Dwayne Johnson has appeared in numerous films throughout his career, becoming one of the most recognized action stars. His unique combination of charisma, physicality, and comedic timing has allowed him to shine in a range of roles, making the topic of Dwayne Johnson movie rankings particularly relevant to fans and critics alike.
From humble beginnings as a wrestler known as the Rock, Johnson transitioned to the big screen, continually proving his versatility. This article ranks every major film starring Dwayne Johnson, highlighting the highs and lows of his cinematic journey as he prepares to take on more dramatic roles, including a potential Oscar contender.
Lowest Points: Johnson’s Struggles with Weak Material
At the bottom of the list sits Tooth Fairy, which is widely considered the least successful film in Johnson’s career. Despite being a family-friendly movie, it suffers from tired clichés and predictable storytelling. Johnson’s natural charm tries to inject life into the film, but it ultimately falls flat, reflected in its low 19% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The supporting cast, including Ashley Judd, Brandon T. Jackson, and Julie Andrews, fails to salvage the uninspired script.
Similarly, Gridiron Gang presents Johnson in a more dramatic role as Coach Sean Porter, guiding teenagers in a juvenile detention center’s football team. While Johnson’s performance demonstrates his dramatic capability, the film is bogged down by contrived gang drama and formulaic storytelling, turning what could have been an inspiring true story into a tedious sports movie.
Sequels and Missed Opportunities
Jumanji: The Next Level is ranked poorly due to its lack of originality and reliance on repeated jokes from the earlier film, Welcome to the Jungle. The sequel includes a notable comedic addition with Awkwafina as Danny DeVito’s character, yet it fails to regain the spark that made the original reboot so enjoyable. The film is perceived by many as an unnecessary continuation that neither surprises nor entertains effectively.
The Game Plan is another family-centered film where Johnson plays a football player suddenly discovering he has an eight-year-old daughter, Peyton. This was the last film to credit Johnson as “the Rock.” Although the plot follows predictable tropes, Johnson’s rapport with Peyton is engaging and provides some heart to an otherwise forgettable story.
Strong Performances in Complex Films
Southland Tales is a standout for Johnson’s performance, showcasing a vulnerability rarely seen in his filmography. Set in a futuristic and chaotic America wrought with amnesia, neo-Marxist groups, and time travel, the movie’s complexity overwhelms the emotional engagement. Despite its confusing narrative, the film has developed a cult following thanks to its ambitious, albeit flawed, storytelling and Johnson’s captivating presence.
Streaming Ventures and Action Roles
The transition to streaming with Red Notice marked a significant shift for Johnson. The Netflix film, co-starring Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, was expensive with a $200 million budget, becoming one of Netflix’s biggest originals. Despite this, critical reception was mixed, and it holds a 37% Rotten Tomatoes rating. It remains uncertain how the film would have performed under a traditional theatrical release.
Hercules capitalizes on Johnson’s imposing physicality, adapting the mythological figure from Steve Moore’s graphic novel series, The Thracian Wars. The film gained mixed reviews, splitting critics evenly with a 58% Rotten Tomatoes rating and managing $244.8 million worldwide from a $100 million budget. While the action scenes impressed audiences, the overall story failed to resonate deeply, though some historians praised the film for its portrayal.
Animation and Voice Work
Planet 51 offered a fresh take on alien abduction narratives by placing Johnson’s character, astronaut Chuck, as the alien visitor on a distant world. Featuring a notable ensemble cast, the film’s clever humor could not entirely overshadow its predictable family-friendly plot. Additionally, Johnson’s performance as a voice-over actor showed he was still honing this skill, which he would later develop more effectively in subsequent projects.
Adaptations and Other Adventure Films
The video game adaptation Doom performed poorly, grossing just $58.7 million against a $60 million budget and earning a dismal 18% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Johnson’s role as Sarge, a member of a rescue team confronting terrifying creatures on Mars, did little to boost the film’s reception. The Doom franchise continues to be popular, leaving the door open for potential future projects.
Race to Witch Mountain rebooted the beloved Witch Mountain series with Johnson starring as Jack Bruno, a Las Vegas cab driver who helps two young aliens evade government agents. The film drew modest box office returns of $106.4 million worldwide on a $50 million budget. Though not a breakout success, it remains a noteworthy adventure with young talent AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig supporting Johnson’s role.
Films With Mixed Receptions and Significant Highlights
Across Johnson’s filmography, viewers see a mixture of critical successes and failures, with many films demonstrating his ability to shine despite uneven scripts. His magnetic screen presence often elevates predictable material, while more daring films reveal his depth as an actor. Works like Southland Tales point to the potential for even more emotionally complex roles moving forward.
As Johnson continues to expand his range, the ranking of his films sheds light on the variety of genres he has tackled—from family comedies and action-packed adventures to experimental and dystopian narratives. The importance of these rankings rests not only on entertainment value but also on understanding how an actor known primarily for his physicality is building a lasting cinematic legacy.
With an Oscar contender on the horizon, it will be intriguing to watch how critics and audiences respond to Johnson’s evolving career and what new heights he may reach in future projects. The diverse nature of his roles ensures that discussions about Dwayne Johnson movie rankings will remain vibrant and relevant for years to come.
