Dwayne Johnson, well-known for his dynamic roles during the 2010s, has extended his success into streaming platforms, with his 2015 disaster film “San Andreas” currently dominating Netflix viewership. This achievement highlights the growing prominence of Dwayne Johnson Netflix success as his films continue to attract large audiences worldwide, reaffirming his status as a bankable lead actor in high-budget action movies.
Box Office Star Turned Streaming Favorite
Starting his career in the early 2000s with films like “The Rundown,” “Walking Tall,” and “Doom,” Dwayne Johnson became a reliable box office draw throughout the 2010s. His breakthrough came when studios entrusted him with revitalizing established franchises such as “Fast Five,” “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” and “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” within a short span, demonstrating his ability to carry major productions. Later, Johnson headlined individual blockbuster projects like “Hercules,” “Rampage,” and “Skyscraper,” with most achieving solid commercial returns. Among these, “San Andreas” stands out for both its initial theatrical success and its current streaming popularity.
San Andreas Among Netflix’s Top Performers in the U.S. and Globally
Between September 22nd and 28th, “San Andreas” ranked third in overall Netflix viewership in the United States, trailing only behind the popular KPop series “Demon Hunters” and the show “Ruth & Boaz.” Notably, it outperformed recent 2025 releases such as “28 Years Later,” “Karate Kid: Legends,” “The Wrong Paris,” and “Ice: Road Vengeance.” Other Netflix favorites like the animated films “Shrek” and “Shrek 2,” as well as the 2023 horror movie “Cobweb,” rounded out the U.S. top ten.
Globally, the movie held the seventh spot in Netflix’s top ten viewership list, maintaining strong performance despite facing stiff competition. It remained ahead of “28 Years Later” internationally, while trailing behind titles including “Demon Hunters,” “Ruth & Boaz,” “The Wrong Paris,” as well as action and fantasy films from previous years like “Man on Fire” starring Denzel Washington, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” and the fantasy film “Seventh Son” featuring Jeff Bridges.
The Story Behind San Andreas and Its Appeal
In “San Andreas,” Dwayne Johnson portrays Ray Gaines, a chief rescue helicopter pilot for the Los Angeles Fire Department. The film’s plot centers on a catastrophic earthquake that devastates the Hoover Dam, triggering massive floods in Nevada, where Gaines is dispatched for rescue operations. This calamity escalates when a larger quake strikes, obliterating Los Angeles and forcing Gaines to urgently return home to save his estranged wife and daughter amid the destruction. The story also explores themes of redemption and family, as Gaines’s ex-wife begins to reconsider their relationship, recognizing his virtues compared to her current partner.
The film combines intense action sequences with impressive special effects, gaining particular acclaim for its presentation in IMAX 3D. Upon release, “San Andreas” was a box office triumph, grossing $155.2 million domestically and $319.4 million internationally, well above its $110 million budget. Its ongoing success on Netflix underscores its lasting appeal to audiences who crave thrilling disaster movies featuring a strong lead performance.
Wider Impact of Dwayne Johnson’s Streaming Success
The sustained viewership of “San Andreas” on Netflix illustrates how Dwayne Johnson’s films continue to resonate beyond traditional theatrical runs, contributing to his expanding digital footprint. As streaming services compete for high-demand content, Johnson’s back catalog provides significant value, attracting diverse audiences globally. This trend reinforces the importance of established stars in driving streaming platform engagement and suggests that upcoming projects starring Johnson may enjoy similar success.
Johnson’s Netflix popularity also reflects broader shifts in entertainment consumption where blockbuster movies thrive in both theaters and at home, emphasizing his versatility as an actor capable of spanning various media landscapes. Fans eagerly await his future roles, and the continued streaming of hits like “San Andreas” signals that his influence on popular culture remains strong.
