Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Film

Creed (film series)

Creed is an American sports drama film series that began with *Creed* (2015), a spin-off and sequel to the *Rocky* franchise.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The *Creed* film series is an American sports drama spin-off and sequel to the *Rocky* franchise. It follows Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, across three films released from 2015 to 2023.

What It Is

The *Creed* series picks up the *Rocky* story after the events of *Rocky Balboa* (2006). It centres on Adonis Creed, a young boxer training to build his own legacy while grappling with the shadow of his famous father, Apollo Creed. The first two films feature Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, serving as Adonis's trainer and mentor.

The Films So Far

The trilogy consists of *Creed* (2015), directed by Ryan Coogler; *Creed II* (2018); and *Creed III* (2023). The first film was a critical and commercial success, reviving interest in the boxing series. *Creed III* continues the story without Stallone's character in a central role.

Why It Matters

The *Creed* films expanded the *Rocky* universe for a new generation, blending sports drama with themes of family, identity, and mentorship. The series has been well received for its performances and direction, and it maintains broad international popularity, including in Canada.

In short

  • Spin-off sequel to the *Rocky* franchise.
  • Three films: *Creed* (2015), *Creed II* (2018), *Creed III* (2023).
  • Adonis Creed is played by Michael B. Jordan in all films.
  • First film directed by Ryan Coogler; helped relaunch the franchise.
Canadian angle

The series has Canadian relevance through its broad international theatrical release and enduring popularity on streaming and television in Canada.

Quick questions

What is *Creed*?
*Creed* is a sports drama film series that follows Adonis Creed (son of Apollo Creed) and serves as a spin-off sequel to the *Rocky* franchise.
How many *Creed* films are there?
There are three *Creed* films: *Creed* (2015), *Creed II* (2018), and *Creed III* (2023).
Is *Creed* part of the *Rocky* franchise?
Yes. The *Creed* films are part of the wider *Rocky* franchise and continue its storyline.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed_(film)
    Supports: First film details, release year, director, cast, and franchise relationship.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_(franchise)
    Supports: Placement of the Creed films within the Rocky franchise and trilogy structure.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/creed_2015
    Supports: Synopsis, cast, and release information for Creed (2015).
  4. Netflix Tudum — https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/rocky-creed-movies
    Supports: Story premise of the first film and franchise context.
  5. Time — https://www.time.com/6259594/creed-3-rocky-franchise/
    Supports: Creed III's place in the Rocky franchise and series context.