Every Rocky Movie Ranked From Worst To Best

2. Creed

Creed Sylvester Stallone Michael B Jordan
MGM

Though it gets few points for its originality, Creed is by far the best Rocky movie since the original, breathing new life into the series with Michael B. Jordan's fiery new protagonist, while gracefully transitioning Stallone into the trainer role.

Jordan delivers the physicality while Stallone wrings Oscar-nominated tears from fans' eyes, but the true MVP here is director Ryan Coogler, who serves up the most astute and visually dynamic direction in the entire franchise (especially with that single-take fight).

Yes, it's arguably a tad too similar to the first Rocky and Tessa Thompson's love interest Bianca feels shoehorned and underdeveloped - which was thankfully remedied in Creed II - but as a tight, warm-hearted, surprisingly involving extension of the series, it's far more effective than anyone expected.

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.