Ranking The 20 Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time.
When it comes to box office dominance, a handful of actors stand above the rest, having generated billions in ticket sales across the globe. By adjusting for inflation, this updated list offers a fair comparison between timeless classics and modern blockbusters.
Featuring everyone from superhero legends to iconic voice actors, these stars have made an unforgettable impact on film and audiences worldwide. So, get ready—here are the top 20 highest-grossing actors of all time, ranked by their total global box office earnings (inflation-adjusted), along with their standout roles and filmographies.
20. Chris Evans – $14+ billion
Chris Evans cemented his place in cinematic history as Captain America, leading a trilogy and numerous Avengers ensemble films. Even before his Marvel fame, Evans made a splash in the Fantastic Four series. His versatility shines through hits like Knives Out and voicing Buzz Lightyear in Pixar’s Lightyear. With over 40 films under his belt, Evans’ inflation-adjusted box office total exceeds $14 billion—a testament to his enduring appeal beyond the super-soldier serum.
19. Chris Hemsworth – $14+ billion
Chris Hemsworth’s thunderous impact at the box office stems from his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel universe, where he became a fan favorite. Beyond the hammer-wielding god, Hemsworth starred in Snow White and the Huntsman, Men in Black: International, and Extraction, proving his star power extends far beyond superhero roles. With just over 30 films, his global gross also surpasses $14 billion, a remarkable feat for a former Australian soap star.
18. Vin Diesel – ~$15 billion
Vin Diesel’s box office dominance is unique—often speaking only a handful of words in his biggest roles. As Groot’s voice in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and the lead in the Fast & Furious franchise, Diesel commands massive audiences. From The Iron Giant to xXx and Riddick, Diesel’s roughly 35 films have collectively grossed nearly $15 billion worldwide, proving his appeal as both an action star and voice actor.
17. Benedict Cumberbatch – $15+ billion
With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Benedict Cumberbatch has become a box office powerhouse. Known widely as Marvel’s Doctor Strange, he also voiced Smaug in The Hobbit, portrayed Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness, and brought the Grinch to life. His nearly 50 films have amassed over $15 billion globally, transforming him from British drama favorite to one of Hollywood’s elite earners.
16. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson – $15+ billion
From wrestling superstar to Hollywood’s go-to action hero, Dwayne Johnson has built an empire. Leading roles in Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and disaster epics like San Andreas have thrilled audiences worldwide. With more than 50 films, including voice roles like Maui in Moana, Johnson’s inflation-adjusted box office gross exceeds $15 billion. His charisma and physicality ensure he remains a top draw for blockbuster audiences.
15. Jon Favreau – $15+ billion
Jon Favreau wears many hats: actor, director, and producer. Known on-screen as Happy Hogan in Marvel’s Iron Man series and other billion-dollar blockbusters, he also voiced Pumbaa in The Lion King (2019) and appeared in The Mandalorian. Though mostly behind the camera, Favreau’s 40+ film appearances have grossed over $15 billion worldwide, making him a quietly powerful presence in Hollywood.
14. Robert Downey Jr. – $15+ billion
Robert Downey Jr. is one of Hollywood’s greatest comeback stories, thanks largely to his iconic role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. As the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey Jr. helped usher in a new era of box office dominance. With hits like Sherlock Holmes and nearly 70 films total, his adjusted global gross tops $15 billion, forever linking his legacy with the rise of modern superhero cinema.
13. Scarlett Johansson – $15+ billion
Scarlett Johansson stands as the highest-grossing actress worldwide, seamlessly balancing indie roles and blockbuster fame. As Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) in Marvel’s saga, she became a key female lead in one of the highest-grossing franchises ever. With over 50 films and roles in Lucy and Ghost in the Shell, Johansson’s inflation-adjusted global total surpasses $15 billion, showcasing her versatility and star power.
12. – $15+ billion
Chris Pratt’s journey from TV comedy to blockbuster lead is remarkable. Starring as Owen Grady in Jurassic World and Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt has anchored two massive franchises. Add voice roles in The LEGO Movie and appearances in Avengers films, and Pratt’s box office gross climbs past $15 billion globally, proving his charm resonates with diverse audiences.
11. Zoe Saldaña – $15+ billion
Zoe Saldaña has starred in two of the top three highest-grossing films ever: Avatar and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. As Neytiri and Gamora, respectively, Saldaña is a sci-fi and fantasy staple. With additional roles in Star Trek and other hits, her 50-film career totals more than $15 billion at the global box office, making her one of Hollywood’s most successful genre actresses.
