Last Updated: April 07, 2022
Some actors have all the luck, especially if they have established a name for themselves. Production houses and filmmakers are willing to pay them a hefty amount to star in their films. It is not just the numerous awards or overall experience the actor has; but also credibility.
Some actors even earn more by opting for the backend job like direction and production. They also have various endorsements, music labels and are even founders of production companies. There are a few names that have made significant contributions to the film industry.
We have compiled a list of the Top 30 Highest-Paid Actors in the World – 2020. Here you go:
1. Robert Downey Jr. – $40 million
In comparison to any other lead actor, Robert Downey has made a significant amount through his role as Iron Man AKA Tony Shark. The Avengers: Age of Ultron is not only a big blockbuster film; however, it also redefined his reputation. Today he is not only known as a talented actor but even a successful one.
He started his film career at a very early age and was even part of the Brat Pack list. Since the 1980s, he has worked in many films and has also won a couple of awards. Thanks to The Avengers, his paycheck was even higher than he usually earns.
2. Tom Hanks – $40 million
Tom Hanks is the next name on the list of Top 30 Highest Paid Actors In The World. His journey from a theater actor to one of the biggest names in Hollywood has been quite long. Hanks first landed a role in Bosom Buddies – A 1980’s Television Series. He then ventured into the silver screen, and ever since then, there has been no stopping him.
This Academy Award Winner has acted in big blockbuster films like Forest Gump, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, The Green Mile, Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan, etc. He has also been a voice artist for the hit animated series – Toy Story.
3. Mel Gibson – $30 million
This list will be incomplete without Mel Gibson. For Lethal Weapon 4, he earned around $30 million. This action-packed actor has worked in some of the best action movies that Hollywood has to offer. Apart from acting, he also produces and directs films, which adds to his paycheck.
Some of the popular films that he has acted in would include Apocalyptic, The Passion of the Christ, Braveheart, Hamlet, etc. He started his acting career through his first role in The Sullivans – an Australian Television Series that aired in 1976. He has acted in 43 films; he has also written two movies and has produced around 11 movies so far.
4. Keanu Reeves – $30 million
An actor, director, film producer, and musician; Keanu Reeves is Hollywood’s most loved and introvert actors. Reeves’s acting debut was the television series – Hangin’in. He has also made numerous appearances on the stage in plays like Romeo and Juliet.
Youngblood was his debut movie wherein he made an appearance. He has acted in many films like Speed, The Devil’s Advocate, Constantine, etc. The Matrix Series was the turning point of his career and got him the much-needed recognition. Reeves is one of the most versatile Hollywood actors who has acted in various genres and has won many notable awards.
5. Tom Cruise – $25 million
Tom Cruise is best known for his works like Top Gun, Cocktail, Jerry Maguire, Minority Report, Vanilla Sky, etc. He is also one of the highest-paid Hollywood actors whose films need no introduction. As of 2020, his net worth is close to $570 million. This Golden Globe Award winner has some of the highest-grossing box office films on his list.
Although many films marked turning points for this actor; however, the Mission Impossible series gave him more recognition as a producer. Cruise also received the MTV Movie Award for the Best Male Performance for Mission Impossible
6. Harrison Ford – $25 million
Harrison Ford is an environmental activist, aviator, and actor who is part of the list of Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Actors. He is known for his work in the trilogy sequel of Star Ars. Ford is also one of the most influential and acclaimed filmmakers with movies like Mike Nichols, Peter Weir, George Lucas, etc.
He has also portrayed heroic charterers in movies like 42, Air Force One, Whiteness, etc. Ford has also given his voice for the animated film – The Secret Life of Pets 2 as Rooster, the dog. He started acting in more diverse roles, including supporting roles since 2013.
7. Matt Damon – $25 million
Matt Damon is a philanthropist, screenwriter, film producer, and actor who made his mark in Hollywood. He is not only the highest-paid actor, but is also on the list of highest-grossing actors of all time. Damon has also been ranked as the most bankable star by Forbes magazine.
With movies like Saving Private Ryan, The Departed, The Martian, etc. to his list; he has proved his acting skills through various genres. Apart from acting, he has also done voice-over works for documentary and animated films. On the charitable front, he is involved in works like Water.org, Feeding America H2O Africa Foundation, and One Campaign.
8. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – $25 million
Before stepping into Hollywood, He was a well-known legacy as a professional wrestler for eight years apart from being a college football player. Today, Johnson is not only the highest-paid actor in Hollywood; but also the highest-grossing box office stars of all time.
He started his Hollywood journey by first appearing in Television shows like The Wrestling Show, That ‘70s show, etc. He then went on to theatrical acting in movies like The Scorpion King, The Mummy Returns. Also, in his bucket, he has been part of the mega-blockbuster movie series like Fast & Furious, G.I. Joe etc.
9. Leonardo DiCaprio – $25 million
Known as an environmentalist, producer, and actor, Leonardo DiCaprio started appearing on-screen during the late 1980s. He first appeared in a television commercial; after which, he was part of Parenthood – a Television series. In 1993, he started his film journey in the movie The Boy’s
Life. The most significant turning point of his career was when he played Jack’s role in the film Titanic. This movie was not only the highest-grossing film; however, it also gave him international recognition. Leonard has also founded a production company by the name of Appian Way Productions. Apart from that, he also has a non-profit organization for environmental awareness called the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
10. Adam Sandler – $25 million
Known to be a songwriter, singer, film producer, screenwriter, comedian, and actor, Adam Sandler is the next name on the list. He is known for his comic roles in movies like Big Daddy, 50 First Dates, The Waterboy, Billi Madison, etc. Before placing his foot in Hollywood, he even appeared in various television series, including The Cosby Show, where he played the role of Smitty.
In 1999, he founded Happy Madison Productions – a film production company. His public image has expanded through various forms of media, including shows like Family Guy, The Simpsons, and even the HBO series Animals. Some are to figure out who is a better comedian between Jim Carry or Sandler.
11. Johnny Depp – $20 million
Johnny Depp is a musician, producer, and actor who gained popularity on various fronts. His debut film was A Nightmare on Elm Street, which was released in 1984. Johnny was also a teen television star who starred in 21 Jump Street. Apart from being one of the highest-paid Hollywood actors, he ranks #3 as the highest-grossing actor worldwide.
In his list of accomplishments, you have Pirates of the Caribbean as Jack Sparrow, The Lone Ranger, Charlie, and the Chocolate Factory, to name a few. His name is also in the Guinness World Records for the highest-paid actor in 2012 with an earning of close to $75 Million.
12. Jennifer Lawrence – $20 million
Jennifer Lawrence is the highest-paid actor in the world and is also one of the most influential people in the world. She started her on-screen journey by making guest appearances in television shows. In 2007, she got her first break when she was selected for The Bill Engvall Show.
The Garden Party was her debut film for the supporting role. Jennifer has also acted in mega-blockbuster movies like the Hunger Games series and X-Men film series. This also got her international recognition. Her role in Hunger games helped her to earn the title of the highest-grossing action heroes of all time.
13. Denzel Washington – $20 million
Known as a producer, director, and actor, Denzel Washington is known for his versatile acting. The 1981 movie Carbon Copy marked the beginning of Washington’s Hollywood journey. However, his actual on-screen debut was in 1977 for the film Wilma. St. Elsewhere – a hospital drama on NBC gave Denzel his major career break for his role Dr. Phillip Chandler.
Some of his notable films include Déjà vu, The Taking of Pelham, The Bone Collector, etc. He has also made several theatre appearances in plays like Julius Caesar, Richard III, A Raisin in the Sun, etc. Today this Academy Award and Golden Glove award holder have made his name on the list of the Top 30 Highest-Paid Actors in the World.
14. Will Smith – $20 million
He is known as the most powerful actor in Hollywood with a long list of accomplishments. Apart from acting, he is also one of the most famous rappers in the world. Will Smith is not only a Grammy Awards holder; but also holds Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards to his list.
The name – The Fresh Prince gave him fame and popularity as a rapper. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air helped him prove his acting skills and also increased his popularity. He has appeared in various blockbuster films like Men in Black, Enemy of the State, The Matrix series, etc. Forbes has also ranked him as one of the bankable stars of all time.
15. Sandra Bullock – $20 million
Sandra Bullock is a philanthropist, producer, and actress who has a long list of accomplishments. She is not only one of the most influential people in the world; but, is also considered the most beautiful woman by People’s. She started her Hollywood journey in 1987 by playing a small role in the thriller movie Hangman.
