John Cena has established himself as a prominent figure in Hollywood, transitioning successfully from wrestling to acting with a series of commercially successful films. Among his diverse roles, the 2023 hit Barbie stands out as his highest grossing movie, pulling in $1.4 billion worldwide, solidifying his status beyond the wrestling ring.
While John Cena initially faced skepticism common for wrestlers turned actors, his perseverance and evolving performances have earned him leading and memorable roles in major franchises and animated features. This article ranks his top-grossing movies, highlighting both his live-action and voice acting achievements.
Biggest Blockbuster: John Cena’s Role in Barbie
The most commercially successful film of John Cena’s career is the 2023 fantasy comedy Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. The movie grossed an impressive $1.4 billion globally, far surpassing all of Cena’s other projects. In this film, he delivers a playful and unexpected performance as a version of Ken who is a long-haired merman—a small but unforgettable role that demonstrated his willingness to embrace humor and unexpected characters.
Strong Presence in the Fast & Furious Franchise
John Cena expanded his Hollywood standing with his portrayal of Jakob Toretto, Dominic Toretto’s estranged brother, in the Fast & Furious franchise. He appeared first in F9 (2021), which earned $726.2 million worldwide despite pandemic-related challenges in theaters. Here, Cena played the primary antagonist, perfectly fitting the villainous role opposite Vin Diesel.
He reprised this role in Fast X (2023), which secured $704.9 million globally. Although it underperformed domestically, it was a significant success internationally, further cementing Cena’s role in one of Hollywood’s most lucrative action series.
Notable Supporting Roles in Popular Comedies
John Cena has contributed memorable performances in comedic films, often stealing scenes even in smaller parts. In the 2015 hit Daddy’s Home, which grossed $242.8 million globally, he played “Cool Dad,” a muscular presence who overshadows even Mark Wahlberg’s character. This role showcased his ability to embody amusing yet imposing characters.
He also appeared in the sequel Daddy’s Home 2 (2017), which earned $180.6 million worldwide. In this film, Cena portrayed Roger, an intimidating figure whose commanding presence brought extra energy to the ensemble cast.
Success in Animation Through Voice Acting
John Cena’s voice acting has been featured in multiple animated hits, broadening his appeal to younger audiences. In the 2017 family movie Ferdinand, directed by Carlos Saldanha, he voiced the lead character, a gentle bull named Ferdinand. The film grossed $296 million worldwide and was praised for its heartfelt narrative and family-friendly message.
In the 2020 adventure Dolittle, Cena voiced Yoshi, a talking polar bear with a humorous dislike of cold weather. Despite the film earning $251 million globally, Cena’s role added a distinct charm alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s lead performance.
More recently, he voiced Rocksteady, a rhinoceros mutant villain, in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023), which raked in $181.9 million worldwide. This animated reboot received acclaim for its animation style and storytelling, with Cena’s participation linking him to a franchise with a long-standing fanbase.
Key Roles in Genre Films and Franchises
John Cena has also made significant contributions to genre films that attract wide audiences. One such example is the 2018 hit Bumblebee, a spinoff from the Transformers series directed by Travis Knight. The film grossed $468 million worldwide and featured Cena as Agent Burns, a villainous operative working to capture the titular character.
In the 2021 DC Comics film The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, Cena played Peacemaker, a foul-mouthed antihero. The movie earned $168.7 million globally and received enough attention to inspire the HBO Max series Peacemaker, further expanding Cena’s reach in the superhero genre.
From Wrestling to Hollywood: Cena’s Growth as an Actor
John Cena’s journey from WWE to mainstream acting began with modest starts, such as his debut in the underwhelming WWE Films project The Marine. His role in Judd Apatow’s 2015 comedy Trainwreck marked a turning point, showcasing his comedic talent and paving the way to higher profile projects. Trainwreck grossed $140 million worldwide and proved Cena’s ability to compete in Hollywood beyond physical roles.
Although Cena has experienced some missteps and lesser-known films along the way, his consistent presence in high-grossing movies highlights the industry’s growing acceptance of wrestlers as legitimate actors. His performances have varied from villainous roles to comedic and voice acting, underscoring his versatility.
The Impact and Future Outlook of John Cena’s Film Career
John Cena’s ranking among the highest earners in movies demonstrates his steady ascent in Hollywood. His participation in tentpole franchises like Fast & Furious and contributions to critically and commercially successful films such as Barbie signal a strong future. Cena has successfully shed the stereotype of wrestlers being just action figures, proving he can handle a range of roles with charm and intensity.
As streaming platforms continue to invest in series like Peacemaker, and blockbuster films remain a core part of global entertainment, Cena’s visibility is expected to grow. His ability to embrace both leading and supporting roles in various genres ensures that he will remain a significant figure in Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is John Cena diagnosed with?
A. Wrestling star John Cena has skin cancer. Doctors found melanoma on his chest and back, one year apart. The diagnosis altered his view on life. Cena urges men to pay more attention to skin health.
Q. What is John Cena’s rare disease?
A. John Cena recently talked about why he decided to get a hair transplant to cover his bald spot. In a recent interview, the WWE star criticized wrestling critics for “bullying” him into making this choice.
