Top 10 The Rock Movies
#10: “Jungle Cruise” (2021)
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In 2021, you know what you are getting out of a movie starring the Rock. "Jungle Cruise" blends elements from "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Mummy," and "The African Queen," creating a fun summer blockbuster in the process. Whether dishing out cheesy jokes as a nod to the Adventureland Disney ride or escaping a group of bandits, Dwayne Johnson does everything with his usual charm and killer smile. Johnson and Emily Blunt share a warm and energetic rapport as the film's leads, striking an even balance that allows both superstars to shine.
#9: “Rampage” (2018)
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In a movie about giant animals punching each other, the Rock is the glue that keeps it all from falling apart. "Rampage" is a silly blockbuster with evil scientists conducting ludicrous experiments in space that, eventually, leads to a whole lot of destruction. Such a bombastic and purposefully over-the-top film desperately needs an action star lead, and the Rock does it better than most working today in Hollywood. The Rock convinces in the action scenes and delivers a decent amount of laughs through his generally likable demeanor, elevating "Rampage" into a solid B-movie.
#8: “Gridiron Gang” (2006)
Although mostly known for action and comedy, the Rock isn't afraid to get serious every once in a while. As Sean Porter in "Gridiron Gang," Johnson assumes the role of a counselor and coach for a group of kids serving time at a detention center. Based on a true story, "Gridiron Gang" doesn't hold too many surprises as a feel-good sports movie, but the cast generally does a great job with the material. Johnson's innate approachability softens Porter's tough-love approach to reformation, allowing the character to work well in both the uplifting and sobering scenes.
#7: “Central Intelligence” (2016)
Certain movies are sold solely on the allure of their leads, and "Central Intelligence" is one of those flicks. A mash-up of the buddy cop and odd couple formula, "Central Intelligence" knows that people want to see Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart bounce off each other, and that is exactly what the film offers. Johnson portrays a CIA agent who needs Hart's help tracking down an auction, and the two do the enemies-to-friends routine exceptionally well. "Central Intelligence" enables its stars to play to their strengths while delivering a safe but enjoyable story.
#6: “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019)
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Both "Jumanji" films are fun blockbusters that not only let the Rock do the Rock-type things but also push the actor a bit out of his comfort zone. While "Welcome to the Jungle" has Johnson portray an awkward teenager, the sequel throws Danny DeVito into the mix, which naturally earns the movie all of the points. The Rock pretending to be a grandfather who's pretending to be an Indiana Jones-type adventurer is exactly as funny as it sounds, even if Johnson's DeVito impersonation is not particularly accurate. The Rock can do over-the-top action scenes in his sleep, but the actor never sleepwalks through any of these roles.
#5: “Fighting with My Family” (2019)
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A biopic based on the life of Paige, a professional wrestler who joined WWE in the early 2010s, "Fighting with My Family" is a well-acted drama with a lot of heart. Despite featuring heavily in the marketing, Dwayne Johnson only has a handful of scenes, although he does play a crucial role in the story. Wrestling fans should have a blast seeing the Rock revisit his old catchphrases comfortably in the movie’s funniest scene. "Fighting with My Family" also caters to those unfamiliar with WWE, as it's primarily an accessible sports drama rather than an inside look at the wrestling business.
#4: “The Rundown” (2003)
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While there are better films in the Rock's resume, "The Rundown" is arguably the most important despite not being a commercial success. Johnson's first decade in Hollywood was rough, but "The Rundown" stood out as an exception, showcasing the wrestler's potential to one day become an A-list action star. Johnson portrays Beck, a bounty hunter sent to Brazil to retrieve Travis, a wannabe adventurer portrayed by Seann William Scott. Naturally, things get complicated quickly. Whether portraying enemies or something akin to friends, Scott and Johnson make for a hilarious and endearing pair.
#3: “Pain & Gain” (2013)
Loosely based on the Sun Gym gang's crimes, "Pain & Gain'' is an insane roller coaster ride with all-around stellar performances, and the Rock just about steals the show. A deranged black comedy packed with vicious and uncomfortable moments, "Pain & Gain" gives the cold shoulder to anything resembling common decency or subtlety, and it's all the better for it. In Paul Doyle, Johnson demonstrates a wider range than usual; transitioning convincingly from soft-spoken and conflicted to coked out and unhinged. "Pain & Gain" is distressing, ugly, infuriating, obnoxious, and remarkably captivating.
#2: “Fast Five” (2011)
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The "Fast & Furious" franchise can be divided into two eras: pre and post-Johnson. "Fast Five" remodeled the street racing series into a globe-trotting action epic that constantly tries to outdo itself. In a series packed with larger-than-life personalities, the Rock's Luke Hobbs stands as one of the largest, and not only in terms of muscles. Hobbs is the perfect foil for Dominic Toretto, serving as an antagonist who's also pretty easy to root for. Johnson was such a hit in the role, Hobbs even got a spin-off alongside Jason Statham's Shaw. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Faster” (2010) Because It's Nice to See Johnson in a More Aggressive Role “The Other Guys” (2010) Because He Aimed for the Bushes and Missed “Race to Witch Mountain” (2009) Because This Film Provided a Glimpse of the Superstar the Rock Would Become “Reno 911!: Miami” (2007) Because This Is How You Do a Cameo “Red Notice” (2021) Because He Does Action Comedy So Well
#1: “Moana” (2016)
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The Rock has such an electrifying presence that, at times, it can be difficult to separate the actor from the character. Disney's "Moana" has no such problems, as Johnson's vocal performance completely embodies the demigod Maui. Brash, charismatic, and rather childish, Maui starts as a relatively typical role for Johnson, but "Moana" expertly exposes this character's flaws and challenges him to change. "Moana's" animation, story, and songs are all fantastic, with Maui's charming "You're Welcome" tune being a highlight of the movie. "Moana" is one of Disney's best recent animated films, and the Rock is a big reason why.
