The Rocky films have achieved iconic status, yet the Creed trilogy surpasses them in various aspects. When viewing the nine movies sequentially, it becomes evident how they collectively form a cohesive franchise. Even the less favored installments of Rocky have found new significance through the nuanced character explorations in the Creed films, illustrating a surprising longevity that many doubted was possible after the disappointing reception of Rocky V.
As the anticipation builds for potential developments in Creed 4, it’s a natural inclination to reflect on the series as a whole. By revisiting the six Rocky films alongside the three Creed films, one can appreciate both their strengths and shortcomings. This includes evaluating the best and worst opponents Rocky faced and assessing the narrative strength of Michael B. Jordan’s legacy sequels. Although determining which franchise stands superior is challenging due to Rocky’s legendary status, a closer look reveals that the Creed series outshines Rocky in several critical areas when nostalgia for the latter is set aside.
10
The Creed Movies Have Better Boxing Fights Than The Rocky Series
The Fight Choreography Has Improved with Advancements in Filmmaking
It is evident that the Creed movies feature superior boxing sequences compared to the Rocky series. This assertion holds true on both emotional and technical fronts. For instance, certain fights in the Rocky series, such as the one against Tommy Gunn, significantly lack impact. Thanks to advancements in filmmaking techniques, the modern Creed films excel where their predecessors falter.
Modern technology has made filming fight sequences far more effective. While some Rocky films feature memorable boxing matches, occasionally the visual effects allow punches to be seen missing opponents entirely. In contrast, the Creed films deliver dynamic and fluid action, beautified by well-choreographed sequences—exemplified by Adonis’ one-take bout with Leo Sporino and intense confrontations with Ricky Conlan and Viktor Drago.
9
The Creed Trilogy Has Superior Screenwriting
Another Element That Has Enhanced with Age
While the Rocky films include well-crafted narratives, particularly the initial two and Rocky Balboa, they do contain a fair share of cheesy or dated elements typical of their era. In contrast, the Creed trilogy boasts a more seamless narrative flow. Ryan Coogler’s modern storytelling style effectively eclipses these outdated aspects, allowing the Creed films to resonate more profoundly with audiences today.
8
The Creed Trilogy Tells a Complete Story Unlike the Installment-Centric Rocky Series
Creed Functions as a Cohesive Narrative
A standout aspect of the Creed trilogy is its ability to weave a connected storyline across its three installments. Each film advances themes introduced in the previous entries, such as Rocky’s battle with cancer and Adonis’ quest for legacy. Although early Rocky films share this characteristic, the latter entries diverged dramatically with over-the-top elements that disrupted narrative flow.
The Creed series maintains thematic continuity, with elements from Adonis’ childhood in the first film reappearing to highlight his relationship with Damian in Creed III. This interconnectedness stands in stark juxtaposition to the Rocky series, where tonal and narrative disjointedness was prevalent, particularly in the later films.
7
Creed’s Emotional Moments Affect Audiences More Profoundly Than Rocky’s
A Mastery of Emotional Storytelling
The emotional weight of the Rocky films varies significantly. While the first two movies convey profound underdog stories, later installments such as Rocky III, IV, and V often diminish emotional impact with exaggerated plots. Despite notable moments like Mickey’s and Apollo’s deaths, their overall execution can feel drawn out and ineffective.
In stark contrast, the Creed films consistently deliver emotional narratives. Powerful scenes, such as Rocky’s candid conversation about his cancer treatment or his heartfelt affirmation of Adonis’s identity, enhance emotional engagement. This depth resonates well throughout Creed II and III, further emphasizing the successful emotional storytelling of the series.
6
The Creed Movies Exhibit a More Serious and Cohesive Tone Than Rocky
The Absence of Rocky’s Silly Exaggerations
The Rocky series, particularly its later films, suffered from tonal inconsistencies, featuring outlandish villains and comedic elements that undermined the serious nature of its central narratives. Characters like Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago brought cartoonish qualities that detracted from the intended gravity of the story. When juxtaposed with the Creed saga, these tonal flings make the earlier films feel oddly segmented and inconsistent.
In the Creed trilogy, no such inconsistencies exist. The films maintain a dedicated, serious tone throughout, allowing for the emotional depth to shine without undermining serious moments with humor or absurdity.
5
Creed Delivers Superior Character Relationships Compared to Rocky
A Better Understanding of Characters and Their Connections
Upon revisiting the Rocky films, one stark realization is that many characters serve primarily as extensions of Rocky’s narrative. Aside from Rocky, key figures like Adrian and Apollo lack substantive connections with each other, existing predominantly to support Rocky’s storyline.
Conversely, the Creed films excel in developing character relationships independent of Adonis. The interconnected dynamics among Adonis, Rocky, Bianca, and Mary Anne receive ample attention. The narratives also explore relationships like that between Ivan and Viktor Drago, offering richer character development that enhances the overall storytelling.
4
Creed Features More Skillfully Written Villains Than Rocky
Creed’s Antagonists Are Well-Developed and Multifaceted
One major advantage of the Creed series over its predecessors lies in the depth of its villains. Rocky’s adversaries often lack complexity, characterized primarily as simple hurdles for Rocky to overcome. Characters like Clubber Lang and Tommy Gunn primarily serve as narrative obstacles rather than being fully realized beings.
Contrarily, the Creed films provide multifaceted representations of antagonists. Although Ricky Conlan in the first film may be the least developed, his motivations stem from personal struggles rather than mere villainy. In subsequent entries, characters like Viktor Drago and Damian are portrayed with nuanced backstories, making them formidable, relatable foes that contribute meaningfully to the narrative.
3
The Creed Movies Boast an Exceptional Score and Soundtrack
A More Diverse Musical Composition
Though the Rocky films are revered for their defining musical theme, the Creed series presents a more varied auditory experience. Featuring outstanding compositions from Ludwig Göransson and an array of tracks from local Philadelphia artists and hip-hop talents, the score consistently enhances the film’s atmosphere. This bodes well for the continuation of the franchise, seamlessly incorporating Bill Conti’s iconic score alongside modern influences.
2
Apollo Creed’s Legacy Was More Effectively Portrayed in the Creed Series
Creed Centers Around Apollo’s Impact
Following Apollo Creed’s demise in Rocky IV, the saga struggles to maintain a focus on his legacy. Although Rocky IV aimed for revenge, the narrative became overshadowed by themes of Cold War tensions, which shifted away from personal revenge. Subsequent films diluted Apollo’s impact further, with Rocky V and Rocky Balboa redirecting focus onto new trajectories.
In contrast, the Creed trilogy solidifies Apollo’s legacy by placing Adonis at the forefront. The series intricately explores his attempts to live up to Apollo’s remarkable legacy while diving into his relationship with Rocky. In doing so, the Creed films honor Apollo in ways that Rocky could not, fulfilling the character’s potential long after his death.
1
Creed’s Longevity Surpasses That of Rocky
Creed’s Enduring Strength
Post-Rocky II, the franchise began to lose its way, leading to diminished critical reception with each subsequent film. By the time Rocky V debuted, the series seemed to stagnate. Conversely, the Creed trilogy has revitalized this legacy through three remarkable films, with Creed 4 potentially expanding its narrative horizons even further. This adaptability illustrates Creed’s strength and longevity, in stark contrast to the halted progression of the Rocky saga.