The Rocky franchise is one of the most classic movie franchises around. And when ranking the best Rocky movies, it’s a close call. The sports drama starring Sylvester Stallone captures the story of a working-class man who is an average boxer hoping to become something great. He not only hurtles everyday obstacles but also must push himself to his limits to achieve his goals.
And while the last Rocky movie was officially in 2006 with Balboa, the Creed series has carried the torch with its spin-off series. So what are the best Rocky movies from worst to best, including the spin-offs? Here is our ranking.
9. Rocky V (1990)
The 1990 sports drama is the fifth movie in the franchise, and in our ranking, is the worst out of them all. Starring Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, and many more, the movie focuses on Rocky as he trains protege Tommy Gunn at the gym that was once owned by Balboa’s trainer, Mickey Goldmill. The movie strips away the emotional honesty that was in the previous movies.
Rocky acts dumb throughout the movie, like the fact that he lets Paulie lose all the family’s money so he gets back on the streets. Not only that, but he somehow overcomes brain damage to defeat Gunn in a street fight. It’s not an enjoyable watch.
Rotten Tomatoes: 33%
8. Creed III (2023)
Creed III, the latest movie in the Rocky spin-off series, is number seven when ranking the best Rocky movies out there. The 2023 sports drama follows Adonis Creed, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, who comes face to face with his childhood friend and former boxing prodigy Damian Anderson.
This is also the first of the Rocky films where Rocky is not around, and for some, that might be a challenge to see, but others appreciate that his story is finally moving on. Overall though, it’s not a fantastic film.
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
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7. Rocky III (1982)
Rocky III and Rocky II are pretty similar, and they’re middle-of-the-road films. While they’re not some of the best Rocky movies, they’re not the worst.
In this installment, Rocky faces the ultimate challenge from a new powerful contender and must turn to a former rival to help regain his throne as the undisputed fighting champion. The friendship between Apollo and Rocky is worthwhile, but some parts can be a bit cheesy for viewers who just want to watch the classic-style Rocky.
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
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6. Rocky II (1979)
Similar to Rocky II, it’s not the same as the very first Rocky that really dived into the underdog aspect of Rocky’s character, but it’s still a good movie. As the fifth when ranking the best Rocky movies, this movie focuses on Rocky’s struggle in his family life after his bout with Apollo Creed, while the embarrassed champ begs him to accept a challenge for a rematch.
The third installment was much lighter, but the second one was a bit more positive. The second movie still focuses on Rocky’s goal of becoming the best and having more obstacles to overcome before he can achieve it.
Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
5. Creed II (2018)
Back on the spin-offs, one of the best Rocky movies ever is Creed II, the 2018 installment focusing on Adonis Creed. In this movie, Rocky is still around helping Creed train. But Creed is once again coming up against an incredible challenge now that Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago, wants a rematch.
It’s an intense battle that brings long-time fans back to the original series. While it does lose sight of the Creed movies, swinging back to focus on Rocky, it’s still a good installment.
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
4. Rocky Balboa (2006)
Coming in third when ranking the best Rocky movies we have Rocky Balboa, the last installment of the main series. The movie is set thirty years after the ring of the first bell, Rocky Balboa comes out of retirement and dons his gloves for a final fight against reigning heavyweight champ Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon.
It doesn’t keep up with the sequels and instead focuses more on the intimate relationships that he has, bringing back the real character drama that enthralled viewers at the beginning. It’s a beautiful ending that brings fans back to focusing on the true underdog character that Stallone captures.
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
3. Creed (2015)
Second, when ranking the best Rocky movies of all time is the first spin-off movie, Creed, the 2015 movie focusing on Adonis Creed. Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Creed who is the son of his late friend and former rival, Apollo Creed.
Like the original series, the movie really focuses on an underdog character who will overcome any challenge to make their dreams a reality, pushing their limitations to the extreme if they have to. It’s an inspiring and worthwhile story.
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
2. Rocky (1976)
But of course, when ranking the best Rocky movies of all time, the second best is the original 1976 release, the very first Rocky movie ever.
The film follows a small-time Philadelphia boxer who gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. It’s a complete underdog story that proves that hard work can pay off and that the love of others can make all the difference. It’s an inspiring and emotional story.
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
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1. Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky practically wins the Cold War singlehandedly by defeating the unstoppable Russian machine, Ivan Drago.
In the process, he avenges the death of his former nemesis-turned-friend, Apollo Creed.
It doesn’t get any better than this!
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