Zoe Saldaña is officially knocking on the door of box office royalty. After the massive global run of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the actress has surged to second place among the highest-grossing actors of all time, pulling within striking distance of longtime leader Scarlett Johansson.
Johansson still holds the crown with $15.4 billion in worldwide earnings, but Saldaña now sits just behind her with $14.7 billion, powered largely by her work in the Avatar and Marvel franchises. Johansson strengthened her lead in 2025 with the blockbuster success of Jurassic World Rebirth, and with another Jurassic film and The Batman Part II on the way, she remains firmly in the mix to stay on top.
The race could tighten further in 2026. With Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and other MCU heavyweights set to return in Avengers: Doomsday, another billion-dollar boost feels inevitable. Some fans are even hoping Johansson might pop up in Avengers: Secret Wars, which would only help her extend that lead.
15. Mark Ruffalo — $9,890,700,465
Mark Ruffalo’s box office power has been built quietly but steadily over more than a decade of blockbuster dominance. While he is best known globally for portraying Bruce Banner and the Hulk across multiple MCU films, Ruffalo’s strength lies in consistency. He has appeared in nearly every major Marvel ensemble event, including billion-dollar juggernauts like The Avengers series, where his role expanded with each outing. Unlike flashier franchise leads, Ruffalo became an essential supporting pillar whose presence grounded some of the MCU’s biggest moments. Outside of Marvel, he balances prestige projects and awards-caliber performances, but it is his long-term franchise loyalty that has fueled his staggering global total. With future Marvel appearances always possible, Ruffalo’s place among Hollywood’s highest-grossing actors feels secure, even as newer stars begin their climb.
14. Tom Holland — $9,959,005,706
Tom Holland’s ascent to box office royalty happened at warp speed. Anchored by his breakout role as Spider-Man, Holland became the face of a new generation of superhero stardom, leading multiple billion-dollar hits while also appearing in massive MCU ensemble films. His Spider-Man trilogy turned him into a global phenomenon, with audiences responding to his youthful energy, emotional vulnerability, and physical commitment to the role. Beyond Marvel, Holland has continued expanding his résumé with studio tentpoles and prestige dramas like The Odyssey, signaling long-term staying power rather than franchise dependence. What makes his ranking especially impressive is his age. Holland has achieved nearly $10 billion in global box office earnings before 30. With future franchise opportunities and star-driven projects ahead, his climb up this list feels inevitable rather than surprising.
13. Johnny Depp — $10,364,094,975
Johnny Depp’s box office legacy is defined by iconic characters that became global phenomena. His most lucrative run came from leading the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, where his eccentric turn as Captain Jack Sparrow helped turn each sequel into an international event. Those films alone account for several billion dollars of his total, cementing Depp as one of the most recognizable movie stars of the 2000s. Beyond pirates, Depp found massive success in fantasy-driven blockbusters like Alice in Wonderland, which also soared past the billion-dollar mark worldwide. While his career has experienced dramatic shifts in recent years, his impact on global box office history remains undeniable. Few actors have headlined as many culturally defining blockbusters, and even fewer have created characters that resonate across generations the way Depp has.
12. Tom Hanks — $10,937,630,323
Tom Hanks represents a different kind of box office power. Rather than relying on action-heavy franchises, Hanks built his staggering total through decades of audience trust and cross-generational appeal. He has anchored beloved classics like Forrest Gump, animated juggernauts like Toy Story, and crowd-pleasing blockbusters such as Saving Private Ryan. Hanks’ ability to move seamlessly between prestige dramas, family films, and mainstream hits allowed his movies to perform consistently across global markets. Unlike many on this list, his success spans multiple eras of Hollywood, from the 1990s through today. That longevity is what truly sets him apart. Even without flashy superhero roles, Hanks’ name alone has long been enough to bring audiences into theaters, solidifying his place among cinema’s most reliable box office stars.
