25 Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time and The Films Behind Their Billions

Hollywood began with filmmakers experimenting in the early 1900s, developing new lighting, editing, and sound techniques to bring stories to life. Today, the industry generates over $61 billion yearly and relies on one essential element: acting. Performers spend years training in voice, movement, and emotional expression to bring scripts to life as believable characters.

Audiences respond by forming loyal followings for their favorite stars, from Tom Hanks’s relatable charm to Scarlett Johansson’s powerful on-screen presence. That fan support translates directly into box office success. In modern cinema, an actor’s total gross, measured by ticket sales worldwide, provides a clear and objective way to evaluate their commercial impact, often outweighing awards or critical reviews.

This focus on numbers has given rise to the definitive list of the highest-grossing actors of all time, a ranking based on cumulative box office earnings. This list reveals how innovative role selections, franchise involvement, and steady audience appeal combine to build record-breaking careers. In the following sections, we’ll present the top 25 actors by total gross, highlighting the key films and career decisions that propelled them to the top of the box office charts.

Meet the Billion-Dollar Club: A Quick-View of the 25 Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time:

For easier understanding, a summary table of the 25 highest-grossing actors of all time appears below. This overview lets you quickly scan the major stars, their most successful films, and key earnings at a glance, followed by an in-depth examination of each actor’s journey and box office impact.

Rank	Actor	Number of Films	Estimated Lifetime Gross	Highest Grossing Film	Average Gross per Film
1	Samuel L. Jackson	150+	~$27.8B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$185M
2	Scarlett Johansson	50+	~$25.8B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$516M
3	Robert Downey Jr.	70+	~$22.9B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$327M
4	Chris Evans	35+	~$17.6B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$503M
5	Chris Hemsworth	30+	~$17.4B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$580M
6	Tom Hanks	60+	~$9.8B	Toy Story 4 ($1.07B)	$163M
7	Chris Pratt	25+	~$14.2B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$568M
8	Zoe Saldaña	35+	~$14.1B	Avatar: The Way of Water ($2.3B)	$402M
9	Mark Ruffalo	40+	~$12.6B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$315M
10	Benedict Cumberbatch	25+	~$11.9B	Avengers: Endgame ($2.79B)	$476M
11	Vin Diesel	30+	~$11.7B	Furious 7 ($1.52B)	$390M
12	Tom Cruise	50+	~$12.6B	Mission: Impossible – Fallout ($791M)	$124M
13	Brad Pitt	80+	~$11.2B	World War Z ($540M)	$140M
14	Dwayne Johnson	25+	~$10.9B	Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ($962M)	$436M
15	Hugh Jackman	40+	~$10.5B	Logan ($619M)	$262M
16	Chris Pine	30+	~$7.6B	Wonder Woman ($822M)	$253M
17	Angelina Jolie	60+	~$9.1B	Maleficent ($758M)	$152M
18	Keanu Reeves	50+	~$7.5B	The Matrix Reloaded ($742M)	$150M
19	Jennifer Lawrence	25+	~$7.2B	The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ($865M)	$288M
20	Leonardo DiCaprio	35+	~$7.1B	Titanic ($2.19B)	$203M
21	Mark Wahlberg	50+	~$6.8B	Transformers: Age of Extinction ($1.1B)	$136M
22	Emma Watson	20+	~$6.5B	Beauty and the Beast ($1.26B)	$325M
23	Will Smith	45+	~$6.3B	Men in Black ($589M)	$140M
24	Christian Bale	35+	~$6.1B	The Dark Knight ($1.005B)	$174M
25	Zoe Kravitz	20+	~$7.8B	The Batman ($770M)	$390M

1. Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has made an art of commanding any scene, from his intense portrayal of Jules in Pulp Fiction to his steadfast leadership as Nick Fury in the Marvel films. His natural energy, sharp delivery, and ability to balance drama with humor have kept audiences returning for decades. Jackson’s films have grossed around $27.8 billion worldwide, solidifying his place among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

2. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson’s journey from independent dramas to blockbuster lead roles showcases her range and appeal. Known globally for her work as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she balances commercial hits with award-worthy turns in films like Marriage Story and Lost in Translation. Johansson’s films have amassed roughly $25.8 billion worldwide, earning her recognition as the top female member of the highest-grossing actors ever.

3. Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.’s story is one of Hollywood’s most incredible comebacks. After early acclaim in films like Chaplin and personal struggles in the 1990s, he reinvented himself as Tony Stark in Iron Man, changing the trajectory of cinema forever. Downey’s charisma, wit, and vulnerability made Iron Man one of the most beloved heroes, and his return to stardom shows how talent and perseverance can rewrite a career.

4. Chris Evans

Chris Evans captured hearts as Steve Rogers in Captain America and the Avengers series, delivering a grounded, relatable hero. His sincere portrayal and off-screen likability have built audience trust, making him one of the most reliable box office draws. Evans’s films have grossed about $17.6 billion worldwide, a testament to his enduring appeal and spot among the highest-grossing actors.

5. Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor blends commanding presence with playful charm, anchoring one of the MCU’s most beloved heroes. His physical commitment and ease with humor have kept audiences engaged since his debut. Hemsworth’s projects have grossed roughly $17.4 billion globally, placing him among the highest-grossing actors.

6. Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks’s warm, everyman performances, from Forrest Gump to Woody in Toy Story, have endeared him to global audiences. His authentic, nuanced acting brings depth to comedies and dramas, earning trust with every role. Hanks’s films have generated around $9.8 billion at the box office, cementing his status among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

7. Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt’s likable wit and easygoing charm propelled him from TV comedy to leading roles as Star-Lord and Owen Grady in Jurassic World. He brings a natural humor and physicality that resonate across age groups. Pratt’s films have earned about $14.2 billion worldwide.

8. Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is the only actor in three franchises, Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy, each topping $1 billion. Her grounded performances elevate blockbuster spectacle with emotional honesty. Saldaña’s cumulative gross of around $14.1 billion places her among the highest-grossing actors.

9. Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo brings humanity to the most unlikely characters and is among the highest-grossing actors ever. As Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the MCU, he struck the perfect balance between intellect and vulnerability. Outside of superhero films, he has been acclaimed for thoughtful performances in Spotlight and Foxcatcher. His career bridges art house credibility and blockbuster fame, making him one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

10. Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch blends classical training with blockbuster work, portraying Doctor Strange and earning praise in The Imitation Game. Cumberbatch’s films have grossed around $11.9 billion globally. His precise delivery and emotional range make him a standout lead. 

11. Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel’s deep voice and stoic presence defined the Fast & Furious franchise, turning street-racing thrillers into global tentpoles. He balances ensemble work with solo action roles like Riddick. Diesel’s films have amassed about $11.7 billion worldwide, ranking him among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

12. Tom Cruise

For decades, Tom Cruise has defined the Hollywood movie star. Known for doing his own death-defying stunts, his dedication to entertainment shines through films like Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, and Jerry Maguire. Cruise embodies the old-school blockbuster ethos, consistently delivering thrilling spectacle mixed with emotional resonance. At 60+, he’s still one of the biggest draws in the world, proving true star power doesn’t fade with age. 

13. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt’s effortless charisma anchors everything from Fight Club to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He chooses projects that mix commercial appeal with critical depth as an actor-producer. Pitt’s body of work has grossed about $11.2 billion worldwide, earning him among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

14. Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s magnetic energy carries everything from Jumanji to Fast & Furious. His blend of humor, action chops, and social media savvy turns each release into an event. Johnson’s films have grossed nearly $10.9 billion worldwide, making him among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

Also Read:

• Top 20 Richest Actors in the World in 2025: Net Worth, Notable Work, and Investments
• You Won’t Believe Who Tops the List of the Highest Paid Actors in the World

15. Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman brought Wolverine to life with raw emotion and physicality across multiple X-Men films, while his musical turns in Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman show surprising range. Jackman’s films have earned about $10.5 billion worldwide, earning him a spot among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

16. Chris Pine

Chris Pine’s easy charm and strong work ethic propelled him from Star Trek’s USS Enterprise to Wonder Woman’s heroic world. His blend of humor and action earns him roles that consistently perform at the box office. Pine’s films have grossed around $7.6 billion worldwide, ranking him among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

17. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie commands the screen with memorable roles in Tomb Raider and Maleficent, bringing fierce determination and depth to her characters. Off-screen, her humanitarian work as a UN ambassador adds dimension to her fame. Jolie’s films have grossed about $9.1 billion worldwide, cementing her place among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

18. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves’s calm intensity made The Matrix and John Wick cultural phenomena. His grounded approach and off-screen generosity—he shared profits with the crew—resonate with fans. Reeves’s films have grossed around $7.5 billion globally, earning him a spot among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

19. Jennifer Lawrence

In Winter’s Bone, Jennifer Lawrence burst onto screens and became a global star with The Hunger Games. Her mix of humor, vulnerability, and intensity creates characters that connect with young adults and critics. Lawrence’s films have grossed about $7.2 billion worldwide, making her one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.

20. Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio’s partnership with directors like James Cameron and Martin Scorsese resulted in Titanic, The Revenant, and Inception, films that blend mass appeal with artistry. His environmental activism off-screen bolsters his reputation. DiCaprio’s films have grossed around $7.1 billion worldwide, ranking him among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

21. Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg’s shift from music to Film led to hits like Transformers and Ted, showcasing his ability to lead action and comedy. His everyman persona and willingness to tackle varied roles have driven his films to about $6.8 billion globally, earning him among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

22. Emma Watson

Emma Watson’s role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series laid the groundwork for later hits like Beauty and the Beast. Her thoughtful role choices and advocacy for gender equality have endeared her to fans. Watson’s films have grossed around $6.5 billion worldwide, placing her among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

23. Will Smith

Will Smith’s transition from The Fresh Prince to blockbuster leads in Independence Day and Men in Black showcases his versatility. His natural charm and work ethic keep audiences engaged. Smith’s films have grossed about $6.3 billion worldwide, earning him a spot among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

24. Christian Bale

Christian Bale’s intense physical transformations for roles like The Machinist and his commanding presence as Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy have earned him critical and commercial success. His dedication has driven his films to about $6.1 billion worldwide, placing him among the highest-grossing actors of all time.