10. Alan Tudyk – $16+ billion
Alan Tudyk’s voice has become a hallmark of many Disney and Star Wars projects. From Hei Hei in Moana to K-2SO in Rogue One, his comic timing shines. Though often underrecognized, Tudyk’s 40+ film appearances have generated over $16 billion worldwide, making him a quiet but vital box office contributor, especially in animated and sci-fi realms.
9. Tom Cruise – $16+ billion
Few stars sustain Tom Cruise’s level of box office success. Known for Mission: Impossible stunts and the iconic Top Gun saga, Cruise has a career spanning nearly four decades and 50 films. With hits like Jerry Maguire and War of the Worlds, Cruise’s inflation-adjusted global gross surpasses $16 billion, proving he remains one of the last true movie stars with consistent mass appeal.
8. Warwick Davis – ~$17 billion
Warwick Davis has played memorable roles in major franchises since his teens. From Ewok Wicket in Star Wars to Professor Flitwick and Griphook in Harry Potter, Davis often performs under heavy makeup or CGI. Across 30+ films, these roles have amassed roughly $17 billion globally, highlighting his unique, enduring contribution to some of Hollywood’s biggest sagas.
7. Andy Serkis – $17+ billion
Andy Serkis revolutionized motion-capture acting with iconic roles like Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Caesar in Planet of the Apes. Also appearing in Star Wars and Marvel films, Serkis’s transformative performances have helped his roughly 30 films gross over $17 billion worldwide. His work behind the digital curtain has become indispensable to modern blockbuster filmmaking.
6. Frank Welker – $18+ billion
Frank Welker may be Hollywood’s most prolific voice actor, voicing characters ranging from Scooby-Doo to animal sounds in Jurassic Park. With over 100 film credits, Welker’s vocal talents have contributed to hits across decades. His hidden but vital role has helped films gross over $18 billion globally, making him perhaps the most successful actor audiences never see on screen.
5. Tom Hanks – ~$20 billion
America’s beloved everyman, Tom Hanks, combines critical acclaim with box office power. Leading roles in Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and voicing Woody in Toy Story have cemented his appeal. Across 70 films, Hanks’ inflation-adjusted global gross nears $20 billion, a testament to his timeless charisma and the universal resonance of his characters.
4. John Ratzenberger – $20+ billion
Known as "Pixar’s good luck charm," John Ratzenberger has voiced characters in nearly every Pixar film, including Hamm in Toy Story and Mack in Cars. With cameos in Star Wars and over 50 films, his contributions have amassed over $20 billion worldwide. Though often brief, his roles have become beloved Easter eggs that add magic to blockbuster hits.
3. Harrison Ford – $25+ billion
Harrison Ford’s legendary portrayals of Han Solo and Indiana Jones have defined generations of moviegoers. With about 50 films, including Star Wars, Blade Runner, and The Fugitive, Ford’s box office adjusted gross tops $25 billion. He remains a rugged Hollywood icon with a filmography that spans decades and continues to captivate audiences.
2. Samuel L. Jackson – $27+ billion
The undisputed king of cameos and supporting roles, Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in over 150 films. From Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Pulp Fiction and Star Wars, his commanding presence drives audience appeal. Jackson’s massive filmography has generated more than $27 billion globally, making him the highest-grossing live-action actor ever.
1. Stan Lee – $30+ billion
Though primarily known as a legendary comic book creator, Stan Lee’s cameo appearances and voice roles in Marvel films have made him a box office titan. His presence in over 100 Marvel movies and related projects has helped generate a staggering $30+ billion at the global box office (inflation-adjusted), making him the highest-grossing actor of all time. Lee’s lasting legacy is not just on the page, but on the silver screen where his creations and appearances continue to inspire millions.
Conclusion
The box office milestones of these actors underscore the incredible influence of film as a storytelling medium that unites audiences worldwide. From iconic leading roles to unforgettable voice performances and beloved cameos, each individual has contributed uniquely to the magic of cinema.
Stan Lee’s record-setting presence exemplifies the power of creativity and passion, proving that impact transcends traditional acting roles. Together, these stars highlight how diverse talents and visionary storytelling shape a vibrant film industry that continues to captivate and inspire generations. The future of cinema shines bright with such remarkable legacies leading the way.