11. Bradley Cooper — $11,394,353,601
Bradley Cooper’s box office success is fueled by an unusual mix of prestige credibility and blockbuster appeal. While he has earned critical acclaim for dramatic performances in films like A Star Is Born, his biggest financial driver has been his long-running role as Rocket Raccoon in the MCU. Though often heard rather than seen, Cooper’s voice performance became a fan favorite across multiple billion-dollar Marvel films, including Avengers ensemble hits. He has also appeared in major franchises outside the superhero space, balancing character-driven projects with crowd-pleasing studio releases. Cooper’s ability to move between awards-season dramas and massive global blockbusters has kept his career both financially and creatively diverse. Few actors on this list have managed to combine critical respect with franchise longevity quite as seamlessly.
10. Dwayne Johnson — $11,465,694,513
Dwayne Johnson’s box office power is rooted in sheer star magnetism. Known globally as one of Hollywood’s most reliable draws, Johnson has headlined massive franchises including Fast & Furious, Jumanji (with more coming), and multiple original action spectacles. His films consistently perform overseas, making him a dominant force in the global marketplace. Unlike many actors tied to a single franchise, Johnson’s appeal is brand-driven. Audiences show up for him as much as the movie itself. His physical presence, and approachable persona have turned mid-budget action films into international hits. Even when critical reception varies, Johnson’s box office track record remains remarkably steady. With future studio projects and potential franchise revivals ahead, his spot in the top ten feels less like a peak and more like a sustained reign.
9. Chris Evans — $11,489,081,141
Chris Evans’ box office standing is forever tied to his defining turn as Captain America, a role that transformed him from a reliable leading man into a global superstar. Across multiple MCU phases, Evans anchored some of the franchise’s most emotionally resonant moments, helping drive billion-dollar hits like Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War. His portrayal of Steve Rogers became the moral center of the Marvel universe, making his appearances essential viewing for fans worldwide. Outside of Marvel, Evans has balanced prestige projects and commercial films, proving his appeal extends beyond superhero armor. While he has stepped back from the shield, his box office legacy remains massive. With a Doomsday appearances always looming, Evans continues to benefit from one of the most successful cinematic runs in modern film history.
8. Vin Diesel — $12,043,063,424
Vin Diesel’s global box office dominance is driven almost entirely by franchise loyalty and international appeal. As the face of the Fast & Furious saga, Diesel helped turn a street racing film into one of the most lucrative action franchises of all time (if they make any more of these). Diesel also found massive success lending his voice to Groot in the MCU, adding another string of blockbuster wins to his résumé. His brand is instantly recognizable, and audiences know exactly what they are getting when his name is on the poster. Few actors have leveraged long-running franchises as effectively or as consistently as Diesel.
7. Chris Hemsworth — $12,189,865,785
Chris Hemsworth’s box office power was forged in thunder. His portrayal of Thor became one of the MCU’s most enduring success stories, evolving from Shakespearean hero to crowd-pleasing powerhouse across multiple billion-dollar films. Hemsworth benefited enormously from Marvel’s ensemble strategy, appearing in massive global hits like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, while also leading his own lucrative solo outings. Outside the MCU, he has expanded into action franchises and high-profile studio releases, reinforcing his value as a physical leading man with comedic range. What sets Hemsworth apart is his adaptability. As Thor’s tone shifted, so did his performance, keeping the character fresh and audience interest high. With Avengers: Doomsday in play, Hemsworth’s box office total reflects both star power.
6. Tom Cruise — $12,668,396,953
Tom Cruise remains one of the most reliable box office forces Hollywood has ever produced. Unlike many actors on this list, Cruise’s dominance spans decades rather than franchises alone. His leadership of the Mission: Impossible series turned practical stunt work into a global selling point, helping each installment perform strongly worldwide. Cruise also benefited from massive legacy hits earlier in his career, including Top Gun, and its record-breaking sequel. What separates Cruise from his peers is his unwavering commitment to theatrical spectacle. Audiences trust that a Tom Cruise movie delivers scale, intensity, and craftsmanship. Even as Hollywood evolves, Cruise continues to prove that star-driven cinema still matters, making his place near the top of this list both earned and enduring.
