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Hollywood has produced many actors who have shaped the entertainment industry with blockbuster films, engaging performances, and other entrepreneurial ventures. With their illustrious careers, these actors have raked in handsome paychecks from blockbuster film deals, production involvement, and business ventures.
These individuals have, over time, reigned as action heroes and comedic geniuses, taking over platforms as artists in their quest for critical appreciation and economic success.
In this article, we present 40 of Hollywood's highest-paid actors as we rank their impressive earnings and unveil the projects and ventures that have brought them fortune. The stories reflect the dynamic Hollywood system combining talent, hard work, and intelligent business decisions to create long-standing legacies and enormous monetary rewards.
1) Dwayne Johnson - Red Notice (2021) $87.5 million
From wrestling fights to Hollywood glamour, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is nothing short of one of the most recognizable names in cinema. He can be regarded as one of the leading action heroes in Hollywood thanks to The Fast & Furious and Jumanji movies.
The movies Johnson acted in collected over $10 billion, mainly through action films. Production contracts and promotion partnerships, like those he recently entered into with Under Armour, have helped him earn a place among the highest-paid stars on the celebrity rating scale.
2) Ryan Reynolds - 6 Underground (2019) $71.5 million
Over the years, Reynolds has demonstrated an endearing quality and impeccable comedic delivery—an attribute in cleaning up box office bucks. Profits with the franchise Deadpool alone exceeded $7 billion in world box office revenues.
In 2020, Reynolds earned more than $20 million separately for Six Underground and Red Notice. Behind the camera, Reynolds has other entrepreneurial pursuits. Aviation Gin is one of them. In 2020, he sold his stake as part of a $610 million deal.
3) Mark Wahlberg - Spenser Confidential (2020) $58 million
Mark Wahlberg started as a rapper before shifting to big films like Transformers, The Other Guys, and Ted. His skills are well expressed in themes that combine action and comedies. He has won numerous awards, making him one of Hollywood's highest-paid stars. Through his Unrealistic Ideas company, he has produced many popular television series and films that audiences and critics appreciate.
4) Ben Affleck - Paycheck (2003) $15 million
Ben Affleck is a talented actor, director, and screenwriter. He won an Oscar for Good Will Hunting, which he wrote and starred in. Affleck also played Batman in the DC Extended Universe. In that role, he rebooted his career through the sensational box office success of such blockbuster superhero movies.
The directorial work by Ben Affleck has received numerous accolades, most especially through the celebrated Argo. In addition to this, he uses his production company, Pearl Street Films, to produce some other notable projects.
5) Leonardo DiCaprio - Inception (2010) $59 million
Leonard DiCaprio has given outstanding performances in many films, such as Titanic, Inception, and The Revenant, explicitly showcasing detailed characterization.
Many such awards have helped to form and consolidate him. Leonard DiCaprio is an environmental activist who has aggressively approached climate change and wildlife-saving issues. He owns a renowned production house called Appian Way Productions, which has delivered many successful projects branding him as a Hollywood star.
6) Tom Cruise - Top Gun: Maverick (2022) $100 million+
Tom Cruise is a prominent figure in Hollywood, perhaps most famously for starring in films such as Mission: Impossible and Top Gun. His desire to perform many stunts has become part of his standing as a bankable star.
As a producer, Cruise/Wagner Productions has assisted him in that regard. Therefore, the value of quality associated with Tom Cruise's work explains why he has been in the business for so long.
7) Robert Downey Jr. - Avengers: Endgame (2019) $75 milllion+
Robert Downey Jr. is recognized for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert's work gave much depth and charm to the character, making him one of the best-paid actors.
Downey has been a pat of major blockbuster films - franchise and standalone. His role in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer earned him an Oscar. He is regarded as one of the highest grossing actors of all time.
8) Will Smith - Men in Black 3 (2012) $100 million+
It's interesting how Will Smith's career has crossed from music and television into films, with the series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on top. His blockbuster hits, such as Men in Black, have garnered over $9 billion at the box office for his films. He plays the character of Agent J in this acclaimed movie.
9) Nicolas Cage - Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) $20 million
In this 2020 movie, Cage portrays Randall "Memphis" Raines, a car thief who is forced to steal 50 cars in exchange for his brother's life. The movie features Angelina Jolie in the role of Sara "Sway" Wayland, Raines's girlfriend and Robert Duvall as Otto Halliwell, Memphis's former mentor who aids him immensely.
