(Credit: MGM)
Looking for another franchise to binge? If you've had your fill of Star Wars and Marvel, might I suggest the Rocky and Creed movies? It's never been a better time to watch Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan beat up their opponents in the ring now that all the movies are streaming on Netflix. In total, there are nine films in the series—six following Rocky Balboa and another three centered on Adonis Creed—so if you're going to watch, make sure you view them in the right order.
Rocky (1976)
Working-class guy and loan-shark grunt Rocky Balboa (played by everyone’s favorite badass, Sylvester Stallone) gets the chance of a lifetime when he is selected to face off against reigning boxing champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Aided by Mikey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith), a former bantamweight champ who happens to frequent the local gym too, Rocky takes on Creed—and woos his best friend’s sister, Adrian (Talia Shire).
Rocky II (1979)
The second Rocky film picks up right after the ending of the first—and Creed demands another match. But it wouldn’t be a true rematch without some drama. Rocky has a detached retina, and his new wife Adrian is vocally opposed to the match—and then falls into a coma worthy of a telenovela. It all culminates in one hell of a fight.
Rocky III (1982)
Five years and ten title defenses later, Rocky is back in the ring and is challenged by a new opponent: James “Clubber” Lang (played by Mr. T). In a series of traumatic events, Rocky finds himself on the losing end of his latest match. Only one person can help him retake the title—Apollo Creed. Can the two boxing powerhouses overcome their differences to make Rocky the king of the ring again?
Rocky IV (1985)
In Rocky IV, Apollo Creed is killed in a match with Russian boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). The second movie had highlighted Creed’s tale of vengeance, but it’s now Rocky’s turn to seek revenge. He challenges the Russian head-on, surrendering his championship to do so. And in case you’re wondering, a lot of the action takes place in 1980s Soviet Russia.
Rocky V (1990)
In the next installment of the franchise, Rocky contends with an unexpected midlife crisis: After the tax man cometh (thanks to terrible life choices by brother-in-law Paulie), Rocky hits a new low, losing his house and most of his possessions. He takes everything in stride, though, heading back to his Philly roots and fixing up his old haunt, Mighty Mick’s Gym. In doing so, he unknowingly trains his newest challenger, Tommy Gunn (played by the late Tommy “The Duke” Morrison). Toss in some family issues with youngest son Robert (Sage Stallone), and you have a stellar sequel.
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Rocky just can't stay away. Now retired, widowed, and plagued by old demons, he gets called back into the ring thanks to an ESPN simulator. His latest challenger? Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Tarver), who manages to do what was considered impossible: Convince an older Rocky to fight again.
Creed (2015)
It’s the fresh spinoff we all needed, and it shows that boxing blood runs deep. In Creed, Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis “Donnie” Creed (Michael B. Jordan) wants to go pro. Who else to help train him than the fellow who beat his dad in the ring? Cue Rocky to the rescue as a mentor and trainer. Soon enough, there’s a title at stake—and the deadliest boxing opponent to date.
Creed II (2018)
Creed II shows that the fights and bad blood spans generations. Donnie Creed gets another tough challenger: Viktor Drago, Ivan Drago’s son. The past mirrors the present, and both Donnie and Rocky have to come to terms with what’s at stake and how to move on. You’ll see familiar faces, including Dolph Lundgren as Captain Ivan Drago in this generational rivalry.
Creed III (2023)
Sometimes, your biggest battle is closest to home. When childhood friend Damian "Diamond Dame" Anderson (Jonathan Majors) resurfaces, fresh from prison, Donnie Creed has to face a number of obstacles. Not only is he retired, but he also has to deal with the guilt of events that transpired nearly two decades ago. In a gut-wrenching twist, Donnie’s retirement is over, and he and Dame face each other both in the ring and outside it, as they come to terms with their traumatic past.