Scarlett Johansson Tops List: The Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time Revealed!

In an official announcement, it’s been confirmed that Scarlett Johansson surpassed Samuel L. Jackson as the movie industry’s top earner, holding the record for the highest-grossing actor in history.

Through its contribution to a grand total of almost $15 billion in worldwide box office earnings, the newest film starring Johansson, titled “Jurassic World: Dominion,” has surpassed Jackson’s previous record, placing her at the forefront.

Johansson is primarily recognized for portraying Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role that has earned her iconic status. Yet, she’s also graced the screen in numerous other films, encompassing blockbusters and art-house productions. This unique blend of commercial success and genre adaptability has established her as a star who defines her generation.

Apart from Johansson and Jackson, the roster of the top 10 most financially successful actors is filled with familiar faces, mostly having graced the Marvel Cinematic Universe at some stage.

Let’s examine the ten most successful Hollywood actors, ranked by their total worldwide box office earnings throughout their careers.

1. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson now holds the record for the highest-earning actor in cinema history, a position bolstered by the recent triumph of Jurassic World: Dominion. Known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johansson has also made a name for herself in various other genres with notable performances in Under the Skin, Her, JoJo Rabbit, and Marriage Story.

She stands out uniquely in an industry seldom acknowledging dual talents by successfully hosting high-grossing blockbusters and delivering critically acclaimed performances, with box office revenues from just under 40 movies that are truly impressive.

Johansson’s ascent to stardom goes beyond just a successful film series; it underscores the fact that a woman can command the global film industry while maintaining high-quality work.

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2. Samuel L Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is renowned as one of cinema’s most prosperous and reliable actors, boasting an impressive filmography with more than 70 credits. He has brought to life memorable characters across popular franchises like Star Wars, Avengers, and The Incredibles. Notably, his portrayal of Nick Fury within the Marvel Universe graced several films that collectively grossed billions at the box office.

Although Scarlett Johansson has recently outshone him, Jackson’s unmatched consistency across generations and captivating screen presence continue to set him apart. His ability to elevate any movie he’s involved in, be it as the main actor, supporting role, or making a lasting impression with brief appearances, is legendary. He remains a fundamental pillar of Hollywood’s cinematic history — an undeniable titan in the industry.

3. Robert Downey Jr

Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe significantly boosted both superhero movies and his own acting career. His charisma and emotional richness laid the groundwork for blockbuster hits like Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War, and Civil War, which collectively earned billions of dollars.

Beyond the Marvel universe, he has given hit movies like Sherlock Holmes, Tropic Thunder, and Oppenheimer. Downey Jr.’s career showcases both critical and financial triumph, with approximately 45 films generating over $14 billion in earnings. Few actors have left such a remarkable imprint on a franchise or modern blockbuster storytelling. In reality… [he is] the Iron Man.

4. Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is a renowned figure in science fiction films, and she’s also a big draw at the box office. She’s been featured in three out of the top five highest-earning movies ever made, like Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War, and Endgame. Her performances have played a significant role in establishing these billion-dollar franchises with their emotional nuances and physicality, as demonstrated by her characters Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy and Neytiri in Avatar.

Zoe Saldaña boasts an modest filmography comprising just a few dozen titles, but her remarkable success has amassed over $14 billion in global box office revenue, positioning her among the world’s most financially successful actors. With memorable roles in groundbreaking series and a beloved performance earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Perez, Saldaña’s unique history continues to captivate fans.

5. Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt’s shrewd choices in film franchises and his relatable everyday persona have contributed significantly to his thriving movie career. Known for his roles as Mario in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. film, Owen Grady in Jurassic World, Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy, and many more characters from high-grossing franchises across different genres, Pratt has also lent his voice to Emmet in The LEGO Movie, another blockbuster animated production.

With less than 35 films under his belt, he’s amassed nearly $14 billion globally. Chris Pratt’s charm and adaptability, coupled with his knack for seamlessly transitioning between comedic, action, and animated roles, make him highly attractive to audiences. He has solidified his position as a reliable and lucrative lead in the age of cinematic universes.

6. Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise stands out as one of the few remaining action movie legends without any superhero roles to his name. Instead, he has accumulated an impressive box office total of $13.3 billion primarily through his undeniable charisma. Some of his most prized works include the Mission: Impossible series and Top Gun: Maverick, which earned over $1.4 billion and made history as one of the most successful legacy sequels ever produced.

Known for his daring self-performed stunts and delivering heart-pounding excitement, this star remains captivating to global audiences. His dedication to creating both visually stunning moments and compelling narratives solidifies his position as a significant influence in both critical acclaim and financial success. Even with the rise of franchises, it’s clear that classic movie stardom continues to resonate – join us at the cinema!

7. Chris Hemsworth

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can proudly say that I earned the seventh spot on the list of highest-grossing actors, raking in a staggering $12.1 billion. My transformation into the mighty Thor has been instrumental in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s triumph, with blockbusters like Ragnarok, Infinity War, and Endgame contributing significantly to this success. My charm and physicality have not only brought the god of thunder to life but also infused him with a subtle depth that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Beyond his work with Marvel, Chris Hemsworth has also shone in films like Extraction, 12 Strong, and the upcoming Furiosa in 2024. These roles have significantly boosted his global popularity. Considering he’s only starred in a small number of blockbuster movies, approximately 30, the quality of his performances has been consistently impressive. Hemsworth’s versatility in leading various genre-based film franchises solidifies his standing as one of today’s most dependable actors in cinema.

8. Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel places eighth in terms of career earnings, totalling an impressive $11.9 billion. Recognized primarily for his leading role in the Fast & Furious franchise and as the voice behind Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, Diesel has solidified himself as a powerful presence at the global box office. Despite having limited roles, his performances consistently pack a punch, contributing significantly to substantial earnings worldwide.

Among those with just 28 films to their name, he boasts one of the highest average contributions per film (on this list). Diesel consistently demonstrates commitment to franchises, developing, nurturing, and profiting from movie worlds, rarely venturing outside them.

9. Dwayne Johnson

Boasting a movie career that raked in approximately $11.44 billion at worldwide box offices, Dwayne Johnson has consistently delivered commercially successful films. This is evident from his roles in the Fast & Furious series, the Jumanji reboots, Moana, and Red Notice.

In the first person as a fan: I’ve got to admit, with almost 40 films under his belt and an uncanny knack for delivering crowd-pleasing performances, he’s become one of the 21st century’s most reliable stars at the box office. Whether it’s battling earthquakes or jungle beasts, The Rock just keeps on dominating the silver screen!

10. Chris Evans

Chris Evans ranks as number 10 on the list, earning a total box office revenue of $11.42 billion. Even though he has earnings comparable to Johnson’s, his average per-film income is slightly lower and he has fewer film appearances overall. As Captain America, Evans played a pivotal role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring in Endgame, Infinity War, The Winter Soldier, and several other films.

As a devoted fan, I must say that beyond his Marvel Cinematic Universe roles, Chris Evans’ performances in Knives Out, Lightyear, and Materialists have truly expanded his acting repertoire. With an uncanny knack for captivating storytelling and a strategic eye towards selecting projects, he has managed to conquer the box office while maintaining a deep commitment to character-centric roles.

2025-07-16 14:41