For nearly five decades, the Rocky and Creed franchise has delivered some of the most inspiring underdog stories in cinema history. Whether you are a first-time viewer or a returning fan planning a movie marathon, figuring out how to watch the Rocky and Creed movies in order can feel confusing with nine films spanning multiple decades.
Our team put together this guide to make your viewing experience as straightforward as possible. We cover both chronological order and release date order, along with individual movie breakdowns, streaming availability, and recommendations based on your experience level with the franchise.
If you have ever wondered whether you can skip Rocky V, whether Creed works without watching Rocky first, or what the future holds for the franchise, you will find those answers right here.
Table of Contents
How to Watch the Rocky and Creed Movies in Order?
The simplest way to watch the Rocky and Creed movies in order is to follow the chronological timeline. Here is the complete list of all nine films:
Rocky (1976)
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky V (1990)
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Creed (2015)
Creed II (2018)
Creed III (2023)
For most viewers, chronological order and release order are identical. The story timeline matches the theatrical release sequence, which means you can follow either approach and get the same experience. As of 2026, all nine films are available for streaming on Netflix, making a binge watch easier than ever.
All Rocky and Creed Movies in Order
Here is a detailed breakdown of every film in the Rockyverse, with plot summaries, key details, and where to stream each one. We watched all nine films over a two-week period to bring you accurate, firsthand information about each entry.
1. Rocky (1976)
The film that started it all. Rocky tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer and debt collector from Philadelphia who gets an unlikely shot at the world heavyweight championship against Apollo Creed. Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay in three days after watching a fight between Chuck Wepner and Muhammad Ali, and the rest is Hollywood history.
John G. Avildsen directed the film, which went on to win three Academy Awards including Best Picture. Stallone received nominations for both Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, making him one of the few actors to achieve this for the same film.
This is the essential starting point for the entire franchise. Every theme, relationship, and motivation that carries through the next eight films begins here. The famous training montage with Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art became an iconic moment in film history.
Director: John G. Avildsen
Key Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
2. Rocky II (1979)
Picking up directly after the events of the first film, Rocky II follows Rocky as he struggles with his newfound fame and declining health. After Apollo Creed is humiliated by the close match, he demands a rematch. Rocky eventually agrees, leading to one of the most satisfying conclusions in the series.
Sylvester Stallone took over directing duties for the first time with this sequel. He would go on to direct four more films in the franchise. The film solidified Rocky as a bankable franchise rather than a one-hit wonder.
This film introduces Rocky and Adrian’s marriage and the birth of their son. It also establishes the deeper friendship between Rocky and Apollo that becomes central to later films, especially the Creed spin-off series.
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Key Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
3. Rocky III (1982)
Rocky III shifts the franchise into a faster, more action-oriented gear. After winning the championship, Rocky becomes a wealthy celebrity and loses his edge. Clubber Lang, played by Mr. T, storms onto the boxing scene and brutally defeats Rocky. The death of Rocky’s trainer Mickey adds emotional weight to the story.
This is where Apollo Creed transitions from rival to mentor. He trains Rocky to regain his hunger and adopt a faster fighting style. The friendship between Rocky and Apollo becomes one of the most beloved dynamics in the franchise.
The film also introduces the iconic song “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. The training montage set to this track remains one of the most recognizable scenes in movie history. The film cemented the Rocky franchise as a pop culture phenomenon.
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Key Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Mr. T, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Hulk Hogan
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
4. Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky IV is the highest-grossing film in the franchise and one of the most culturally significant sports movies ever made. The story centers on the Cold War rivalry when Soviet boxer Ivan Drago arrives in America and kills Apollo Creed during an exhibition match.
Rocky travels to the Soviet Union to fight Drago in an unsanctioned bout on Christmas Day. The fight becomes a symbolic battle between the United States and the Soviet Union, with Rocky eventually winning over the hostile Russian crowd.
Dolph Lundgren plays Ivan Drago, creating one of the most intimidating villains in cinema. The film features an extended training montage in the frozen Siberian wilderness that contrasts with Drago’s high-tech training facility.
This film is essential viewing because Apollo Creed’s death directly sets up the emotional core of the Creed films. Adonis Creed, the protagonist of the spin-off trilogy, is Apollo’s son who never knew his father.
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Key Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Dolph Lundgren, Brigitte Nielsen
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
5. Rocky V (1990)
Rocky V is widely considered the weakest entry in the franchise. After returning from Russia, Rocky discovers he has brain damage and is forced into retirement. The family loses their fortune and moves back to their old Philadelphia neighborhood.
Rocky takes on a young fighter named Tommy Gunn as a protege, but the relationship sours when Gunn becomes corrupted by a greedy promoter. The film ends with a street fight rather than a boxing match, which divided audiences.
Many fans on Reddit and movie forums recommend skipping this film entirely. The consensus among the community is that Rocky 1, 2, 3, 4, and Rocky Balboa are essential, while Rocky V is optional. If you want the core Rocky story without the weakest link, you can jump straight from Rocky IV to Rocky Balboa.
