Let’s face it: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson pulling off the leap from WWE superstardom to one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars still feels a little unreal. It’s the kind of crossover that rarely works, yet somehow, he made it happen. That said, not every movie ended with a victory pose. Some performances landed like crowd-pleasers, others like an awkward missed cue. With that in mind, here’s a countdown of the 10 most noteworthy performances from Johnson’s eclectic film career, starting with the rougher outings and building up to the ones that really prove he’s more than just muscles and catchphrases.
10. Black Adam – The Superhero Who Never Flew
After years of setup, Black Adam was supposed to be a culmination. Instead, it felt curiously empty. Johnson has the look, but the character never quite takes, and the greater hopes for the movie collapse under their own weight. With box office disappointment and DC’s reboot lurking on the horizon, this film ended up feeling more like a footnote than a legacy performance.
9. Red One – Holiday Action with No Spark
On paper, playing Santa’s ultra-serious bodyguard sounds like a real hoot. In practice, Red One boxed Johnson into his most familiar action-star mode, leaving little room for charm or surprise. Despite massive promotion and an overload of Christmas lore, the performance feels stiff-proof that not even The Rock can power through a script that won’t let him loosen up.
8. Tooth Fairy – Family-Friendly, but Forgettable
Yes, Johnson commits fully to the absurd visuals—tutu, wings, all of it. And yes, he has moments of solid physical comedy. But Tooth Fairy never quite finds its rhythm, and Johnson’s willingness to embrace silliness is undercut by a painfully safe story. It’s harmless fun, but a missed opportunity to go all in on the joke.
7. Baywatch – Chaos Saved by Confidence
Baywatch is frenetic and messy and often ridiculous, but Johnson does his best work amidst the chaos. He throws around impossible lines with convincing authority and has a keener sense of the movie’s self-aware tone than anyone else involved. When Baywatch falters, he’s there to steady the movie on his long-legged swagger and impeccable comedic timing.
6. Be Cool – A Cult Favorite Curveball
In most of his interviews, he seems to be such a level-headed guy. As Elliot Wilhelm, Johnson flips expectations completely. Playing an aspiring actor with exaggerated mannerisms and unexpected sensitivity, he delivers one of the weirdest performances of his. The infamous monologue and eyebrow callback cement this as a role fans still reference years later-and one that proved he could poke fun at his own image.
5. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Action Star Meets Awkward Teen
Dr. Smolder Bravestone works because Johnson knows the joke: he’s a hyperconfident action hero possessed by a nervous teenager. The overstated seriousness, the physical humor, and moments like that “don’t cry” sequence show how skilled he can be at balancing comedy with spectacle when done right.
4. Moana – A Demigod with Heart
It also boasts great comedy, warmth, and musical surprise courtesy of Johnson. “You’re Welcome” became iconic for a reason-it’s playful, charismatic, and perfectly suited to his personality. More importantly, he gives the character emotional weight, making Maui more than just comic relief.
3. Southland Tales – Pure, Unfiltered Weirdness
This is Johnson at his most strange-and that’s a compliment. As Boxer Santaros, he leans into confusion, paranoia, and offbeat energy with a deeply odd performance that’s unforgettable. It’s the clearest example that, under the right director, Johnson can abandon his safety net and take real risks.
2. The Smashing Machine – A Serious Turn To Change It All
Playing the UFC legend Mark Kerr, Johnson sheds his trademark sheen. His voice is low; his posture, hunched. The emotional restraint makes for a deeply unsettling portrait of addiction and inner decay. Early reactions suggest this could be a career-defining pivot, one that finally places him in serious awards conversations.
1. Pain & Gain – The Perfect Combination of Actor and Material
Nothing compares to Johnson’s work here as Paul Doyle: he’s unhinged, hilarious, tragic, and terrifying-all at once. Bay’s dark satire lets Johnson push every instinct to the extreme, making for a performance that’s somehow both absurd and strangely human. It’s fearless, fully committed, and easily the most memorable role of his career.
Whether he’s belting out a Disney song, playing with his own macho image, or diving headfirst into chaos, Dwayne Johnson’s career is anything but boring. If nothing else, it proves one thing: when he’s given the right role, The Rock can still surprise us. Eyebrow raise optional.