Sylvester Stallone, an iconic figure in the realm of Hollywood, has etched his name into cinematic history primarily through his legendary Rocky franchise. The first installment, Rocky, released in 1976, catapulted Stallone to stardom and garnered widespread acclaim, earning him Academy Award nominations for both Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.
The Rocky films are known for their inspirational themes, underdog stories, and iconic characters and the franchise has grossed over $1.7 billion worldwide. But how does Stallone rank these films?
All Rocky Movies Ranked by Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone‘s Rocky franchise has not only defined his career but has also become an integral part of cinematic history. Stallone himself, recognizing the significance of each installment, has ranked the Rocky movies based on his personal perspective.
In a 2008 episode of Friday Night with Johnathan Ross, he explained how he sees his Rocky movies.
Unsurprisingly, Stallone places the original Rocky at the pinnacle of the franchise. This classic underdog tale follows the journey of a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a shot at the heavyweight title. He gave a rating of 10/10 to this breakout hit.
Stallone keeps Rocky III at second place giving the film a score of 9. In the film, Rocky Balboa (Stallone) faces stiff competition from Clubber Lang (Mr. T), a powerful new contender.
For 1979’s Rocky II, which Sylvester Stallone directed, he gave 7.5 out of 10. In the film, Rocky Balboa (Stallone), struggling to adjust to his newfound fame and family life, finds himself in a rematch fiercely demanded by Apollo Creed. The film was also a box office hit, grossing over $200 million worldwide. Rocky II is considered to be one of the best sequels ever made, and it is an essential part of the Rocky franchise.
He gave Rocky IV 7.5 out of 10. This Cold War-era installment is remembered for its intense showdown between Rocky and the Soviet powerhouse Ivan Drago.
Stallone keeps Rocky V at the bottom giving the film a zero. In Rocky V, we witnessed the decline of Rocky Balboa, nearly reduced to financial ruin due to mismanagement of his boxing career, leading to his estrangement from his son and eventual retirement after suffering severe injuries. The film also underperformed at the box office, grossing only $119.9 million worldwide, making it the least successful film in the Rocky franchise.
People Think Rocky II Should be Placed at the Top
While Sylvester Stallone himself may have ranked the films according to his personal perspective, fans often find themselves in passionate debates over which installment deserves the top spot. Among the contenders, Rocky II frequently emerges as a fan favorite.
Rocky II seamlessly picks up where the original left off, allowing audiences to witness the continuation of Rocky Balboa’s journey. After his inspiring fight against Apollo Creed, Rocky is struggling to adjust to his newfound fame and fortune.
The film addresses the doubt and skepticism surrounding Rocky’s initial victory, compelling him to prove himself once again. This theme of redemption, coupled with Stallone’s nuanced performance, creates a compelling narrative that resonates with fans on a personal level.
People think Stallone was not able to recognize how amazing Rocky II is. While opinions on the best Rocky movie may vary, the enduring appeal of Rocky II lies in its ability to balance action with emotional depth, continuing the underdog story that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
For many fans, this installment represents the epitome of the Rocky franchise, showcasing the character’s resilience, humanity, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.