You must watch these 7 Dwayne Johnson movies if you loved him in The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson has shaped a career that combines a magnetic personality, action, and an endearing touch of heart. His upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, offers even more buzz. It promises to introduce us to a side of Johnson that is raw and powerful.

Johnson is a decade strong in films, and for that time has broken out of the traditional action hero role to incorporate comedy, heartfelt drama, and even dark, nuanced characters. From deeply nuanced thrillers to epic escapism, he has crafted a unique dance where every step illustrates a different shade of his persona.

Akin to the rock that fuels action and offers repose, humor, and deep, heartfelt emotion, he has them all, and regardless of what draws you to him, these seven films are essential, in that besides telling of his chameleon-like capabilities, these flicks are the reason why his cult, and for good reason, is global.

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You must watch these 7 Dwayne Johnson movies if you loved him in The Smashing Machine

1) Pain & Gain (2013)

In Pain & Gain, Dwayne Johnson is a bodybuilder embroiled in a crazy and risky crime drama. It is based on fact and thus both gruesome and darkly humorous. Johnson's character is also different from his typical tough and heroic roles; here, he is a combination of strength, naivety, and vulnerability. His work caught most fans off guard since it was unvarnished and unpredictable.

Recently, there has been a renewed evaluation by critics, who claimed that it demonstrated Johnson's potential to play more nuanced roles than straightforward action films.

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2) Faster (2010)

Faster is an action flick in which Dwayne Johnson stars as a man who is out for revenge after being double-crossed. This film was released when Johnson was transitioning out of family comedies and back into full-scale action films. His performance is intense, with less dialogue but strong feelings, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

The movie has received renewed interest in recent years simply because fans enjoy seeing Johnson play darker, more realistic roles than his more over-the-top action figures. It's now enjoyed as an underrated gem in his filmography that demonstrated he could provide gritty, serious drama as well as more explosive action.

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3) Snitch (2013)

Johnson appears in Snitch as a father who becomes an undercover agent to rescue his son from a twenty-year prison sentence. He is neither a hero, as in his other films, but rather vulnerable and motivated by love for his family. The movie is based on real-life incidents, hence more emotional and realistic. Johnson was forced to lose his larger-than-life persona, delivering a performance that touched people on a deeper level.

Recently, fans have commended Snitch for demonstrating that Johnson has the skill to balance action with emotional storytelling. It is one of his most down-to-earth and realistic films, showing he can do more than just play action heroes.

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4) Hercules (2014)

Dwayne Johnson reinvented himself to portray the mythological Hercules, training for months and applying extraordinary strength to the role. Contrary to the traditional mythological portrayal, this version portrayed Hercules as a human with weaknesses and fears, making the character relatable. Johnson's commitment to realism, from the heavy costumes to the rigorous fight scenes, was appreciated.

In recent years, the film has been resurrected by fans who appreciate its combination of epic combat and emotional complexity. Dwayne Johnson himself has frequently said that it was one of the most difficult roles he has ever had, demonstrating his dedication to providing viewers with a powerful experience.

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5) Rampage (2018)

Dwayne Johnson stars in Rampage, an over-the-top adventure film where he plays Davis Okoye, a man who forms a connection with M.G.O., a genetically altered gorilla, George. Rampage is full of amazing action and city destruction; however, the film offers an emotional backdrop that connects Johnson to the CGI gorilla as the heart of the film.

Unlike many video game adaptations, Rampage captured audiences in an entertaining way as a blended thriller and humor film. Even today, Rampage is still celebrated as one of Johnson's best blockbusters, surprisingly entertaining alongside the emotional story.

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6) Skyscraper (2018)

In Skyscraper, Dwayne Johnson stars as a security expert who must save his family held captive in the world's tallest building. Uniquely, his character is a man with a prosthetic leg, introducing disability representation to a mainstream Hollywood blockbuster. Dwayne Johnson collaborated extensively with amputee consultants to ensure the role was respectful and realistic.

The movie is a combination of family drama and nail-biting action, which highlights Johnson's skill at balancing emotion and intensity. Skyscraper has recently been complimented for its risks of providing an action hero with physical challenges that are not common on screen; hence, Johnson's performance is inspiring and a change from his typical scenes.

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7) Black Adam (2022)

Black Adam was one of Johnson's most ambitious endeavors, where he played an anti-hero with amazing powers. Unlike his typical heroic roles, Black Adam is darker, more multidimensional, and inclined to be violent in the name of justice. Johnson took years to campaign for the film, demonstrating his enthusiasm for portraying this DC character. Although the movie received mixed reactions, fans loved Johnson's intensity and dedication.

Last year, he discussed how the changes in the studios prevented a sequel from happening, but most still have hopes of him reprising his role as Black Adam in future DC projects. The movie was a significant milestone in his superhero career.

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There’s no question that Dwayne Johnson is a bona fide action movie star, but he’s had the capacity to show a little more for a long while. This list, small as it is, helps demonstrate that with Johnson’s more thoughtful, low-key roles balanced with his classic ‘high octane’ adventure movies.

It gives more depth to Dwayne Johnson, and it’s a great way to look into his career, which he’s always willing to double down on. If you were a fan of The Smashing Machine, these are the kind of films to occupy you with and, at the same time, remind you of the star’s widespread admiration.