Creed III has recently hit theaters to continue the epic next generation of Rocky movies. Though these movies had a lot to live up to when it came to the legendary franchise, they have been great successes and have impressed Rocky fans by honoring the franchise while also creating something fresh and exciting.
One aspect that fans love about movies like Creed and Rocky are the iconic training montages. These are thrilling sequences that outline how the heroes of the story build up their skills to face the ultimate challenge. Movies of all different genres have succeeded in creating exciting and iconic training montages.
10 The Incredibles (2004)
The Incredibles is an animated superhero movie that is great for audiences of all ages. The plot focuses on superheroes and explores the effects that superpowers can have on someone's life. It also has the added benefit of focusing on a whole family of heroes instead of a solo hero.
The Incredibles has a great training montage that also doubles as a redemption arc. After watching Mr. Incredible shamed away from being a hero, the audience gets to see him quickly and secretively work hard to get back into shape and become a redeemable super.
9 Batman Begins (2005)
Batman Begins is the first movie in The Dark Knight trilogy starring Christian Bale. The plot follows the rise of the iconic superhero Batman, as the young man trains to become the protector of Gotham City.
One unique aspect about the training montage in Batman Begins is that Bruce is actually trained by the villains of the story. Though Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson) is the one to train him in martial arts, Bruce turns on them after he realizes they plan to cause harm to Gotham. On top of this plot twist, the overall location, action, and success of this training montage is one of the most memorable in DC films.
8 Rocky IV (1985)
There's no doubt that the original Rocky film is one of the most iconic when it comes to training montages. However, some fans of this franchise would argue that the montage in Rocky IV rivals the original. In this movie, Rocky is fueled by revenge after his friend Apollo Creed is beaten to death in a fight.
This might not be the best Rocky film, but Rocky IV has an epic training montage that is hard to forget. In this montage, a nearly retired Rocky travels to Russia to face the brutal landscape and train to defeat his new top rival, Drago.
7 Dirty Dancing (1987)
Though action movies are known for their training montages, they aren't the only genre that can pull off a memorable one. Dirty Dancing is a great coming-of-age '80s hit that still holds up. In addition, it also has a great combination of quick training scenes.
Johnny and Baby made a great couple in this movie, not only as a romantic subplot but also as a team working together for a common goal. There may not have been much action in this movie, but Baby learning to dance is a fun, humorous, and endearing montage.
6 Mulan (1998)
Mulan is an empowering Disney movie that focuses on an unlikely female hero. However, Mulan wasn't the only underdog in this film. In an army of men who are unfamiliar with going into battle, the young General Shang has to work hard to prepare his men for war.
This group of inexperienced warriors was a great set up for one of the most unforgettable training montages in an animated movie. With one of the best Disney songs, "I'll Make A Man Out Of You," and a series of action-packed training scenes, Mulan boasts one of the most fun and upbeat montages.
5 The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back is one of the best Star Wars sequels. It is so iconic and beloved that it surpassed many of the previous films' success and many that came after. The Empire Strikes Back is known as one of the most exciting and shocking films in the franchise.
The Empire Strikes Back also has a great, unique training montage - the scene is more about mental training than physical. Viewers got to see Luke Skywalker grow a lot with his mentor Yoda as he learned how to use the Force.
4 The Karate Kid (2010)
2010's The Karate Kid may not be the best in the franchise, but it received some praise upon its release. The best aspects of this film are Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith's performances, who created a great mentor/apprentice relationship.
Though there's debate if the first The Karate Kid still surpasses this remake, many viewers found the training montage in the 2010 movie far better. It was a great training sequence in which the audience could feel the determination of young Dre and watch as he progressively became talented in martial arts.
3 Creed (2015)
Creed had a lot to live up to when it was added to the iconic Rocky franchise. This plot follows Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) as he seeks out boxing legend and his late father's friend, Rocky Balboa. Together, they make a formidable team as Adonis trains to become a boxing champion.
In this way, Creed succeeded in living up to the Rocky legacy. The montage in this next generation film was nostalgic for many fans. However, it was a great way to pay homage to the previous films in the franchise, as it gave fans a truly gripping and emotionally driven training sequence.
2 Hercules (1997)
Though there are many main characters in action movies who have earned the title of hero, Hercules really stands out. Hercules is a fun and exciting animated movie that continues to be significant in pop culture.
Hercules also has one of the best training montages ever seen in an animated movie. Not only is the training sequence entertaining and musical, but it also allows the audience to see how the hero fails throughout the process before he becomes a skilled fighter. Fans were used to seeing the heroes grow and thrive without issue, so Hercules was a breath of fresh air.
1 Rocky (1976)
Viewers don't have to be a boxing fan to see how great Rocky is as an inspiring story of struggle and triumph. This movie has a multilayered plot that focuses on underdog Rocky, a small-time boxer who's chosen to take on undefeated world champion Apollo Creed.
The training montage in Rocky continues to set the standards when it comes to these sequences. Sylvester Stallone portrayed a motivated and likable hero who pushes himself to the limits. No other movie has surpassed the epic scene where Rocky ascended the stone steps of the museum in Philadelphia in an exhilarating moment of triumph.