10) Brad Pitt - Ocean's Eleven (2001) $30 million+
With iconic performances in films like Fight Club, Ocean's Eleven, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Brad Pitt has managed to carve out a career of which one would be proud. Much of this eternal appeal would explain why he's remained so prominent in Hollywood during the last two decades. After venturing into Plan B Entertainment, he's shifted from actor to successful producer with projects like 12 Years an Enslaved Person.
11) Adam Sandler - Pixels (2015) $30 million+
Adam Sandler's films, including Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and Uncut Gems, developed his stand-up comic style, which he is known for as an actor. Sandler is also known as a good scriptwriter and producer, further adding to his massive work. He remains a crowd-thriller with the entertaining stand-up performances and his movie career.
12) Jim Carrey - Yes Man (2008) $35 million+
Jim Carrey is a comedian and actor famous for films like Ace Ventura, The Mask, and the comedy Liar Liar. The comedian has a gift for putting pieces of physical comedy together with vibrant depth, thus being accompanied by much success through comedies and dramas, such as The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Even though personal losses occur, Carrey remains on top, as his talent and style are unlike others.
13) Eddie Murphy - Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) $20 million+
Eddie Murphy left a lasting impression in Hollywood, acting in movies like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Shrek. In the 2000 American science fiction comedy film Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, Murphy played a multitude of roles ranging from Professor Sherman Klump, Buddy Love, Anna Pearl Klump, and Sherman's mother, among others, showing his diverse range.
14) Seth Rogen - The Interview (2014) $8.4 million
Seth Rogen is an actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for his work in films like Superbad, Pineapple Express, and This Is the End. His unique comic style and diverse interpretations have made him a well-known figure in Hollywood.
Rogen is also an accomplished producer; his company, Point Grey Pictures, has produced several commercial successes. Not least among his causes, he's a vocal advocate for the legalization of cannabis and raising awareness about mental health.
15) Will Ferrell - Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) $20 million+
Will Ferrell's charm and way of making people laugh in films such as Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers have won over the public over the years. He built his niche in Hollywood by producing memorable characters and creating laughable sketches. The actor is also the co-founder of a comedy website called Funny or Die.
16) Harrison Ford - Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) $65 million
Harrison Ford is perhaps famous today for his roles as Indiana Jones, and Han Solo in the epic saga of Star Wars. His rugged charm and heroic personality make him a favorite in Hollywood.
Off-screen, he has been seen in various movies, like Blade Runner and The Fugitive, where he proved himself as a versatile actor. He is also an environmental activist who has supported several wildlife conservation causes.
17) Sylvester Stallone - Daylight (1996) $20 million+
Sylvester Stallone is famously known for his roles in Rocky and Rambo, iconic franchises where he plays relatable underdog characters. This demonstrates his multifaceted talents, which include screenplay and film direction.
His commitment to wellness and fitness makes him an icon to his fans, hence the cultural icon position. On the other hand, his contributions to the cinema cemented his Hollywood legacy.
18) Arnold Schwarzenegger - Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) $30 million+
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a renowned movie actor known mainly for his action films like The Terminator and Predator. He was already a champion bodybuilder when he went to Hollywood and became a Hollywood star.
Aside from being a film actor, Schwarzenegger was also California Governor, effectively engaging in leadership work. To date, he is still business-active in real estate, fitness, and health, among others, and involved in health and environmental activism.
19) Jason Statham - The Expendables 4 (2023) $25 million+
Jason Statham is the famous action hero of present times, and he can boast of films such as Transporter and the Fast & Furious franchise. His martial arts and scuba diving proficiency makes him an adorable action hero.
His highly refined on-screen presence has given him a good position as an action hero for box office recordings. He has worked with director Guy Ritchie in a few films, further enhancing his stance in Hollywood.
20) Vin Diesel - Furious 7 (2015) $47 million+
Vin Diesel is best known for his role as Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise. A deep voice and a general tough guy persona can capture audiences' emotions to make action movies successful. He also voiced Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, proving his acting versatility. Vin Diesel always supports his films through production, which indicates that he cares about the projects in which he gets involved.
