Rocky V

Rocky V brought back John G. Avildsen, director of the original Rocky, and took the character home to Philadelphia after the spectacle of Rocky IV. Stallone, who wrote it, wanted to close the series on a diminished Rocky turned trainer. The original script even had Rocky die in Adrian's arms; that ending was never shot.

A real unbeaten heavyweight

Tommy Gunn is played by Tommy Morrison, spotted by Stallone's brother Frank. Morrison was an unbeaten pro, 24-0 by the end of 1990, and took six months off to make the film. In 1993 he outpointed George Foreman over 12 rounds to win the WBO heavyweight title, and he retired at 48-3-1. His presence makes the training and sparring scenes believable, left hook included.

A street fight, not a ring

For the first time, the final showdown happens in the street, outside a neighbourhood bar. It was choreographed by wrestler Terry Funk, which is why it features more holds and throws than boxing. Boxers will find little technique there, but the gym scenes, with Rocky passing on what Mickey taught him, are among the series' truest about coaching. Sage Stallone, the actor's son, plays Rocky's son.

The unloved sequel

It grossed around $120 million worldwide, far below Rocky IV's $300 million. Critics savaged it (around 30% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew seven Razzie nominations and Stallone has since disowned it. A proper farewell came with Rocky Balboa in 2006.