THE FINAL LIST

ROCKY (1976)

Nick: “Definitive proof that punching meat is a route to success, Rocky’s iconic first outing is charming, tender and filled with delightful characters. Plus Paulie.”

CREED (2015)

Dan: “Director Ryan Coogler brought a modern style and sensibility to a movie which keeps the feelgood, character-driven vibe of the original.”

ROCKY IV (1985)

Nick: “More pumped-up than a Drago bicep, this East-versus-west showdown is a deliriously ’80s treat. And however many times you’ve seen it before, Apollo’s death will break you.”

ROCKY II (1979)

Terri: “The Rocky film with the greatest opening-credits scene — ambulances speeding the fighters through Philly — and the greatest coming-out-of-a-coma moment.”

ROCKY BALBOA (2006)

Chris: “This is a desperately sad film, as Rocky struggles to move on after Adrian’s death. Nonetheless, it’s also an ultimately uplifting return to the character’s roots.”

CREED II (2018)

Chris: “If, as he has claimed, this is to be Stallone’s final Rocky movie, the reunion with Dolph Lundgren’s Drago — 33 years on — is an excellent way to go out.”

ROCKY III (1982)

Dan: “If it weren’t for the joy of seeing Rocky and Creed team up, I’d have ranked this lower than V. It totally forgets what made the character of Rocky so engaging, and feels hollow.”

ROCKY V (1990)

Terri: “A film, that if I had my way, wouldn’t even get to appear here. Unrelentingly drab and downbeat, it confirmed this franchise needed a reboot.”