Top 10 Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time – A New Name Takes the #1 Spot!

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - July 10th 2025, 22:00 GMT+2

Cropped bradley cooper — 10. Bradley Cooper – $11,417,543,887

Few actors have quietly shaped modern cinema the way he has. Bradley Cooper’s contribution to Hollywood includes not only voicing Rocket Raccoon in the *Guardians of the Galaxy* and *Avengers* franchises but also delivering emotionally complex performances in critically acclaimed dramas like *American Sniper*, *Silver Linings Playbook*, and *A Star Is Born*. His transition from a supporting comic actor to a powerhouse lead – and eventually a respected director – has been one of Hollywood’s more graceful evolutions. While Marvel helped boost his box office clout, it’s Cooper’s consistent depth and versatility that have earned him admiration across genres. From Marvel's high-stakes battles to intimate, character-driven narratives, he continues to strike the rare balance between mass appeal and artistic integrity. | © Annapurna Pictures

Cropped chris hemsworth — 9. Chris Hemsworth – $12,082,125,179

Swinging a magical hammer might have made him famous, but it’s Chris Hemsworth’s range and reinvention that have kept him on top. While *Thor* launched him into the global spotlight, it was *Thor: Ragnarok* that redefined the character and showcased Hemsworth’s impressive comedic timing. His performances in films like *Rush* and *Extraction* reveal a more grounded intensity, proving he’s far more than just a blockbuster hunk. Even outside of the MCU, Hemsworth has carved out a reputation as a leading man capable of drawing audiences across multiple platforms, including streaming hits and animated features. As one of the more physically commanding stars of his generation, he manages to balance brawn with surprising vulnerability – an increasingly rare combination in the action genre. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped vin diesel — 8. Vin Diesel – $12,091,815,726

Action, adrenaline, and an undying loyalty to "family" – that’s the world Vin Diesel helped build through the *Fast & Furious* franchise. As Dominic Toretto, he’s become the face of one of cinema’s longest-running and most lucrative series. But it doesn't stop with street racing. Diesel has left his mark on multiple franchises, including his voice role as Groot in *Guardians of the Galaxy*, further expanding his box office reach. His brand of no-nonsense intensity and gravelly charisma resonates with global audiences who crave high-stakes, high-octane storytelling. Diesel has mastered the art of franchise loyalty and cultivated a unique cinematic identity that merges loyalty, action, and spectacle. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped chris evans — 7. Chris Evans – $12,091,844,410

Before he picked up the shield, Chris Evans was already an established name – but *Captain America* turned him into a global icon. His evolution as Steve Rogers, from earnest soldier to weary leader, formed one of the emotional backbones of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. What makes Evans truly compelling, however, is how easily he shifts between genres. In *Knives Out*, he delighted audiences with a smarmy, villainous turn, while *Gifted* and *Defending Jacob* revealed a more emotionally sensitive side. He’s proven to be as adept at dismantling expectations as he is at fulfilling them. Whether in a supersuit or a cable-knit sweater, Evans continues to surprise and captivate. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped tom cruise — 6. Tom Cruise – $13,377,890,989

There’s no slowing down this Hollywood legend. Tom Cruise remains a box office phenomenon decades into his career, largely thanks to his dedication to breathtaking, real-life stunts in the *Mission: Impossible* series. He’s built a legacy by blending thrilling spectacle with characters driven by intense emotional stakes. Beyond action, Cruise has demonstrated award-worthy range in films like *Born on the Fourth of July*, *Magnolia*, and *The Last Samurai*. He’s one of the few stars who still commands global attention based purely on his name alone. With every new installment of *Mission: Impossible*, he raises the bar – not just for action, but for what’s expected of a leading man in modern cinema. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped chris pratt — 5. Chris Pratt – $14,136,190,397

From lovable goofball to action franchise kingpin, Chris Pratt’s transformation has been nothing short of meteoric. His breakout role as Star-Lord in *Guardians of the Galaxy* made him a household name, infusing the MCU with levity and unexpected heart. Shortly after, *Jurassic World* turned him into a dinosaur-wrangling megastar, cementing his place in two of the biggest film franchises in history. Audiences are drawn to Pratt’s signature mix of rugged charm and underdog appeal, a rare combination that has translated across animated features, sci-fi, and comedy. He brings a relatable energy to every performance, making even the most fantastical stories feel grounded. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Zoe Saldaña — 4. Zoe Saldaña – $14,254,606,626

You won’t find another actor whose face is behind as many of the most visually iconic characters in film history. Zoe Saldaña has helped define modern cinematic world-building through her roles in *Avatar* as Neytiri and as Gamora in the *Guardians of the Galaxy* and *Avengers* franchises. While she's often immersed in heavy makeup or CGI environments, Saldaña never loses emotional clarity in her performances. Her characters consistently bring empathy and nuance to vast, fantastical universes. As someone who bridges franchises, genres, and decades, she’s quietly become one of the most bankable and respected actors in the industry. And with more *Avatar* sequels and potential Marvel returns on the horizon, her box office reign is far from over. | © Pathé

Cropped robert downey jr — 3. Robert Downey Jr. – $14,346,904,626

The man who launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe did more than just play Iron Man – he became the emotional core of an entire generation of blockbuster storytelling. Robert Downey Jr. redefined superhero charisma with his portrayal of Tony Stark, blending arrogance, vulnerability, and heart in a way that forever changed the genre. But long before the red and gold suit, Downey was earning critical acclaim in films like *Chaplin* and *Kiss Kiss Bang Bang*. His personal comeback story – from troubled beginnings to cinematic royalty – is as compelling as any character arc he’s played. Now branching into producing and exploring new creative ventures, Downey’s legacy is one of risk, reinvention, and undeniable talent. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped samuel l jackson — 2. Samuel L. Jackson – $14,827,843,117

No actor commands attention quite like Samuel L. Jackson. With a voice instantly recognizable and a presence impossible to ignore, he has become a cornerstone of both pop culture and box office success. As Nick Fury, he served as the connective tissue of the MCU, appearing across multiple billion-dollar blockbusters. Yet his influence stretches far beyond Marvel, from *Pulp Fiction* to *Star Wars*, *Jurassic Park*, and *The Incredibles*. Jackson brings a dynamic blend of authority, humor, and cool to every role, elevating any scene he steps into. His ability to transition between franchise tentpoles and auteur-driven films has made him a cinematic mainstay across generations. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped scarlett johansson — 1. Scarlett Johansson – $14,946,161,117

Leading the pack is none other than Scarlett Johansson, whose mix of critical success and blockbuster dominance has made her the top-grossing actor of all time. While her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in the MCU cemented her as a fan favorite, Johansson has proven time and again that she’s no one-note performer. From the raw vulnerability of *Marriage Story* to the dreamlike melancholy of *Her*, she has captivated audiences with her emotional depth and versatility. Her work often explores the balance between strength and sensitivity, making her one of the most compelling actors working today. Whether commanding an action sequence or delivering an intimate monologue, Johansson consistently delivers. | © Marvel Studios

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The box office leaderboard has a new champion! In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood, where blockbuster franchises and billion-dollar hits dominate the industry, the title of the highest-grossing actor of all time is a coveted achievement. This year, the rankings have shifted, and a surprising name has taken the #1 spot – proving that star power, consistency, and the right roles can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll break down the top 10 actors whose films have raked in the most money globally, including a few names you might not expect. Whether you're a movie buff or just curious about the numbers, this list is sure to impress.