by inThe Creed movies are a spinoff series from the Rocky franchise, focusing on the character of Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky Balboa’s former rival and friend, Apollo Creed. The Creed movies have gained a significant following since the first film’s release in 2015. The series has garnered praise for its compelling storytelling, impressive performances, and stunning cinematography.
If you’re looking to dive into the world of the Creed movies, knowing the correct order to watch them is essential. The series comprises two films, with a third in development. However, to truly understand the character of Adonis Creed and his journey, it’s essential, to begin with the first film and work your way through the entire Rocky franchise. In this article, we will discuss the proper order to watch the Creed movies, along with the Rocky films that serve as a necessary precursor to the Creed series.
Table of Contents
Creed Movies In Order
Creed (2015)
The film Creed (2015) follows the journey of Adonis Creed, the son of the late boxing legend Apollo Creed. Despite his father’s legacy, Adonis is determined to make a name for himself in boxing. The film showcases the impact of Adonis’s family legacy and how it shapes his character.
Throughout the movie, Rocky Balboa, his father’s former rival and friend, guides Adonis. Rocky plays a crucial role in Adonis’s journey, providing him with the necessary training and support. The film beautifully portrays the relationship between the two characters, highlighting the importance of mentorship and guidance in achieving one’s goals. Overall, Creed (2015) is a powerful and emotional movie exploring the complexities of family legacy, determination, and human connection.
Creed II (2018)
Creed II (2018) undoubtedly presents a riveting and emotional story that explores the challenges and triumphs of the next generation of boxers while paying homage to the classic Rocky films. The film focuses on Adonis Creed, son of the legendary Apollo Creed, as he faces his most formidable opponent yet, Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago, who killed his father in the ring. Through intense training and boxing techniques, Adonis must learn to overcome his physical opponent and the emotional burden of his family’s history.
The character development in Creed II is exceptional, as we see Adonis grow and mature both as a boxer and as a person. Through his relationships with his family, including his fiancée and his mother, we see the emotional toll that boxing takes on him and those close to him. The addition of Viktor Drago as a formidable foe adds a layer of complexity to the story, as we see the effects of the past on the present generation. Overall, Creed II is a must-watch for fans of the Rocky franchise and those who appreciate a well-told story with compelling characters.
Creed III (2023)
“Creed III” is a 2023 American sports drama film directed and produced by Michael B. Jordan, who also stars in the film Adonis Creed. The movie is the third installment in the “Creed” franchise and the ninth overall in the “Rocky” film series.
The film follows Adonis Creed as he faces a new challenge in the form of his childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian, played by Jonathan Majors. As Adonis struggles to balance his personal and professional life, he must also confront his legacy and the weight of his family’s history in boxing.
The movie explores themes of family, friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness. It also features strong performances from the cast, including Tessa Thompson as Adonis’ love interest, Bianca, and Wood Harris as Adonis’ trainer, Tony “Little Duke” Burton.
As a directorial debut for Jordan, “Creed III” showcases his talent both in front of and behind the camera. The film boasts impressive boxing sequences and emotional moments that will resonate with audiences.
Overall, “Creed III” is a powerful and moving addition to the “Rocky” franchise that honors the legacy of the original films while also carving out its path. It is a must-see for fans of the series and anyone who loves a good underdog story.
The Creed Character In Rocky Movies
Rocky (1976)
Easily one of the most iconic sports films of all time, Rocky (1976) captures the heart and determination of an underdog boxer as he fights for a chance at glory. The film follows the journey of Rocky Balboa, a struggling boxer with a heart of gold, who gets the opportunity to fight against the heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed. The film showcases Rocky’s perseverance and boxing techniques and highlights his relationships with the people in his life, including his trainer, Mickey, and his love interest, Adrian.
Apart from Rocky’s story, the film also explores the legacy of Apollo Creed, who is portrayed as a skilled and charismatic boxer. Creed’s character represents the archetype of a successful boxer, and his presence in the film adds to the narrative of Rocky’s journey toward becoming a champion. The film’s success led to several sequels and inspired a generation of boxers and sports enthusiasts. Rocky (1976) remains a classic example of an underdog story that captures the essence of determination, heart, and the pursuit of glory.
Rocky II (1979)
Following the success of Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979) continues to portray the determination and heart of Rocky Balboa as he faces new challenges in his boxing career. In this sequel, the impact of Adrian’s character becomes more apparent as she becomes the driving force behind Rocky’s motivation. The love and support that Adrian gives to Rocky help him overcome the obstacles that he faces both inside and outside of the ring. Her presence in Rocky’s life gives him a sense of purpose, and her encouragement enables him to push past his limits.
Rocky II also showcases the evolution of Rocky’s fighting style as he becomes a more skilled and technical fighter. In the first movie, Rocky was known for his brawling style, using his raw strength and toughness to overpower opponents. However, in Rocky II, Rocky begins to incorporate more boxing techniques into his style, such as footwork and head movement. This shows that Rocky is not only a fighter with heart and determination but also a fighter constantly evolving and improving his skills. The development of Rocky’s fighting style in Rocky II sets the stage for the rest of the Creed movies, solidifying his position as one of the greatest boxing icons in cinematic history.
Rocky III (1982)
In Rocky III (1982), the character of Rocky Balboa faces new challenges as he transitions from a scrappy underdog to a wealthy and successful boxer. The film explores Rocky’s personal growth as he grapples with fame, fortune, and the pressures of being a successful athlete. Rocky’s boxing technique is refined in this installment as he trains with his new mentor, Apollo Creed. The two characters develop a deep bond culminating in a thrilling and emotional rematch between the former rivals.
Throughout the film, Rocky’s character development is evident as he confronts his limitations and learns to adapt to the changing landscape of his career. He is forced to confront his ego and face his fears inside and outside the ring. The film also introduces new characters, such as Clubber Lang, a fierce competitor who challenges Rocky’s reign as champion. With its memorable soundtrack, iconic training montages, and emotionally charged performances, Rocky III is a must-watch for fans of the franchise and boxing enthusiasts alike.
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky IV (1985) marks a departure from the earlier films in the franchise, as it shifts its focus from personal growth and character development to a more politically charged narrative. The film centers around the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, with the Russian antagonist Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) serving as Rocky Balboa’s (Sylvester Stallone) opponent. The film also heavily emphasizes training montages as Rocky prepares for his fight against Drago in the Soviet Union.
One of the most memorable aspects of Rocky IV is its use of training montages. These sequences are set to the iconic soundtrack by Vince DiCola and are designed to showcase the physical and mental preparation required for a high-stakes boxing match. The most famous of these montages feature Rocky training in the snowy mountains of the Soviet Union, with Drago using high-tech equipment in a sterile laboratory. The contrast between Rocky’s old-school approach and Drago’s state-of-the-art training methods highlights the ideological differences between the two nations and underscores the film’s political themes. Overall, Rocky IV is a unique entry in the franchise that blends sports drama with Cold War politics to create an engaging and memorable film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Creed movies are a worthy addition to the Rocky franchise, telling a compelling story of a young fighter trying to make his mark in the world of boxing. With strong performances from Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, the films offer a fresh take on the classic underdog tale. Whether you’re a fan of the original Rocky movies or a newcomer to the series, the Creed films are a must-watch for any boxing enthusiast.
