John Cena’s successful transition from the wrestling ring to the silver screen underscores his versatility as an entertainer. Born in 1977 in Massachusetts, Cena gained international acclaim in WWE after joining in 2001. He made a striking debut in 2002 on “SmackDown!”and subsequently became a 13-time WWE Champion, setting a record in the industry.
However, Cena had his sights set beyond professional wrestling. His film career commenced in 2006 with “The Marine, ”followed by roles in “12 Rounds”(2008) and “Legendary”(2010), all produced by WWE Studios. The turning point in his acting career arrived in 2015 with the comedic films “Trainwreck”and “Sisters.”Since then, his ability to excel in comedy has shone brightly, as demonstrated by a range of noteworthy films and television shows.
10 Daddy’s Home 2 (2017)
John Cena as Roger
In 2017, “Daddy’s Home 2″featured Cena in a more prominent role than in its predecessor. He reprises his role as Roger, the ex-husband of Dusty’s (Mark Wahlberg) wife Karen. This time, Roger’s character drives the plot in a comedic conflict with Dusty as he attempts to win back Karen’s affection. Although the sequel did not garner the same acclaim as the original, Cena’s performance emerged as a highlight. His on-screen chemistry with Wahlberg and some heartfelt moments, like his decision to stay for a Christmas celebration with his daughter, added depth and laughter to the film.
9 Vacation Friends (2021)
John Cena as Ron
“Vacation Friends, ”released directly on Hulu in 2021, saw Cena taking on a more eccentric role, showcasing his knack for absurd comedy. In this ensemble cast film directed by Clay Tarver, Cena plays Ron, who, alongside his partner Kyla (Meredith Hagner), unexpectedly disrupts the wedding of Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji).Despite mixed reviews, Cena’s portrayal brings infectious energy and light-hearted chaos, solidifying “Vacation Friends”as one of his standout films.
8 The Wall (2017)
John Cena as Staff Sergeant Shane Matthews
In contrast to his comedic roles, “The Wall”(2017) showcases Cena’s dramatic chops. Directed by Doug Liman, this intense film features Cena as Staff Sergeant Shane Matthews, an Army infantryman trapped in a deadlock with a sniper in Iraq. Co-starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the film’s tension is palpable, and Cena’s performance adds depth, making it a must-watch for fans who primarily associate him with comedy or wrestling.
7 Argyle (2024)
John Cena as Wyatt
Set to captivate audiences in 2024, “Argylle”is a spy comedy directed by Matthew Vaughn, featuring a star-studded ensemble including Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard. Cena plays Wyatt, a character within the mind of author Elly Conway. Although he isn’t the focal point, Cena’s dynamic presence enhances the film’s overall enjoyment, leaving viewers eager for more of Wyatt should a sequel materialize.
6 Blockers (2018)
John Cena as Mitchell Mannes
“Blockers”(2018) is a modern teen comedy that shifts focus from male-centered narratives to empower female perspectives. Cena portrays Mitchell, an overprotective father grappling with his daughter’s burgeoning independence and a group of teenagers navigating prom night challenges. His performance resonates with comedic authenticity while showcasing a more subdued side, proving his versatility in various roles.
5 Bumblebee (2018)
John Cena as Jack Burns
“Bumblebee, ”a 2018 spin-off from the Transformers franchise, marks a refreshing shift in tone, showcasing Cena as Sector 7 agent Jack Burns. Cena breathes humor into the character, who could have easily been one-dimensional. His comedic instincts shine through in memorable scenes, reinforcing the film’s lighter, more character-driven approach and making it one of his best features.
4 Ricky Stanicky (2024)
John Cena as Rod/Ricky Stanicky
In 2024’s “Ricky Stanicky, ”directed by Peter Farrelly, Cena fully embraces the comedy genre. This film, available via Amazon Prime Video, features a group of friends who create a fictitious character, Ricky Stanicky, to deflect blame for their mischief. Cena’s portrayal of Rod, who ends up playing the ‘real’ Ricky Stanicky, highlights his comedic prowess. Despite mixed reviews, Cena’s energetic performance reaffirms his ability to take on exaggerated comedic roles effectively.
3 F9 (2021)
John Cena as Jacob Toretto
Cena joins the iconic “Fast & Furious”franchise in “F9″(2021), portraying Jakob Toretto, the estranged brother of Dom (Vin Diesel).His character introduces new familial dynamics into the franchise, and Cena’s physicality and fierce screen presence make him a formidable adversary. This role not only broadened his cinematic scope but also highlighted his capabilities in blockbuster action films.
2 The Suicide Squad (2021)
John Cena as Peacemaker (AKA Christopher Smith)
“The Suicide Squad”(2021), helmed by James Gunn, featured Cena as Peacemaker, a role that quickly became a fan favorite. The film’s ensemble cast, including stars like Margot Robbie and Idris Elba, allows Cena to shine with his blend of humor and action. His memorable portrayal of the anti-hero contributed to the film’s success and resulted in a dedicated spin-off series, solidifying his place in the superhero genre.
1 Peacemaker (2022-Present)
John Cena as Peacemaker (AKA Christopher Smith)
The spin-off series “Peacemaker, ”which premiered in 2022, exemplifies Cena’s talent perfectly. Expanding on his character from “The Suicide Squad, ”the series integrates elements of dark comedy across eight engaging episodes. The show’s success has led to anticipation for its second season, and Cena’s chemistry with the supporting characters, particularly Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante, enhances its appeal. Without a doubt, “Peacemaker”stands as the pinnacle of John Cena’s film and television career.
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