We’ve ranked the top five family movies featuring Dwayne Johnson as the leading star. This list won’t include movies with Johnson’s cameo appearances. The rankings were determined based on each film’s Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. This comes ahead of the July 10 release of Disney’s live-action Moana remake, which currently has a 35% RT score based on 55 reviews.
Best family movies starring Dwayne Johnson ranked by RT score
5) Jungle Cruise (2021)
At number five is 2021’s fantasy adventure movie Jungle Cruise, which was inspired by Disney’s popular theme park attraction. It has a 62% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its Popcornmeter is significantly higher at 92%. In the film, Johnson starred as a steamboat skipper who guides two siblings through a dangerous quest in the Amazon River. Critics loved the onscreen chemistry between Johnson and Emily Blunt, describing their funny banter as one of the film’s highlights. However, it did receive criticism for its pacing and excessive plot.
4) Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Ranking fourth is the 2019 sequel Jumanji: The Next Level, which received a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Even though it didn’t surpass the first installment, it was still considered a good follow-up to the adventure comedy franchise. Critics commended the movie’s refreshing twist on the body-swap element, noting that making Johnson and Kevin Hart become the avatars of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover’s new characters was a clever decision. This allowed Johnson and Hart to showcase a new side to their onscreen chemistry. However, some critics felt that certain aspects of the sequel’s plot were too formulaic, while others also believed that the creative team wasn’t able to use the full potential of some of its main characters.
3) DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
Next up is the 2022 animated movie DC League of Super-Pets, which featured Johnson as the voice of Krypto. Besides Johnson, it also starred Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Keanu Reeves, Diego Luna, Olivia Wilde, Natasha Lyonne, and more. The film garnered a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Even in animation form, Johnson and Hart’s chemistry shines through their characters’ scenes together. McKinnon’s villainous character Lulu also received praise from critics, along with Reeves’ hilarious take on Batman.
2) Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Claiming the second spot is 2017’s blockbuster adventure comedy Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which is considered a reboot sequel to Robin Williams’ iconic 1995 movie. The movie was well-received by the critics and audiences, who were impressed by its clever premise and cast performances. It currently holds a 76% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many were delighted that the new film managed to preserve the original’s concept and honor Williams by updating the rules of the titular game. Critics also recognized it for its entertaining, fast-paced action sequences that matched the film’s video game aspect.
1) Moana (2016) 95%
The number one spot goes to Disney’s 2016 animated movie Moana, which received a 95% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. It features Johnson voicing the character of a playful shapeshifting demigod named Maui. Critics and audiences described the movie as a vibrant and groundbreaking original story for the studio. The film was widely praised for its visual animation and unforgettable soundtrack. It was also nominated for two major Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. Due to its critical and commercial success, it was followed by a sequel in 2024 and a live-action remake with Johnson.
