I did a post about these movies just over a month ago, and after watching Creed 3 on the plane, it’s time for a revisit. This time a few general remarks: I will be doing three separate rankings, one for the best stories, the best fight scenes and training montages, and my 100% biased list (based off which one’s I’d be most willing to watch). Another clarifier is that Rocky 5 and Creed 2 will end up last and second two last, respectively, on every list, so I will only include explanations for them in the first one. Also, unlike my first list, I will not be including the 2021 director’s cut of Rocky 4, as it changes the story from a Cold War commentary to focus more on Rocky and Apollo’s friendship, which didn’t make a huge difference in the end. Finally, I will be avoiding spoilers, so some of the descriptions might be vague and opinionated. On that note, let’s begin.
From worst to best STORIES…
- Rocky 5: No elaboration needed
- Creed 2: On paper, the premise was great; however, I was greatly disappointed by the reliance on nostalgia during some of its biggest moments, and felt repetitive after Creed.
- Rocky Balboa: While the movie itself was refreshing after Rocky 5, the execution was also lacking. The story was a return to the grittier style of the first two, but it was just lacking depth to a lot of the characters, even Rocky himself, who seemed more out of it than usual.
- Rocky 4: This one is a standout from the others, taking on a much more outlandish idea. The story definitely has some gaps, but its execution made up for it, such is the case for Rocky and Adrian’s excellent arc within the movie.
- Creed: As the first movie following Adonis Creed, it did the character justice. The movie develops a unique style compared to the Rocky movies, and Adonis is a deep character; however the reliance on Rocky’s character and nostalgia in the important moments anchors it down.
- Rocky 3: This movie illustrated the shift from the grittier story of Rocky and Rocky 2, to a more cartoonish good vs bad. However, it made up for this by giving Rocky a great character arc, as well as showing the changes he went through as a person.
- Creed 3: Without the presence of Rocky in this movie, it was forced to make its own unique story, which it accomplished. Without nostalgia to rely on, this movie truly felt like the beginning of a different franchise.
- Rocky 2: A perfect follow up to Rocky, this movie further deepens Rocky’s character. This movie illustrated why Rocky fights, to those who missed it in Rocky. The story is fairly straightforward, but it makes up for it by giving all of the characters a bigger role to play in the series.
- Rocky: Finally, this movie needs little explanation, so I’ll keep it short. The story of an underdog from Philly has become a household icon because everyone, to some extent, resonates with Rocky’s character, making this movie the best in the franchise.
Next, from worst to best MONTAGES…
- Rocky 5: I can’t remember anything from this movie.
- Creed 2: Use of CGI, ruined most of the fights.
- Rocky Balboa: The training montage was solid, but the fight was lacking the impact the others had
- Creed: Same as Creed 2, but better.
- Creed 3: Creed, but more creative.
- Rocky 3: The training montage fits well with the overarching story. However, I don’t count the fight scene as a montage, even though it might be the best fight.
- Rocky: The montages in this movie are simple, and iconic.
- Rocky 4: The numerous montages in this movie are all well done, and much of them illustrate how Rocky is feeling, as well as having the best fight montage.
- Rocky 2: The montages in this movie are simple, and beautifully scored. However the only reason it is placed higher than Rocky 4 is because of the inclusion of “Going the Distance”.
Finally, from worts to best, which ones I’d most likely WATCH:
- Rocky 5: Sucked
- Rocky Balboa: Ok, but I only need to see it once
- Creed 2: I’d show my friends
- Creed: Pretty good
- Creed 3: Good, but not a Rocky movie
- Rocky 2: Great, but pretty slow
- Rocky 4: Great, but lacking depth
- Rocky 3: Badass
- Rocky: Iconic
And there it is: The essential and indisputable Rocky franchise rankings. Let me know what you thin.