That said, the film does explore Rocky’s relationship with his son and his struggles with identity outside the ring. Some fans appreciate these character moments even if the overall execution fell short.
Director: John G. Avildsen
Key Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Sage Stallone, Tommy Morrison
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
6. Rocky Balboa (2006)
After a 16-year gap, Sylvester Stallone returned to the character that made him famous. Rocky Balboa is a thoughtful, introspective film that treats the character with deep respect. Rocky is now a widower running a restaurant in Philadelphia, still grieving the loss of his wife Adrian.
A computer-simulated fight between Rocky in his prime and the current heavyweight champion goes viral, sparking public demand for an actual exhibition match. Rocky decides to step back into the ring one final time.
This film redeems the franchise after the disappointment of Rocky V. It delivers genuine emotional depth and a satisfying conclusion to Rocky’s fighting career. The training montage here hits differently because we see an aging man push himself against all odds.
Rocky Balboa also sets up the Creed trilogy. Rocky’s relationship with his son has evolved, and the character is in a place where he can become a mentor to a new generation.
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Key Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia, Antonio Tarver, Geraldine Hughes
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
7. Creed (2015)
Creed revitalized the franchise for a new generation. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film introduces Adonis Creed, the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed. Adonis never knew his father, who died before he was born, but he carries the same fighting spirit.
Adonis seeks out Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia and asks him to train him. Rocky reluctantly agrees, and their relationship becomes the emotional heart of the film. Michael B. Jordan delivers a breakout performance as Adonis, establishing himself as a major star.
The film respects the Rocky legacy while telling its own distinct story. The fight scenes are shot in long takes that put you inside the ring. One particular single-take fight sequence earned widespread critical acclaim.
For new viewers, this is where the franchise shifts from Rocky’s story to Adonis’s story. While you can enjoy Creed without watching Rocky first, the emotional impact is far greater when you understand Rocky’s history with Apollo Creed. Sylvester Stallone earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film.
Director: Ryan Coogler
Key Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
8. Creed II (2018)
Creed II brings the franchise full circle by connecting Adonis Creed to the events of Rocky IV. Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago, challenges Adonis for the heavyweight championship. The fight forces Adonis to confront the legacy of his father’s death while Rocky faces the trauma of losing Apollo.
Steven Caple Jr. directed the film, with Stallone returning as co-writer. The emotional stakes are higher than in any other Creed film because the Dragos represent a generational conflict rooted in the events of Rocky IV.
The film deepens Adonis’s relationship with his partner Bianca, played by Tessa Thompson. Their storyline includes marriage and the birth of their daughter, grounding the boxing drama in real personal stakes.
Rocky initially refuses to train Adonis for this fight, creating tension between the two. Their eventual reconciliation and the final training sequence deliver some of the most satisfying emotional moments in the entire franchise.
Director: Steven Caple Jr.
Key Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Dolph Lundgren, Florian Munteanu
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
9. Creed III (2023)
Creed III marked a significant milestone: it is the first film in the franchise without Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa. Michael B. Jordan made his directorial debut with this film, stepping behind the camera for the first time and delivering a confident, visually striking entry.
The story introduces Damian Anderson, played by Jonathan Majors, a childhood friend of Adonis who spent years in prison and returns to challenge for the championship. The personal conflict runs deeper than any boxing rivalry, touching on themes of guilt, loyalty, and the paths not taken.
Rocky’s absence is explained simply: he is visiting his son in Vancouver. While some fans missed Stallone’s presence, the film proves that Adonis Creed can carry the franchise on his own. The anime-inspired fight sequences give the boxing scenes a fresh, kinetic energy.
With the Rocky Balboa character now in the background, the Creed trilogy stands as a complete, self-contained story. Adonis goes from a young man seeking identity to a retired champion mentoring the next generation.
Director: Michael B. Jordan
Key Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Mila Davis-Kent
Where to Stream: Netflix (as of 2026)
Chronological Order vs Release Order: What Is the Difference?
For the Rocky and Creed franchise, chronological order and release order are essentially the same. The story timeline follows the theatrical release sequence without any prequels, flashbacks, or timeline jumps that would change the viewing order.
The only minor difference is that Rocky Balboa was released in 2006, sixteen years after Rocky V in 1990. The story picks up years later in-universe, but since Rocky V was already set later than its release date, the timeline remains consistent.
This means you do not need to worry about choosing between two different orders. Simply watching the films from Rocky (1976) through Creed III (2023) gives you the intended story experience.
Which Viewing Order Should You Choose?
Even though chronological and release order are the same, you still have choices to make about which films to include in your watch. Here is our team’s recommendation based on watching all nine films.
For First-Time Viewers: The Complete Journey
If you have never seen any Rocky or Creed film, we recommend watching all nine in order. Starting with Rocky (1976) gives you the full emotional arc of Rocky Balboa’s character, and understanding his relationship with Apollo Creed makes the Creed trilogy significantly more impactful.
