The top 10 highest-grossing film actors

Johansson is most known for her iconic role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but she has also appeared in a huge range of other films spanning both blockbusters and arthouse fare. This combination of franchise power and genre versatility has made her a generation-defining star.

In addition to Johansson and Jackson, the list of the top 10 highest-grossing actors includes a whole host of household names, almost all of whom have appeared in the MCU at one point in time.

Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing Hollywood actors, based on lifetime global box office revenue.

1. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has officially become the highest-grossing actor in cinema ever, a status cemented by the recent success of Jurassic World Rebirth. Johansson, who is already a staple in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Black Widow, has also achieved success in other genres, including standout performances in Under the Skin, Her, JoJo Rabbit and Marriage Story.

Her ability to anchor billion-dollar blockbusters while also producing nuanced, award-nominated performances distinguishes her in a business that rarely recognises both. With fewer than 40 credited films, her average box office earnings are nothing short of incredible.

Johansson's rise to prominence is more than just a franchise win; it demonstrates that a female star can dominate global cinema without sacrificing quality.

2. Samuel L Jackson

Samuel L Jackson is one of the most successful and bankable actors in film history. With over 70 film credits, he has played iconic characters in franchises such as Star Wars, Avengers and The Incredibles. His character of Nick Fury in the Marvel Universe alone has appeared in several billion-dollar films.

Despite being recently surpassed by Scarlett Johansson, his consistency and cross-generational appeal remain unparalleled. Jackson's magnetic screen presence elevates every film he touches, whether he's playing the lead, supporting, or making a memorable cameo appearance. He is, and will always be, a cornerstone of Hollywood's film legacy — a true Big Kahuna.

3. Robert Downey Jr

Robert Downey Jr's portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe revitalised superhero movies as well as his own career. His magnetism and emotional depth created the foundation for billion-dollar films such as Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War and Civil War.

Outside of Marvel, he has delivered crowd-pleasers such as Sherlock Holmes, Tropic Thunder and Oppenheimer. Downey's career exemplifies both critical and commercial success, with about 45 films providing over $14 billion in revenue. Few actors have had such a significant impact on a franchise or contemporary blockbuster storytelling. The truth is... [he is] Iron Man.

4. Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is a sci-fi icon and a box office sensation. She has appeared in three of the top five highest-grossing films of all time, including Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. She has helped anchor billion-dollar universes with emotional depth and physicality in roles such as Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Neytiri in Avatar.

Her filmography includes only a few dozen titles, yet she’s surpassed $14 billion in total revenue, making her one of the most successful actors globally. Saldaña's presence in genre-defining series has given her a unique history, beloved by fans and unrivalled at the box office – while she also won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her turn in Emilia Perez.

5. Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt's savvy franchise decisions and endearing everyman image have helped him build his box office empire. Pratt is the voice of Mario in The Super Mario Bros Movie, Owen Grady in Jurassic World, and Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy, among other billion-dollar franchises in a variety of genres. He’s also voiced Emmet in The LEGO Movie, another major animated hit.

Despite having fewer than 35 credited pictures, he has earned almost $14 billion worldwide. Pratt's relatability and versatility — and his ability to switch between comedy, action and animation with ease — are what make him so appealing. He has established himself as a dependable and profitable lead in the era of movie universes.

6. Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is one of the last true action film icons. With no superhero credits to his name, he has amassed a $13.3 billion movie office total through sheer star power. His crown jewels are the Mission: Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick, the latter of which grossed $1.4 billion and became one of the most famous legacy sequels in history.

Cruise, who is notorious for performing his own stunts and providing high-octane thrills, continues to fascinate international audiences. His commitment to spectacle and storyline makes him a critical and financial force, demonstrating that even in an age of franchises, old-school movie fame is still relevant. He'll see you at the movies!

7. Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth claims the seventh spot with $12.1 billion. His role as Thor was a significant player in the MCU's success, with films such as Ragnarok, Infinity War and Endgame, while his charm and physicality added subtlety to the god of thunder.

Outside of Marvel, Hemsworth has starred in Extraction, 12 Strong and 2024's Furiosa, all of which have contributed to his global appeal. With fewer than 30 blockbuster pictures, Hemsworth's per-film average is outstanding. His ability to anchor franchise vehicles across genres cements his reputation as one of modern cinema's most reliable performers.

8. Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel ranks eighth with a career gross of $11.9 billion. Diesel, best known for leading the Fast & Furious trilogy and voicing Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, has established himself as a global box office force. His roles are few but powerfully consistent, and each contributes to impressive worldwide returns.

With only 28 film credits, he has one of the highest per-picture averages on this list. Diesel exhibits focused franchise dedication — creating, maintaining and benefiting from film universes and seldom ever leaving them.

9. Dwayne Johnson

With a total global box office revenue of $11.44 billion, Dwayne Johnson has maintained a commercially successful filmography – having starred in the Fast & Furious franchise, Jumanji reboots, Moana and Red Notice.

With nearly 40 credited films, his ability to create crowd-pleasing performances has made him one of the most bankable performers of the 21st century. Whether fighting earthquakes or jungle creatures, The Rock remains a dominant force at the box office. You’re welcome!

10. Chris Evans

Chris Evans rounds out the top 10, with $11.42 billion in box office revenue. While he has a similar gross to Johnson, he has a little lower per-film average and fewer overall entries. Evans, as Captain America, was an important part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Endgame, Infinity War and The Winter Soldier among many others.

However, outside of the MCU, his performances in Knives Out, Lightyear and Materialists have broadened his resume. With exceptional storytelling skills and a selective approach, Evans has attained blockbuster success while remaining focused on character-driven roles.

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