When it comes to box office dominance, only a select few actors have risen to the top, standing tall on a cinematic Olympus built on trillions of ticket sales. We’ve assembled the latest list of the 20 all-time highest-grossing actors, with earnings adjusted for inflation to level the field between old classics and today’s cinematic giants. The list features familiar icons (plus a few unexpected names whose voices or masked roles have captivated audiences). Whether it’s superheroes or animation legends, these stars have amassed mind-blowing global revenues. So grab your popcorn – here are the top 20 box office powerhouses, ranked by total global revenue (adjusted for inflation), including their approximate number of films and the franchises that defined their stardom:
20. Chris Evans – $14+ billion (40+ films)
Best known as Captain America, Chris Evans wielded his iconic shield through solo instalments and major Avengers blockbusters, becoming a central figure in the MCU’s golden era. Even before joining Marvel, he had comic book credentials (remember his fiery role in Fantastic Four?). Outside of superhero flicks, Evans featured in popular titles like Knives Out and voiced Buzz in Pixar’s Lightyear. Altogether, with over 40 films under his belt, his global earnings have crossed $14 billion (adjusted). A box office figure befitting a super-soldier – proving that Evans doesn’t need a serum to command attention.
19. Chris Hemsworth – $14+ billion (30 films)
Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor made him a global sensation, adding thunder to Marvel’s success. His charm turned the Thor and Avengers sagas into major earners. Outside Marvel, he’s showcased his star appeal in titles like Men in Black: International, Extraction, and Snow White and the Huntsman. With roughly 30 films, his total earnings have exceeded $14 billion globally. From Aussie soap operas to global superstardom – he truly struck gold.
18. Benedict Cumberbatch – $15+ billion (50 films)
With his deep voice and captivating screen presence, Benedict Cumberbatch has become a major force at the box office. He is most recognised today for playing Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe, opening portals in Avengers blockbusters and starring in his own successful solo films. However, his journey through blockbuster cinema extends well beyond Marvel. He lent his voice to the dragon Smaug in The Hobbit trilogy, portrayed the menacing Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness, and even voiced the Grinch in a holiday hit. With about 50 films under his belt, Cumberbatch has quietly generated over $15 billion in global ticket sales. Quite the leap from his days starring in high-brow British dramas – now, he’s firmly rooted in the magical world of Hollywood stardom.
17. Vin Diesel – ~$15 billion (35 films)
Vin Diesel holds a special place on this list – in several of his biggest hits, he utters just one phrase and still dominates ticket sales. “I am Groot” became iconic through his work in Guardians of the Galaxy and the Avengers movies. He’s also the face of the Fast & Furious franchise, playing Dom Toretto with relentless intensity. His roles in xXx, The Iron Giant, and Riddick helped push his ~35-film career close to the $15 billion mark. Whether behind the wheel or behind the mic, Diesel’s star power roars.
16. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – $15+ billion (50+ films)
A true crossover success, Dwayne Johnson’s journey from wrestling to box office titan is remarkable. “Can you smell what Dwayne Johnson is cooking?” It smells like box office gold. He energised franchises like Fast & Furious, breathed new life into Jumanji, and led hits like San Andreas. With over 50 films, including voice work in Moana, his global earnings have surpassed $15 billion. Johnson continues to raise the bar – and eyebrows – in the world of action cinema.
15. Jon Favreau – $15+ billion (40+ films)
Known primarily as a director, Jon Favreau has also racked up billions through acting roles, many in his own projects. He plays Happy Hogan, Tony Stark’s right-hand man, across several Marvel films. His voice brought characters to life in The Lion King remake and The Mandalorian. With 40+ screen credits, often in supporting roles or cameos, Favreau has quietly built a box office empire alongside his directorial success.
14. Robert Downey Jr. – $15+ billion (70 films)
Downey’s role as Iron Man revitalised his career and launched the MCU into box office history. He played a vital role in the Avengers saga and also led the Sherlock Holmes films. With a mix of earlier hits and more recent blockbusters, RDJ’s filmography spans about 70 titles and has grossed over $15 billion worldwide. He remains synonymous with Tony Stark – the financial backbone of Marvel’s empire.
13. Scarlett Johansson – $15+ billion (50+ films)
The world’s top-grossing actress, Scarlett Johansson, blends critical acclaim with mass appeal. She portrayed Black Widow in the Avengers films, while also taking on intense roles in Lucy and Ghost in the Shell. With over 50 films to her name, Scarlett’s combination of indie spirit and blockbuster draw has resulted in a global haul exceeding $15 billion.
