TheRockyfranchise redefinedthe sports film genre. Since its 1976 debut, the Sylvester Stallone character becamethe signature underdog. Rocky Balboa is alsoa cultural iconfor stamina, strength, and perseverance. The Philadelphia boxer has been commemorated by the iconic 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as with a bronze statue located at the bottom-right of the steps. Rocky Balboa defined himself as the Everyman,making ends meet, working hard, androlling with the punches. Life has thrown the boxer many challenges, including a colorful cast of opponents.
8Robert Balboa, Jr. - Creed II (2018)
Family ties are important for Rocky. It was a shame when his relationship with his estranged son, Robert Balboa Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia) eroded. With his retirement as a boxer and the death of his wife Adrian (Talia Shire) inRocky Balboa, Rocky made a living as the owner of the Italian restaurant, Adrian’s. Robert became a corporate lawyer who moved to Chicago, distancing himself from his father. Robert felt like he was living in the shadow of his father’s legacy, but later realized Rocky was dealing with the personal demon of grief. Rocky goes to Chicago inCreed IIto reunite with his son and make amends for their family.
7Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - Creed (2015)
Cancer isn’t a traditional opponent, but it’s a battle no one wants to fight. InCreed, Rocky is training Donnie Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of boxer Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Rocky learns that his health has declined due to Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a blood disease. Donnie urges him to undergo chemotherapy, but Rocky argues it didn’t help Adrian overcome her ovarian cancer. Rocky has lost many loved ones and at his age loses the will to fight. Donnie is willing to call off his title fight, to give up like Rocky is, which convinces Rocky to keep fighting the good fight.
6Tommy Gunn - Rocky V (1990)
Tommy Gun (Tommy Morrison) is Rocky’s first protégé inRocky V. Financially struggling, Rocky decides to reopen the gym of his old trainer, Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith) in Philadelphia. Rocky gets lost in the past, seeing himself in the promising Oklahoman boxer and neglecting his family as a result. The limelight of fame went to Tommy’s head. His arrogance put him in a desperate position: to win back the approval of the media and public. Tommy goads Rocky into a fight, only to lose his sense of self.
Related:Sylvester Stallone Reveals the Original Plan for Rocky 7
5Thunder Lips - Rocky III (1982)
Rocky defends his title as world heavyweight champion inRocky IIIfor 10 consecutive matches. His popularity leads to a charity event where he fights Thunder Lips (Hulk Hogan), the world wrestling champion. Thunder Lips takes the fight too seriously, ceasing the moment to overpower the Italian Stallion. After the boxer is thrown from the ring, Rocky returns the favor, lifting the blonde fighter over his head and out of the ring.
Related:Michael B. Jordan Discusses the Absence of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky in Creed III
4Mason Dixon - Rocky Balboa (2006)
Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) challenges a retired and aging Rocky to an exhibition match inRocky Balboa. Mason is a successful boxer, having won many fights, but he is not favored by the news, saying he hasn’tfought a true contender. ESPN broadcasts a simulated fight between a Mason and Rocky in his prime, with the latter winning. Both men decide to make the simulation into a reality. Mason turns the tide of the computer’s prediction, while Rocky graciously accepts the outcome.
3James “Clubber” Lang - Rocky III (1982)
James “Clubber” Lang (Mr. T) challenges the undefeated champion inRocky III. After a successful winning streak, Rocky is planning to retire when Lang publicly challenges him to a fight. Lang makes a sexual comment about Rocky’s wife, causing Rocky to accept the challenge. Lang’s animosity puts Rocky’s civilized status into jeopardy, inside and outside the ring. Rocky loses after Lang had riled up Mickey into a fatal heart attack. Distraught but determined, Rocky trains with Apollo to win back his title, using Lang’s power against him with a rope-a-dope strategy.
2Apollo Creed - Rocky (1976) / Rocky II (1979)
Apollo Creed is the rival-turned-friend inRockyandRocky II. Rocky, a budding boxer, is given a chance at the title bout held by Apollo, the current heavyweight champion of the world. Rocky trains with Mickey to face the footwork and ego of Apollo. Both men dish out brutal blows and sustain injuries. Win or lose, Rocky proved to himself he could go the distance against Apollo. In the sequel, despite their bodily damages, fight again in response to rumors that the fight was a fluke. Rocky changes his fighting style throughout the match to become the new heavyweight champion.
1Ivan Drago - Rocky IV (1985)
Ivan Drago is the robotic Soviet boxer inRocky IV.As an act of Russian patriotism, Drago fights his first opponent and challenger, the former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Drago lands violent blows on Apollo until the latter is beaten to death. Rocky, sickened by the Soviet’s indifference to the death of his friend and an athlete, decides to fight Drago in his home country. Drago trains using high-tech devices, overseen by doctors and trainers who pump him full of steroids. Rocky trains using his natural surroundings, lifting logs, running through snow, and climbing a mountaintop. Rocky avenges Apollo and shows Drago that a man can be destroyed, but not defeated.
