People are naturally drawn to the possibility of impossibilities, which is why viewers love watching films that tell a story of triumph over adversity. A true underdog who comes out on top despite all the odds stacked against them.
This is the foundation of all Rocky and now Creed films: their inspirational stories, training montages and killer soundtracks give us hope and make us want to fight to the end!
To celebrate the upcoming release of Creed II, further telling the story of Adonis Creed and Rocky’s legacy, we’re taking a look at some of the best underdog movies of all time. Each of these titles tell the story of an underdog that has one way or another left us feeling inspired.
Karate Kid (1984)
After moving to Southern California with his mother, Daniel (Ralph Macchio) quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of karate students at the Cobra Kai dojo. However, he soon befriends Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), an elderly gardener who happens to be a master of martial arts. The two train together and Daniel prepares to face the brutal Cobra Kai.
Remember the Titans (2000)
In 1971, a Virginia high school becomes desegregated and newly appointed African-American coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) is chosen to lead the newly integrated team to victory. However, working to promote racial harmony among his players proves to be both dangerous and unimaginable with the parents and community leaders in outrage. Against the odds, Boone must fight for justice and sporting glory.
Shawshank Redemption (1994)
After being dealt two consecutive life sentences in prison for a crime he did not commit, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is headed for a life of misery. During his time, he forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), experiences prison brutality and uses his financial smarts to get on the warden’s good side. The two men use their permanent positions to carry out acts of kindness to make life in prison decent and plan a miraculous escape.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is about to win the grand prize of one million rupees on Indian gameshow “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”. As an illiterate orphan from the slums of India, no one expected him to get this far and the showrunners accuse him of cheating, but surviving on the streets of Mumbai has given him all the knowledge he needs to succeed. Playing his life out in flashbacks, the film tells an emotional and exhilarating story that will leave you cheering for Jamal til the very end.
8 Mile (2002)
Jimmy (Eminem) is an aspiring rapper, living on the outskirts of Detroit, living with an abusive stepfather and alcoholic mother while surrounded by gang violence. As he tries to balance making a living and following his dreams, Jimmy rises above his insecurities to continue pursuing his rap career despite the odds stacked against him. Based loosely on Eminem’s actual upbringing, 8 Mile spawned one of the greatest underdog songs (and most-requested karaoke tracks) of all time, ‘Lose Yourself’.
Creed II (2018)
Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan). Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.
Creed II hits UK cinemas 30th November.