If you want to watch the Rocky movies in order, you will need to include both the original Rocky series and the modern Creed films. Together, these movies tell the long story of boxer Rocky Balboa and his legacy in the world of boxing.
The Rocky franchise began in 1976 with the classic film written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. The movie quickly became one of the most influential sports films ever made, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Over the years, the Rocky story expanded into several sequels and eventually continued with the Creed series, which focuses on Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed. Because of this continuation, many fans search for the correct way to watch the Rocky movies in order.
This guide explains the full Rocky and Creed timeline so you can watch the entire franchise in the correct order.

Rocky Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Rocky Movies in Chronological Order
- Rocky Movies in Release Order
- Rocky Movies Checklist (Printable)
- FAQ
Rocky 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)
- Creed III (2023)
The first six films follow the story of Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer from Philadelphia who rises through the ranks of professional boxing. The later Creed films continue the story through the next generation.
Rocky Movies in Release Order
- 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)
Rocky Movies Checklist (Printable)
- 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)
Download Rocky Movies Checklist (PDF)
The Rocky movies in order represent one of the longest-running and most beloved sports movie franchises in cinema history. Beginning in 1976, the Rocky series introduced audiences to Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer from Philadelphia who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champion of the world. The film became a cultural phenomenon and helped redefine the sports drama genre. Over time, the franchise evolved into a much larger story about legacy, mentorship, and perseverance.
Following the Rocky movies in order allows viewers to watch Rocky’s journey from a struggling club fighter to a world champion and eventually a mentor to the next generation. The later Creed films expand the universe by focusing on Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky’s former rival and friend Apollo Creed. This continuation helped introduce the franchise to a new generation of viewers while still honoring the legacy of the original films.
If you enjoy movie timeline guides like this one, you may also want to explore other popular franchise watch orders such as Batman movies in order, Spider-Man movies in order, or Terminator movies in order. These guides help viewers understand the timelines and connections between films in major movie franchises.
For more detailed information about the Rocky franchise and its development, you can also visit the Rocky film franchise page , which provides a comprehensive overview of the films, characters, and cultural impact of the series.
Watching the Rocky movies in order offers more than just boxing matches. The series explores themes such as determination, personal growth, loyalty, and the importance of never giving up. These themes are part of the reason why Rocky remains one of the most iconic sports movie characters ever created.
Final Thoughts
The Rocky franchise remains one of the most inspiring sports movie series ever created. Watching the Rocky movies in order allows viewers to follow the journey of Rocky Balboa and the next generation of fighters who carry on his legacy.