by Santos Baez ’25

Rocky Balboa, The Italian Stallion, from a club fighter and enforcer for local Philly Mafia Loan Shark, to two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World and defending the title ten consecutive times, the Rocky movies are exciting, action packed, and quite inspirational, which is why I will be ranking them 1-5 (I have not watched Rocky Balboa nor have finished watching the Creed movies).

5. Rocky V

Often regarded as the weakest film in the series, it explores Rocky’s retirement from boxing and his struggle to adapt to a new life. While it has its moments, the movie received mixed reviews, and many fans consider it a disappointing conclusion to the original Rocky series. While not as bad as some say (it has some good flashbacks, and the final fight is “different”), it nevertheless is clearly the worst of the first 5. fdf

4. Rocky

The first movie in the series and winner of the 1977 Best Picture Award. As you probably already know, It tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets a chance to fight the heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed and show off his talents to the world, and even though he loses, he wins over the people. Even though many people often consider it the best in the series, in my opinion, it starts off kind of slow in the beginning and picks up in the latter half.

3. Rocky IV

This is quite a controversial pick even for me, but just hear me out. This Rocky film is often considered one of the most entertaining and action-packed entries in the series, as It features Rocky Balboa going up against Ivan Drago, a formidable Soviet boxer. Rocky IV is notable for its political undertones and the tragic death of a beloved character. Inarguably it’s intense and heartbreaking. However I feel like unlike Rocky V and I, this movie goes too fast. It’s probably because out of all the Rocky movies, this is the shortest one, but still, it throws me off on how a significant death happens and then not that much longer, the main fight happens.

2. Rocky II

“Win…..Win”. The sequel, which includes that memorable line, picks up where the first film left off and continues Rocky’s journey. It explores his life after the famous fight with Apollo Creed and his desire for a rematch. While not as critically acclaimed as the first film, Rocky II is still well-regarded among fans, and in my opinion I have it ranked pretty high for a reason. Action packed, more exciting, more inspirational, and it’s Rocky’s first win for the World HeavyWeight Championship.

1. Rocky III

While it takes a slightly different approach, focusing on Rocky’s fame and new found wealth, this film is nevertheless as entertaining as it is unique. It introduces Mr. T’s iconic character, Clubber Lang, as the main antagonist. Rocky III is known for its memorable training sequences and emotional storyline, and that’s what it does for me. The way the film shined a light on how Rocky is human too, afraid and heartbroken after losing his mentor, is relatable and powerful. Ultimately Rock gets help from a former rival, and is able to prevail and come out on top. 10/10 film and in my top 5 favorite movies of all time