Everyone knows the entertainment industry is a lucrative business, but it is also a place where talent earns a spot to shine. The best actresses in the world give memorable performances and captivate their audiences. This also guarantees commercial success and they soon become some of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
Keep on reading to learn more about the highest-paid actresses in the world.
1. Scarlett Johansson
Net worth: US$165 million
Scarlett Johansson is one of the world’s most popular actresses with films grossing $14.3 billion worldwide. She was the world’s highest-paid actress in 2018 and 2019. A recipient of various awards and accolades, Johansson proves with every project that she is a fantastic actress.
She has appeared in movies of varying genres and given moving performances. Johansson first received media attention in 1998 for her performance in The Horse Whisperer.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Johansson’s most well-known films include Lucy (2014), Marriage Story (2019), and Black Widow (2021).
2. Angelina Jolie
Net worth: US$120 million
One of the most well-known actresses in the world, Angelina Jolie has been named Hollywood’s highest-paid actress many times. She is known for her beauty, poise, and ability to bring characters to life. Jolie’s career started when she was just a child, but she had her breakthrough with Gia (1998). It is still considered one of her best performances.
Jolie’s other popular movies include Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Changeling (2008), and Maleficent (2014). Aside from acting, Jolie has received various honors for her humanitarian efforts.
3. Sofia Vergara
Net worth: US$180 million
Everyone knows Sofia Vergara as the witty and charming Gloria Delgado-Pritchett from Modern Family (2009-2020), a role that earned her nineteen award nominations. From 2013 to 2020, she was the highest-paid actress in American television.
Vergara started her career working on Spanish projects during the late 1990s. She rose to prominence with her role in Chasing Papi (2003) and subsequently appeared in various comedic films, such as Madea Goes to Jail (2009), The Smurfs (2011), and Hot Pursuit (2015).
Considered one of the most influential Latin women in the acting industry, Vergara has also been a coach on America’s Got Talent since 2020.
4. Meryl Streep
Net worth: US$160 million
Meryl Streep is an American actress, regarded by many as the “best actress of her generation.” Even at the start of her career, Streep’s ability to convey complexity and intensity along with her accent adaptability helped her stand out among other actresses.
With a career spanning four decades, she has had her fair share of commercial successes along the way. Streep made her debut in 1976 and only two years later, she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Her most successful films include Death Becomes Her (1992), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), and The Iron Lady (2011).
5. Julia Roberts
Net worth: US$250 million
One of the most successful and prominent actresses of her generation, Julia Roberts is known for taking on roles in films of various genres. With incredible performances in romantic comedies, thrillers, and dramas, Roberts established herself as one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood.
She had her breakthrough with Mystic Pizza (1988) and gained worldwide fame with Pretty Woman (1990). Some of her most successful movies include Notting Hill (1999), Eat Pray Love (2010), and Wonder (2017).
6. Salma Hayek
Net worth: US$200 million
Salma Hayek is a Mexican-American actress and producer who rose to prominence after starring in Desperado (1995). Hayek started her career in Mexico, but soon made appearances in various Hollywood movies like From Dusk till Dawn (1996) and Dogma (1999).
Hayek gained significant media attention with her portrayal of Frida Khalo in Frida (2002). For her role in the movie, she became the first Mexican actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her most recent critically acclaimed performances include roles in Tale of Tales (2015), Beatriz at Dinner (2017), and House of Gucci (2021).
7. Demi Moore
Net worth: US$200 million
Demi Moore is an American actress and one of Hollywood’s most popular actresses during the early 1990s. Moore gained media attention when she appeared in Blame It on Rio (1984) and went on to star in more successful films, such as Ghost (1990), A Few Good Men (1992), and Disclosure (1994).
In 1996, Moore became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, earning $12.5 million for her role in the film Striptease. In 2019, Moore released her memoir Inside Out which became a New York Times Best Seller.
