Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson movies have been some of the most popular films for the past two decades, with the actor, producing, screenwriter and professional wrestler becoming one of the highest-grossing film stars of all time. Johnson has built his name on his characteristic charm, athleticism, and ability to carry any film, making him go-to leading man for studios around the world. In this article, we will review some of The Rock’s best performances on the big screen and explore the production and reception of his major hits.
A Brief History of Dwayne Johnson’s Rise to Fame
Before he made his mark on the silver screen, Dwayne Johnson was a professional wrestler and hailing from Hayward, California. It was while competing as a WWF athlete that Johnson first catch the attention of Hollywood, eventually leading him to gain the nickname “The Rock” after the signature move of his character. It was only a matter of years before he left wrestling behind and starred in his first feature film, The Mummy Returns in 2001.
The Rock as a Box Office Pull
Since appearing in The Mummy Returns, Dwayne Johnson movies have become one of the most reliable box office draws out today. Compound this success with his choice of primary roles as an action hero — from the Scorpion King (2002) to Skyscraper (2018) — and Johnson has become the go-to movie star for action-heavy productions. Expansion into other genres such as comedy (Central Intelligence, 2016) and family-friendly fare (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, 2017), have only increased Johnson’s power as a Hollywood attraction.
The Rock’s Best-Loved Films
From years of incredible performances, Dwayne Johnson movies have earned him a great deal of admiration from audiences and critics alike. Here is a list of some of The Rock’s best performances on the big screen:
The Scorpion King (2002)
The first feature film to star Dwayne Johnson, The Scorpion King made over $165 million worldwide and kickstarted Johnson’s rising film career. As a spin-off to the wildly successful The Mummy Returns, in which Johnson was an extra, this was a much-anticipated release and featured Johnson in the leading role of Mathayus the Scorpion King.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
Multiple sequels can often spell disaster for franchises, but not Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Following the lead of Shannon (played by Josh Hutcherson), Jules Verne’s classic novel was brought to life as a contemporary action-adventure. Featuring a powerful performance from Johnson, Journey 2 was well received by audiences, grossing over $335 million at the global box office.
Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
The first spin-off of the popular Fast & Furious franchise, Hobbs & Shaw sees Dwayne Johnson return as federal agent Luke Hobbs. Joined by Jason Statham as the morally ambiguous Deckard Shaw, the duo team up to prevent the launch of a colony-destroying virus. With a stellar ensemble of action stars, Hobbs & Shaw earned The Rock an MTV award for Best Duo along with $759 million at the box office.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
The adventure franchise took a surprising turn in 2017 when “The Rock” joined forces with Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. A modern take on the board game adaptation, Johnson and Hart portrayed avatars trapped in the video game of Jumanji, with Johnson stepping into the role of the mammoth Dr. Bravestone, who has made Johnson` a household name.
Awards and Nominations
In the world of Hollywood, success is often measured by awards and critical reception. While some star vehicles are all business (scratch that, all box office business), some of the biggest Dwayne Johnson movies have also earned their star an impressive list of recognition. From his nomination for Favorite Male Butt Kicker at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards for Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, to tying the most wins at the MTV Movie and TV Awards, Johnson has repeatedly been acknowledged for his star turn.
What the Future Holds for Dwayne Johnson Movies
Considering the success of his filmography, the future for Dwayne Johnson looks nothing but bright. Coming up on the docket, Johnson is set to star in the highly-anticipated DC film Black Adam (2022). In the origin story of the antihero — a thousand-year-old warrior granted magical powers — Johnson will set out to protect the world from evil rule. With his powerful presence and charisma, this is certain to become a fan-favorite.
Dwayne Johnson movies have been on the rise since the actor’s breakout performance in The Mummy Returns and have gone on to become some of the most reliable box office draws. With his charisma, powerful presence, and ability to carry any film, Johnson has repeatedly been acknowledged for his star turn, with awards, nominations and critical acclaim. Despite spending decades on the silver screen, the future for The Rock looks nothing but bright with the upcoming Black Adam sure to be a favorite.
