Creed

Nearly 40 years after the original, this crowd-pleasing seventh instalment in the Rocky saga marked a rousing new beginning for the franchise. Michael B Jordan plays Adonis Johnson, son of the late Apollo Creed, who is so convinced of his own boxing talent that he seeks out a coach in his father's old adversary and friend Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). With the reluctant "Italian Stallion" in his corner, Adonis sets his sights on the title. Jordan and Stallone make a winning screen partnership, with the impulsive young buck being shown the ropes by his older, wiser mentor. Creed is pure entertainment from writer/director Ryan Coogler (who would go on to direct Black Panther), and judicious use of the Rocky theme still brings tears to the eyes.