Creed – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Creed

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2015

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Rocky's back as mentor in this surprisingly excellent boxing drama about legacy, identity, and punching people really hard.

7.6/10

95%

→

Creed

movie

PG-13, 2015

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Rocky's back as mentor in this surprisingly excellent boxing drama about legacy, identity, and punching people really hard.

7.6

95%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.6/10

95%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Creed is that rare reboot that actually works—it honors the Rocky legacy while telling a fresh, emotionally intelligent story about identity and mentorship. The boxing is brutal enough to feel real, but the heart of the movie is the relationship between Rocky and Adonis, which is genuinely beautiful.

Yes, there's violence (it's boxing), and yes, there's some language and adult themes, but it's all in service of a story about hard work, respect, and figuring out who you are when you're born in someone else's shadow. The critics loved it for good reason—this is quality filmmaking with substance.

For teens 13+, especially those into sports or grappling with their own identity questions, this is actually worth watching. It's not just entertainment; it's a legitimate character study wrapped in a crowd-pleasing sports drama. Just be ready for some intense fight scenes and mature themes.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-18 who can handle realistic sports violence and appreciate slower-burn character development. Younger boxing fans might be interested but the emotional maturity and fight intensity make this solidly teen territory.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong mentorship themes between Rocky and Adonis, emphasis on hard work, perseverance, and earning respect. Models healthy relationship dynamics and familial bonds. Boxing violence is present but contextual and sportsmanlike. Some language and adult themes prevent a higher score, but overall emotionally mature and positive.

Imaginative

Fresh take on the Rocky franchise with a new protagonist's journey. Creative cinematography (notably the single-take boxing match). While it follows sports-underdog formula, it brings enough originality in character development and perspective. Not highly imaginative in structure but invites reflection on legacy, identity, and forging your own path.

Safe

PG-13 level content with boxing violence (blood, bruising, intense fight sequences), some strong language, brief sensuality, and adult themes around absent fathers and proving oneself. Common Sense Media rates it 13+. No shocking or gratuitous content, but the violence is realistic and prolonged during fight scenes. Generally predictable for a sports drama, so few surprises.

Enriching

Exceptional themes of mentorship, legacy, identity formation, and overcoming adversity. Explores what it means to step out of a parent's shadow and forge your own path. Strong character development, authentic relationships, and meaningful lessons about discipline, respect, and vulnerability. Critics loved it (95% RT, 82 Metacritic) for good reason—it's emotionally intelligent and genuinely moving.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stellar mentorship model—Rocky teaching Adonis is genuinely moving and shows healthy intergenerational relationships
Themes of forging your own identity while honoring your past resonate deeply with teens navigating their own paths
Emphasizes discipline, hard work, and earning respect rather than relying on famous name or shortcuts
Critically acclaimed (95% on RT) with authentic emotional depth—this isn't just punching, it's character study
Great conversation starter about absent parents, legacy, and what we owe to those who came before us

⚠

What to Watch For

Boxing violence is realistic—blood, bruising, and prolonged fight sequences that younger kids might find intense
Some strong language and brief sensuality (nothing explicit but adult relationship content)
Themes of absent fathers and proving yourself might hit hard for kids dealing with similar family dynamics
The runtime and pacing are mature—this isn't a quick Marvel punch-fest, it's a character drama that requires patience

Conversation Starters

"Adonis struggles with living up to his father's name—do you ever feel pressure to be like someone in our family?"
"Rocky becomes a mentor even though he's dealing with his own losses—who are the mentors in your life?"
"Why do you think Adonis wanted to prove himself without using his famous last name at first?"
"The movie shows that hard work matters more than natural talent—where have you seen that in your own life?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic