50 Best Sports Movies Ever

47. Creed

Year: 2015
Sport: Boxing
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew
Director: Ryan Coogler

When it was announced that another Rocky film was on the way, a skepticism and excitement was to be expected. Rather than featuring Sylvester Stallone in a starring role, the spinoff featured Michael B. Jordan in the title role of Creed—Adonis Creed, son of Rocky character Apollo Creed.

The general consensus is that it’s already earned its place as one of the greatest sports films of all-time.

Jordan delivers a powerful performance as a young man looking to escape the shadow of his father’s name while pursuing a career in boxing. Stallone’s return as Rocky Balboa was so strong that he’s nominated for an Academy Award for the first time since 1976—a 40-year wait.

Stallone already won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, which is a sign of how well Ryan Coogler put this movie together.

If you still haven’t found time to check out Creed, do yourself a favor and watch it; it lived up to the hype and then some.

Between Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky Balboa and Jordan’s performance as a man looking to be known as more than just Apollo Creed’s son, the story is as intriguing as the fight scenes are realistic. Both men must pull each other out of overwhelming struggles as the Rocky tradition of an underdog’s journey to achieving his dreams is executed marvelously.

It’s a telling sign that most who have seen Creed are already waiting on a sequel—something that’s already in the works.

Next: 46. Eight Men Out