How Rewatching the Rocky Movies Became More Enjoyable After Creed Revived the Franchise’s Least Favorite Film

A fresh look at the Rocky series has gained newfound appreciation, particularly through the lens of the Creed films, which have notably rejuvenated the reputation of the franchise’s least popular entry. The original Creed has been heralded as one of the most successful legacy sequels in cinematic history, showcasing its ability to simultaneously honor the past while standing as a remarkable standalone feature. As speculation abounds regarding the storyline of Creed 4, it’s worth noting that the Rocky franchise continues to thrive as it approaches its 10th film installment.

When it comes to evaluating the ranking of movies within both the Rocky and Creed series, the top spots are usually held by the early entries of Rocky alongside all three Creed films. Conversely, there is usually consensus regarding which film sits at the bottom of the list. However, the viewing experience of watching the films in order, particularly in 2024, can significantly diminish the negative perception of this lowest-rated film, thanks to the redemptive arcs provided by the legacy sequels.

Impact of Creed Movies on Rocky V

Reassessing Rocky V: A Not-So-Bad Film

The film that has garnered the title of the worst in the series is often identified as Rocky V. Widely criticized for its weak storyline and departure from boxing to explore Rocky’s roots on the streets, it also introduced Tommy Gunn—a character perceived as a miscalculated addition to the narrative. This installment sent the franchise into a temporary hiatus. However, the evolution of Rocky Balboa’s character in Creed and Creed II enhances the viewing of Rocky V, making it more rewarding to watch in hindsight.

At its core, Rocky V emphasizes the theme of mentorship rather than traditional fighting. Despite Rocky reverting to form with two street fights towards the conclusion, the central narrative focuses on his role as a guide. The rift between Rocky and his son, Robert, stemming from his choices during this transition, directly influences the stories seen in Rocky Balboa, Creed, and Creed II.

Rather than damaging the character’s legacy, the developments in Creed and Creed II transform Rocky V into a pivotal chapter within Rocky’s life journey. In these subsequent films, viewers witness Rocky embracing the role of a mentor while reconciling his past misjudgments, particularly with Tommy Gunn. The rekindling of his relationship with Robert reframes Rocky’s familial missteps in V, making them part of an ongoing narrative rather than a cinematic dead end. This reevaluation turns Rocky V into an essential element of his character’s growth, significantly enhancing the viewing experience for audiences revisiting the complete series.

A More Favorable Franchise Marathon

With the conclusion of the Creed trilogy, watching the entire Rocky film collection reveals a more favorable landscape, with more films regarded as good than bad. While Rocky V remains the outlier, often criticized by fans, it is important to acknowledge that films like Rocky III and Rocky IV may be deemed of lower quality yet possess significant narrative impacts. Overall, the strength of films such as Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky Balboa, and the entire Creed trilogy far surpasses any negative sentiments surrounding the series, emphasizing the quality and enduring appeal of the Rocky franchise.

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