8. Viola Davis
Net worth: US$25 million
It may be impossible to imagine, but Viola Davis was once a small Rhode Island actress. She rose to prominence in 2008 with her role as a troubled mother in Doubt. The 2010s were some of the most successful years of her career. She received various awards and accolades during this time, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and multiple Academy Awards.
To date, Davis is well known for her role as Annalise Keating in How To Get Away With Murder (2014-2020). In 2020, Forbes listed Davis as the tenth highest-paid TV actress in the world.
9. Gal Gadot
Net worth: US$30 million
Everyone’s favorite Wonder Woman and one of the most well-known celebrities in the world, Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and model. She began her career at the age of 18 and was Miss Israel 2004. Gadot’s first Hollywood film role was Gisele Yashar in various installments of the Fast & Furious film franchise.
In 2016, Gadot’s fame skyrocketed when she portrayed Wonder Woman in several DC films, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Wonder Woman (2017). In 2020, Forbes placed Gadot first on its highest-paid actresses list for reportedly earning $31.5 million.
10. Keira Knightley
Net worth: US$80 million
Keira Knightley is an English actress and recipient of several awards and accolades. Known for her work in independent and popular projects, Knightley began her career at the age of six. She received media attention in 2002 for her role in Bend It Like Beckham.
Knightley’s days as a star truly began with her role as Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of The Caribbean series. She is mostly known for her work with Joe Wright in period dramas, including Pride & Prejudice (2005), Atonement (2007), and Anna Karenina (2012).
11. Nicole Kidman
Net worth: US$250 million
Nicole Kidman is an American-Australian actress and producer. She is known for her skill as an actress and has remained one of the highest-paid actresses for the past two decades or more. Kidman started her career with Australian films and had her breakthrough with Dead Calm (1989).
Kidman’s most successful roles include lead roles in various 1990s films, such as Days of Thunder (1990), Batman Forever (1995), To Die For (1995), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Most recently, Kidman starred in Being The Ricardos (2021).
12. Emily Blunt
Net worth: US$80 million
Emily Blunt is an English actress who rose to prominence in 2006 for her role in Gideon’s Daughter and The Devil Wears Prada. For the former, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and was nominated for a BAFTA Award for the latter.
Soon after Devil Wears Prada (2006), Blunt’s success grew with leading roles in The Young Victoria (2009), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), Mary Poppins Returns (2018), and Sicario (2015). In 2020, Forbes included Blunt in their list of highest-paid actresses.
13. Reese Witherspoon
Net worth: US$400 million
Reese Witherspoon is an American actress and producer best known for her role as Elle Woods in the cult classic Legally Blonde (2001) and its sequel Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003). The film is notable for various pop culture moments and is still relevant even 21 years later.
Witherspoon’s career began in her teenage years with The Man in the Moon (1991). Her most well-known movies include Legally Blonde (2001), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), and Walk The Line (2005). In 2021, Forbes declared her as the richest actress in the world.
14. Jennifer Lawrence
Net worth: US$160 million
Everyone knows Jennifer Lawrence as the powerful Mystique from the X-Men film series (2011–2019) or as the brave warrior Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy (2012-2015).
Aside from these roles, Lawrence is also famous for her work with filmmaker David Owen Russell. Her work with Russell includes Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Hustle (2013), and Joy (2015). After a small break from acting, Lawrence returned with a role in Don’t Look Up (2021).
A common contender for the first few spots on highest-paid actress lists, Lawrence’s films have grossed $6 billion worldwide.
15. Melissa McCarthy
Net worth: US$90 million
Melissa McCarthy’s impressive net worth is the result of a versatile income source and her skill as an actress. She is an actress, comedian, writer, producer, and fashion designer. In 2020, Forbes ranked McCarthy second on its list of highest-paid actresses.
McCarthy began her career in the late 1990s and rose to prominence with her role as Sookie St. James in the TV series Gilmore Girls (2000–2007). With roles in various successful films, McCarthy received many nominations and awards.
