Creed hits cinemas this Friday (January 15th) and stars Sylvester Stallone as the Italian Stallion himself, Rocky Balboa.
This seventh movie in the Rocky saga is directed by Fruitvale Station’s Ryan Coogler and stars Stallone & Michael B. Jordan in a film that has already gained big Oscar-buzz and a Golden Globe win in the bag.
Adonis Creed (Jordan) is the son of Rocky’s old adversary-turned-friend Apollo Creed, and he seeks out the Italian Stallion’s help to train for a big fight and become pro.
With Creed released in cinemas this week we thought we’d take a look back at all of the training montages from the Rocky saga. If you are looking for inspiration to get healthy in 2016 then look no further – here is the ultimate mix of music and motivation to get you into fighting-fit shape!
Rocky (1976)
A young boxer named Rocky Balboa (Stallone) gets the opportunity of a lifetime to go up against the reigning world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. This is the montage that started it all! The genius of Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed shouldn’t go unnoticed here too, as he threatens to beat Rocky ‘like he committed a crime’. And don’t forget all of his brilliant ring names… ‘The Master of Disaster’, ‘The King of Sting’, ‘The Dancing Destroyer’ and the best of the bunch ‘The Count of Monte Fisto’.
Rocky II (1979)
With Apollo Creed hurting from his narrow victory, he takes on a new seriousness and offers a rematch to prove his dominance. With Rocky enjoying his new-found fame, it’s not long before he steps back into the ring to do what he was always destined to.
Rocky III (1982)
This film is the first time we are introduced to Survivor’s iconic anthem ‘Eye of the Tiger’. Rocky is now the Heavyweight Champion of the World and is successfully defending his title against a string of competitors. But a brash new brawler is waiting in the wings to take down the Italian Stallion.
Rocky III (1982)
We pity the fool who doesn’t love this 80’s fuelled montage. With Apollo Creed now a valuable asset, it’s up to Rocky to get back into fighting shape after the death of Mick (Burgess Meredith) and reclaim the gold against the new champ Clubber Lang (Mr. T).
Rocky IV (1985)
With Apollo having died in the ring at the hands of the ‘Siberian Express’ Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), Rocky faces his toughest opponent yet. Fighting in Russia and grieving the loss of his friend, Rocky must somehow beat astronomical odds to stand a chance.
Rocky IV (1985)
Struggling to find balance, Rocky is a man lost in a foreign land whilst training for the big fight in harsh conditions. Thankfully Adrian (Talia Shire) is on-hand to give the Italian Stallion the inspiration he needs to ‘fly now’.
Rocky V (1990)
With a brain injury that forces him to stop fighting, Rocky faces yet another obstacle in life when his financial security collapses. Forced to move back into the old neighbourhood, Rocky meets a young upstart with plenty of ability named Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison). Training the young boxer, Rocky gets a much needed win before things turn sour in this glorious ode to the 90s.
Rocky Balboa (2006)
With Adrian having passed away, Rocky struggles to fit into later life. Telling Paulie (Burt Young) that he still has something left in the basement, Rocky begins to train again after having successfully regained his boxing licence. When a computer simulation bout pits the current champ Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon (Antonio Tarver) against Rocky, people start to discuss what would actually happen if the Italian Stallion were to face him in an real fight. Cue one of the most inspirational moments in the Rocky saga with the legendary Duke (Tony Burton) delivering some words of wisdom.
Creed is released in UK cinemas 15th January 2016.
