Dwayne Johnson's career trajectory is nothing short of a fairy tale. Born into a family of wrestlers, it was a given that the genetically gifted teenager would join professional wrestling at some point in his career. After a few years of playing college football, Johnson was cut from the team and decided to try his hand at wrestling in 1996. Having first wrestled under his real name, Johnson, he then switched to a few names like Rocky Maivia, and The Blue Chipper. It was only 2 years later, in 1998, Rocky Maivia, would turn into the now world-famous moniker of “The Rock”.
During The Rock’s peak in the world of wrestling, there was no mountain he didn’t climb; no peak he didn’t scale. The superstar's efforts were recognized when he ranked third on a list of the greatest WWE/WWF wrestlers of all time. Given Johnson’s comprehensive contribution to the world of wrestling, the global superstar wrestler decided to switch to the world of films in 2001. His first performance on the big screen saw him portray the role of “The Scorpion King” in the film The Mummy Returns. Given The Rock’s global appeal, the crossover from wrestling to acting was fairly smooth. Cut to 21 years later, The Rock has more than 60 acting credits, with most of the films being action films. Despite his large, action-hero built, the actor has stepped out of his comfort zone and tried his hands at comedy and drama. Here’s a list of some of his best non-action films, ranked.
7 Fighting With My Family (2019)
Fighting with My Family is a sports biography that depicts the career of WWE wrestler Paige and her brother Zak Zodiac. The film deals with themes of success and jealousy between the two siblings. While Paige receives global success, her brother has faced his share of struggles. Fighting With My Family, also sees Johnson take on the role of the producer, while also playing a small yet pivotal part in the film.
6 Gridiron Gang (2006)
Having been on a football team before, Johnson is familiar with the ups and downs the world of sports brings with it. Bringing this wisdom and experience to the fore, Johnson plays the role of a counselor at a juvenile center in Gridiron Gang. Realizing it’s not a lack of values but direction the young men need, Porter ends up forming a football team with the boys. Gridiron Gang is a conventional film that on many occasions lacks innovation, but with earnest performances from The Rock and Co, the film is endearing and entertaining in equal parts.
5 The Game Plan (2007)
The Game Plan on a surface level might seem like a run-of-the-mill comedy, but The Rock salvages the day with his abundant charm and charisma. The story traces in a quarterback when he finds out he’s the father of an eight-year-old girl. Playing off conventional tropes: gentle daughter, softening up a hard father, The Game Plan overall succeeds due to Johnson’s performance and personality. The switch between an arrogant winner, to a caring father demonstrates some of the superstar’s acting muscles that he occasionally flexes.
4 Be Cool (2005)
Based on Elmore Leonard’s 1999 novel of the same name, the story centers around Ernesto “Chilli” Palmer’s entry into the music industry. The film stars various actors like John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Vince Vaughn, and Dwayne Johnson in prominent roles. Be Cool thematically walks on the same footsteps as Pulp Fiction, but shines in its way due to standout performances.
3 Tooth Fairy (2010)
As adults, we’re easily dismissive of curious children, without often realizing the impact our statements will have on their little worlds. Exploring this theme, Tooth Fairy is a story about a little girl whose world is shattered by a hockey player. In a hilarious twist of fate, the hockey player, Derek Thompson (Dwayne Johnson), is summoned up to the fairy world to explain his actions. Thompson is deemed guilty of breaking the little girl's heart and as a result, has been punished to serve two weeks as a real-life tooth fairy. Despite some of its humor not landing, a muscular Johnson in a tight fairy dress with wings is always a funny site.
2 Moana (2016)
Moana is an animated musical with an ensemble voice-over cast. Directed by John Musker, the film traces Moana’s journey as she returns the heart belonging to a goddess, to seek her blessings and prevent an overall blight from happening in her land. In Moana, Johnson lends his voice as the kind but naughty demigod trickster, Maui. The film is a visual treat, while also breaking conventional stereotypes attached to children’s stories.
1 Baywatch (2017)
In one of the more iconic roles he’s known for, Baywatch has Dwayne Johnson starring alongside Zac Efron, David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and Alexandra Daddario. Like the name suggests, the film revolves around a group of muscular, loud and scantily-dressed lifeguards, who discover an ongoing drug racket involving a prominent businesswoman. The film is an extension of the hit drama series of the same name. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Baywatch isn’t a family drama, yet serves up a healthy dose of mindless entertainment.