Save the Cat rankings

CREED script analysis

CREED script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed, fights in underground clubs and seeks training to become a pro boxer. He persuades a reluctant Rocky Balboa to train him, balancing his growing relationship with Bianca alongside rigorous training. After early successes and setbacks – including Rocky’s health scare – Adonis accepts a high-stakes fight under the Creed name. The film culminates in Adonis proving himself in the ring and sharing a triumphant final image with Rocky.

80 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 63 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

85%

Opens with Adonis fighting in a dingy Tijuana bar, establishing his underground boxer life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

78%

Mary-Anne’s line criticizes Adonis’s self-destructive drive, hinting at legacy and identity issues.

Do you have to come here after your fights? It’s like you want to rub my nose in...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-10 / 10% target

80%

We see Adonis’s secret fights, family tensions at the Creed mansion, and his restless ambition.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / 12% target

75%

Duke refuses to train Adonis, forcing him to confront the reality of his ambitions.

5

Debate

Scenes 11-13 / 20% target

80%

Adonis debates giving up when Duke and gym fighters reject him.

All that aside, kid. You’re not even that good.
6

Break into Two

Scene 21 / 25% target

88%

Adonis meets Rocky and asks him to train him, entering the new ‘world’ of professional mentorship.

I want you to train me.
7

B Story

Scene 23 / 30% target

84%

Adonis’s budding romance with Bianca begins, providing the emotional subplot.

I need your government. For the guest list. I gotta a show Friday night at the Luxe. No...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 29-31 / 40% target

86%

Training montages show Adonis bonding with Rocky and improving in the ring.

9

Midpoint

Scene 47 / 50% target

82%

Adonis wins his first major fight, marking a false victory with high stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 51 / 65% target

79%

Bianca discovers Adonis’s identity issues on the news, straining their relationship.

I made love to you last night... and then I turn on the news and find out you’ve...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 41 / 75% target

77%

Rocky collapses during training, threatening Adonis’s preparation and morale.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 42 / 80% target

80%

Rocky’s hospital exam forces Adonis to confront the risk of losing his mentor.

Probably nothin- The kid saw me get sick, and sorta fall a little.
13

Break into Three

Scenes 56-58 / 85% target

83%

Adonis and Rocky agree to fight Porter under the Creed name, committing to the final challenge.

You want me to fight Porter?
14

Finale

Scenes 61-62 / 95% target

85%

The climactic fight against Ricky Porter tests everything Adonis has learned.

It’s your night kid. This is what it’s all about.
15

Final Image

Scene 63 / 99% target

88%

Adonis and Rocky ascend the Philadelphia museum steps together, mirroring the opening and showing their bond.