Born in 1972, Dwayne Johnson was practically raised in the spotlight, surrounded by the world of performance and theatrics. His father, Rocky Johnson, was a professional wrestler, which meant that Dwayne spent his formative years moving across America, soaking in the culture of the wrestling circuit. By 1990, he found himself at the University of Miami, where Dwayne Johnson played college football with passion and dedication—so much so that he became part of a national championship-winning team. Unfortunately, injuries derailed any real shot at an NFL career, but Dwayne Johnson wasn’t one to stay down for long.
After graduating, Dwayne Johnson took a page from his dad’s playbook and stepped into the ring, making his debut in the then-WWF back in 1996. Just a year later, he transformed into “The Rock,” a charismatic, larger-than-life persona that quickly catapulted him to superstardom. Over time, Dwayne Johnson became not just a fan favorite but one of the most decorated wrestlers in WWE history, racking up championship titles and unforgettable moments.
But as it turns out, wrestling was only the beginning for Dwayne Johnson. He made his acting debut on an episode of That ‘70s Show (Fox, 1998–2006), playing none other than his own father—a full-circle moment that hinted at the layers to come. His big-screen breakthrough came with The Mummy Returns (2001), starring Brendan Fraser, where Dwayne Johnson brought The Scorpion King to life. The role was so well-received that it earned its own spinoff, The Scorpion King (2002), officially launching Dwayne Johnson’s Hollywood journey.
Early on, Dwayne Johnson leaned into action-packed roles—films like the adventurous comedy The Rundown (2003) and the video game adaptation Doom (2006). But as the years went on, he began to shed the “Rock” image and embrace more diverse characters. You could see his range in Richard Kelly’s Southland Tales (2006), the family-friendly The Game Plan (2007), and even the buddy-cop satire The Other Guys (2010) alongside Will Ferrell.
Still, it was his role as Luke Hobbs in Fast Five (2011) that truly marked a turning point. From that moment on, Dwayne Johnson wasn’t just a former wrestler trying his luck in movies—he was a leading man, a box office draw, a Hollywood powerhouse. The success opened doors fast: G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), Pain & Gain (2013), and multiple returns to the Fast & Furious franchise—Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Furious 7 (2015), and The Fate of the Furious (2017)—all featured Dwayne Johnson holding his own among A-list ensembles.
Between high-octane sequels, Dwayne Johnson showed off his comedic chops, teaming up with Kevin Hart in Central Intelligence (2016), and lending his voice to the beloved character Maui in Disney’s Moana (2016). He even led his own HBO series, Ballers (2015–2019), proving his versatility across formats. Then came Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), another smash hit co-starring Hart, followed by the sequel Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), both showcasing Dwayne Johnson’s charm and comedic timing.
2018 was another banner year for Dwayne Johnson, with two major releases: the video game-inspired Rampage and the skyscraper-set thriller Skyscraper. The momentum continued with Hobbs & Shaw (2019), a spinoff that united Dwayne Johnson’s Luke Hobbs with Jason Statham’s character, blending action, humor, and global appeal. Fans eagerly awaited his next move, which included starring alongside Emily Blunt in Jungle Cruise (2020), a film based on the classic Disney theme park ride.
And while many know Dwayne Johnson for his blockbuster roles, there was one character he’d been attached to for years—Black Adam from DC Comics. Cast all the way back in 2014, Dwayne Johnson remained committed to bringing the antihero to life, though the project faced delays as the DC Extended Universe evolved. Still, when Dwayne Johnson sets his mind to something, history shows he usually makes it happen.
When it comes to Dwayne Johnson’s film career, fans often wonder which movies really stood out—both for better and for worse. Now, if we take a close look at the ratings, it turns out that Dwayne Johnson’s highest rated movie is Stuntman from 2018. This heartfelt documentary-style film gave audiences a rare glimpse behind the scenes and showcased Dwayne Johnson’s respect for stunt performers, earning it strong praise. On the flip side, one of the lower points in his filmography is Tooth Fairy, released back in 2010. While Dwayne Johnson brought his usual charm, the movie didn’t quite hit the mark with critics or viewers. So, whether you’re exploring Dwayne Johnson’s best work or just curious about the less successful ones, it’s clear that Dwayne Johnson continues to be a major force in Hollywood, learning and growing with each role.