10 Characters Who Were Massively Improved In Sequels

We can all agree that the Rocky 3 is the point where the Rocky movies stop getting incrementally better, and that it's best not to remember what comes next, so this has to be the movie that encapsulates Rocky Balboa's character arc in its finest form. After being introduced to Sylvester Stallone's protagonist in the first movie, we meet a man determined to learn, improve, and tread toe to toe with the greatest in Apollo Creed - whether that means winning or not.

By the second film, his journey is one of success instead, taking on a rematch that they promised they'd never have to prove that Rocky really is the champion, and that his lessons have paid off to something credible and elating by the close of the movie.

And then we hit Rocky 3. Here, he's arrogant and messy, unable to focus his energies in the same way from a life of luxury that hasn't challenged him in the same way previously. He has to dig deep, relearn his lessons, and take advice from those he never thought he'd see again. It brings the Rocky story full circle in fantastic fashion, and celebrates the underdog story at its heart that makes Rocky's character so appealing.

It's one of the most natural and well-thought arcs of a trilogy otu there.