As the industry reflects on the financial triumphs of the past year, the numbers are finally in for Forbes 2025 “Highest-Paid” lists. While the theatrical landscape has seen significant shifts toward longer exclusivity windows, the core of Hollywood’s wealth still lies in a mix of massive backend deals, streaming residuals, and savvy producing credits. This year’s rankings prove that while new stars like Millie Bobby Brown are rising fast, the “Old Guard” of Adam Sandler and Tom Cruise still command the most lucrative contracts in show business.
Adam Sandler continues his reign at the top, largely due to his ironclad partnership with Netflix, while Tom Cruise and Mark Wahlberg maintain their status through high-octane franchise participation and “first-dollar gross” agreements.
- Adam Sandler – $48m
- Tom Cruise – $46m
- Mark Wahlberg – $44m
- Brad Pitt – $41m
- Denzel Washington – $38m
- Jack Black & Jason Momoa – $28m
- Daniel Craig – $27m
- John Cena – $26m
- George Clooney & Leonardo DiCaprio – $25m
- Rob McElhenney – $23m
- Chris Pratt – $22m
- Tom Hardy – $21m
- Jason Bateman – $19m
On the other side of the ledger, the list of highest-paid actresses highlights a mix of blockbuster returns and production-heavy empires. Scarlett Johansson’s top spot reflects her strategic return to major studio projects and lucrative producing fees. Meanwhile, the rise of younger talent like Millie Bobby Brown shows a shifting of the guard. At just 22, she became the youngest actor ever featured on Forbes’ Highest-Paid Actors list, as she ties with veteran mogul Reese Witherspoon with $26m. Both Jennifer Aniston and the recently un-retired Cameron Diaz round out the top five, proving that brand longevity and streaming-friendly appeal remain the most valuable currencies for women in the industry today.
- Scarlett Johansson – $43m
- Millie Bobby Brown – $26m
- Reese Witherspoon – $26m
- Jennifer Aniston – $20m
- Cameron Diaz – $20m
