Every Rocky Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Rocky III finally allows Balboa to break out from Creed's shadow, as he faces off against an entirely new opponent who, in-keeping with the formula of the franchise, might be too much for the Italian Stallion to handle.

Mr. T delivers rapid fire dialogue and towering intimidation to Rocky's fast-punching adversary Clubber Lang, so much so that he'd honestly steal the show were it not for the growing bromance of Rocky and Creed, who bond in an extended montage that's as exciting as it is warm-hearted.

Dialling back the dreary grittiness of the previous films, Rocky III is the franchise's most laidback and silly chapter, as energetic and amusing as it is inspirational and fresh. Back in the directors' chair, Stallone is obviously more at ease, willing to shake things up.

And let's not forget this film that gave us "Eye of the Tiger," a song as synonymous with the franchise as Rocky's sprint up to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If you're ever feeling down, turn it on and turn it up!