5. Chris Pratt — $14,128,303,784
Chris Pratt’s box office climb is one of the most dramatic transformations in modern Hollywood. Once best known for television comedy, Pratt reinvented himself as a blockbuster leading man almost overnight. His breakout turn as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy introduced a new kind of Marvel hero, blending humor, heart, and swagger in a way audiences instantly embraced. That success carried across multiple MCU ensemble films, each adding billions to his global total. Pratt also became a major draw outside Marvel, fronting the massively successful Jurassic World franchise and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which both dominated the global box office. His appeal spans generations, helped further by animated hits and family-friendly projects. Few actors have managed to anchor two billion-dollar franchises simultaneously, and Pratt’s ranking reflects that rare, cross-genre dominance.
4. Robert Downey Jr. — $14,315,110,840
Robert Downey Jr.’s box office legacy is inseparable from the rise of the MCU itself. As the face of Tony Stark, Downey launched Marvel’s cinematic experiment and became the emotional and financial backbone of the franchise for more than a decade. His appearances in Iron Man, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame helped redefine what modern blockbusters could be, with multiple films crossing the billion-dollar threshold. Downey’s swagger, wit, and emotional depth turned Iron Man into one of cinema’s most beloved characters. His exit marked the end of an era, but his financial footprint remains enormous. With his return as Dr. Doom in a set of Marvel potential blockbusters, Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, Downey’s already staggering total is poised to climb even higher, reinforcing his place among Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
3. Samuel L. Jackson — $14,613,700,670
Samuel L. Jackson’s box office total is the result of sheer volume, versatility, and cultural longevity. Few actors have appeared in as many global blockbusters across as many decades. Jackson became a cornerstone of the MCU as Nick Fury, appearing in numerous interconnected films that collectively reshaped modern franchise filmmaking. Beyond Marvel, he played pivotal roles in massive hits like Star Wars and the original Jurassic Park, franchises that continue to generate enormous worldwide revenue. Jackson’s presence often signals credibility, authority, or explosive energy, making him a go-to performer for high-stakes studio projects. Unlike actors tied to a single lead role, his success comes from being indispensable across ensembles. That adaptability has allowed him to remain box office-relevant well into multiple cinematic eras, placing him firmly among the highest-grossing actors of all time.
2. Zoe Saldaña — $14,727,520,366
Zoe Saldaña’s rise to the No. 2 spot is nothing short of historic. She is the only actor to anchor multiple billion-dollar franchises simultaneously, with key roles in Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers films. Her latest boost came from Avatar: Fire and Ash, which delivered another massive global haul and pushed her within striking distance of the top spot (and counting). Saldaña’s box office dominance is driven by global appeal, franchise longevity, and consistency. She has helped lead several of the highest-grossing films ever made, often serving as the emotional anchor within visually massive worlds. With future Avatar installments still ahead, her total is likely far from finished. Saldaña is not just chasing the record. She is actively reshaping what box office leadership looks like in modern Hollywood.
1. Scarlett Johansson — $15,401,181,620
Scarlett Johansson currently sits at the top of the global box office mountain, and her position is anything but accidental. Her decade-long run as Black Widow in the MCU made her one of the most recognizable faces in blockbuster cinema, contributing to multiple billion-dollar ensemble hits. In 2025, she solidified her lead with the success of Jurassic World Rebirth, proving her star power extends well beyond superhero franchises. With at least one more Jurassic film in development and a major roles in The Batman Part II and The Exorcist on the horizon, Johansson shows no signs of slowing down. Some MCU fans still hope for a surprise return in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. If that happens, Johansson could realistically hold the top spot for years to come.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this.
More from Nerdspin – Ranking Every Star Trek Series From Worst to Best
Ranking Every Star Trek Series From Worst to Best
From animated oddities to timeless classics, we boldly rank every Star Trek series ever made.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this.
Also From Nerdspin – 13 Cult Classics That Bombed at the Box Office but Became Beloved by Fans
13 Cult Classics That Bombed at the Box Office but Became Beloved by Fans
These movies bombed at the box office but became legends long after the lights went down.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this.
