Rocky‘s narrative is well-known to all. He was the underdog who rose from obscurity to become a champion and an American hero.
But how many Rocky movies are there? Also, what about the other films that aren’t related to Rocky?
Only a few could have predicted how popular and famous the Rocky movies would become. After all, it began as a low-budget film starring Sylvester Stallone.
He was unknown at the time. Following its enormous success, the series was expanded into several films. So, how many Rocky movies are there?
What Are the Rocky Movies?
Before discussing the number of Rocky movies, let’s discuss the underdog, which is a recurring theme in Rocky films.
They’re about a man who was told he had no shot at success yet went on to become one of the most brilliant boxers in history.
It’s not only his tale but also the narrative of everyone who has helped him realize his ambition.
How Many Rocky Movies Are There?
The answer to how many Rocky movies there are depends on how you define “Rocky.”
If you count the ones featuring Sylvester Stallone, there are 6 Rocky Balboa films. However, if you factor in spin-offs and other connected media, such as cartoon series or computer games, the total comes to around 13.
All Rocky Movies in Order
Now that we know the answer to the question of how many Rocky movies there are, let’s discuss them in order.
1. Rocky (1976)
Many people believed Sylvester Stallone was crazy when he refused to sell his Rocky screenplay unless he acted in it. At the time, he only had $106 in his bank account.
Eventually, he sold the script and himself as the film’s star. But this happened because he continued to represent himself as a screenwriter without pay.
Rocky went on to win several Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. In a typical underdog manner, it became the highest-grossing film of 1976. It’s still considered one of the best sports movies of all time.
2. Rocky II (1979)
In Rocky II, Sylvester Stallone takes on the roles of the screenplay, actor, and director for the first time. The picture picks off just where the last Rocky movie left off.
A new fight between Apollo Creed and Rocky sets the stage for the plot. In this, Creed demands a rematch to determine who the true winner is.
The film was a box office triumph, just like part one.
3. Rocky III (1982)
The Rocky trilogy’s third installment was supposed to be the final installment. But this did not happen.
Rocky III chronicles Rocky’s string of championship defenses and the build-up to a battle with the film’s antagonist. He is an up-and-coming fighter played by Mr. T, who wants to prove that Rocky’s end is here.
4. Rocky IV (1985)
This welcomes Rocky back into the ring, but this time against a Soviet boxer trained using supercomputers. This one is an underdog drama propelled by revenge.
It puts the American rural work ethic against Soviet technology-driven accuracy. While it was a critical failure, the film did well at the box office.
5. Rocky V (1990)
John G. Avildsen— the director of the original Rocky—takes over the role of director from Sylvester Stallone. The film follows Rocky as he nears the end of his career and suffers from brain injury.
Rocky has new ambitions: He wants to take over Mickey’s gym and coach a young protégé who may be too much for him to manage.
The picture was a flop both critically and commercially. In an interview, Sylvester Stallone gave Rocky V a zero when asked to rate each Rocky film on a scale of 1 to 10.
6. Rocky Balboa (2006)
Sylvester Stallone returns as both star and actor in Rocky Balboa 16 years after the disastrous failure of Rocky V. Rocky is now in his 60s and the owner of a small restaurant following the death of his wife.
He is the protagonist of the film. When Rocky wishes to fight again, the current heavyweight champion schedules a fight with the legend.
This is the final Rocky film in the series until the remake of Creed. Since the original Rocky, Rocky Balboa has been the highest-rated Rocky film (apart from the Creed films).
7. Creed (2015)
Creed is based on the Rocky franchise and follows Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan. When Adonis is unable to find a trainer, he seeks the assistance of his father’s old buddy, Rocky Balboa.
The film introduces a new hero to the renowned Rocky series and serves as a passing of the torch, as it is the first Rocky picture not written by Sylvester Stallone.
8. Creed II (2018)
Creed II follows Adonis once more as he achieves his goals. Adonis is against Viktor Drago. He is the son of Ivan Drago from Rocky IV.
The film is replete with moments that are reminiscent of earlier Rocky films. It also has themes that are both for and against the film. This makes it captivating but a predictable sequel.
9. Creed III (2022)
After successfully launching two parts, Creed’s team is again ready to rule the box office. The third movie of the Creed series and the ninth Rocky film will be displayed on big screens later this year.
According to current updates, it’s expected to be released on November 23rd, a day before the Thanksgiving holiday.