21) Jackie Chan - Rush Hour 3 (2007) $15 million+
Jackie Chan is an international superstar known for his unique martial arts and comedic ability blend. Such high-octane action sequences and innovative stunt work have catapulted films such as Rush Hour and Police Story into worldwide bonanzas with millions of dollars at the box office. He performs most stunts, thereby keeping the audience glued to the show. Besides acting, Chan is a well-experienced director and producer of most of his movies. Besides advocating for education programs and disaster relief campaigns, Chan is also a social giver. His continued talent in maintaining his career in film success in both Eastern and Western cinemas plays a massive role in his contribution to the industry.
22) Bruce Willis - The Sixth Sense (1999) $14 million+
Bruce Willis has become a household name with movies like Die Hard and Pulp Fiction. From a man who can easily alter the genre from comedy to drama, he has assisted in carving his niche for himself in popular cinema. Since the 1980s, Willis has acted in various film and television roles, showcasing versatility. One defining role that summed the action-up hero image associated with modern films is his role in the 'Die Hard movie series. Outside acting, Willis has also, to a lesser extent, pursued a career in music and film direction.
23) Tom Hanks - Forrest Gump (1994) $60 million+
One of Hollywood's most prominent actors is Tom Hanks, who is well-known in films like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away. This young artist has won two Oscars and is credited as one of the most iconic figures in the industry. He will take a little while to show the more complicated, relatable characters he can play, given that he will be paired with some of the world's most respected directors. He even has a production company, Playtone, from which he produces films and television programs.
24) Scarlett Johansson - Black Widow (2021) $20 million+
Scarlett Johansson is one of the most-paid actresses in Hollywood. She has garnered her fair share of glamorous roles in films such as Lost in Translation and Marvel Cinematic Universe as Black Widow. She was successful with effortless fluidity in performing various action, drama, and comedy roles. Johansson also won critical acclaim for theater work on stage and film. She is an activist for women's rights; thus, she also grabs fame in the Hollywood and entertainment worlds.
25) Gal Gadot - Red Notice (2021) $20 million+
Gal Gadot became an international star when cast as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe series and became the real Wonder Woman. Successful in Wonder Woman, she was marked for future top stardom. As an Israeli military officer and crowned Miss Israel in 2004 before becoming one of the world's greatest actresses, Gadot is an enthusiastic fund-raiser for children's and women's rights. Branding her as anything less than a role model is challenging.
26) Chris Hemsworth - Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) $20 million+
Chris Hemsworth is a foremost Australian actor who is generally known for playing the role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His character will genuinely be imbued with the character's strength, humor, and fragility. From his movies in many action films, including Extraction, he gained much attention in action films such as comedies like Ghostbusters. He often posts about his fitness regimen via social media. Apart from the actor role, he also engages actively in philanthropic causes related to environmental conservation.
27) Chris Pratt - Jurassic World: Dominion (2022) $14 million+
Chris Pratt has become a household name through his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, keeping people listening. He started his career in the TV series Parks and Recreation. He has since transitioned to blockbusters. Whether action and blockbuster or family-friendly, the audience keeps avidly following him. This kind of approachability to people over social media enhances his popularity. Apart from this, he is a committed social activist, and most of his work is directed toward education and health causes.
28) Robert Pattinson - The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) $12 million+
Robert Pattinson gained fame through the Twilight saga and is already transforming into one of the riskiest actors in history, starring in movies steeped with praise and criticism, including Good Time and The Lighthouse. His part as Batman in The Batman* has energized him about his career. Pattinson is an actor who risks taking unconventional characters, showing the world that he is like no one else, and works hard on his job. He has also stepped into direction, making him even more influential in filmmaking.
29) Matthew McConaughey - The Gentlemen (2019) $20 million
Matthew McConaughey has delivered charismatic performances in films such as Dallas Buyers Club, for which he won an Academy Award, and True Detective. A charismatic actor with a distinctive voice and laid-back attitude, McConaughey's range extends from playing the lead in romantic movies to intense dramas.
In addition to being a memoirist with a New York Times best-selling memoir, he is busy being involved in philanthropy that deals more with education and health.
30) Daniel Craig - Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) $100 million+
Daniel Craig rebooted and modernized the cinematic franchise of James Bond with Casino Royale. He clicked perfectly well both with critics and with the audience.
