Ranking the Rocky Movies

Sylvester Stallone movies can be generally categorized into three groups: 1) Rocky movies, 2) Rambo movies, and all his other action movies. This features is about ranking the Rocky movies, in which Stallone classically stars as the “rags to riches” boxing hero fresh from the streets of Philadelphia.

There are a total of six Rocky movies that star Stallone. Amazingly, this six edition sports movies series began with the original Rocky movie in 1976 and concluded (or so it seems) with the 2006 release of Rocky Balboa, the sixth film. The series grossed well over $1.1 billion in worldwide theatrical revenue, topped by the 1985 Rocky IV, which earned over $300 million.

Ranking the Rocky Movies

6. Rocky Balboa (2006) – When ranking the Rocky movies, it is easiest to start at the end, and with the most recent efforts. Simply put, Stallone should have ended his writing and directing in this saga after the fourth film. Remarkably, this 2006 film came 16 years after Rocky V. Even more surprisingly, it bested Rocky III (which did not release in foreign markets) and Rocky V in earnings. Sadly, this movie was way too impractical as Stallone is well past his Rocky prime.

5. Rocky V (1990) – Five years after an amazing and emotionally powerful Rocky IV, Stallone decided to revive his character as a retired boxing legend ready to train the next coming. Unfortunately, he learns that the student does not always have the same heart as the teacher. This movie has a weak plot and lacks much of the raw emotion and genuineness of its predecessors.

4. Rocky II (1979) – A nice follow up to the hugely successful original Rocky movie, this version includes the compelling story of the now known Rocky getting prepared for rematch with Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), as he also struggles to build a home with Adrien (Talia Shire).

3. Rocky III (1982) – Sure. The acting talent isn’t stellar, with Mr. T and Hulk Hogan playing major roles, but the entertainment value and punching power is top notch in the third installment of the Rocky movies. Clubber Lang (Mr. T) is a trash talking up and comer who intimidates Rocky in their first bout. Apollo, now good friends with Rocky, agrees to train Rocky and how to fight a quicker and stronger opponent with skill. Rocky must battle the emotions of Adrien’s health issues and find his will to win. The Hulk gets in the ring in an overzealous exhibition bout with “the Rock”.

2. Rocky (1976) – The most critically and audience acclaimed of the Rocky Balboa movies, the original classic won three Academy Awards. The story of the poor street thug who gets a chance to fight the boxing champion, Apollo Creed, is a true rags to riches story. The movie is appreciated by a broad audience, which cannot necessarily be said about the rest of the Rocky series.

1. Rocky IV (1985) – It may not have been the most critically acclaimed or award-winning of the Rocky movies, but universally, fans of the Rocky series identify this film as the one that inspires them. Well timed during the Cold War (1985), Stallone developed an epic us (USA) versus them (Soviet Union) saga, in which Rocky Balboa must avenge the death of his friend Apollo Creed by defeating the steroid-charged brute, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). The movie is inspiring and supercharged with emotion, and includes the best Rocky movies soundtrack with great songs like “No Easy Way Out”, “Burning Heart” and “Eye of the Tiger”. The top spot is validated by the $300 million in gross earnings, which easily bests the $225 million earned worldwide by the original Rocky film.

Agree or disagree with our ranking of the Rocky movies? Feel free to add a comment indicating which of these classic Sylvester Stallone movies is your favorite and why.

This feature about the Rocky films was written by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

See also:

• Ranking the Superman movies

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