The Rock Movies Ranked: Biggest Crowd-Pleasers

When you think of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, you probably picture explosive action, sharp humor, and heartfelt moments. He's mastered roles that get the crowd cheering, whether he's singing in Moana or throwing punches in Fast Five. But which of his films truly stand out as the ultimate crowd-pleasers? If you're looking to revisit his biggest hits or just settle a debate, the rankings ahead might surprise you.

Moana

*Moana* is an animated film that features Dwayne Johnson as Maui, a shape-shifting demigod who aids the titular character, Moana, in her journey.

The film explores significant themes such as identity and the importance of cultural storytelling. Johnson's performance as Maui is noted for its blend of humor and emotional depth, particularly highlighted by the song “You’re Welcome.”

The animation in Moana is characterized by its vibrant visuals and distinctive aesthetic, contributing to its critical acclaim.

The film portrays strong character development and a compelling narrative that resonated with audiences, leading to positive reviews and multiple Academy Award nominations.

Fast Five

When Fast Five was released in 2011, it marked a significant shift in the Fast & Furious franchise. The introduction of Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs brought a new dynamic to the series, influencing both the narrative and the action sequences.

The film incorporated heist elements into its storyline, with the safe-dragging chase becoming a defining moment in the series. This shift resonated with audiences, resulting in a notable box office performance that exceeded $626 million globally.

The success of Fast Five was instrumental in expanding the franchise, as it laid the groundwork for subsequent sequels and spin-offs. Furthermore, Johnson's involvement highlighted his capacity to attract audiences and elevate the profile of blockbuster films.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

*Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* presents a reimagined narrative within the established franchise, focusing on a group of high school students who become characters in a video game.

The film, featuring performances by Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, blends action with comedic elements as the characters navigate various challenges in a jungle setting.

Critical reception was generally positive, as evidenced by its 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting the film's effective use of humor and engaging cast.

The commercial success of the film paved the way for a sequel, indicating its resonance with audiences and potential for further exploration of its themes and characters.

Furious 7

*Furious 7* is notable for combining action sequences typical of the franchise with a significant emotional component.

The film features Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Luke Hobbs, alongside Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker, emphasizing themes of family and loyalty which are central to the series.

The various action scenes, including street races and stunts like the notable skyscraper jump, serve to maintain the franchise's reputation for thrilling entertainment.

Directed by James Wan, the film achieved considerable commercial success, grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide and ranking among the highest-grossing films of all time.

Additionally, Furious 7 serves as a tribute to Paul Walker, incorporating elements that reflect his legacy and adding a layer of poignancy to the film's conclusion.

The Other Guys

*The Other Guys* offers a different perspective on Dwayne Johnson's capabilities by showcasing his comedic talent.

In the film, Johnson plays Detective Christopher Danson, a character that allows him to diverge from his typical action movie persona. His performance stands out in contrast to the portrayals of Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, who depict underdog cops.

This dynamic creates moments that humorously subvert traditional buddy-cop conventions. While Johnson's screen time is limited, his contribution is significant and illustrates his range as an actor.

The film's humor is characterized by its inventiveness and distinct approach, contributing to its reception among audiences.

Central Intelligence

*Central Intelligence* (2016) features Dwayne Johnson as Bob Stone, a former bullied teenager who becomes a CIA agent.

The film showcases Johnson's ability to blend comedy with action, particularly through his interactions with Kevin Hart, whose energetic style complements Johnson's comedic timing.

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the film incorporates elements of espionage alongside a sense of nostalgia, maintaining viewer engagement with its rapid plot developments.

The chemistry between the lead actors serves to enhance the film's appeal, while its combination of suspense and humor aligns with certain conventions of the buddy cop genre.

The film received a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a generally favorable reception and establishing it as more than a conventional comedy within its category.

Pain & Gain

After observing Dwayne Johnson’s comedic skills in Central Intelligence, his performance in Pain & Gain (2013) presents a distinct departure. The film is based on a true story and features a dark comedic angle, with Johnson portraying Paul Doyle—a bodybuilder who undergoes a transformation in his faith while becoming embroiled in a series of criminal activities.

In conjunction with Mark Wahlberg and Anthony Mackie, who contribute significantly to the film's chaotic energy, Johnson's performance showcases a level of emotional depth that contrasts with his previous action-oriented roles.

The film’s narrative combines elements of crime and humor, reflecting the absurdity of the situations depicted. Despite its attempts to balance action and comedy, Pain & Gain received a mixed evaluation from critics, evidenced by its Metacritic score of 49%.

This indicates that the film's unconventional approach wasn't universally well-received, with some viewers potentially finding the blend of humor and crime problematic. Overall, Pain & Gain can be viewed as an illustration of Johnson's range as an actor while also highlighting the challenges of executing a dark comedic tone within a crime framework.

The Rundown

*The Rundown* (2003) features Dwayne Johnson in the role of a bounty hunter engaged in a mission set in the Amazon. The film combines elements of action and comedy, with Johnson's performance contributing to its appeal. The interactions between Johnson and Christopher Walken offer a notable dynamic that enhances the film's comedic elements.

The production favors practical effects over extensive CGI, which may appeal to viewers who prefer traditional action choreography. The screenplay incorporates rapid dialogue and a buddy-movie structure, which have historically been popular in this genre.

The film provides entertainment value and reflects Johnson’s emerging career in action-comedy roles. Overall, The Rundown illustrates effective blending of humor and action, making it a notable entry in early 2000s cinema.

It serves as an example of how action films can utilize comedic timing to enhance audience engagement while still delivering conventional action elements.

San Andreas

*San Andreas* (2015) incorporates classic disaster-movie elements while showcasing Dwayne Johnson's role as a skilled rescue pilot. His performance adds a level of intensity to the narrative, centered around the chaos of a major earthquake.

The film depicts Johnson's character, accompanied by Carla Gugino, as they confront various catastrophic events in an effort to reunite their fractured family. While the film’s action sequences are engaging, they're critiqued for adhering to a predictable plot structure.

The visual effects in San Andreas are notable and contribute to the film's suspenseful atmosphere, compelling audiences to remain engaged throughout its runtime. However, critics have pointed to the film's formulaic nature as a downside.

Despite these critiques, San Andreas achieved significant box office success, largely due to its action-oriented sequences and Johnson's on-screen appeal. Overall, it's recognized as a significant entry in Johnson's body of work in the disaster genre.

Jungle Cruise

*Jungle Cruise* presents Dwayne Johnson in a role that contrasts with his previous performance in San Andreas, where he portrayed a character navigating a disaster. In this film, he takes on the role of a guide in the Amazon, accompanied by Emily Blunt, as they embark on an adventure influenced by the Disney theme park attraction of the same name.

The film incorporates supernatural themes, including elements like cursed conquistadors, which add an adventurous layer to the narrative. Johnson's character adds complexity through a backstory that involves being an immortal with a troubled past, which introduces a darker dimension to his otherwise upbeat persona.

The dynamic between Johnson and Blunt is notable, as their interactions contribute significantly to the film's humor and overall appeal.

*Jungle Cruise* has garnered attention for its mix of adventure and light-hearted moments, distinguishing it within Johnson's body of work. The film's reception can be attributed to these character dynamics and the balance of comedic and supernatural elements.

Conclusion

When you dive into The Rock’s greatest crowd-pleasers, you can see why he’s such a fan favorite. From animated journeys like Moana to wild rides like Furious 7 and laugh-out-loud hits like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Dwayne Johnson brings unmatched energy and charisma. No matter which film you pick, you’re in for adventure, heart, and a whole lot of fun. That’s what makes his movies unforgettable—and keeps you coming back for more.