She also co-founded On the Day productions with her husband and launched her own plus-size clothing line called Melissa McCarthy Seven7.
16. Ellen Pompeo
Net worth: US$80 million
Everyone knows Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy (2005-2022). She has been one of the highest-paid actresses in the world since 2017 and made multiple appearances on Forbes‘ highest-paid actresses list.
Pompeo’s career began with a guest role on Law & Order but she received little media attention during the initial stages of her career. After gaining recognition for her role in Moonlight Mile (2002), she was cast in Grey’s Anatomy. This was the most successful role of her career and she reportedly makes $20 million a year.
17. Elisabeth Moss
Net worth: US$30 million
Elisabeth Moss, also known as the Queen of Peak TV, is an American actress who rose to prominence with her role as Peggy Olson in Mad Men (2007–2015). Moss’ most successful and well-known role to date is June Osborne in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–Present).
Moss’ power as an actress is backed by the numerous awards and accolades she has received, which include two Golden Globe Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2020, Forbes ranked Moss seventh on its list of highest-paid actresses.
18. Margot Robbie
Net worth: US$26 million
Often regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Margot Robbie is an Australian actress known for her roles in various blockbuster films.
Robbie began her career with roles in TV series, such as Neighbours (2008–2011) and Pan Am (2011–2012). However, her role in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) achieved her worldwide recognition.
Since then, Robbie has had a very successful career and was ranked one of the world’s highest-paid actresses in 2019. Along with a prolific acting career, Margot also co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment with her husband.
19. Charlize Theron
Net worth: US$170 million
Charlize Theron is a South African-American actress best known for her role in the film Monster (2003). In 2019, Forbes listed her as the ninth highest-paid actress in the world. Theron gained wider recognition in the 1990s with leading roles in The Devil’s Advocate (1997) and The Cider House Rules (1999).
Theron’s net worth can be owed to her casting in various commercially successful films, such as Hancock (2008), Prometheus (2012), Atomic Blonde (2017), Bombshell (2019), and F9 (2021).
Aside from acting, Theron also founded her own production company Denver and Delilah Productions. She has released numerous films with her company.
20. Cate Blanchett
Net worth: US$95 million
Often regarded as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation, Blanchett is known for her work in blockbusters as well as independent projects. Blanchett began her career in 1992 and rose to prominence with her role as Elizabeth I in Elizabeth (1998).
Blanchett has worked with some of the most renowned names in the film industry, such as Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. Her most well-known films include The Aviator (2004), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), and Carol (2015). In 2018, Forbes listed her as one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
21. Mila Kunis
Net worth: US$75 million
Everyone knows the Russian beauty Mila Kunis, whether it be from That ’70s Show (1998–2006) or Friends with Benefits (2011). Her signature doe eyes and sharp features have always garnered attention, along with her skill as an actress.
Kunis began her career at 14 years of age but rose to prominence in 2008 with Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Kunis’ most successful films include Black Swan (2010), for which she received a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), Ted (2012), and Bad Moms (2016).
22. Natalie Portman
Net worth: US$90 million
Natalie Portman is an Israeli-American actress best known for her role as Nina Sayers in Black Swan (2010). Portman began her career at twelve years of age with Léon: The Professional (1994). In 2004, Portman won a Golden Globe Award for her role in Closer.
Portman achieved wider recognition and success in the 2000s with leading roles in V for Vendetta (2005), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), and Black Swan (2010). In 2011, Portman took on the role of Jane Foster in two Marvel Cinematic Universe films which were her biggest commercial successes and made her one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
23. Sandra Bullock
Net worth: US$250 million
Sandra Bullock is an American actress and producer who rose to prominence after starring as Annie Porter in Speed (1994). The 1990s were some of the most successful years of her career, with leading roles in Hope Floats (1998) and A Time to Kill (1996).
Bullock’s career has been full of successes with roles in various popular movies, including The Proposal (2009), The Blind Side (2009), Gravity (2013), and Bird Box (2018). Aside from acting, Sandra Bullock is also the founder of the production company Fortis Films.
