7 Dwayne Johnson Movies to Watch After Faster

As a long-time movie enthusiast with a soft spot for action flicks and a keen eye for the evolution of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s career, I must say it’s quite fascinating to see how Johnson’s gritty days seem to have found a new lease of life on streaming platforms. The resurgence of his 2010 action thriller, “Faster,” being the number 2 movie on Netflix this week is a testament to the enduring appeal of Johnson’s raw charm and undeniable screen presence.

This week, viewers are reminiscing about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s action movie career, and there’s plenty to absorb. Interestingly, as of now, his 2010 action thriller titled “Faster ” is currently the second most watched movie on Netflix in the U.S., quite different from the family-friendly film “Moana 2” that Johnson is starring in at cinemas right now. If you’re keen to catch more of Johnson in his tough-guy phase, there’s certainly more content like that available.

Stars John Cena as former convict Jimmy Cullen, who, upon release from prison, embarks on a personal crusade for vengeance. He tracks down those responsible for his brother’s death and his own imprisonment. The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Tom Berenger, and Mike Epps, among others. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and failing to make a significant impact at the box office initially, it has recently gained traction on streaming platforms this week. If the renewed interest is indeed due to Cena’s performance, fans can look forward to more of his work — the actor has been quite active in the film industry for the past two decades.

Johnson boasts a vast array of credits spanning various genres, but this compilation will zero in on movies that complement “Faster” – non-series action films with a straightforward approach, as opposed to the more humorous roles he frequently assumes today. Here are seven top recommendations and where to find them.

Snitch

Among all the films on this list, “Snitch” bears the closest resemblance to “Faster”. Released in 2013, Dwayne Johnson portrays a father determined to clear his college-going son’s name from false drug dealing charges. He infiltrates the DEA undercover and demonstrates remarkable intelligence. Unlike his characters in later films, Johnson’s character is just an exceptionally skilled civilian, without the background of a former spy or specialized training.

You can currently stream “Snitch” on Peacock. Alternatively, you can rent or buy it from various PVOD providers such as Apple TV, FandangoNow, and Amazon Prime Video.

San Andreas

In 2015, Johnson portrayed a helicopter rescue pilot in the action-packed disaster film titled “San Andreas“. As Los Angeles experiences two massive earthquakes, he embarks on a mission to save his former wife (Carla Gugino) and daughter (Alexandra Daddario). The plot offers an enjoyable journey, but it balances the story with the grandeur of the disaster, resulting in a rather straightforward narrative.

Those interested can stream San Andreas now on Max.

Skyscraper

Initially, Skyscraper faced mockery due to its resemblance to Dwayne Johnson’s previous films spanning over two decades according to viewers and critics. However, this isn’t necessarily a drawback if one is seeking a straightforward action-thriller. In the plot, Johnson portrays a former FBI agent who strives to save his family from the world’s tallest newly constructed building when it gets attacked by terrorists.

Currently, you can stream Skyscraper on FuboTV, or alternatively, choose to rent or buy it.

Walking Tall

In the early stages of Dwayne Johnson’s acting career, back in 2004, he took on the role of a retired Special Forces agent who wished to return to his humble hometown and secure a straightforward job as sheriff. However, he discovered that the town was deeply entangled in criminal activities and corruption. This part held great significance for Johnson since it was a remake of a classic action film from 1973, which placed high expectations on him. The outcome was a blend of positive and negative reviews, as well as modest box office earnings. Feel free to form your own opinion about it.

Walking Tall is streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

Hercules

Watching a complete Rock (Dwayne Johnson) movie marathon wouldn’t feel right without the 2014 film “Hercules”. This action-packed version of Greek mythology boasts an impressive cast including Ian McShane, Rebecca Ferguson, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan, and John Hurt. Despite its financial success, it received mixed reviews, partly due to Brett Ratner’s direction.

Hercules is streaming now on Max.

Empire State

Johnson has been skillful at portraying characters with unpredictable tendencies, both in the criminal and law enforcement realms. In the 2013 film “Empire State”, he showcased his intimidating abilities as an NYPD officer pursuing a relentless mission. Sharing the screen with Emma Roberts and Liam Hemsworth, who played young bank robbers, this movie was based on actual events. Being relatively low-budget, it was directly released for home viewing and can now be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

Fast Five

Ultimately, enthusiasts of Johnson will find interest in exploring the Fast & Furious film series. Johnson’s character, a Diplomatic Security Service agent operating internationally, makes his debut in the fifth movie and plays a significant role throughout. If you appreciate more humor in your action, Faster could be an ideal starting point for you. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of the series, Furious 7 would be the recommended choice to jump right into.

Right now, you can stream “Fast Five” along with numerous other “Fast & Furious” films on Netflix. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for “Furious 7,” it’s currently accessible on Peacock.

2024-12-08 02:10