Several hits followed his tenure in the franchise, which earned him the title as one of the highest-paid Bond movie stars of all time. Lately, he has demonstrated his range with movies such as Knives Out, possibly hinting at a renaissance-like chameleon quality he possesses as an actor.
31) Keanu Reeves - Matrix Revolutions (2003) $30 million+
Keanu Reeves has become a cult icon due to movies such as The Matrix and the John Wick series. He is known for performing all his stunts and has gathered a passionate fan following.
Keanu Reeves' career has taken him to the silver screen in all main roles, from action to romantic dramas, and across all genres. In addition to being an actor, he is a well-known philanthropist who supports children's hospitals and education.
32) Viola Davis - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) $15.5 million
Viola Davis is widely recognized for her powerful performance as the titular blues singer in the 2020 American drama Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Davis has always been a voice for diversity in Hollywood, calling to attention the lack of representation through the years. She remains a powerful voice in storytelling and this industry.
33) Charlize Theron - Atomic Blonde (2017) $14 million
Charlize Theron's role in Atomic Blonde as Lorraine Broughton, the M16 field agent, continues to grab eyeballs. She is known for her broad array of action, dramas, and comedies. This actress made films in association with her production house, Denver and Delilah Productions, and bagged the Academy Award for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. She is also an active humanitarian who advocates for women's rights, education, and anti-domestic violence issues.
34) Amy Adams - Justice League (2017) $11.5 million
Amy Adams's performance in films such as Arrival, American Hustle, and Enchanted has garnered massive acclaim. The actress's fantastic talent for portraying solid characters from comedic action to dramatic roles has enabled her to get a clutch of nominations at the Academy Awards.
35) Anne Hathaway - Les Misérables (2012) $10 million
Anne Hathaway is one of the greatest film stars who has acted in films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Les Misérables, and The Princess Diaries. For her performance as Fantine in 2012'S Les Misérables, the actress won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
36) Halle Berry - Catwoman (2004) $14 million
Halle Berry is a renowned actress who won an Oscar for her performance in Monster's Ball. She has delivered memorable performances in films like X-Men and Die Another Day.
Berry's versatility as an artist in portraying complex characters has led to critical acclaim and mass fan following. Apart from acting, she writes, directs, and produces for her film projects. Berry actively participates in philanthropic work, primarily focusing on women's rights and education.
37) Michelle Williams - Venom (2018) $7 million
Acclaimed actress Michelle Williams is known for her performances in films such as Brokeback Mountain, Manchester by the Sea, and The Greatest Showman. With several Academy Award nominations attributed to her name, she is known to convey deep meanings through these complex characters.
Through the types of roles she undergoes, she proves to take care of meaningful storytelling through the actors she portrays. In Venom, she portrays the role of Anne Weying, an attorney and Eddie's ex-fiancée.
Off the screen, Williams is a women's rights activist and education activist.
38) Julia Roberts - Mona Lisa Smile (2003) $25 million
Known for her performances in cult favorites Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Ocean's Eleven, Julia Roberts' characters have made this Hollywood superstar a global favorite. Roberts won many awards and appeared in various movie genres, from romantic comedies to dramas. Off the screen, she champions children's education and health policies through her charity, which has undoubtedly cemented her position as a power player in the industry.
In Mona Lisa Smile, Roberts plays Katherine Ann Watson, an Art History teacher who encourages her students to strive for more than marriage.
39) Kristen Stewart - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn I & II (2011,2012) $25 million+
Kristen Stewart shot to international stardom after playing Bella Swan in the blockbuster saga Twilight. Since then, she has demonstrated incredible range as she undertook complex and challenging roles, including those in Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper, receiving acclaim across the board.
Stewart is known to advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness. Her seriousness towards diversity in storytelling and advocacy makes her one of the most influential figures in cinema in these times.
40) Zoe Saldana - Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) $8 million
Zoe Saldana is known for her roles in the science fiction franchise Avatar as well as the Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy, among others. She is one of the most celebrated actresses because of her ability to present strength and complexity found in characters.
In Avatar: The Way of Water, Saldana reprised the role of Neytiri te Tskaha Mo'at'ite. The film won the Best Motion Capture Performance award at the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards in 2022.
The actress is also known for philanthropic and humanitarian activities related to the environment and child health.
