Rocky Balboa is one of the most beloved characters in film history!
‘I Play Rocky‘, which opens in theaters on November 6th, chronicles how writer and actor Sylvester Stallone created the character and fought to play him on screen. The movie was directed by Peter Farrelly (‘Green Book‘) and stars Anthony Ippolito as Stallone.
In honor of the new film, Moviefone is ranking every performance Sylvester Stallone has ever given as Rocky Balboa, including the original movie, sequels and spinoffs.
Let’s begin!
Related Article: Peter Farrelly Directing Movie About the Making of ‘Rocky’
A lifetime of taking shots has ended Rocky’s career, and a crooked accountant has left him broke. Inspired by the memory of his trainer, however, Rocky (Stallone) finds glory in training and takes on an up-and-coming boxer (Tommy Morrison).
“In Russia, he fought the greatest fight of his life. Now…where does a champion go when he takes off the gloves?”
Release Nov 16, 1990Runtime 1h 44mBudget $42M
When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa (Stallone), reigning heavyweight titleholder Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) retaliates by challenging the Italian Stallion to a 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who’s faster, stronger and thirty years his junior. Rocky takes on Dixon in what will become the greatest fight in boxing history!
Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight against an opponent with ties to his family’s past, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is up against the challenge of his life.
After Rocky (Stallone) goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), both try to put the fight behind them and move on. Rocky settles down with Adrian but can’t put his life together outside the ring, while Creed seeks a rematch to restore his reputation. Soon enough, the “Master of Disaster” and the “Italian Stallion” are set on a collision course for a climactic battle that is brutal and unforgettable.
“Once he fought for a dream. Now he’s fighting for love!”
Release Jun 15, 1979Runtime 1h 59mBudget $7M
Following Rocky Balboa’s (Stallone) intense battle with his most powerful adversary yet – the ferocious Clubber Lang (Mr. T) – Rocky joins forces with former rival Apollo Creed (Weathers) in an effort to get back his fighting spirit.
Rocky Balboa (Stallone) holds the world heavyweight championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. This time, Rocky’s training regimen takes him to Siberia, where he prepares for a globally televised match in the heart of Moscow. But nothing can truly prepare him for what he’s about to face – a fight to the finish, in which he must defend not only himself, but also the honor of his country!
“He’s facing the ultimate challenge. And fighting for his life.”
Release Nov 21, 1985Runtime 1h 31mBudget $30M
2. ‘Creed‘ (2015)
The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa (Stallone) serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson (Jordan), the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed (Weathers).
1. ‘Rocky‘ (1976)
Rocky Balboa (Stallone) is a Philadelphia club fighter who seems to be going nowhere. But when a stroke of fate puts him in the ring with a world heavyweight champion, Rocky knows that it’s his one shot at the big time — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go the distance and come out a winner!
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