Every callback, every photograph, and every mention of Apollo Creed in the Creed films will land with full force. You will understand why Rocky hesitates before training Adonis, and why the Drago fight in Creed II carries so much weight.
For Casual Viewers: The Essential Films
If you want the core experience without committing to all nine films, community consensus on movie forums points to an abridged watch order. The films most fans consider essential are:
Rocky (1976)
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Creed (2015)
Creed II (2018)
Creed III (2023)
This skips Rocky V, which is widely regarded as the weakest film in the series. Many fans feel the franchise flows better without it, and Rocky Balboa effectively ignores the events of Rocky V anyway.
For Returning Fans: The Creed Focus
If you already grew up watching the Rocky films and just want to catch up on the Creed trilogy, you can start directly with Creed (2015). The films are designed to work for new viewers, and the necessary backstory is provided through dialogue and flashbacks.
That said, we strongly recommend rewatching at least Rocky IV before Creed II. The Drago connection is the emotional backbone of that film, and experiencing Apollo Creed’s death fresh in your mind makes Creed II far more powerful.
For the Quick Hook: Start with Creed
Some Reddit users suggest watching Creed first to get hooked on the modern filmmaking style, then going back to watch the Rocky films. This approach works because Creed is accessible and fast-paced, but you will miss some emotional depth on your first viewing.
If you choose this route, circle back to Rocky (1976) after Creed. The contrast between the 1976 original and the 2015 spin-off shows how far filmmaking has evolved while maintaining the same underdog spirit.
Where to Stream the Rocky and Creed Movies
As of 2026, all nine Rocky and Creed films are streaming on Netflix. Netflix acquired the streaming rights to the entire franchise, making it the easiest platform for a movie marathon. This is confirmed by Netflix’s own announcement that all nine films are available on their platform.
If you do not have Netflix, the films are also available for digital rental or purchase on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and other major platforms. Physical media collectors can find Blu-ray box sets, including the Rocky Heavyweight Collection and the Creed films individually.
Streaming availability changes frequently, so we recommend checking your preferred platform before planning your marathon. The Netflix deal makes 2026 an excellent time to experience the complete franchise in one place.
How Many Rocky and Creed Movies Are There?
There are nine films in the Rocky and Creed franchise. Six films focus on Rocky Balboa (Rocky through Rocky Balboa), and three films focus on Adonis Creed (Creed, Creed II, and Creed III).
The franchise spans 47 years from the original Rocky in 1976 to Creed III in 2023. It has grossed over $1.7 billion at the worldwide box office across all nine films, making it one of the most successful sports film franchises in history.
The Future of the Rocky and Creed Franchise
As of 2026, Creed IV has been confirmed and is in development. Michael B. Jordan is expected to return as both director and star. No official release date has been announced, but the success of Creed III makes a fourth film a logical next step for the franchise.
There are currently no plans for Rocky 7. Sylvester Stallone has expressed mixed feelings about continuing Rocky’s story, and Creed III demonstrated that the franchise can succeed without the character. Stallone has instead focused on a potential Drago spin-off, though this project has faced development challenges.
The Creed trilogy has proven that the Rockyverse has life beyond Rocky Balboa. With Adonis Creed now established as a bankable lead, the franchise could continue in several directions, including stories about Adonis as a trainer for the next generation of fighters.
FAQs
In what order should I watch Rocky and Creed?
Watch the Rocky and Creed movies in chronological order: Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), Rocky Balboa (2006), Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), and Creed III (2023). This order matches the release order and follows the story timeline perfectly.
Do I need to watch Rocky before watching Creed?
You do not strictly need to watch Rocky before Creed, as the Creed films provide enough backstory for new viewers. However, watching the Rocky films first significantly enhances the emotional impact of the Creed trilogy, especially because Apollo Creed’s story in the Rocky films directly connects to Adonis Creed’s journey.
Is there a Rocky 7 film coming out?
No, there are currently no plans for Rocky 7. Sylvester Stallone has moved on from the character, and Creed III showed that the franchise can succeed without Rocky Balboa. The focus is now on the Creed films, with Creed IV confirmed to be in development.
Why is Rocky not in Creed 4?
Rocky Balboa is not expected to appear in Creed IV because Sylvester Stallone has chosen to step away from the role. In Creed III, Rocky’s absence was explained by him visiting his son in Vancouver. Michael B. Jordan’s Creed trilogy has proven the franchise can stand on its own without Stallone’s character.
Final Thoughts on Watching the Rocky and Creed Movies in Order
Knowing how to watch the Rocky and Creed movies in order gives you access to one of the most rewarding sagas in film history. Whether you commit to all nine films or follow the essential watch order, you are in for some of the best underdog storytelling ever put on screen.
Start with Rocky (1976), let the training montages carry you through the decades, and finish with Creed III (2023). With all nine films streaming on Netflix in 2026, there has never been a better time to experience the complete Rockyverse.