Screen Stars with Serious Pull: 25 Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time Who Changed the Business of Blockbusters

Filmmaking has always been about creating moments that resonate with audiences worldwide. Great actors possess the unique ability to transform stories into experiences that connect deeply with viewers. Cinema creates characters that audiences love, fear, and remember long after leaving the theater.

Who are some of the highest-grossing actresses of all time? Women have emerged as some of the most prominent figures in the film industry, achieving critical acclaim and massive commercial success. Their box office numbers reveal an inspiring journey of remarkable talent, dedication, and star power. These actresses have proven that their craft goes beyond mere performance. Stars can deliver consistent hits, which has made them incredibly bankable, with studios eager to invest in projects featuring these proven performers. The influence these women wield extends far beyond their roles, as they have become powerful forces who can greenlight projects and change the course of entire franchises.

In this article, we have curated a list of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, along with their iconic roles that transformed them into box office biggies. 

25 Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time Who Changed Hollywood 

This expanded table provides a comprehensive view of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, including their career statistics, followed by a brief examination of each actress’s journey and box office impact. The data shows interesting patterns, such as Emma Watson achieving the highest average gross per film at $513.3 M despite having only 18 films, mainly due to her role in the Harry Potter franchise. Meanwhile, actresses like Scarlett Johansson and Zoe Saldaña have built their massive totals through extensive filmographies spanning major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Avatar series.

Rank	Actress Name	Number of Films	Estimated Lifetime Gross	Average Gross per Film
1	Scarlett Johansson	40	$14,567,769,802	$364.2M
2	Zoe Saldaña	35	$14,297,316,199	$408.5M
3	Emma Watson	18	$9,239,404,832	$513.3M
4	Karen Gillan	28	$8,519,221,694	$304.3M
5	Elizabeth Olsen	25	$8,424,041,479	$337.0M
6	Letitia Wright	22	$7,562,947,810	$343.8M
7	Danai Gurira	18	$7,027,751,905	$390.4M
8	Pom Klementieff	15	$6,555,100,214	$437.0M
9	Gwyneth Paltrow	45	$6,166,883,844	$137.1M
10	Jennifer Lawrence	25	$6,081,167,202	$243.2M
11	Cameron Diaz	40	$5,827,053,005	$145.7M
12	Natalie Portman	38	$5,577,121,403	$146.8M
13	Brie Larson	20	$5,497,118,578	$274.9M
14	Julia Roberts	45	$5,440,000,192	$120.9M
15	Sandra Bullock	40	$5,400,503,732	$135.0M
16	Michelle Rodriguez	35	$4,950,387,609	$141.4M
17	Daisy Ridley	12	$4,851,662,539	$404.3M
18	Lupita Nyong’o	20	$4,502,230,769	$225.1M
19	Evangeline Lilly	25	$4,395,633,202	$175.8M
20	Meryl Streep	65	$4,394,250,945	$67.6M
21	Keira Knightley	35	$4,176,250,848	$119.3M
22	Charlize Theron	40	$4,170,767,491	$104.3M
23	Michelle Pfeiffer	55	$4,045,261,143	$73.6M
24	Kristen Stewart	35	$4,042,960,637	$115.5M
25	Angelina Jolie	45	$4,036,056,360	$89.7M

1. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has become one of the most recognized faces in cinema, primarily through her role as Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in Marvel films. Her ability to balance action-packed blockbusters with emotional performances in movies like Marriage Story makes her stand out. Scarlett is an actress with range, and that’s the reason why she remains among the highest-grossing actresses of all time, drawing audiences worldwide for decades.

2. Zoe Saldaña

It’s no surprise Zoe Saldaña ranks high among the highest-grossing actresses, with billions at the global box office. Zoe is unique because she has starred in not just one, but several of the highest-grossing franchises ever made. From playing Neytiri in Avatar to Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy and Uhura in Star Trek, her career shows remarkable consistency. Fans admire her ability to bring depth to sci-fi and fantasy roles. 

3. Emma Watson

Emma Watson‘s journey is rare, as she grew up on screen while starring as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. Those films alone pulled in billions, instantly putting her name in the list of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Later, her role as Belle in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast only added to her massive totals. Beyond numbers, Emma is admired for portraying strong, intelligent, and inspiring characters that audiences cherish.

4. Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan‘s move from British television to international films has been extraordinary. Known for playing Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she has shared the screen with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and heroes. The Jumanji films further proved her ability to entertain audiences with comedy and action. Her growing list of credits has placed her among the highest-grossing actresses, with box office totals rising.

5. Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen has made her mark with her unforgettable role as Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch. From Avengers: Age of Ultron to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, her characters helped shape some of Marvel’s biggest storylines. What makes her stand out is the emotional weight she brings to superhero films. It’s no wonder that her films continue to attract global audiences.

6. Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright became a breakout star after being Shuri in Black Panther. Her intelligence, humor, and energy on screen made her character a fan favorite. By reprising the role in Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she has quickly joined the list of the highest-grossing actresses ever. Letitia’s career is still young, but her contributions to blockbuster franchises prove her star power is undeniable.

7. Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is known for bringing strength and heart to her roles, both on the big screen and the stage. As Okoye in Black Panther and the Avengers films, she helped lead Wakanda’s warriors and delivered powerful performances that audiences loved. These films made her one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Beyond blockbusters, she is also a talented playwright, making her career even more inspiring.

