The modern film industry is often defined by its blockbusters, but behind every billion-dollar franchise is a leading figure whose presence serves as a guarantee of success. From action-heavy veterans and sci-fi mainstays to the versatile voices behind beloved animated hits, we are diving into the careers of the elite performers who have collectively generated more revenue than many small nations. Here, we break down the definitive list of the industry’s most profitable stars, as reported by Wikipedia.
10. Dwayne Johnson
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The former wrestling icon has built an absolute empire, with a career total currently sitting at $11.46 billion across 41 leading roles. While he saw massive success as the “franchise savior” for the Fast & Furious saga, with Furious 7 standing as his top earner at $1.51 billion, his appeal spans everything from family adventures to disaster epics. His ability to maintain a high average of roughly $279.6 million per film proves he remains a reliable magnet for global audiences.
9. Chris Evans
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Best known for his decade-long tenure as Captain America, Chris Evans has marched his way to a lifetime gross of $11.48 billion. His contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminate in the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame, which accounts for a significant portion of his total earnings with a $2.71 billion gross. Despite having a relatively compact filmography of 29 leading roles compared to some veterans, his per-movie average of $396.1 million is remarkably high.
8. Vin Diesel
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As the driving force behind one of the most profitable action brands in history, Vin Diesel has reached a worldwide total of $12.04 billion. While his voice work as Groot in Avengers: Infinity War brought in over $2 billion, it is his leadership of the Fast & Furious series that defines his box-office legacy. He currently holds an impressive average of $481.7 million per project, a testament to his ability to draw massive crowds for high-octane spectacle.
7. Chris Hemsworth
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Wielding the hammer of Thor has certainly paid off for Chris Hemsworth, whose films have collectively earned $12.18 billion at the global box office. Like many of his Marvel peers, his highest-grossing moment remains Avengers: Endgame, but his broad appeal has also led him into successful action and sci-fi ventures outside of the superhero realm. With 31 leading films under his belt, he maintains a strong average of $393.2 million, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of modern event cinema.
6. Tom Cruise
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Often regarded as the last of the traditional movie stars, Tom Cruise has powered his way to $12.66 billion in global earnings. His recent resurgence was fueled by Top Gun: Maverick, which soared to over $1.45 billion, becoming the biggest hit of his legendary 45-film career. He continues to push the boundaries of theatrical success, proving that his personal brand of high-concept, practical action is still a major financial force.
5. Chris Pratt
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Chris Pratt’s transition from television comedy to blockbuster royalty resulted in a staggering $14.12 billion career total. By headlining both the Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World franchises, he achieved the highest per-film average on this entire list at over $504.5 million. His involvement in Avengers: Endgame remains his peak financial milestone, contributing to a total built from just 28 leading roles.
4. Robert Downey Jr.
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The actor who started the modern superhero craze, Robert Downey Jr., sits at a lifetime total of $14.31 billion. His 45 leading films were anchored for over a decade by his role as Tony Stark, with Avengers: Endgame serving as the pinnacle of his commercial success. He holds a healthy average of $318.1 million per movie, reflecting a career that has successfully balanced massive franchise work with a wide range of other leading roles.
3. Samuel L. Jackson
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With a record-breaking 70 leading and lead ensemble credits, Samuel L. Jackson has amassed a cumulative $14.61 billion. While his work as Nick Fury in the MCU’s Avengers: Endgame provided his biggest single payday, his presence is felt across nearly every major modern franchise. His longevity and relentless output have made him a permanent fixture near the top of the financial rankings for decades.
2. Zoe Saldaña
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Zoe Saldaña holds a unique place in history as the only actor to star in the top two highest-grossing films ever made: Avatar and Avengers: Endgame. Her total of $14.99 billion was achieved through just 33 films, giving her a massive per-movie average of $454.5 million. Following the massive success of Avatar: Fire and Ash in late 2025, she has moved within striking distance of the all-time number one spot.
1. Scarlett Johansson
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Holding the definitive title of the highest-grossing actor of all time, Scarlett Johansson has reached a phenomenal $15.40 billion in career earnings. Her record was pushed to new heights in 2025 following the success of Jurassic World: Rebirth, adding to a legacy built on her iconic role as Black Widow in Avengers: Endgame. Across 36 leading roles, she has maintained a high average of $427.8 million, proving her status as the most bankable star in the industry today.
