Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has most definitely justified his lofty status as one of Hollywood’s highest paid actors. He has starred in hit after hit, often as a seemingly indestructible, all-action hero with a charming smile and a captivating sense of humor. With that, we will be taking a look at five of The Rock’s highest grossing films worldwide, although we will be excluding movies from the Fast and Furious series, which, truth be told, are still the Vin Diesel show. We have also excluded the wildly successful Moana, as we have focused on live action movies only.
Now, without further ado, here are The Rock’s most successful films ever, with all stats coming from Box Office Mojo:
1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ($905 million)
This 2017 adventure comedy film is in homage both to the original Jumanji and the late Robin Williams. It follows the exploits of four teenagers who are transported into the video game world of Jumanji. Here, Johnson plays Dr. Smolder Bravestone, the avatar of the nerdy gamer Spencer Gilpin. Dr. Bravestone is an archaeologist and explorer with superhuman stamina, matchless courage, and cat-quick reflexes. Despite those character traits, the role was a departure from Johnson’s usual heroes, as he had to convey the insecurities of a teenager. For info about the film’s home release, you can check out our post about on Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle here.
2. San Andreas ($474 million)
This 2015 disaster film features Johnson as Raymond “Ray” Gaines, a Los Angeles Fire Department Air Rescue pilot who desperately tries to rescue his family in the wake of a large-scale devastating earthquake caused by the San Andreas Fault. Despite not being a hit with the critics, it was a huge hit with movie fans, and a sequel has been planned. No doubt due to Johnson’s star power.
3. G.I. Joe: Retaliation ($376 million)
This all-action 2013 film is an example of perfect casting, with The Rock portraying G.I. Joe’s buff, heavy machine gunner Roadblock, whose preferred weapon of choice is the M2 Browning machine gun. The film was both a sequel to 2009’s G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and a soft reboot of the franchise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2YMu52MfqA
4. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island ($335 million)
Based on Jules Verne’s The Mysterious Island, this science fiction comedy adventure film stars Johnson as Hank Parsons, a retired Navy code breaker who helps his stepson, Sean, in an adventure of a lifetime. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island surpassed the earnings of its predecessor, Journey to the Center of the Earth by well over $100 million.
5. Hercules ($245 million)
Who else do you cast as the mythical pillar of strength, Hercules? Why, Dwayne Johnson, of course! This is exactly what happened in 2014’s Hercules, where Johnson starred as the titular character. The film was a smashing success, and was heavily praised for its action sequences. The Rock’s acting also received quite a few thumbs up due to the depth he brought to the role.
Dwayne Johnson, clearly, is one of Hollywood’s megastars, and his already immense popularity is still soaring. He has gotten so popular, in fact, that a win would not be far-fetched should rumors of The Rock running for president prove true two years from now. For now, though, Johnson will be continue to be the movie making machine that has made him one of the highest paid and sought after actors in the world.