24. Emma Watson
Net worth: US$85 million
Everyone knows Emma Watson as Hermoine Granger from the Harry Potter film series (2001-2011). Watson trained in acting from a young age and acted in various school plays.
Although Watson is widely known for her role in the Harry Potter movies, she has also received critical acclaim for various other performances. Her other well-known roles include Sam in Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Alexis Neiers in The Bling Ring (2013), Belle in Beauty and the Beast (2017), and Meg March in Little Women (2019).
Aside from acting, Watson is an advocate for women’s rights and has also worked with the United Nations.
25. Cameron Diaz
Net worth: US$140 million
Cameron Diaz is an American former actress and model who rose to prominence for starring as Tina Carlyle in The Mask (1994). Often regarded as a sex symbol in the media, many of Diaz’s roles cast her in the same light.
Her most successful films include There’s Something About Mary (1998), Being John Malkovich (1999), Charlie’s Angels (2000). In 2014, Diaz starred in her final role as Miss Colleen Hannigan in Annie. She retired from acting in March 2017 and has invested in other ventures, such as biotech startups and an organic wine brand.
26. Emma Stone
Net worth: US$40 million
Emma Stone is an American actress and one of the most well-known celebrities of our time. She began her acting career as a child and rose to prominence with her role in Easy A (2010). The role garnered wider recognition and she was soon cast in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) and The Help (2011).
Stone achieved worldwide stardom with her role as Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and its 2014 sequel. Her career has been filled with leading roles in successful movies, like La La Land (2016), The Favourite (2018), and Cruella (2021).
27. Aishwarya Rai
Net worth: US$100 million
Aishwarya Rai is an Indian actress and one of the most popular celebrities in India. She rose to prominence in 1994 after winning the Miss World pageant and is often regarded as the most beautiful woman in the world.
Rai has had leading roles in various Indian films, notably Devdas (2002), Mohabbatein (2000), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Aside from acting, she works as a brand ambassador for various charity organizations.
A Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), she was also the first Indian actress to serve as a judge at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003.
28. Jessica Chastain
Net worth: US$50 million
Jessica Chastain is one of the most notable names in the American film industry. She developed an interest in acting from an early age and is primarily known for playing strong female characters. Chastain’s ability to bring authenticity to characters helps her stand out.
Chastain rose to prominence in the 2010s with leading roles in The Tree of Life (2011), Interstellar (2014), and Molly’s Game (2017). Her most recent successful projects include the miniseries Scenes from a Marriage and Tammy Faye’s biopic The Eyes of Tammy Faye (both 2021).
29. Leslie Mann
Net worth: US$150 million
Leslie Mann is an American actress who rose to prominence for playing Ursula Stanhope in George of the Jungle (1997). Raised in Newport Beach by a single mother, Mann developed an interest in acting from a young age.
She started her career at 18 and has worked with Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler, Steve Carell, and Jack Black. Most recently, Mann starred in Welcome to Marwen (2018) alongside Steve Carell.
Leslie Mann is married to director and producer Judd Apatow since 1997. One of their daughters is also an actress.
30. Halle Berry
Net worth: US$90 million
One of the most popular and highest-paid actresses of the 2000s, Halle Berry is best known for her role as Catwoman in Catwoman (2004) and Storm in multiple X-Men movies. The former alone earned her $14 million, establishing her as one of the highest-paid actresses during her time.
Berry rose to fame in 1992 for starring in Boomerang and has had various successful roles since then. Some of her notable films include Cloud Atlas (2012), The Call (2013), and Bruised (2020).
31. Jennifer Garner
Net worth: US$80 million
Jennifer Garner is an American actress who rose to prominence for playing Sydney Bristow in the TV series Alias (2001–2006). The role earned her a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and four nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Garner has had various successful roles in her career and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Her most well-known films include 13 Going on 30 (2004), The Invention of Lying (2009), Dallas Buyers Club (2013), Love, Simon (2018), and Yes Day (2021).
