Who knew a mouthy, fast-talking, pint-sized comedian and a gargantuan former WWE wrestler could pair so well together? Well, apparently, Hollywood executives figured they would, and the rest is history.
Dwayne Johnson rocks a bold pink blazer while Kevin Hart keeps it classic in a sleek black suit at the Jumanji: The Next Level premiere in London, England on December 5, 2019 (Credit: Matt Crossick / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Since their first collaboration in 2016 with Central Intelligence, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart have acted together in five films. Their most recent movie, DC League of Super-Pets, premiered in July 2022.
However, not all of Kevin Hart’s and The Rock’s films have received the same positive reception from critics and general audiences.
How Did Kevin Hart and The Rock Meet? Are They Friends in Real Life?
You may be wondering how these two Hollywood stars first met. While they have undoubtedly become great professional collaborators, they also have a good relationship in their personal lives.
Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart coordinate in sharp plaid suits at the premiere of Jumanji: The Next Level, showcasing their stylish take on red carpet fashion in Berlin, Germany on December 6, 2017 (Credit: BREUEL-BILD / DDP / INSTARimages)
In an interview with Cinemablend, Kevin Hart described Dwayne Johnson as a ‘brother for life,’ and Johnson considers Hart one of his best friends.
While it’s unknown how exactly the prolific duo met, it’s clear that they have maintained not only a successful working relationship but also an important friendship.
Ranking All of Kevin Hart and The Rock’s 5 Films
We’ve got you covered if you plan on binging all the films starring Kevin Hart and The Rock. We’ve ranked all five films so you’ll know which ones are worth your time and which you can skip.
Real-life friends Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart have starred together in a total of five films, and they’re showing no signs of ending their partnership (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
5. Central Intelligence (2016) – 71% Critics Score, 62% Audience Score
The first collaboration between Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is their weakest film. While Central Intelligence is far from a bad movie, its main highlight is the instant chemistry created by Hart and Johnson onscreen.
Dwayne Johnson as Robbie Weirdicht / Bob Stone and Kevin Hart as Calvin Joyner in the 2016 buddy action-comedy film Central Intelligence (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
The film follows a stereotypical buddy cop story. Hart plays Calvin Joyner, a former high school athlete turned forensic accountant with a failing marriage and a longing for something more.
Meanwhile, Johnson plays Robbie Weirdicht, a formerly obese nerd who becomes a rugged CIA agent. Weirdicht is tracking down a group of criminals set on selling satellite codes on the black market, and he enlists Joyner to help him.
Dwayne Johnson as Robbie Weirdicht / Bob Stone and Kevin Hart as Calvin Joyner in the 2016 buddy action-comedy film Central Intelligence (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Central Intelligence is suitable for a few laughs, some action, and some decent popcorn-worthy entertainment. However, the film is also a largely forgettable affair, which makes it worthy of the fifth spot on this list.
4. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw (2019) – 68% Critics Score, 88% Audience Score
A spinoff from the original popular film series Fast and Furious, Hobbs and Shaw is set after the eighth installment of the main series, The Fate of the Furious (2017).
In this film, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars as Luke Hobbs, a popular character who first appeared in the fifth franchise installment, Fast Five (2011).
Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw in the 2019 buddy action-comedy film Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Starring alongside Johnson is Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw, an MI6 agent who first appeared in the series as a villain in Furious 7 (2015). Despite their differences, Hobbs and Shaw are forced to work with each other to track down a missing virus known only as “Snowflake.”
While Kevin Hart does not have a starring role in this movie, he does appear in a cameo role as Air Marshal Dinkley. On a flight, he encounters Hobbs and Shaw and offers to help join their operation. The pair accept his help, and Dinkley assists them in traveling to Samoa.
Hobbs and Shaw, like most movies in the Fast and Furious series, was a big hit with audiences but received a rather lukewarm reception from film critics. It’s big on action and set pieces but light on dialogue and character development.
3. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) – 71% Critics Score, 87% Audience Score
The third film in the popular Jumanji series (and the sequel to the 2017 reboot of the film franchise), Jumanji: The Next Level, continues the previous movie’s plot of turning the original Jumanji board game into a video game.
Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Xander “Smolder: Bravestone and Kevin Hart as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar in the 2019 fantasy adventure comedy film Jumanji: The Next Level (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
In the game, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone, an Indiana Jones-esque character, who acts as the in-game avatar for Spencer Gilpin (Alex Wolff), an awkward college student.
Kevin Hart plays another avatar in the Jumanji video game, Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, a zoologist and weapon carrier for the in-game group.
The chemistry between Johnson and Hart is palpable in this film, as the two actors draw plenty of laughs and entertainment from one another’s performances.
Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart share a humorous moment on camels in Jumanji: The Next Level, set against a stunning desert backdrop (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
This film proved to be an immediate success for the dynamic duo (much like the first film), as Jumanji: The Next Level grossed a whopping $962.5 million against a budget of $150 million.
While Jumanji: The Next Level isn’t something that will win any Academy Awards, it proves to be a fun-filled, worthy successor for the Jumanji franchise.
2. DC League of Super-Pets (2022) – 73% Critics Score, 88% Audience Score
DC League of Super-Pets is the latest in the shared filmographies of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart. It brings the duo into the DC universe, albeit in an animated film created for children.
Promotional art for the 2022 3D computer-animated superhero comedy film DC League of Super-Pets (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Johnson stars as Krypto, a golden Labrador and the closest companion of DC’s famous superhero, Superman. Feeling lonely due to Superman’s blossoming romance with Lois Lane, Krypto befriends a dog named Ace (played by Hart) at a pet shelter.
After an accident causes all of the animals in the shelter to gain superpowers, Krypto allies with Ace to defeat a group of evil super-powered guinea pigs that have captured Clark Kent.
Dwayne Johnson as Krypto / Superdog and Kevin Hart as Ace / Bat-Hound in the 2022 3D computer-animated superhero comedy film DC League of Super-Pets (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
This film is the latest in the trend of having celebrities do voice acting in animated films for children – a trend that has proved popular with audiences.
DC League of Super-Pets was a box-office success, and the film has proven popular among critics and general audiences alike.
1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) – 76% Critics Score, 87% Audience Score
After decades of rumors that the original cult-favorite film would receive a sequel, the triumphant return to the world of Jumanji was finally announced on August 1, 2015.
Kevin Hart as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone, Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse, and Jack Black as Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon in the 2017 fantasy adventure comedy film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
In April 2016, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart announced that they would be cast in the film, both in the starring roles of Smolder Bravestone and Mouse Finbar, respectively.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle takes place decades after the events of the original film, and the iconic Jumanji board game is transformed into a new video game.
The main characters are a group of teenagers who unwittingly decide to play Jumanji when they find the old console and game. After being sucked into the Jumanji world, they turn into their Jumanji avatars and are thrust into a life-threatening challenge.
Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone, Kevin Hart as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, and Nick Jonas as Jefferson “Seaplane” McDonough in the 2017 fantasy adventure comedy film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
While many were critical of the fact that a Jumanji sequel was being produced so shortly after the untimely death of Robin Williams, who starred in the original film, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle still managed to be a huge success financially and won over critics and audiences alike with its fun brand of comedy and action.
What Is the Next Film Starring Kevin Hart and The Rock?
So far, these five films are the only ones featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart. It remains to be seen when their next film together will be released.
In August of 2021, Jumanji producer Hiram Garcia confirmed that there will be another sequel to the new series, although no recent news regarding the film has surfaced.
Dwayne Johnson looks sharp in a navy pinstripe suit while Kevin Hart opts for a stylish burgundy ensemble at the Central Intelligence premiere in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 2016 (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto)
Clearly, these two friends enjoy working together and will eventually produce another movie. We’ll have to wait and see!