Now, this is a classic series.
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Here are our picks for the Top 10 Moments from the Rocky Franchise.
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For this list, we'll be looking at the most iconic moments
from the first seven "Rocky" movies.
We'll be ranking our picks based on the quality of the scene,
its impact on the overall series and the legacy it has left behind.
Also: spoiler alert!
The first two "Rocky" movies were primarily about overcoming adversity.
The fights remained relatively grounded and they were more about
Rocky's pride and sense of accomplishment than the fight itself.
And then "Rocky III" came along and gave us pure spectacle.
Not that it was a bad thing!
The Rocky/Lang rematch is arguably the most popular fight of the entire franchise,
mostly due to Mr T's charisma, the excitement, and the shameless off-the-wall style.
The fight is pure cheese and we love every minute of it.
If the series ended here, we would have been more than happy.
Throughout "Creed", Rocky must grapple with his own mortality.
Almost everyone he loved – Adrian, Paulie, Apollo, and Mickey – is now dead,
and he has been diagnosed with cancer.
It's fitting that the final scene of the movie sees Rocky and Donnie climbing
the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
It's a beautiful and symbolic way to pass on the torch to a new generation
and it had us all secretly crying in the dark of the theatre.
While we love the spectacle, these are the moments
that make the "Rocky" series such a classic.
Despite its lack of pizzazz, this is arguably one of the cutest
and most realistic depictions of a first date ever put to screen.
The entire scene is simply adorable.
Rocky is head-over-heels for this girl
and Adrian simply skates and listens due to her shyness and unease.
Meanwhile, a guy awkwardly interjects to let them know
how much time is remaining while Rocky becomes increasingly irritated.
It's a small, intimate scene that allows us
to grow more attached to these characters and their relationship.
Despite "Rocky III" being a little more Hollywood and grandiose than its predecessors
it still found time for deeply upsetting and personal scenes like this.
Once Mickey is shoved by Clubber Lang,
he suffers a heart attack and is taken to the dressing room.
When Rock returns from the fight, Mickey falsely believes
that Rocky won and contently dies next to his apprentice.
It's a heartbreaking scene that at once disposes of a fan favorite character
and showcases Sylvester Stallone's surprisingly solid acting chops.
It's always hard to see a tough man show such incredible emotion.
Rocky is fraught with personal difficulties throughout "Rocky II."
First Adrian doesn't approve of his return to boxing, fearing for his health.
This leads his mind to wander, and his game is thrown off.
Then she falls into a coma and Rocky abandons his plans to watch over her instead.
When she finally emerges, they celebrate their new baby
and Adrian finally gives him her approval
by looking him dead in the eyes and telling him to "win."
The music swells, Mick gets super pumped,
and the famous training montage begins. Rocky is back, baby.
It will give you goosebumps.
After the... um... disappointment of "Rocky V,"
it was nice to see such a return to quality with "Rocky Balboa."
One of the most notable scenes sees Robert telling Rocky to quit
because he fears Rocky will make a fool of himself and tarnish his own reputation.
This leads Rocky into a beautiful speech about believing in yourself.
It perfectly encapsulates everything the series represents
and it proves to be an inspiration for Robert and everyone watching.
"Rocky" was never really about actually winning the fight,
but damn if it isn't incredibly satisfying.
A brutal bout sees both Apollo and Rocky collapse to the mat.
What follows is pure suspense and drama
as the ref counts up while they both try to regain their footing.
At nine, Apollo collapses, Rocky stands,
the music swells and the tears start flowing.
The entire scene is a perfect blend of editing, acting and music,
and it warms our hearts every time.
Rocky went the distance and then some, we couldn't be prouder.
What better way to introduce your new villain
than to have them literally kill one of the series' most beloved characters?
In what was only supposed to be a simple exhibition bout,
Drago completely pummeled Apollo to his death and showed no remorse
while Rocky cradled his lifeless body.
It's a devastating scene that portrays Drago as a heartless, unstoppable killing machine
and is also a brilliant curveball that showcases the series' unpredictability.
No one truly expected Apollo to die,
especially after that ridiculous and lighthearted Living in America scene.
We can't help but feel a sense of smug satisfaction
when Rocky eventually takes down Drago.
Is there a more enthralling ending in movie history?
Not only is the fight itself beautifully filmed and exciting
but also the moment of Rocky yelling for Adrian is now a classic piece of cinema history.
We watch as Rocky ignores reporters and the results of the match,
wishing only for Adrian to join him on the mat.
It's a tender and heartwarming scene
that highlights the importance of determination and self-satisfaction over concrete results,
and it ends the romantic story of Rocky and Adrian on a lovely note.
Who amongst us hasn't yelled "Adrian!" at least once in our lives?
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
While punching a slab of meat may look cool,
nothing beats the sheer excitement of a genuine training montage.
The training montage is easily one of the most famous scenes in cinematic history.
The movie shows us as Rocky growing as an athlete and as a character
through brilliant editing and inspirational music.
It's capped with the most iconic moment of the entire franchise
Rocky standing atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
overlooking his city, a brilliant metaphor for his rise in stature.
The Rocky Steps have since become a major tourist destination
as well as proof of the millions of lives that this scene inspired and touched.
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