When it comes to the highest-paid actors in the world, Hollywood actors dominate the list. After all, Hollywood’s film companies produce the majority of the world’s most popular and commercially successful pictures. In this article, we will discuss the top paid actors worldwide.
Top 10 highest-paid actors in the world
Here are the top paid actors in the world with their total earnings, according to Forbes
| Rank & Actor | Total Earnings (in million $) | Best Filmography |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Adam Sandler | 73 | Punch-Drunk Love, Uncut Gems, Happy Gilmore |
| #2 Margot Robbie | 59 | Barbie, Birds of Prey; I, Tonya |
| #3 Tom Cruise | 45 | Top Gun, Mission Impossible, Edge of Tomorrow |
| #4 Ryan Gosling | 43 | La La Land, Drive, The Nice Guys |
| #5 Matt Damon | 43 | Good Will Hunting, Ford v Ferrari, The Martian |
| #6 Jennifer Aniston | 42 | Friends, Dumplin, The Morning Show |
| #7 Leonardo Di Caprio | 41 | Catch Me If You Can, The Departed, Killers of the Flower Moon |
| #8 Jason Statham | 41 | The Bank Job, Spy; Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels |
| #9 Ben Affleck | 38 | The Town, Argo, Gone Girl |
| #10 Denzel Washington | 24 | Mississippi Masala, Fences, Glory |
Also Read: Top 10 highest paid actors in India 2024
This list of the highest-paid actors in the world highlights one issue—gender pay discrimination. Only two women actors feature in the list, though this is an improvement from earlier days when there was not even one actress in the list. Small progress is better than no progress. On that note, let’s look at the lives and career highlights of the world’s biggest stars. 
Adam Sandler; Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler is a renowned American actor and comedian known for his comedic, goofy roles. Currently the highest-paid movie actor in the world, Sandler started out as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. His films feature immature yet lovable protagonists. While his work is divisive, with critics and fans having strong opinions, there’s no denying his impact on comedy.
Margot Robbie; Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie is an Australian actress and producer who rapidly ascended to Hollywood stardom. Known for her versatility, she has captivated audiences with roles ranging from glamorous (Barbie) to gritty (I, Tonya). Her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, has produced critically acclaimed films. Also Read: Indian Oscar winners: List of Indians who won Academy Awards
Tom Cruise; Photo by Mike Coppola/WireImage
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is a Hollywood icon renowned for his high-octane action films and his dedication to performing his own stunts. From the aerial acrobatics of Top Gun to the impossible missions of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise shows dedication to his craft like no other, making him a global superstar. 
Ryan Gosling; Photo by PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is a versatile Canadian actor known for his ability to seamlessly transition between independent dramas and mainstream blockbusters. From his early days on The Mickey Mouse Club to critically acclaimed performances in films like Half Nelson and La La Land, Gosling has solidified his status as a Hollywood A-lister. He also has an Academy Award nomination to his name. 
Matt Damon; Photo by Gerald Matzka/picture alliance via Getty Images
Matt Damon
Matt Damon is a versatile American actor and screenwriter known for his ability to transition between dramatic and comedic roles. His career took off with the Oscar-winning screenplay for Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote with Ben Affleck. Since then, he has starred in many blockbusters, including the Bourne series, the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy, Saving Private Ryan, and, more recently, Nolan’s Oppenheimer. 
Jennifer Aniston; Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Jennifer Aniston
You’d probably know Jennifer Aniston from her character as Rachel Green on Friends. Her portrayal of Rachel earned her many awards, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Since then, she has successfully transitioned to the big screen, starring in a variety of comedic and dramatic roles. Aniston’s influence extends beyond acting; she is a cultural icon known for her timeless beauty. The ‘Rachel haircut’ is considered one of the most popular hairstyles, and millions of women do it to this day. 
Leonardo Di Caprio; Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage
Leonardo Di Caprio
Known for his portrayals of complex characters, DiCaprio has built a career defined by critically acclaimed performances. From his early breakthrough in Titanic to his Oscar-winning role in The Revenant, DiCaprio has consistently challenged himself with diverse roles. Beyond his acting career, he is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and even used his Oscar-winning moment to raise awareness about climate change. 
Jason Statham;Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
Jason Statham
Jason Statham is an English actor renowned for his tough, no-nonsense roles in action thrillers. With a background as a competitive diver and model, Statham brings a raw authenticity to his characters. His career skyrocketed after his breakout role in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Since then, he has become a leading action star known for films like The Transporter, The Expendables, and the Fast & Furious franchise.
Ben Affleck; Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck is an American actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter. Affleck has showcased his acting range in dramatic and comedic roles, starring in films like Argo, The Town, and Gone Girl. His talent also extends behind the camera, with successful directorial ventures such as Argo and The Town.
Denzel Washington; Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is a revered American actor, director, and producer. Renowned for his powerful and commanding screen presence, he has delivered iconic performances across a diverse range of roles. From his Oscar-winning turns in Glory and Training Day to his critically acclaimed work in films like Malcolm X and Fences, Washington has solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation. His influence extends beyond acting, as he has also directed critically acclaimed films.