The fight culminates in a showdown where Rocky battles for personal vengeance and Cold War pride. A very good Rocky, second or third best. I would say that it had a chance at being the best if the ending wasn't so predictable. But there was no way Rocky was losing after Apollo died. Still one of the best!
Rocky V was good, but this one was the best. I love when Rocky's cruising in his sports car and thinking all about the past to "No Easy Way Out." Gives me goosebumps and chills.
This one is the best because this was the biggest challenge for Rocky.
This was the most spectacular fight and one where Rocky showed the most courage.
Small-time boxer Rocky Balboa gets an unexpected shot at the heavyweight championship when he's invited to face champion Apollo Creed. Rocky trains tirelessly, determined to go the distance and prove his worth in the ring. I really did enjoy the fourth Rocky, but there's simply no chance in the world that it's better than either of the first two movies. In terms of pure quality, the first two movies are almost interchangeable. No matter which one you pull out of a bag, you wouldn't go wrong.
Conventional wisdom would give the nod to the first Rocky. It started the entire story, and it won Best Picture that year (1976). In essence, the second Rocky completes the story and the rivalry between Rocky and Apollo, which was started in the first movie.
The two fights between Apollo and Rocky are just two all-out classic slugfests, with two rivals going at it until the final bell. Unmatched.
The fourth movie was more political than anything else. The fight between Rocky and Drago was a pretty brutal bloodbath. I will admit that. But it wasn't pure boxing in my opinion. It was more symbolic of the Cold War rather than just a boxing match. That's what puts it below the Rocky/Apollo bouts.
I enjoyed Rocky III, but it was a little too over the top for me. The third Rocky is when the storyline started to branch off in a different direction than the rivalry between Apollo and Rocky.
There's no way the rankings of these films are anywhere near the reality of accuracy.
After achieving fame as the heavyweight champion, Rocky Balboa's focus falters, leading to a loss against rising challenger Clubber Lang. With the help of former rival Apollo Creed, Rocky regains his strength and motivation to reclaim his title. The greatest Rocky, in my opinion, gained a lot of fame. Hulk Hogan and Mr. T are in this film, and they play great roles. One of the greatest scenes of all time is the face-off between Hulk Hogan and Rocky Balboa.
Rocky III is also remembered for Eye of the Tiger. How can you forget Eye of the Tiger? It should have won the Oscar for Best Original Song. Additionally, Rocky tackles various mental issues in this film. It's incredibly addictive. This movie definitely deserves a spot in Stallone's top ten movies.
Rocky III was a massive box office success, surpassing the domestic gross of its predecessor Rocky II and becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 1982. It earned $125,049,125 domestically during its theatrical run.
Rocky III received nominations for the Award of the Japanese Academy for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Motion Picture at the Image Awards. The film's theme song, Eye of the Tiger, was nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, the BAFTA Film Awards, and the Golden Globes. Overall, the performances by everyone in this film are great.
Following his narrow defeat to Apollo Creed, Rocky struggles with his newfound fame and financial troubles. Eventually, he agrees to a rematch, determined to win the title and secure a better future for his family. When Adrienne says "Win!" and Mick says "What are you waiting for?" Enough said.
#1 Rocky movie by far, and how could you say this is #4? Like, come on.
Years after his retirement, Rocky Balboa, now running a restaurant, returns to the ring for an exhibition match against the reigning champion Mason Dixon. The bout reignites his passion and proves his resilience despite his age. A fitting and heartfelt ending for Rocky. After all those years and all that loss, he proves he still has what it takes to go the distance. I'm so glad they made one more after the embarrassment that was Rocky V.
In my opinion, the worst of them all. It was a movie that they forced in because Stallone was not happy with Rocky V. Not sure why. It was very slow-moving for the first hour and a half with an okay ending!
The most emotional Rocky yet and definitely a beautiful classic in a group of classics.
Adonis Johnson, son of the late Apollo Creed, seeks Rocky Balboa's help to train as he pursues a career in boxing. Rocky mentors Adonis, who ultimately faces "Pretty" Ricky Conlan in a career-defining match. Such a great film. I think it should be #4 or 5. It's awesome and unique. When I first heard of this film, I didn't think it was related to the Rocky series. I heard it's about boxing and had Sylvester Stallone in it, but I never thought he was Rocky in this one.
Facing financial hardship, Rocky retires and returns to Philadelphia, where he begins training promising young fighter Tommy Gunn. However, their relationship deteriorates as Tommy's ambition leads him away, culminating in a dramatic street fight between mentor and protégé. Against the greater opinion, I believe this Rocky was the best of them all. A street fight that no one saw coming and a head injury for Rocky that had you wondering if he would even survive the fight.
R.I.P. Tommy Gunn. But this one's my least favorite.
At least we can all agree on the worst.
Adonis Creed, with Rocky's guidance, confronts Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago - the man who killed Adonis's father. This confrontation brings Adonis full circle as he fights to honor his legacy and define his own path.
After becoming a boxing champion and settling into retirement, Adonis Creed is confronted by Damian Anderson, a former friend from his past with a grudge. The two face off in the ring, forcing Adonis to confront old wounds and protect his legacy.