The 1994 release Speed marked a significant breakthrough in her career. Bullock is also known to be one of the most versatile Hollywood stars. Apart from action and thriller films, she has also done lead roles in romantic and comedy movies like while you were sleeping and Miss Congeniality. This Golden Globe Award and Academy Award for Best actress holder also own a production company called Fortis Films.
16. Angelina Jolie – $20 million
Angelina Jolie is a humanitarian, filmmaker and actress who has made repeated entries in the Highest-Paid Actress in the World through the years. She is also known as one of the most powerful and influential people in the American entertainment industry. Jolie is also known for her beauty and sex appeal and has been listed as one of the world’s most beautiful women in the world; as well as, the world’s sexiest woman.
She has a powerful public image without any help from any PR agency. Her notable films that earned her commercial success include Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Maleficent, etc. She even went on to producing, screenwriting, and directing with – First They Killed My Father, Unbroken, etc.
17. Mark Wahlberg – $17 million
Mark Wahlberg AKA Marky Mark is a songwriter, singer, rapper, model, businessman, producer, and actor. He started his career as a singer and was a member of the Marky Mark and the Funcky Bunch. He transitioned into acting with his debut movie in 1994 – Renaissance Man.
He has also appeared in big-budget films like The Italian Job, Planet of the Apes, and The Perfect Storm. On the production front, he has been an executive producer for HBO series like Boardwalk Empire, Entourage, How to make it in America. Mark has also made a documentary McMillions. In 2010, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he received a star.
18. Melissa McCarthy – $14 million
Melissa McCarthy is a fashion designer, producer, writer, comedian, and actress whose name comes in the Top 30 most highest-paid actors in the world. In 2016, she was also in the list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
She started her acting career in the 1990s, wherein she gained recognition for her role in Gilmore Girls. She has also hosted the Saturday Night Live on many occasions. Her performance in the 2011 release- Bridesmaids gave her a lot of recognition. She is also a commercially successful actress with movies like Tammy, The Heat, Identity Thief, to name a few.
19. Ben Affleck – $14 million
Ben Affleck is a filmmaker and actor who started his career at a very early age. He first starred in PBS’s The Voyage of the Mimi, which was an educational series. He then appeared in films like Mallrats, Dazed and Confused, Dogma, and Chasing Amy. Ben’s became even more recognized through his performance in Good Will Hunting.
Matt Damon and Ben won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Some other notable films in his list include Pearl Harbor, Armageddon, Changing Lanes, and The Sum of all fears, to name a few. Ben Affleck is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization called the Eastern Congo Initiative. He also co-owns Pearl Street Films, a production company along with Damon.
20. Chris Pratt – $12 million
Chris Pratt is an actor who is known for his action and comic roles. He has featured in many big-budget films. On the Television front, his best-known work is the role of Parks and Recreation as Andy Dwyer. Chris has also been a part of films like Zero Dark Thirty, Jennifer’s Body, Everwood, etc.
He has also been part of two commercially and critically successful films Gradians of the Galaxy and The Lego Movie. Apart from being one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, he is also in the list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
21. Shah Rukh Khan – $8 Million
Shah Rukh Khan AKA King Khan or the Badshah of Bollywood is a television personality, film producer, and actor. He is also the recipient of the Padma Shri, which is the fourth highest civilian award in India. He started his acting career through television series like Fauji and Circus.
He made his Bollywood debut with the 1992 release Deewana. This was an instant hit for which he also earned the Filmfare Best Male Debut Award. He also earned a name through his villainous roles in movies like Baazigar, Darr, to name a few. Apart from movies, he also owns a production company called Red Chilly Entertainment.
22. Aamir Khan – $7-8 Million
Aamir Khan is a television talk show host, filmmaker, director, and actor who goes by the name Mr. Perfectionist. He is not only one of the most influential but popular actors in Bollywood. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the honorable awards given to a civilian – The Padma Bhushan (2010) and Padma Shri(2003).
He is also featured in the list of the 500 Most Influential Muslims of the World. He started his acting career as a child artist for the 1973 movie – Yadon Ki Baarat. His first debut movie as an adult was Holi. However, in the lead front, it was the 1988 blockbuster hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.