12. Chris Pratt – $15+ billion (40 films)
Chris Pratt transitioned from TV comedy to blockbuster franchises with remarkable ease. He leads both the Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy series, and voiced Emmet in The LEGO Movie. His ability to mix humour and heroism has made him a favourite across generations. With approximately 40 films, Pratt’s cinematic presence continues to generate billions.
11. Zoe Saldaña – $15+ billion (50 films)
Zoe Saldaña has a unique claim: she stars in two of the top three highest-grossing films of all time. She is Neytiri in Avatar and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. Her roles in Star Trek and other sci-fi hits further boost her profile. With about 50 film appearances, her box office influence is both substantial and understated.
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10. Andy Serkis – $15+ billion (70 films)
Andy Serkis has proven that one doesn’t need to appear on screen in the traditional sense to dominate the box office. A motion-capture pioneer, he played Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, Caesar in Planet of the Apes, and Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars. He also featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ulysses Klaue. With around 70 films under his belt, Serkis’s contributions—both vocal and physical—have been key to the success of multiple billion-dollar franchises.
9. Tom Cruise – $16+ billion (50 films)
Tom Cruise has been a top box office draw for decades. From his early days in Top Gun to the enduring success of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise consistently delivers. Known for performing his own stunts, his high-octane films continue to pull in massive audiences worldwide. With about 50 films to his name, he remains one of the most bankable stars ever.
8. Tom Hanks – $17+ billion (60 films)
A beloved name in cinema, Tom Hanks has portrayed iconic characters in classics like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan. He also voiced Woody in the Toy Story franchise. With a career spanning decades and nearly 60 movies, Hanks’s combination of emotional depth and mainstream appeal has brought in over $17 billion globally. His name alone signals both quality and commercial success.
7. Samuel L. Jackson – $17+ billion (100+ films)
Few actors can match Samuel L. Jackson’s sheer volume of roles or his cultural impact. From his commanding presence in Pulp Fiction to his ongoing role as Nick Fury in the Marvel universe, Jackson is a cinematic legend. He’s appeared in Star Wars, Incredibles, and countless other hits. With over 100 films, his global earnings exceed $17 billion. He’s a fixture in franchises and a master of memorable lines.
6. Alan Tudyk – $18+ billion (50 films)
You might not recognise Alan Tudyk by face, but you’ve surely heard him. A voice acting wizard, he’s brought characters to life in Disney and Pixar films such as Frozen, Moana, Zootopia, and Wreck-It Ralph. He’s also part of Star Wars as the droid K-2SO in Rogue One. With about 50 film credits, many in animation and supporting roles, Tudyk’s subtle brilliance has helped rake in over $18 billion.
5. Frank Welker – $18+ billion (100+ films)
Frank Welker’s name may not be famous, but his voice certainly is. A veteran voice actor, he has worked extensively in animated films and series, voicing animals, creatures, and machines. He’s been part of hits like Transformers, Aladdin, and Scooby-Doo. With more than 100 films to his credit, Welker has contributed to a staggering $18 billion in box office revenue.
4. John Ratzenberger – $20+ billion (50+ films)
Known for his consistent voice roles in nearly every Pixar film, John Ratzenberger is considered Pixar’s lucky charm. He’s voiced characters in Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, and more. This consistent presence across decades of animation has built an unmatched record. With about 50 films, most of which are billion-dollar earners, Ratzenberger’s Pixar legacy is unrivalled.
3. Stan Lee – $30+ billion (50 films)
Though he wasn’t an actor in the traditional sense, Stan Lee made cameos in nearly every Marvel film until his passing. These appearances, along with his role as Marvel’s co-creator, make his inclusion here symbolic and significant. Appearing in around 50 films, his face became a Marvel Easter egg that fans eagerly awaited. His creations, and his on-screen nods, shaped a cinematic universe that has earned more than $30 billion.
2. Tom Holland – $35+ billion (35 films)
Tom Holland’s turn as Spider-Man has been wildly successful, featuring in Marvel’s biggest titles, including Infinity War, Endgame, and his own Spider-Man trilogy. He’s also starred in Uncharted and Onward. Despite being one of the youngest on this list, his films have grossed more than $35 billion globally. Holland’s charm and relatability make him a modern box office giant.
1. James Earl Jones – $40+ billion (50+ films)
Topping the list is James Earl Jones, the legendary voice behind Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. Though he rarely appears physically in blockbusters, his deep, commanding voice has left an unforgettable legacy. His influence spans generations, from the original Star Wars trilogy to remakes and sequels. With around 50 film credits, Jones’s iconic vocal work has earned over $40 billion at the global box office – a voice that truly moved the world.
