Screen Stars with Serious Pull_ 25 Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time Who Changed the Business of Blockbusters.pdf

Read short profiles, top films, and surprising stats for leading ladies who sell tickets. Includes box office totals that place them among the Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time.

1. Screen Stars with Serious Pull: 25
Highest-Grossing Actresses of All
Time Who Changed the Business
of Blockbusters

Filmmaking has always been about creating moments that resonate with audiences
worldwide. Great actors possess the unique ability to transform stories into experiences
that connect deeply with viewers. Cinema creates characters that audiences love, fear,
and remember long after leaving the theater.
Who are some of the highest-grossing actresses of all time? Women have emerged as
some of the most prominent figures in the film industry, achieving critical acclaim and
massive commercial success. Their box office numbers reveal an inspiring journey of
remarkable talent, dedication, and star power. These actresses have proven that their

2. craft goes beyond mere performance. Stars can deliver consistent hits, which has made
them incredibly bankable, with studios eager to invest in projects featuring these proven
performers. The influence these women wield extends far beyond their roles, as they
have become powerful forces who can greenlight projects and change the course of
entire franchises.
In this article, we have curated a list of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, along
with their iconic roles that transformed them into box office biggies.
25 Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time Who Changed
Hollywood
This expanded table provides a comprehensive view of the highest-grossing actresses
of all time, including their career statistics, followed by a brief examination of each
actress’s journey and box office impact. The data shows interesting patterns, such as
Emma Watson achieving the highest average gross per film at $513.3 M despite having
only 18 films, mainly due to her role in the Harry Potter franchise. Meanwhile, actresses
like Scarlett Johansson and Zoe Saldaña have built their massive totals through
extensive filmographies spanning major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe
and Avatar series.
Rank Actress Name Number of
Films
Estimated
Lifetime Gross
Average Gross
per Film
1 Scarlett
Johansson
40 $14,567,769,80
2
$364.2M

3. 2 Zoe Saldaña 35 $14,297,316,19
9
$408.5M
3 Emma Watson 18 $9,239,404,832 $513.3M
4 Karen Gillan 28 $8,519,221,694 $304.3M
5 Elizabeth
Olsen
25 $8,424,041,479 $337.0M
6 Letitia Wright 22 $7,562,947,810 $343.8M
7 Danai Gurira 18 $7,027,751,905 $390.4M
8 Pom
Klementieff
15 $6,555,100,214 $437.0M

4. 9 Gwyneth
Paltrow
45 $6,166,883,844 $137.1M
10 Jennifer
Lawrence
25 $6,081,167,202 $243.2M
11 Cameron Diaz 40 $5,827,053,005 $145.7M
12 Natalie
Portman
38 $5,577,121,403 $146.8M
13 Brie Larson 20 $5,497,118,578 $274.9M
14 Julia Roberts 45 $5,440,000,192 $120.9M
15 Sandra Bullock 40 $5,400,503,732 $135.0M

5. 16 Michelle
Rodriguez
35 $4,950,387,609 $141.4M
17 Daisy Ridley 12 $4,851,662,539 $404.3M
18 Lupita Nyong’o 20 $4,502,230,769 $225.1M
19 Evangeline Lilly 25 $4,395,633,202 $175.8M
20 Meryl Streep 65 $4,394,250,945 $67.6M
21 Keira Knightley 35 $4,176,250,848 $119.3M
22 Charlize
Theron
40 $4,170,767,491 $104.3M

6. 23 Michelle
Pfeiffer
55 $4,045,261,143 $73.6M
24 Kristen
Stewart
35 $4,042,960,637 $115.5M
25 Angelina Jolie 45 $4,036,056,360 $89.7M
1. Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson has become one of the most recognized faces in cinema, primarily
through her role as Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in Marvel films. Her
ability to balance action-packed blockbusters with emotional performances in movies
like Marriage Story makes her stand out. Scarlett is an actress with range, and that’s the
reason why she remains among the highest-grossing actresses of all time, drawing
audiences worldwide for decades.
●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame
●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100
●​Worldwide Total: $14,567,769,802
●​Number of films: 35
●​Average Gross: $416,222,000
●​Lifetime gross: $14,567,769,802
●​Signature roles: Black Widow (Avengers), Lucy (Lucy), Nicole (Marriage Story)

7. Source – www.harpersbazaar.com
2. Zoe Saldaña
It’s no surprise Zoe Saldaña ranks high among the highest-grossing actresses, with
billions at the global box office. Zoe is unique because she has starred in not just one,
but several of the highest-grossing franchises ever made. From playing Neytiri in Avatar
to Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy and Uhura in Star Trek, her career shows
remarkable consistency. Fans admire her ability to bring depth to sci-fi and fantasy
roles.
●​Highest-grossing film: Avatar
●​Total Gross: $2,923,706,026
●​Worldwide Total: $14,297,316,199
●​Number of films: 30
●​Average Gross: $476,577,000
●​Lifetime gross: $14,297,316,199