8. Pom Klementieff

With her rising popularity and continued work in Marvel, Pom Klementieff has solidified her spot among the highest-grossing actresses of all time with numbers that keep climbing as her career grows. Pom’s quirky charm as Mantis in the Guardians of the Galaxy made her a fan favorite. Her role expanded in Avengers: Endgame and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, where she joined one of the most prominent ensembles in movie history. 

9. Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow has had a remarkable career, with success spanning from award-winning performances to box office giants. Her role as Pepper Potts in the Marvel films contributed greatly to her ranking among the highest-grossing actresses of all time. At the same time, she is remembered for classics like Shakespeare in Love, which earned her an Academy Award. Her steady presence in Hollywood highlights both her talent and her long-lasting popularity.

10. Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence became a household name through her role as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. That franchise and her work as Mystique in the X-Men series earned her a solid position among the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Known for her natural charm, relatable personality, and powerful performances in dramas like Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer has proven she can lead critically acclaimed films and box office hits.

11. Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz dominated the box office in the late 1990s and 2000s with successful comedies, action films, and family hits. Her career proved she could do everything from There’s Something About Mary to Charlie’s Angels and Shrek.  Her varied roles make her one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, with billions earned worldwide. As a voice actor in Shrek, she helped create one of animation’s biggest franchises.

12. Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is a rare blend of commercial success and critical acclaim. Her role as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy helped cement her global recognition, while her performances in Marvel’s Thor films added billions more. Beyond blockbusters, her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan shows her dramatic power. Her career proves that art and box office success can coexist.

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13. Brie Larson

Brie Larson has achieved phenomenal success in a short span, thanks mainly to her role as Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Captain Marvel alone grossed over a billion dollars, making her one of the youngest names on the list of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Her Academy Award for Room proved her acting depth, while her blockbuster presence has made her a household name across the globe.

14. Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts has a decades-long career and is one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading ladies. Known for films like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Ocean’s Eleven, she combines star power with universal appeal. She continues to be an effortless actress whose performances are loved by audiences worldwide.

15. Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock has been one of the most consistent stars in Hollywood, known for mixing romantic comedies with action-packed thrillers. From Speed to Gravity, her career highlights are filled with box office milestones. Her role in Gravity alone brought in over $700 million globally. Sandra’s warm personality, strong screen presence, and versatility have earned her a spot among the highest-grossing actresses of all time, with decades of proven audience appeal.

16. Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is best known as Letty Ortiz in the Fast & Furious franchise, one of the most successful film series ever. Her rigid, action-driven roles have made her a fan favorite. Beyond racing films, she has also appeared in Avatar and other action titles. These choices have earned her billions generated through her filmography.

17. Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley became a worldwide star almost overnight thanks to her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Those films alone grossed billions, making her one of the youngest additions to the list of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Her portrayal of a new generation’s Jedi heroine captivated fans and secured her place in pop culture and box office history.

18. Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o‘s presence in two of cinema’s biggest franchises secured her position among the highest-grossing actresses of all time, while her artistry continues to inspire millions. She is admired for her talent and her choice of influential roles. She won an Academy Award for 12 Years A Slave, but her global box office strength comes from films like Black Panther and Star Wars. 

19. Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly won hearts on television with Lost before moving into Hollywood blockbusters. As Hope van Dyne, also known as The Wasp, in Marvel’s Ant-Man films, she became part of a billion-dollar franchise. She also appeared in The Hobbit series, adding even more to her global totals. 

20. Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is not just a box office name; she is widely considered one of the greatest actresses ever. She has proven she can do everything with roles spanning decades, from dramas like The Devil Wears Prada to musicals like Mamma Mia!. Her career total has made her one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, combining critical acclaim with global commercial success.

21. Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley became an international star with her role as Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, one of the biggest franchises of all time. She has also earned praise for period dramas like Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. This balance of box office success and critical acclaim has earned billions worldwide across genres like action, drama, and romance.

22. Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron has built a reputation for her fearless performances and wide range of roles. From action-packed films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Fate of the Furious to dramatic work in Monster, she has proven her versatility time and again. Her involvement in the Fast & Furious franchise especially boosted her numbers, making her one of the highest-grossing actresses ever. At the same time, her award-winning performances highlight her extraordinary talent.

23. Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer has enjoyed a long and diverse career, with roles ranging from timeless dramas to big superhero films. Her performances in Batman Returns as Catwoman and more recently in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania show her ability to adapt to different eras of Hollywood. Her career proves her staying power and continued relevance across decades of film history.

24. Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart rose to global fame through the Twilight saga, which earned billions and became a cultural phenomenon. Her later work in films like Snow White and the Huntsman and indie dramas showed her ability to take risks with her roles. While she has shifted more toward arthouse films, her blockbuster past keeps her among the Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time, with impressive totals highlighting her impact on modern cinema.

25. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, blending critical acclaim with blockbuster fame. She has defined versatility from her Oscar-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted to her action-packed roles in Tomb Raider and Maleficent. With substantial box office numbers across fantasy, action, and drama, Angelina remains one of the Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time, admired for her acting and global humanitarian work.

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Conclusion 

These Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time have influenced modern cinema through their remarkable talent and box office strength. From Scarlett Johansson’s leadership in the Marvel universe to Emma Watson’s enduring Harry Potter legacy, each actress has turned memorable performances into massive financial triumphs, demonstrating the power of star appeal and cultural impact that resonates worldwide. 

Citations & Further Reading

• https://www.boxofficemojo.com/ 
• https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-star-records/worldwide/lifetime-acting/top-grossing-stars