There’s a reason Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is currently one of the highest-paid actors on the planet. He has mastered the transition from WWE "heel" to the world’s most likable giant. For parents, he’s a reliable bet. When you see his name on a poster, you generally know what you’re getting: high-budget stunts, a few jokes about his massive biceps, and a surprising amount of heart.

Kids love him because he’s a living cartoon character. He’s physically imposing but rarely genuinely scary. He’s "Ohio" in the best way possible—weirdly consistent, larger than life, and always winning. Whether he’s voicing a demigod or running away from a CGI hippopotamus, he brings a level of sincerity that keeps kids engaged without making parents want to scroll through Instagram the whole time.

If you have younger kids, you’re likely starting with his voice work. This is where the Rock really shines because he can lean into his "People’s Champ" charisma without the physical violence of his action roles.

This is arguably the best movie in the modern Disney catalog. Johnson voices Maui, a tattooed demigod with a massive ego and a "magical fishhook." It’s a rare film where the male lead isn’t a love interest, but a flawed mentor. The music by Lin-Manuel Miranda is top-tier, and the themes of identity and environmental stewardship are actually meaningful. It’s a 10/10 recommendation for any age.

In this one, Johnson voices Krypto, Superman’s dog. It’s a standard superhero flick, but it’s elevated by the chemistry between Johnson and Kevin Hart (who voices Ace the hound). If your kids are into Roblox or Minecraft, they’ll appreciate the fast-paced, slightly chaotic humor here. It’s safe, colorful, and won’t require any "difficult conversations" afterward.

For families with kids in that 8-12 age range, the Rock has basically revived the "jungle adventure" genre. These movies are heavy on CGI and light on complex plots, making them perfect for a Friday night when everyone’s brain is fried.

This was a massive risk that paid off. Instead of a board game, the kids are sucked into a vintage video game. Johnson plays the "avatar" for a nerdy, anxious teenager. Watching a massive man act like a terrified 15-year-old is genuinely funny.

Think The Mummy meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Based on the Disney park ride, this movie features Johnson as a pun-loving skipper. It’s a bit long, and the plot gets a little convoluted with supernatural elements, but it’s a solid adventure. It’s a great bridge for kids who are starting to outgrow animated movies but aren't ready for the "real" intensity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Check out our guide on the best adventure movies for tweens

As kids get older, they’ll start asking to see the Rock’s more "intense" stuff. This is where you need to be a bit more selective.

This is his entry into the DC superhero world. It’s significantly darker than Moana. The body count is high, and the tone is much grittier. While it’s rated PG-13, it leans into the "anti-hero" trope. If your kid is already playing Fortnite or Call of Duty, they can handle the violence, but it’s definitely not a "family" movie in the traditional sense.

This is a spin-off of the Fast & Furious franchise. It’s basically an 80s buddy-cop movie on steroids. There’s a lot of "fantasy violence"—cars exploding, people jumping out of buildings—and a fair amount of swearing. It’s fine for teens, but maybe skip it for the elementary crowd.

These are disaster movies. In San Andreas, it’s an earthquake; in Skyscraper, it’s... a skyscraper on fire. These can be surprisingly intense for kids who have anxiety about natural disasters or "bad guys" hurting families. They aren't "bad" movies, but they lack the whimsical fun of Jumanji.

When deciding which Rock movie to queue up, consider these community norms we see at Screenwise:

Dwayne Johnson is a brand. Part of that brand is "toxic masculinity-lite." He’s definitely a "tough guy," but he’s almost always a tough guy who learns to express his feelings, protect his family, or admit he was wrong.

In The Game Plan and Tooth Fairy, the entire plot is literally about him learning to be more sensitive. While these movies are pretty formulaic (and, let's be honest, Tooth Fairy is borderline unwatchable for adults), they offer a decent jumping-off point for talking to boys about what it means to be "strong."

Learn more about how movies shape a child's view of masculinity

While the movies themselves are generally safe bets, be aware of the "after-effect."

Dwayne Johnson is the safest "Action Hero" we have right now. He’s the cinematic equivalent of a high-quality chicken nugget—everyone likes him, he’s consistent, and he’s not going to cause an upset stomach.

If you want the best experience, start with Moana for the heart and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle for the laughs. Skip Black Adam until the kids are older, and maybe keep San Andreas for a night when you're prepared to explain tectonic plates.

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