ROCKY (1976)

Starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire

Directed by

John G. Avildsen

You cannot talk about inspirational sports movies without thinking of Rocky – the film series that perfected the training montage. Through its excellent first movie to its lackluster sixth and later on, it’s impressive spin-off Creed, the film follows the trials and tribulations of fictional boxing legend Rocky Balboa, his relationship with his girl and then wife and then deceased wife Adrian, and the fighters that go up against him in the ring. But regardless of whether he wins or loses, regardless of his hardships and shortcomings, Rocky always finds a way to come out on top – and remains a figure of motivation, good sportsmanship, loyalty and hard work until today.

FUN FACT: The theme song of Rocky III, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor, only made the cut because rock legends Queen denied the filmmaker rights to use ‘Another One Bites The Dust’. The song choice was still a success, and would feature on the stereos of many gyms for years onwards.