25. Zoe Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz’s recent roles in The Batman and X-Men: First Class show her rising star power. Her blend of intensity, naturalism, and stylistic flair has helped her films earn about $7.8 billion worldwide, earning her a spot among the highest-grossing actors of all time. With an emerging directorial career, Kravitz is set to climb even higher.

Also Read:

• Top 20 Richest Actresses in the World [2025] – Net Worth, Careers & Business Ventures
• Top 20 Highest-Paid Celebrities in the World: Film, Music, Sports & Influencers
• Top 20 Highest Paid Actresses in the World [2025]

Understanding Box Office Gross: Metrics That Count

Total Gross refers to the combined revenue earned by films in which an actor played a significant role, either lead or ensemble. It’s a straightforward measure, but only part of the picture.

Worldwide Total splits that into domestic (usually the U.S. and Canada) and international (everywhere else). Global audiences can make or break a film’s success more than ever.

Average Gross per Film helps us see who performs consistently, not just occasionally. An actor who’s appeared in ten mega-blockbusters likely has a higher average than someone in fifty modest hits.

Actors with roles in franchises are the backbone of many high-grossing films on the list. Suppose a reliable source includes voice roles in animated hits or brief cameos, even if they’re small, count, too. However, for clarity, our list leans on leading or ensemble starring roles, offering a cleaner comparison of impact.

Actors by Decade: Charting the Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time

• 1980s: Tom Cruise’s Top Gun and Rain Man combined stunt-driven spectacle with dramatic depth.
• 1990s: Leonardo DiCaprio broke out in Titanic, while Brad Pitt challenged conventions in Fight Club.
• 2000s: Samuel L. Jackson dominated with Pulp Fiction and Jurassic Park roles, as Tom Hanks balanced hits from Cast Away to The Da Vinci Code.
• 2010s: Robert Downey Jr. redefined stardom through the MCU, anchoring multiple billion-dollar films.
• 2020s: Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth solidified their legacies in interconnected franchises, while Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldaña expanded their box office reach across Guardians, Star Trek, and beyond.

Global vs. Domestic Box Office Dominance

While some actors shine strongest in North America, others command international markets. Tom Hanks’s family-friendly dramas perform consistently at home, but global audiences flock to Chris Hemsworth’s Asgardian adventures. Dwayne Johnson’s action-comedies, like Jumanji, earn nearly equal shares abroad and domestically, illustrating his universal draw. These variations underscore the value of cross-market appeal in achieving billion-dollar career totals.

Franchise Powerhouses: How The Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time Built Blockbuster Empires

Major franchises turbocharge career grosses. Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man trilogy and Avengers films contribute over $15 billion to his total. Zoe Saldaña’s involvement in Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek is worth nearly $9 billion. Chris Pratt’s roles in Jurassic World, the MCU, and Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible series highlight how recurring characters and multiyear commitments convert fan loyalty into sustained box office success.

Rising Stars to Watch

A new generation is climbing the ranks: Timothée Chalamet’s turn in Dune and Wonka promises major grosses. At the same time, Florence Pugh’s roles in Black Widow and upcoming projects hint at her burgeoning box office pull. Pedro Pascal’s recent Guardians cameo and potential solo films position him for inclusion on future lists. These emerging talents demonstrate that strong franchise debuts and awards buzz can rapidly boost an actor’s commercial standing.

Industry Impact

Box office success translates into creative control, higher salaries, and production opportunities. Like Jennifer Lawrence and Mark Wahlberg, actors at the top often produce or select projects, shaping industry trends. Their ability to guarantee returns allows studios to greenlight riskier, more diverse films. In turn, these stars influence not just earnings but the types of stories Hollywood tells, cementing their legacies on and off screen.

Conclusion 

Who surprised you? Which actor’s consistency or surprising franchise reveal warms your film fan heart? 

This journey through the highest-grossing actors of all time shows us that box office power isn’t just a static number. It’s formed by decades of work, global connection, choices rooted in craft, and audience trust. Scarlett Johansson’s recent victory reflects both blockbuster and storytelling depth. Samuel L. Jackson’s enduring reign speaks to versatility and ubiquity. And actors like Downey Jr., Pratt, Saldaña, and Cruise all remind us that global reach grows from consistency, charm, and willingness to explore genres and characters.

Citations & Further Reading 

• https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-star-records/domestic/lifetime-acting/top-grossing-leading-stars
• https://variety.com/lists/highest-grossing-actors-box-office