The Original Trilogy
The Rocky saga began in 1976, with the release of the first film simply titled “Rocky.” The movie, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, was an instant hit, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was followed by two equally successful sequels: Rocky II in 1979 and Rocky III in 1982.
Expanded Universe
While the original trilogy told a complete story, the popularity of Rocky led to the creation of more films exploring different aspects of our hero’s life. Rocky IV, released in 1985, was a Cold War-era showdown between Rocky and the Soviet Union’s Ivan Drago. Rocky Balboa, released in 2006, served as a nostalgic bookend to the series, showing an older Rocky coming out of retirement for one last fight.
In 2015, the Rocky franchise took an unexpected turn with the critically acclaimed film Creed. This spin-off introduced us to Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky’s former opponent and friend, Apollo Creed. Creed II, released in 2018, continued Adonis’ journey and brought back familiar faces from the original series.
The Final Count
So, how many Rocky films are there in total? With the release of Creed II, we have a grand total of eight films in the Rocky franchise. Let’s recap them all:
- Rocky (1976)
- Rocky II (1979)
- Rocky III (1982)
- Rocky IV (1985)
- Rocky V (1990)
- Rocky Balboa (2006)
- Creed (2015)
- Creed II (2018)
From the streets of Philadelphia to boxing rings across the world, Rocky Balboa’s journey has inspired audiences around the globe. Whether you’re a fan of the original trilogy or the expanded universe, there’s no denying the impact this franchise has had on pop culture.
As we eagerly await any future installments in the Rocky series, let’s take a moment to appreciate the legacy of these films and the enduring spirit of Rocky Balboa.