8. ●​Signature roles: Neytiri (Avatar), Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy), Uhura
(Star Trek)
Source – people.com
3. Emma Watson
Emma Watson‘s journey is rare, as she grew up on screen while starring as Hermione
Granger in the Harry Potter series. Those films alone pulled in billions, instantly putting
her name in the list of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Later, her role as Belle
in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast only added to her massive totals. Beyond
numbers, Emma is admired for portraying strong, intelligent, and inspiring characters
that audiences cherish.
●​Highest-grossing film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
●​Total Gross: $1,342,359,942
●​Worldwide Total: $9,239,404,832
●​Number of films: 18

9. ●​Average Gross: $513,300,000
●​Lifetime gross: $9,239,404,832
●​Signature roles: Hermione (Harry Potter), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Sam
(The Perks of Being a Wallflower)
Source – edition.cnn.com
4. Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan‘s move from British television to international films has been extraordinary.
Known for playing Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she has shared the screen
with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and heroes. The Jumanji films further proved
her ability to entertain audiences with comedy and action. Her growing list of credits
has placed her among the highest-grossing actresses, with box office totals rising.
●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame
●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100
●​Worldwide Total: $8,519,221,694

10. ●​Number of films: 15
●​Average Gross: $567,948,000
●​Lifetime gross: $8,519,221,694
●​Signature roles: Nebula (Avengers), Ruby Roundhouse (Jumanji), Eliza Dooley
(Selfie)
Source – bloody-disgusting.com
5. Elizabeth Olsen
Elizabeth Olsen has made her mark with her unforgettable role as Wanda Maximoff,
also known as Scarlet Witch. From Avengers: Age of Ultron to Doctor Strange in the
Multiverse of Madness, her characters helped shape some of Marvel’s biggest
storylines. What makes her stand out is the emotional weight she brings to superhero
films. It’s no wonder that her films continue to attract global audiences.
●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame
●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100

11. ●​Worldwide Total: $8,424,041,479
●​Number of films: 16
●​Average Gross: $526,502,000
●​Lifetime gross: $8,424,041,479
●​Signature roles: Wanda Maximoff (Avengers), Martha (Martha Marcy May
Marlene), Leigh (Silent House)
Source – www.hollywoodreporter.com
6. Letitia Wright
Letitia Wright became a breakout star after being Shuri in Black Panther. Her
intelligence, humor, and energy on screen made her character a fan favorite. By reprising
the role in Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she has quickly
joined the list of the highest-grossing actresses ever. Letitia’s career is still young, but
her contributions to blockbuster franchises prove her star power is undeniable.
●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame

12. ●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100
●​Worldwide Total: $7,562,947,810
●​Number of films: 12
●​Average Gross: $630,246,000
●​Lifetime gross: $7,562,947,810
●​Signature roles: Shuri (Black Panther), Nish (Black Mirror), Jules (Urban Hymn)
Source – www.imdb.com
7. Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira is known for bringing strength and heart to her roles, both on the big
screen and the stage. As Okoye in Black Panther and the Avengers films, she helped
lead Wakanda’s warriors and delivered powerful performances that audiences loved.
These films made her one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Beyond
blockbusters, she is also a talented playwright, making her career even more inspiring.
●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame

13. ●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100
●​Worldwide Total: $7,027,751,905
●​Number of films: 10
●​Average Gross: $702,775,000
●​Lifetime gross: $7,027,751,905
●​Signature roles: Okoye (Black Panther), Michonne (The Walking Dead),
Adenike (Mother of George)
Source – www.latimes.com
8. Pom Klementieff
With her rising popularity and continued work in Marvel, Pom Klementieff has solidified
her spot among the highest-grossing actresses of all time with numbers that keep
climbing as her career grows. Pom’s quirky charm as Mantis in the Guardians of the
Galaxy made her a fan favorite. Her role expanded in Avengers: Endgame and Mission
Impossible: Dead Reckoning, where she joined one of the most prominent ensembles in
movie history.

14. ●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame
●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100
●​Worldwide Total: $6,555,100,214
●​Number of films: 9
●​Average Gross: $728,344,000
●​Lifetime gross: $6,555,100,214
●​Signature roles: Mantis (Guardians of the Galaxy), Haeng-Bok (Oldboy), Loise
(Ingrid Goes West)
Source – ew.com
9. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow has had a remarkable career, with success spanning from
award-winning performances to box office giants. Her role as Pepper Potts in the Marvel
films contributed greatly to her ranking among the highest-grossing actresses of all
time. At the same time, she is remembered for classics like Shakespeare in Love, which
earned her an Academy Award. Her steady presence in Hollywood highlights both her
talent and her long-lasting popularity.

