Rocky universe in order Rocky Marathon
Page Last Modified:
23 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Creed III - 2023
Total Runtime:
1015 Minutes
Total Items:
9
Average User Score:
(7)Watching orders for Rocky
Rocky universe in order
Whether you're just getting into Rocky for the first time or you're looking for a rewatch with a dose of adrenaline, this Rocky marathon is the perfect cinematic treat. Picture the classic "Gonna Fly Now" tune, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the legendary bouts from Rocky Balboa to Adonis Creed. With so many films from the original Rocky (1976) to Creed II, figuring out the best viewing order can be tricky. You really don't want to miss any of the epic training scenes or the generational connections. Grab your popcorn and boxing gloves, and we'll show you the best way to watch your favorite Rocky movies in order.
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1
Rocky Movie 120 min. 1976Rocky Balboa is a Philadelphia club fighter who seems to be going nowhere. But when a stroke of fate puts him in the ring with a world heavyweight champion, Rocky knows that it's his one shot at the big time — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go the distance and come out a winner!USER SCORE 8 -
2
Rocky II Movie 119 min. 1979After Rocky goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed, both try to put the fight behind them and move on. Rocky settles down with Adrian but can't put his life together outside the ring, while Creed seeks a rematch to restore his reputation. Soon enough, the "Master of Disaster" and the "Italian Stallion" are set on a collision course for a climactic battle that is brutal and unforgettable.USER SCORE 7 -
3
Rocky III Movie 100 min. 1982Following Rocky Balboa's intense battle with his most powerful adversary yet – the ferocious Clubber Lang – Rocky joins forces with former rival Apollo Creed in an effort to get back his fighting spirit.USER SCORE 7 -
4
Rocky IV Movie 91 min. 1985Rocky Balboa holds the world heavyweight championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. This time, Rocky's training regimen takes him to Siberia, where he prepares for a globally televised match in the heart of Moscow. But nothing can truly prepare him for what he's about to face – a fight to the finish, in which he must defend not only himself, but also the honor of his country!USER SCORE 7 -
5
Rocky V Movie 104 min. 1990A lifetime of taking shots has ended Rocky’s career, and a crooked accountant has left him broke. Inspired by the memory of his trainer, however, Rocky finds glory in training and takes on an up-and-coming boxer.USER SCORE 6 -
6
Rocky Balboa Movie 102 min. 2006When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa, reigning heavyweight titleholder Mason Dixon retaliates by challenging the Italian Stallion to a 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who's faster, stronger and thirty years his junior. Rocky takes on Dixon in what will become the greatest fight in boxing history!USER SCORE 7 -
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Creed Movie 133 min. 2015The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.USER SCORE 7 -
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Creed II Movie 130 min. 2018Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight against an opponent with ties to his family's past, Adonis Creed is up against the challenge of his life.USER SCORE 7 -
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Creed III Movie 116 min. 2023After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed has thrived in his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian Anderson, resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian — a fighter with nothing to lose.USER SCORE 7
Rocky (1976)
The movie that started it all. John G. Avildsen directed it, Sylvester Stallone wrote it and starred in it, and it introduced us to the ultimate underdog: Rocky Balboa, an amateur boxer from Philadelphia, gets a shot at the undefeated champion Apollo Creed (played by Carl Weathers). It's raw, sincere, and inspiring, setting the tone for the whole Rocky franchise. You've got to see Rocky II (1979) to really get it. It's got amazing characters like Adrian (Talia Shire), Paulie (Burt Young), and Mickey (Burgess Meredith).
Rocky II (1979)
Stallone steps into the director's seat, taking the personal drama to the next level. The film really dives into Rocky's relationship with Adrian and looks at how he's dealing with all the fame, health issues, and the idea of hanging up the gloves for good. But as expected, the ring isn't ready to let Rocky go. This sequel is key because it shows how a legend is made both inside and outside the ring.
Rocky III (1982)
Enter Clubber Lang, played by Mr. T. In Rocky III, Balboa is now a seasoned champion, but success brings vulnerability. With some unexpected mentorship from Apollo Creed himself, Rocky learns what it means to be hungry again. The film has some great moments, like the beach training scene and the "Eye of the Tiger" montage. Rocky III is a classic '80s film, with boxing scenes, emotional beats, and intense rivalries.
Rocky IV (1985)
The Cold War in cinematic form. Rocky IV is probably the most stylistically daring and politically charged film in the series. Dolph Lundgren plays the cold-hearted Ivan Drago, and the fight goes beyond sports, it's a clash of East versus West, machine versus man. The snowy training, the robot, and the soundtrack are totally 80s. Under the action and athleticism, there's a tale of loss, respect, and the essence of perseverance.
Rocky V (1990)
Rocky V is probably the most talked-about movie in the series. Director John G. Avildsen is back, and he's bringing back the raw sentiment of the original. Rocky loses his health and fortune, and he ends up back in South Philly. He trains young Tommy Gunn (played by real-life boxer Tommy Morrison), but gets tangled up in fame, loyalty, and fatherhood. It's not quite a return to the ring, but it's a key step in Rocky's character development.
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Two decades after his last fight, Rocky returns in style. Sylvester Stallone is back in the saddle as writer, director, and star of a film with more heart than hype. In Rocky Balboa, the Italian Stallion deals with getting older, losing things, and his place in the world. But the call of the ring is still strong. This film is full of melancholy, but it ends strong and has a really solid bond with his son, Robert Balboa Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia). It's the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Creed (2015)
A fresh start with deep roots. Ryan Coogler brings new life to the world of boxing with Creed, starring Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, Apollo's son. Rocky becomes his mentor, and their dynamic is pure gold. The film mixes modern filming techniques and boxing moves with the original series' style. It's not just a sequel, it's a tribute and the start of a new legend.
Creed II (2018)
You thought the Drago rivalry was over? Think again. Creed II brings everything full circle: family legacies, old traumas, and the cycle of violence. Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu) enters the ring, coached by his father Ivan, making it personal for Adonis. Director Steven Caple Jr. does a great job of mixing action and emotion. Rocky's role as a mentor is still really heartwarming.
Creed III (2023)
The first film without Stallone on screen, but you can still totally tell that he had a hand in it. Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut with Creed III, where he brings to life an intense, personal rivalry with Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors). The film looks at Adonis' past and his fears for the future, showing how a legacy can make or break you. This chapter is a real showstopper. It's got awesome boxing scenes and a strong visual style. It's the perfect way to end the trilogy.
Why This Order Works
Watching the films in this order is the best way to follow Rocky and Adonis's growth. You can also see the evolution of themes, boxing techniques, film style, and generational conflicts. Rocky and Creed are both based on underdog boxing stories. Rocky is about survival, and Creed is about identity. Each part of the series builds on the last, letting you see not only the characters' growth but maybe even your own.
Tips for Your Rocky Universe Marathon
You could power through this marathon in a single weekend (go you!), but a better approach is to spread it over several evenings. The original Rocky movies are a bit slower, which makes them great for a classic drama movie night. The Creed films are modern and fast-paced, perfect for a fun movie night. If you can squeeze in a quick workout during the training montages, that would be great. Hey, don't forget to put "Gonna Fly Now" on repeat when you're grabbing snacks.
Ready to Rumble?
Whether you're here for the nostalgia or the high-stakes battles of Adonis Creed, this Rocky universe marathon is a must for fans of boxing drama films, inspirational sports stories, and everything in between. You'll go on a journey from Mickey's gym to the ring in LA, from a Philly kid to a champion's son. So get your friends together, queue up the film series, and remember: it's not about how hard you hit. It's about finding a balance between pushing through and keeping your head above water.