The "Rocky" franchise is one of the most respected in film history. Here are my reviews of all six films.
ROCKY (1976)
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
"Rocky" is the first movie of the "Rocky" franchise made by Sylvester Stallone. This movie, and the other "Rocky" movies, are some of the most popular movies in the world. The work of Sylvester Stallone is incredible; from being a nobody to being a worldwide star, he represents the underdog in people. He gives life to the character of Rocky, as his other actors do, like Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, and Burt Young. The setting of "Rocky" in Philadelphia represents that time in the ’70s. Creed’s character, the rich and cocky fighter, thinks that giving a North Philadelphia street bum a chance at the heavyweight title will benefit him as a great fighter. Moments of the movie will have you at the edge of your seat, and some might uplift people to do better and never give up—a great film to watch giving people a great sense of pride in themselves and others.
ROCKY II (1979)
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
"Rocky II" is the sequel to "Rocky", with a more in-depth look into Adrian and Rocky. In the first part of Rocky, you see Rocky transform from a below-average fighter to a progressively better fighter and look forward to other fights. "Rocky II" has its fair share of personal problems of an outstanding and influential fighter, and those moments have people doubting how Rocky and Adrian will deal with the situation. Stallone still gives a fantastic performance in "Rocky II" along with his other fellow actors. Every scene shows what it means to be a fighter, which is a significant part of any "Rocky" movie. I can confirm that some moments will hit home with some viewers as they are emotional and can make a grown man cry. "Rocky II" caught the view of the underdog for sure.
ROCKY III (1982)
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
"Rocky III" is the halfway point of the Rocky franchise. In this movie, the new opponent is none other than Mr. T as Clubber Lang. In this movie, we see the fame of Rocky Balboa grow higher than his fame in "Rocky II". Rocky’s fame is insurmountable in this movie as in the film. They introduce the famous Rocky statue, a popular spot in Philadelphia. This movie was also the movie with the viral Eye of the Tiger and other music composed by Bill Conti, as he wrote the music for "Rocky" I, II, III, V, and "Rocky Balboa", indeed a great movie composer. Rocky gives way to being like Creed in the first two movies, a rich and famous person hurt by their ego and selfishness. "Rocky III" is another film that has been an excellent reference to boxing and, for me, the 3rd best movie on my scale.
ROCKY IV (1985)
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Fans regard "Rocky IV" as one of the best movies in this franchise’s history. This movie is one of the most heart-pounding of all, an intense show of power by the new opponent, the Russian Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren. Drago is the most feared opponent in any "Rocky" movie as he has been given the nickname, Death from Above. The physique of Drago is far from natural; as you’ll see from the film, his USSR training team makes some somewhat illegal moves. So far, the work of Sylvester Stallone has been just the best; the more he does something, the better he makes it. This movie will leave you at the edge of your seat and will be a wild ride.
ROCKY V (1990)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
In the opinion of viewers everywhere, "Rocky V" is undoubtedly one of the worst Rocky movies in the franchise. In this movie, the first thing you are hit by is the retirement of Rocky. After that, there is no new opponent but a new friend or foe. Tommy “The Machine” Gunn is our new character, and he is inspired by Rocky and comes to Philadelphia to train. In addition, in this movie, the story really doesn’t line up that well, and it’s all over the place, and sometimes there’s not much explanation for what’s happening. Tommy Gunn, played by professional boxer Tommy Morrison does a fantastic job as the new rookie trying to make it in Philadelphia like Rocky did for so long in this franchise.
ROCKY BALBOA (OR ROCKY VI, 2006)
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
"Rocky Balboa" is the last movie in the historic Rocky franchise. After Rocky V, obviously, Rocky is now old, and he owns a restaurant and has gone away from boxing. An Easter egg in the movie from the original "Rocky", showed Rocky walk a girl home called little Marie. Years later, she works at Rocky’s regular bar. Rocky being Rocky, goes back to boxing and finds an opponent, Mason “The Line” Dixon. As an older man, he’s still got it, but people do have their doubts against Rocky, but he always proves those people wrong in all "Rocky" movies. Rocky Balboa is the true underdog forever.
In the end, here is my rating for all Rocky movies
Rocky - 4/5
Rocky II- 5/5
Rocky III- 3/5
Rocky IV- 5/5
Rocky V- 4/5
Rocky Balboa- 5/5