Summary

• The original Rocky film is the peak of the franchise, with its fresh story, compelling characters, and a standout performance by Sylvester Stallone. The sequels never quite reached the same level.
• Rocky Balboa's fighting style is flawed and unrealistic, with his propensity for taking hits and lack of technical skills. While it makes for a great underdog story, it's not a sound strategy for success in the sport.
• The Rocky movies have problematic scenes, such as Rocky persuading Adrian to stay in his apartment on their first date. In a modern context, this highlights concerns about consent and boundaries.

There are several harsh realities of rewatching the original six Rocky movies. This may be difficult for many viewers to consider, but the reality is that the first Rocky films were not just faulty, but even problematic in some ways. To be fair, these formative sports drama films are products of their time.

Moreover, the many Rocky and Creed projects are a testament to the longevity of the most beloved franchise in sports-related cinema. That being said, as with any classic films that have made their mark in entertainment history, it's only fair to judge the original Rocky movies from the lens of contemporary film criticism. It's definitely a divisive point to argue, but there are actually quite a few things wrong with the first Rocky films. From Rocky's relationship with Adrian and Rocky's fighting style to the overall evolution of storytelling in the film series, it's difficult to ignore the harsh realities of rewatching the original 6 Rocky movies.

10 The Franchise Peaked With The First Rocky Movie

Undoubtedly the best movie in the Rocky franchise, 1976's Rocky is a fresh and original story that continues to resonate with audiences. The underdog narrative of a struggling boxer given a shot at the heavyweight title captures the spirit of resilience and determination. It's a showcase of Sylvester Stallone's talents, who both wrote and starred in the movie. Shot on a modest budget, the raw and authentic feel of the movie only contributes to its relatable charm. While later entries had their moments, the original Rocky's unique combination of storytelling, character development, and Stallone's compelling performance set an exceptionally high standard that none of the sequels truly sured.

9 Rocky Balboa Is A Terrible Boxer

Rocky Balboa's fighting style is characterized by taking numerous hits, which simply isn't a sound strategy for long-term success in this sport. Realistically, a boxer who absorbs as much punishment as Rocky does throughout the original series would likely face severe consequences in of health and career longevity. Moreover, Rocky has limited technical skills compared to more proficient boxers. His success in the ring is often attributed to his resilience, heart, and determination than to actual boxing prowess. While these characteristics make for a compelling underdog story in the context of the movies, the harsh reality is that America's most popular fictional boxer is terrible at the sport.

8 Rocky And Adrian's First Date Is Problematic

In the said scenes, Rocky takes Adrian to his apartment, and despite her initial reluctance and discomfort, he persuades her to stay. Many critics argue that the power dynamics are skewed, with Rocky exerting pressure on Adrian to stay in his apartment, creating an uncomfortable situation. In a modern context, this scene might be viewed through a lens of consent and agency, highlighting concerns about boundaries and respectful behavior. While it's important to consider the cultural context of the time the movie was made, contemporary discussions about consent and respecting personal boundaries may lead some viewers to find elements of the scene problematic.

7 Rocky IV Is A Glorified Propaganda Film

Apart from how Rocky IV is unrealistic, it's also been criticized for its heavy use of Cold War-era propaganda. Released at the height of tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, Rocky IV pits Rocky Balboa against Soviet super-athlete Ivan Drago. The narrative not only exalts the American way of life but also demonizes the Soviet Union and its athletes. The film's portrayal of the Cold War rivalry is too simplistic and lacks nuance, painting a one-sided picture of heroism. The exaggerated use of nationalistic imagery also contributes to the perception that Rocky IV is an outdated and glorified propaganda piece.

6 Rocky V Nearly Killed The Franchise

The main problem with Rocky V is how far it deviates from the successful formula of the earlier movies. Instead of focusing on Rocky's continued boxing career, it shifted the narrative to his financial struggles and his protégé, Tommy Gunn. The storyline lacks the inspirational and triumphant elements that defined the previous films, leaving longtime viewers disappointed. Additionally, the absence of iconic characters like Apollo Creed and a lackluster antagonist in Tommy Gunn contributed to the film's perceived shortcomings. The film's reception also suffered from Sylvester Stallone's reported dissatisfaction with the final product, as well as the decision to kill off Mickey, a beloved character.

5 The Sequels Are Nothing Like The Original

While the Rocky sequels continue the narrative of the original, they diverged from its tone and themes in several ways. As the series progressed, the subsequent films became more stylized and emphasized spectacle over the intimate storytelling of the original. The sequels often leaned heavily on formulaic elements, with Rocky Balboa facing increasingly formidable opponents and engaging in high-stakes boxing matches. The tone shifted from the realism of the first film to a more theatrical and sometimes melodramatic approach. While the sequels maintained elements of the franchise's heart and spirit, they're too detached from the raw and grounded storytelling that made the original Rocky so iconic.

4 Rocky Forgets His Own Injuries

Rocky sustains significant damage to his eye during his rematch with Apollo Creed in Rocky II, leading to the development of an eye condition that becomes a recurring theme in the series. Meanwhile, in the fight against Ivan Drago, Rocky suffers severe head trauma from a substantial amount of blows to the head. In fact, this was also when Dolph Lundgren sent Stallone to the hospital - after Stallone insisted on Lundgren punching him for real. Moreover, Rocky also gets a brain injury in Rocky V. Despite all this, Rocky simply gets a clean bill of health with every sequel, which only exacerbates criticisms about the Rocky movies being unrealistic.

3 The Franchise Ignored A Perfect Ending In Rocky IV

Rocky IV isn't perfect, but it also offers a fitting conclusion to the original series. This is mainly because of how the film provides a strong sense of redemption and reconciliation, particularly in of the character of Apollo Creed. The tragic fate of Apollo adds emotional depth to the story, and Rocky's determination to avenge his friend's death contributes to a powerful narrative arc. Additionally, the training montages, the iconic soundtrack, and the high-stakes nature of the final fight resonate with audiences just like the first film. Also, the franchise ending with Rocky IV would've avoided the production of Rocky V, the worst of the original series.

2 Rocky Balboa Was Another Perfect Franchise Finale

Rocky Balboa is celebrated for its authenticity and how it brings a satisfying conclusion to the iconic character's journey. The film brings the franchise back to its roots by focusing on Rocky Balboa as an aging fighter, emphasizing the character-driven storytelling that made the original great. The final fight against Mason "The Line" Dixon is not just about winning, but about Rocky proving to himself and others that he still has something left to give - striking a balance between nostalgia for the past and looking forward to the future. However, while Rocky Balboa saved the franchise from Rocky V, it also makes the Creed series ultimately unnecessary.

1 The Creed Movies Are So Much Better

There are many differences between the Creed and Rocky movies, but the bottom line is that the Creed movies are superior in almost every way. Combined with the Creed series' more nuanced storytelling, Michael B. Jordan's Adonis Creed brings depth and authenticity that elevates the character beyond a traditional underdog archetype. The inclusive cast and diverse perspectives contribute to a more reflective representation of society, introducing contemporary themes, and exploring issues of identity, family, and legacy. It's true that the original 6 Rocky movies walked so that the Creed series could fly. However, Creed not only pays due homage to Rocky, but also far sures the Rocky films.