Every Rocky Opponent Ranked From Worst To Best

Ivan Drago may not be the most well-rounded character during his debut in Rocky IV, but he makes up for it with sheer screen presence and intimidation factor. Championed by the Soviet Union, the character kills Apollo Creed in an exhibition match which motivates Rocky to avenge his fallen friend.

Unlike most fighters on this list, the character is a clear-cut villain due to his on-screen murder, and is a representation of the film's Cold War politics and propaganda. Ivan barely has any lines, little to no motivation, and merely serves as the symbol of Russia that Rocky has to tumble. Thankfully, Dolph Lundgren has the look to make Drago memorable, and though he doesn't speak much, he makes do with what little he's given.

In the years that follow, the character has become a pop culture icon and one of the series' premier villains. At the same time, Drago has been given more depth with the director's cut of Rocky IV and Creed II, and with the announcement of a spin-off film in the works, its safe to say that we haven't seen the last of the Russian.