Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock,” is one of the most popular and successful actors in Hollywood. Before becoming an actor, he was a professional wrestler, winning numerous titles and becoming one of the biggest stars in the sport. However, it was his transition to the big screen that brought him even greater fame and success.
Over the years, Dwayne Johnson has starred in a wide range of movies, from action blockbusters to family-friendly comedies. His unique blend of charm, charisma, and physicality has made him a fan favorite and a box office draw. Whether he’s playing a tough-as-nails hero or a lovable goofball, Johnson always brings his A-game to the table.
With so many great movies to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones are the best. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the top 10 movies of Dwayne Johnson’s career. From his breakout role in “The Scorpion King” to his recent turn in the Fast and Furious franchise, we’ll be exploring the films that have helped cement Johnson’s status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Rock or just looking for some great movie recommendations, this list is sure to have something for everyone. Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 movies of Dwayne Johnson’s impressive career.
The Best Movies of Dwayne Johnson
10. Fast and the Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw (2019)
“Fast and the Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw” is a 2019 American action movie and a spin-off of the Fast and Furious franchise. Directed by David Leitch, the film features Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, a former Diplomatic Security Service agent, and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw, a former British Special Forces assassin, as they team up to stop a cyber-genetically enhanced terrorist named Brixton, played by Idris Elba, from unleashing a deadly virus that could wipe out humanity.
Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was a commercial success, grossing over $760 million worldwide. The chemistry between Johnson and Statham was praised, as well as the movie’s over-the-top action sequences, which included car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and high-tech gadgets.
Johnson’s performance as Luke Hobbs was once again a highlight of the movie. He brought his signature charisma and physicality to the role, delivering plenty of one-liners and intense action scenes. His character’s dynamic with Shaw added an interesting twist to the Fast and Furious universe, as the two characters had a contentious history in previous films.
9. The Rundown (2003)
“The Rundown” is a 2003 action-comedy film that features Dwayne Johnson in the lead role. Directed by Peter Berg and produced by Kevin Misher, the movie also stars Seann William Scott, Rosario Dawson, and Christopher Walken in supporting roles.
The movie follows Beck (Dwayne Johnson), a bounty hunter who is sent to the Amazon to retrieve Travis (Seann William Scott), the son of a wealthy businessman. However, things quickly go awry when Beck finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict between the locals, a group of treasure hunters, and the ruthless dictator of the area, Hatcher (Christopher Walken).
One of the biggest draws of “The Rundown” is the chemistry between Johnson and Scott. Their on-screen banter and physical comedy provide some of the movie’s funniest moments. Johnson also showcases his impressive physical abilities, as he takes on a variety of dangerous stunts and fight scenes.
The movie’s supporting cast also shines, with Rosario Dawson giving a strong performance as Mariana, a local bar owner who helps Beck navigate the dangerous terrain of the Amazon. Christopher Walken is a standout as the villainous Hatcher, providing a deliciously over-the-top performance.
“The Rundown” received positive reviews from both audiences and critics. It was praised for its action sequences, humor, and charismatic performances from the cast. The movie grossed over $80 million worldwide, cementing Johnson’s status as a leading man in Hollywood.
8. San Andreas (2015)
“San Andreas” is a 2015 disaster film directed by Brad Peyton and starring Dwayne Johnson as Ray Gaines, a Los Angeles Fire Department helicopter pilot who must travel across California to save his estranged wife and daughter when a massive earthquake strikes the state. The film also stars Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, and Paul Giamatti.
The movie is a thrilling ride from start to finish, with breathtaking visuals and intense action sequences. The earthquake scenes are particularly impressive, with stunning special effects that truly make the audience feel like they’re experiencing a real earthquake. The film also features a strong emotional core, with Johnson’s character struggling to reconcile with his wife and daughter while fighting to save their lives.
One of the strengths of “San Andreas” is its ensemble cast. Johnson gives a compelling performance as the determined and heroic Ray, while Gugino and Daddario deliver excellent performances as his wife and daughter, respectively. Giamatti is also excellent as a seismologist who predicts the earthquake and tries to warn people of its impending danger.
The movie is not without its flaws, however. Some of the dialogue and plot points can be a bit cheesy or predictable, and some of the characters outside of the main family are underdeveloped. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the film.
7. Central Intelligence (2016)
“Central Intelligence” is a 2016 action-comedy film directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. The film follows the story of Calvin Joyner (Kevin Hart), a mild-mannered accountant who reunites with an old high school friend named Bob Stone (Dwayne Johnson), who turns out to be a CIA agent on the run from his own agency. Together, they go on a wild adventure to save the world and clear Bob’s name.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences. One of the highlights of the movie is the chemistry between Johnson and Hart, who play off each other’s strengths and weaknesses to create a hilarious dynamic duo. Johnson, in particular, shines in his role as Bob Stone, showcasing his comedic timing and range as an actor.
The action scenes in “Central Intelligence” are also well-executed, with Johnson’s physicality and athleticism adding an extra level of excitement to the film. The plot may be predictable at times, but the film’s humor and heart make up for any shortcomings in the story.
6. Gridiron Gang (2006)
“Gridiron Gang” is a 2006 sports drama film directed by Phil Joanou and starring Dwayne Johnson in the lead role. The movie is based on the true story of a juvenile detention camp probation officer who creates a football team to help rehabilitate the young inmates.
Johnson plays the role of Sean Porter, a counselor at a detention center for teenage offenders. Frustrated with the lack of progress he sees in his charges, he decides to form a football team as a way to teach them teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. Despite initial resistance from both the inmates and the staff, Porter and his team work hard to train and improve, eventually gaining the respect and support of those around them.
