Anthony Ippolito stars as Sylvester Stallone in 'I Play Rocky', from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Claire Folger. © 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Anthony Ippolito stars as Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’, from Amazon MGM Studios. Photo Credit: Claire Folger. © 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Rocky Balboa is one of the most beloved characters in film history!

‘I Play Rocky‘, which opens in theaters on November 6th, chronicles how writer and actor Sylvester Stallone created the character and fought to play him on screen. The movie was directed by Peter Farrelly (‘Green Book‘) and stars Anthony Ippolito as Stallone.

I Play Rocky
I Play Rocky

“The true underdog story.”

Release Nov 20, 2026Runtime 2h 8mBudget $27M

In honor of the new film, Moviefone is ranking every performance Sylvester Stallone has ever given as Rocky Balboa, including the original movie, sequels and spinoffs.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: Peter Farrelly Directing Movie About the Making of ‘Rocky’


Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in 'Rocky V'. Photo: MGM.
Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in ‘Rocky V’. Photo: MGM.

A lifetime of taking shots has ended Rocky’s career, and a crooked accountant has left him broke. Inspired by the memory of his trainer, however, Rocky (Stallone) finds glory in training and takes on an up-and-coming boxer (Tommy Morrison).

Rocky V
Rocky V

“In Russia, he fought the greatest fight of his life. Now…where does a champion go when he takes off the gloves?”

Release Nov 16, 1990Runtime 1h 44mBudget $42M


Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky Balboa'. Photo: MGM.
Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky Balboa’. Photo: MGM.

When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa (Stallone), reigning heavyweight titleholder Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) retaliates by challenging the Italian Stallion to a 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who’s faster, stronger and thirty years his junior. Rocky takes on Dixon in what will become the greatest fight in boxing history!

Rocky Balboa
Rocky Balboa

“It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

Release Dec 20, 2006Runtime 1h 42mBudget $24M


(L to R) Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in 'Creed II.' Photo: MGM.
(L to R) Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in ‘Creed II.’ Photo: MGM.

Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight against an opponent with ties to his family’s past, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is up against the challenge of his life.

Creed II
Creed II

“There’s more to lose than a title.”

Release Nov 21, 2018Runtime 2h 10mBudget $50M


(L to R) Burgess Meredith and Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky II'. Photo: MGM.
(L to R) Burgess Meredith and Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky II’. Photo: MGM.

After Rocky (Stallone) goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), both try to put the fight behind them and move on. Rocky settles down with Adrian but can’t put his life together outside the ring, while Creed seeks a rematch to restore his reputation. Soon enough, the “Master of Disaster” and the “Italian Stallion” are set on a collision course for a climactic battle that is brutal and unforgettable.

Rocky II
Rocky II

“Once he fought for a dream. Now he’s fighting for love!”

Release Jun 15, 1979Runtime 1h 59mBudget $7M


(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Mr. T in 1982's 'Rocky III.' Photo: MGM.
(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Mr. T in 1982’s ‘Rocky III.’ Photo: MGM.

Following Rocky Balboa’s (Stallone) intense battle with his most powerful adversary yet – the ferocious Clubber Lang (Mr. T) – Rocky joins forces with former rival Apollo Creed (Weathers) in an effort to get back his fighting spirit.

Rocky III
Rocky III

“The greatest challenge.”

Release May 28, 1982Runtime 1h 39mBudget $17M


(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren in 1985's 'Rocky IV.' Photo: MGM.
(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren in 1985’s ‘Rocky IV.’ Photo: MGM.

Rocky Balboa (Stallone) holds the world heavyweight championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. This time, Rocky’s training regimen takes him to Siberia, where he prepares for a globally televised match in the heart of Moscow. But nothing can truly prepare him for what he’s about to face – a fight to the finish, in which he must defend not only himself, but also the honor of his country!

Rocky IV
Rocky IV

“He’s facing the ultimate challenge. And fighting for his life.”

Release Nov 21, 1985Runtime 1h 31mBudget $30M


2. ‘Creed‘ (2015)

(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan in 'Creed'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures.
(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan in ‘Creed’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures.

The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa (Stallone) serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson (Jordan), the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed (Weathers).

Creed
Creed

“Your legacy is more than a name.”

Release Nov 25, 2015Runtime 2h 13mBudget $37M


1. ‘Rocky‘ (1976)

(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in 'Rocky'. Photo: United Artists.
(L to R) Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in ‘Rocky’. Photo: United Artists.

Rocky Balboa (Stallone) is a Philadelphia club fighter who seems to be going nowhere. But when a stroke of fate puts him in the ring with a world heavyweight champion, Rocky knows that it’s his one shot at the big time — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go the distance and come out a winner!

Rocky
Rocky

“His whole life was a million-to-one shot.”

Release Dec 3, 1976Runtime 1h 59mBudget $970,000



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