23. Salman Khan – $7-8 Million
Salman Khan is a television personality, and occasional singer, film producer, and actor. He is known as the Most Eligible Bachelor of India and in Bollywood. On the acting front, he has starred in many Bollywood films and has a list of Blockbusters to his credit. He also hosts the Indian version of Big Brother called Big Boss since 2010.
Salman is also a Godfather to many actors and actresses in Bollywood and has helped kickstart their career. Khan is also the founder of Being Human – a non-profit organization. Salman is also the founder of the production company Salman Khan Being Human Production.
24. Hrithik Roshan – $6.5-7 Million
Hrithik Roshan is known as the Greek God of Indian Cinema; and, is known for his acting and dancing. He is not only the highest-paid actors in India; but, is also listed in the World’s Most Handsome Men as well as the World’s Most Sexiest Asian Man.
In India, he is not only one of the most famous Bollywood actors; but is also the highest-paid actor in the world. His first film KahoNaa…. Pyaar Hai was a box-office success for which he received many awards. Apart from acting, he has his clothing line and is involved in many humanitarian causes.
25. Akshay Kumar – $6.5 Million
Akshay Kumar is a television personality, martial artist, producer, and actor who holds Canadian citizenship. He is also known as one of the Action Men of Bollywood. With more than 100 films in 29 years, he has won several awards. With a commercial success of around 52 films, he has become one of the most prominent Bollywood actors.
Akshay is also known for his stunts, for which he is also called the Indian Jacky Chan. Apart from acting, Akshay Kumar is also the founder of the production companies like Hari Om Entertainment, Grazing Goat Pictures. For his contribution to Indian Cinema, he has received an honorary Doctorate by the University of Windsor in 2008.
26. Amitabh Bachchan – $6-6.5 Million
Known as Bollywood’s Angry young man, Amitabh Bachchan AKA Big B, is a former politician, playback singer, television host, film producer, and film actor. He is also known as the Shahen Shah of Bollywood and the greatest actor of the century. I
n the history of Indian Cinema, he is one of the most influential and greatest actors. Bachchan has received honorable awards like the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan as well as the Padma Shri. For his contribution to Indian Cinema, in 2007, the French Government honored him with the Knight of the Legion of Honor.
27. Ajay Devgn – $6-6.5 Million
Ajay Devgn is a producer, director, and film actor and is one of the highest-paid actors in the World. He is also considered as one of the most influential and intense actors in Bollywood. Ajay has won numerous awards and has acted in various genres.
Devgan has received the fourth highest civilian honor – Padma Shri in 2013 from the Government of India. He is known for his action-packed and intense films. However, he has also made his name in the comedy front with the Golmal series. He is also the founder of the production company – Ajay Devgn Films
28. Ranbir Kapoor – $6 Million
Ranbir Kapoor is an actor who is also known as the Youth Icon of Bollywood. He hails from one of the most influential families and continues the legacy of Bollywood’s first family. He is not only one of the highest-paid actors of Indian Cinema, but even the highest-paid actors in the world.
Kapoor made his debut in 2007 with Saawariya. Ever since then, he has played numerous roles in various genres. One of his most outstanding performances was in Barfi where he played a mute and deaf man’s character. Apart from acting, he is also the co-owner of the Indian Super League football team Mumbai City FC.
29. Ranveer Singh – $6 Million
Ranveer Singh is an Indian actor and rapper who is also known as Bollywood’s Powerhouse as well as the Craziest actor in Bollywood. He is known for his energy wherever he goes and is also known as a style icon and crazy fashion styles.
He made his debut in Band BaajaBaarat – a 2010 romantic comedy. This film also gave him an instant commercial success. Singh has also been critically acclaimed for his roles in periodic films like Padvamat and Bajirao Mastani. To promote and help local musicians, he is the founder of the IncInk – a record label. His movie Gully Boy also showcased his rapping skills.
30. Shahid Kapoor – $5-6 Million
Shahid Kapoor is a professional dancer and actor who was also known as the Chocolate Boy of Bollywood; and, even the sexiest vegetarian man of India and Asia-Pacific. He started his career as a background dancer, after which he was then featured in television commercials and music videos.
In 2003, he made his film debut in the lead role for the movie IshqVishq. Shahid is known for his films like Jab We Met, Padmavat, and the recent Kabir Singh. Shahid has also been featured in the list of the Sexiest Asian Men in the World, The Most desirable men.
