Every Rocky Opponent Ranked From Worst To Best
2. Apollo Creed - Rocky I & II (1976-1979)
Apollo Creed is Rocky's original opponent in the 1976 classic. As the heavyweight champion of the world, he gives Balboa the chance to fight him in the ring, and soon enough, history is made. What sets the character apart from other opponents is the fact that he goes through a character arc from Rocky to Rocky III.
In the first film, his overconfidence leads to Rocky going the distance with him, and the consequences of their fight lead to Rocky II where Apollo seeks a rematch. The sequel explores his wounded pride upon nearly losing to Balboa; a flaw which ultimately leads to his defeat by the end of the movie as he tries to go for the knockout and fails.
Creed would then return in Rocky III, where he trains the Italian Stallion and teaches him to regain the Eye of the Tiger. That film serves as the culmination of the character, having started out as merely Rocky's opponent to one of his closest friends.
Though the character would be killed off in Rocky IV, his legacy lives with his son Adonis, who is the protagonist of the Creed films.