Every Rocky Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Creed II gets far too much criticism, dismissed for re-treading the events of Rocky IV by having Adonis Creed face off with the son of the man who killed his father. But it's actually much more than a heavy-handed legacy sequel -- it's also (arguably) the franchise's most underrated and confrontational instalment.

Following Creed -- played once more by an electrifying Michael B. Jordan -- as he goes to war for his late father's memory and his own deep desire to prove his worth, Creed II's assessment of fatherhood and memory is very powerful, even if the story becomes a touch too knotty for its own good.

Yes, it borrows heavily from its (far weaker) predecessor, but through Jordan and his chemistry with Tessa Thompson and Sylvester Stallone, who's weary and regretful performance may be his best, it's also emotionally enveloping.

Did we need to humanise Ivan Drago or meet his son? Probably not. But you can't tell me their clash with Creed doesn't sing.