The movie explores themes of redemption, perseverance, and the power of sports to bring people together. The film is emotional, inspiring, and a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have on the lives of others.
One of the strengths of “Gridiron Gang” is the excellent performances by the entire cast, particularly Johnson. He brings a level of intensity and authenticity to the role of Sean Porter, making him a sympathetic and relatable character. The young actors who play the juvenile offenders are also impressive, bringing a sense of realism to their roles.
Another notable aspect of the film is its focus on the challenges faced by the young men in the detention center. The movie doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of their lives or the obstacles they must overcome. However, it also shows that with hard work and determination, they can succeed and make positive changes in their lives.
5. Pain and Gain (2013)
“Pain and Gain” is a 2013 action-comedy film directed by Michael Bay and starring Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, and Anthony Mackie. The film is based on the true story of a group of bodybuilders who get caught up in a kidnapping and extortion scheme.
In the movie, Dwayne Johnson plays Paul Doyle, a former convict and born-again Christian who joins a group of bodybuilders led by Wahlberg’s character, Daniel Lugo. Together, they plan and execute a kidnapping and extortion scheme that quickly spirals out of control.
“Pain and Gain” was a departure from the typical action blockbusters that Johnson had become known for, and allowed him to flex his comedic muscles. His performance as Paul Doyle was praised by critics and audiences alike, with many highlighting his comedic timing and scene-stealing moments.
The film was a modest box office success, grossing over $86 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. While it may not have been one of Johnson’s biggest box office hits, “Pain and Gain” is a memorable and entertaining film that showcases his range as an actor.
4. Rampage (2018)
“Rampage” is a 2018 science fiction monster movie that stars Dwayne Johnson in the lead role. Directed by Brad Peyton, the film is based on a popular video game of the same name from the 1980s. The movie follows a primatologist named Davis Okoye (played by Johnson) and his bond with an intelligent albino gorilla named George.
When a genetic experiment goes awry, George and two other animals – a wolf and a crocodile – are transformed into enormous, aggressive monsters. As the creatures wreak havoc across the United States, Okoye teams up with a discredited genetic engineer named Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) to try and stop them. Along the way, they must navigate a treacherous corporate conspiracy and confront their own personal demons.
“Rampage” was praised for its action sequences and special effects, which brought the giant monsters to life in spectacular fashion. Johnson’s charismatic performance also helped to elevate the film, as he brought his trademark wit and physicality to the role of Okoye. The movie grossed over $428 million worldwide, making it one of the biggest hits of Johnson’s career.
3. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” is a 2017 American fantasy adventure comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg, and Jeff Pinkner. The film is a sequel to the 1995 film “Jumanji” and stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas.
In the film, four high school students discover an old video game console and are magically transported into the game’s jungle setting, taking on the avatars of their chosen characters. Johnson plays Dr. Smolder Bravestone, an archaeologist and explorer who serves as the group’s leader. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $962 million worldwide and becoming the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2017.
Johnson’s performance in “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” was praised by critics and audiences alike, with many noting his comedic timing and chemistry with his co-stars. The film’s success led to a sequel, “Jumanji: The Next Level,” which was released in 2019 and also starred Johnson.
2. Moana (2016)
“Moana” is a 2016 animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dwayne Johnson voices the character of Maui, a demigod who helps Moana, the film’s protagonist, on her quest to save her island home from a curse. The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, and features an all-star cast, including Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana, Nicole Scherzinger as Moana’s mother, and Jemaine Clement as the film’s villain, Tamatoa.
“Moana” received critical acclaim for its animation, music, and story. The film’s soundtrack, which features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, was a commercial success, with the song “How Far I’ll Go” receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The film was also a box office success, grossing over $690 million worldwide.
Dwayne Johnson’s performance as Maui was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. His portrayal of the charismatic and larger-than-life demigod helped make the character one of the most memorable in recent Disney history. Johnson’s singing performance on the song “You’re Welcome” was also praised, showcasing his range as an entertainer.
1. Furious 7 (2015)
“Furious 7” is a 2015 action film and the seventh installment in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Directed by James Wan, the film stars Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, a Diplomatic Security Service agent who teams up with Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, and his crew to take down a dangerous mercenary.
This film is considered by many fans and critics as the best in the franchise, thanks to its high-octane action scenes, emotional storyline, and impressive ensemble cast. In particular, Johnson’s portrayal of Luke Hobbs has been praised for its humor and physicality, with the actor bringing his trademark charisma and charm to the role.
One of the standout moments in the film is the epic fight scene between Johnson’s character and Jason Statham’s character, Deckard Shaw, which takes place in a hospital. The sequence is a masterclass in hand-to-hand combat and showcases Johnson’s impressive physique and fighting skills.
“Furious 7” was also notable for its touching tribute to the late Paul Walker, who passed away during production. The film’s emotional sendoff for Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, was handled with grace and respect and has become one of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
Final Thoughts
Dwayne Johnson has had a remarkable career as an actor and has starred in many great movies that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. From his early days as a professional wrestler to his current status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Johnson has consistently delivered memorable performances and become a fan favorite.
In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at the top 10 movies of Dwayne Johnson’s career. From action-packed blockbusters like “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Fast Five” to heartwarming family comedies like “Moana” and “The Game Plan,” these movies showcase the range and talent of this beloved actor.
It’s clear that Dwayne Johnson has established himself as a versatile actor and a true icon of popular culture. With more exciting projects on the horizon, it’s safe to say that he will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual moviegoer, these 10 movies are a great place to start in exploring The Rock’s impressive filmography.
