Rocky and Creed movies in order

Nine films across almost fifty years, in a straight line. One of the longest continuous character stories in cinema.

Updated 4 August 2026 · 9 titles tracked

Nothing complicated: six Rocky films, then three Creed films, in the order they came out. What is unusual is the scale — the series runs from 1976 to 2023, and the films are explicitly about time passing.

The only genuine question is whether you can start at Creed.

Every Rocky and Creed film in order

Release order. The real-world gaps between films are the in-universe gaps too.

Open the interactive Rocky list

Can I start with Creed?

Yes. Creed (2015) is deliberately built as an entry point — it introduces Adonis, explains who Rocky is, and works completely without the earlier films.

But you lose a great deal. Rocky is a supporting character there, and almost every beat involving him is weighted by six previous films. The scene where he talks about Adrian means something very different if you have watched her story.

Creed II is the exception: it is a direct sequel to Rocky IV and expects you to know who Ivan Drago is and what he did.

Which Rocky films can I skip?

Rocky V is the one nearly everyone skips, and Stallone has effectively disowned it. Nothing later depends on it.

The others all matter: Rocky and Rocky II are one story, Rocky III sets up the friendship with Apollo, Rocky IV is required for Creed II, and Rocky Balboa is the graceful late correction that made Creed possible.

The short route

If nine films is too many: Rocky, Rocky IV, Rocky Balboa, then the three Creed films. That gives you the original, the Drago setup Creed II needs, the late-career reset, and the modern trilogy.

Common questions

What order should I watch the Rocky and Creed movies?

Release order: Rocky, Rocky II, III, IV, V, Rocky Balboa, then Creed, Creed II and Creed III.

Can I watch Creed without watching Rocky?

Yes — Creed is designed as an entry point. But Creed II is a direct sequel to Rocky IV and assumes you know Ivan Drago.

How many Rocky and Creed movies are there?

Nine: six Rocky films and three Creed films.

Which Rocky movie can I skip?

Rocky V. It is the least regarded of the series, Stallone has largely disowned it, and nothing later depends on it.