With hundreds of popular actors in Hollywood, it can be tough to guess who truly stands at the top. But one A-lister has now surpassed legends like Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Downey Jr.
Scarlett Johansson, 40, has officially become the highest-grossing actor in Hollywood history. According to The Numbers, her films have grossed a combined $14.8 billion across 36 movies — fewer than Jackson's 71 and Downey’s 45.
Her top four box office hits are all Avengers installments, in which she starred as the iconic Black Widow.
Johansson’s latest film, Jurassic World Rebirth, helped push her into the top spot, bringing in $322.6 million globally in just its first six days, per Box Office Mojo.
Of her total earnings, over $8.7 billion came from her appearances as Black Widow in the four Avengers movies and Captain America: Civil War.
Other notable contributions to her box office success include her Marvel debut in Iron Man 2 and the two Sing animated films, in which she voiced Ash, the porcupine.
By comparison, Jackson, now in second place, has earned $14.6 billion, while Downey Jr. follows closely with $14.3 billion.
This milestone is just the latest in Johansson’s impressive career. With a reported net worth of around $165 million, she has also amassed over $20 million worth of real estate across Los Angeles, New York City, and Amagansett, New York.
Interestingly, most of the top-grossing actors have ties to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The sole exception in the top tier is Tom Hanks, who has never appeared in a Marvel film.
While Johansson currently holds the lead, her position may be challenged with the release of Downey Jr.’s next big project.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to premiere in December 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027 — both of which could catapult him into the number one spot, unless Johansson’s Black Widow makes an unexpected return from the dead.