32. Renée Zellweger
Net worth: US$90 million
Renee Zellweger is an American actress who rose to prominence for playing Bridget Jones in the romantic comedy film Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001). During her early years, Zellweger dreamed of being a journalist but soon discovered a passion for acting while starring in school plays.
Zellweger has taken on many versatile projects and proven her skill as an actress. With roles in Nurse Betty (2000), Cold Mountain (2003), and Judy (2019), Zellweger established herself as one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood by 2007.
33. Rachel McAdams
Net worth: US$25 million
Rachel McAdams is a Canadian actress who rose to prominence in 2004 for playing Regina George in Mean Girls. In fact, this was the most successful time of her career and she gained wider recognition with her roles in The Notebook (2004) and Wedding Crashers (2005).
After starring in two more movies, McAdams took a break from Hollywood and returned in 2009. Some criticized her decision and it took some time for her to find her footing again. Recently, McAdams’ roles in Midnight in Paris (2011), The Vow (2012), Spotlight (2015), and Doctor Strange (2016) have garnered critical acclaim.
34. Kristen Stewart
Net worth: US$70 million
Kristen Stewart is an American actress who gained worldwide recognition for her role as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga (2008-2012). Stewart received media attention at age 12 for her role in Panic Room (2002).
Stewart chose to work in independent films for at least a decade of her career after the end of the Twilight film series. Some of her most successful roles include Clouds of Sils Maria (2014), Charlie’s Angels (2019), and Spencer (2021).
35. Kate Winslet
Net worth: US$65 million
Kate Winslet is a highly successful English actress who rose to fame for starring as Rose DeWitt Bukater in Titanic (1997). Winslet made her first appearance at the age of 15 and made her film debut in Heavenly Creatures (1994). After Titanic, Winslet chose roles in independent films such as Quills (2000) and Iris (2001).
Winslet’s skill as an actress has garnered success and recognition with roles in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Finding Neverland (2004), Steve Jobs (2015), and the miniseries Mildred Pierce (2011).
36. Jessica Biel
Net worth: US$250 million
Jessica Biel is an American actress and model who became a household name when she starred as Mary Camden in 7th Heaven (1996–2006). In 2002, Biel starred in Rules of Attraction which is still widely famous. Her first commercially successful role came in 2003 with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Biel rose to prominence with her role in The Illusionist (2006). Her performance received praise and critical acclaim. Most recently, Biel produced and starred in The Sinner (2017-2021), a role that earned her nominations for a Golden Globe Award and Primetime Emmy Award.
37. Eva Longoria
Net worth: US$80 million
Eva Longoria is an American actress and producer who is best known for her role as Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives (2004-2012). Longoria’s work ethic has been admirable from a young age. She worked at a Wendy’s part-time while in high school, worked as a headhunter for four years, and has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
Along with a successful acting career with roles in The Sentinel (2006) and Overboard (2018), Longoria has invested in multiple food-related ventures and been the face of various brands.
38. Kaley Cuoco
Net worth: US$100 million
Kaley Cuoco is an American actress and producer who rose to prominence for starring as Bridget Hennessy on 8 Simple Rules (2002–2005).
However, her most commercially successful role came with The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019), in which she played Penny. Most of Cuoco’s net worth can be attributed to the show and she reportedly earned nearly $150 million during the show’s runtime.
She has also starred in various films, notably Crimes of Fashion (2004), Killer Movie (2008), and The Wedding Ringer (2015).
39. Anne Hathaway
Net worth: US$80 million
Anne Hathaway is an American actress who was one of the world’s highest-paid actresses in 2015. Hathaway had an interest in acting from an early age, often performing in school plays. She made her first appearance as a teen and gained recognition with her role as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries (2001).
Since then, Hathaway had a successful acting career, starring in films of varying genres. Her most well-known performances include roles in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Interstellar (2014), and Ocean’s 8 (2018).
