If I had to rank the films it would be like this.

1. Rocky
2. Rocky II
3. Rocky Balboa
4. Rocky III
5. Rocky V
6. Rocky IV
   Ranking Creed with the other Rockys is debatable because while it is part of the Rocky Universe I don't quite think of it as Rocky VII. I did like Creed though.

I have not yet seen Creed; it's on order, so it will be a few days. Of the other films, I'd place them in this order:
Rocky
Rocky II
Rocky III
Rocky Balboa
Rocky IV
Rocky V
Though
Rocky III
had some silly moments (the whole Thinderlips routine), I really liked the narrative. Losing Mickey was a gut punch the first time I saw it, but the relationship between Adrian and Rocky was the defining element of the film for me. Talia and Sylvester had some really great chemistry in this one, and Talia's performance, especially, when she's yelling at Rocky to tell her "what's the truth" was really powerful. I also liked seeing the former antagonist becoming Rocky's confidant, friend and mentor. It's not quite on the level of
Rocky II
, or, clearly,
Rocky
, but, for me, it was as satisfying as any of the other films.
Rocky III
and
Rocky Balboa
are pretty close for me. I felt that Mr. T's Clubber Lang was the far greater villain.
While the fighting in
Rocky IV
was good, the fight commentary felt completely robotic. It didn't have the organic feel of the earlier films. And the endless montages got a bit redundant. I still watch it when it's on cable; it's a guilty pleasure.
I can't stand
Rocky V
. Complete misstep.
I'm really looking forward to seeing
Creed
. I think it will infuse some new energy into the franchise.
Rocky
coming full circle will be interesting to watch.
Never for the sake of peace and quiet deny your convictions-Dag Hammarskjold

I always listed the Rocky films exactly the same as you mdrefc.
Nice to finally see I'm not the only one.
Think I would put Creed at the bottom, it's a pretty good film but yeah, Rocky ain't the main character anymore so it can't be above the rest.
Rocky
Rocky III
Rocky IV
Rocky II
Rocky V
Rocky Balboa
Creed

Why, in your opinion, is II ranked so low?
Just trying to hear what other people think
I personally love II, and it's my 2nd favorite of the series.
Conquer your fear, and I promise you, you will conquer death.

Thank you. You obviously know the Rocky series very well. Take care.

ganggreen1960 - I agree with your list 100 percent!

I have been a "Rocky" fan since the early 80's and the first film is one of my top 10 movies of all-time. So I feel as though I am more than qualified to rank the "Rocky" series.

1. Rocky (1976)
2. Rocky Balboa (2006)
3. Rocky III (1982)
4. Rocky IV (1985)
5. Rocky II (1979)
6. Rocky V (1990)

and that guy who George Foreman fought to win the Heavyweight Championship again in 1994, nearly twenty years to the day after his first win in '74

49 year old Larry Holmes fought 23 year old Maurice Harris towards the end of his career.

OH PLEASE! In Rocky Balboa, he fights a guy half his age. That wouldn't even be allowed to happen for obvious reasons! Also, he had brain damage from Rocky IV, but yet he's able to fight as an elderly man? COME ON! LOL

The "nature is smarter than people think" speech is a rip off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJtiio9sK8Q (00:37)

Anyone who puts Rocky V ahead of any other film of the series has already lost all credibility in being able to rate the series. Stallone himself gave it a "zero.
Overall the movie sucks. Like how Anachronistic it is and the terrible music.
But there's some good stuff in Rocky 5 as its has some relevant things to say that Resonate in Rocky Balboa and Creed
And nature is smarter than people think. Little by little we lose our friends, we lose everything. We keep losin' and losin' till we say you know, 'Oh what the hell am I livin' around here for? I got not reason to go on.' But with you kid, boy, I got a reason to go on. And I'm gonna stay alive and I will watch you make good
Perfect description of Rocky in Creed and his Arc
Then you have Adrian's speech

Anyone who puts Rocky V ahead of any other film of the series has already lost all credibility in being able to rate the series. Stallone himself gave it a "zero."
People may not be a fan of "Rocky Balboa" but saying that it's worse the Rocky V proves that you have the brains of a fruit fly.

I think Balboa is a good film, it's just the worst to me
Rocky
Rocky II
Rocky V
Rocky III
Rocky IV
Rocky Balboa

My only complaint is that Stallone could've made Rocky Balboa a little longer. It feels rushed once Rocky is set to fight Mason Dixon. But I still think it's a better film than Rocky IV and V.

Sorry, but your list is so bogus. Rocky IV is good for nostalgia purposes, but it's a garbage movie and 45 minutes of it is an 80's montage. It's even sillier than Rocky III. But you can't seriously put Rocky 5 above Rocky Balboa, that's borderline insanity.
Rocky
Rocky II
Rocky Balboa
Rocky III
Rocky IV
Rocky V

This message has been deleted.

I agree. It was a top notch performance in all three areas.
"I care about the law. It's justice I don't give a toss about."
Cleaver Greene

It's my favourite of the series. It really shows off Stallone's writing, acting and directing skills.

Rocky Balboa is not a terrible film but it is my least favourite of the series

Rocky
Rocky V
Rocky II
Short Circuit 2
Rocky III
Rocky IV