15. ●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame
●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100
●​Worldwide Total: $6,166,883,844
●​Number of films: 20
●​Average Gross: $308,344,000
●​Lifetime gross: $6,166,883,844
●​Signature roles: Pepper Potts (Iron Man), Viola (Shakespeare in Love), Margot
(The Royal Tenenbaums)
Source – www.independent.co.uk
10. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence became a household name through her role as Katniss Everdeen in
The Hunger Games. That franchise and her work as Mystique in the X-Men series
earned her a solid position among the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Known for
her natural charm, relatable personality, and powerful performances in dramas like
Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer has proven she can lead critically acclaimed films and
box office hits.

16. ●​Highest grossing film: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
●​Total Gross: $865,011,746
●​Worldwide Total: $6,081,167,202
●​Number of films: 22
●​Average Gross: $276,417,000
●​Lifetime gross: $6,081,167,202
●​Signature roles: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), Mystique (X-Men),
Tiffany (Silver Linings Playbook)
Source – variety.com
11. Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz dominated the box office in the late 1990s and 2000s with successful
comedies, action films, and family hits. Her career proved she could do everything from
There’s Something About Mary to Charlie’s Angels and Shrek. Her varied roles make her
one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, with billions earned worldwide. As a
voice actor in Shrek, she helped create one of animation’s biggest franchises.

17. ●​Highest-grossing film: Shrek 2
●​Total Gross: $935,253,978
●​Worldwide Total: $5,827,053,005
●​Number of films: 34
●​Average Gross: $171,383,000
●​Lifetime gross: $5,827,053,005
●​Signature roles: Fiona (Shrek), Natalie (Charlie’s Angels), Mary (There’s
Something About Mary)
Source – people.com
12. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is a rare blend of commercial success and critical acclaim. Her role as
Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy helped cement her global recognition,
while her performances in Marvel’s Thor films added billions more. Beyond
blockbusters, her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan shows her dramatic power. Her
career proves that art and box office success can coexist.

18. ●​Highest-grossing film: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
●​Total Gross: $1,027,082,707
●​Worldwide Total: $5,577,121,403
●​Number of films: 25
●​Average Gross: $223,084,000
●​Lifetime gross: $5,577,121,403
●​Signature roles: Padmé Amidala (Star Wars), Jane Foster (Thor), Nina (Black
Swan)
Source – tomandlorenzo.com
Also Read:
●​Top 20 Highest Paid Actresses in the World [2025]
●​Top 20 Richest Actresses in the World [2025] – Net Worth, Careers & Business
Ventures
●​25 Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time and The Films Behind Their Billions
13. Brie Larson

19. Brie Larson has achieved phenomenal success in a short span, thanks mainly to her role
as Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Captain Marvel alone grossed over
a billion dollars, making her one of the youngest names on the list of the
highest-grossing actresses of all time. Her Academy Award for Room proved her acting
depth, while her blockbuster presence has made her a household name across the
globe.
●​Highest-grossing film: Avengers: Endgame
●​Total Gross: $2,799,439,100
●​Worldwide Total: $5,497,118,578
●​Number of films: 17
●​Average Gross: $323,360,000
●​Lifetime gross: $5,497,118,578
●​Signature roles: Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), Joy (Room), Envy Adams
(Scott Pilgrim vs. The World)
Source – sea.mashable.com

20. 14. Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts has a decades-long career and is one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading
ladies. Known for films like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Ocean’s Eleven, she
combines star power with universal appeal. She continues to be an effortless actress
whose performances are loved by audiences worldwide.
●​Highest grossing film: Ocean’s Eleven
●​Total Gross: $450,717,150
●​Worldwide Total: $5,440,000,192
●​Number of films: 30
●​Average Gross: $181,333,000
●​Lifetime gross: $5,440,000,192
●​Signature roles: Vivian (Pretty Woman), Erin (Erin Brockovich), Tess (Ocean’s
Eleven)
Source – abcnews.go.com

21. 15. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock has been one of the most consistent stars in Hollywood, known for
mixing romantic comedies with action-packed thrillers. From Speed to Gravity, her
career highlights are filled with box office milestones. Her role in Gravity alone brought
in over $700 million globally. Sandra’s warm personality, strong screen presence, and
versatility have earned her a spot among the highest-grossing actresses of all time, with
decades of proven audience appeal.
●​Highest grossing film: Gravity
●​Total Gross: $723,192,705
●​Worldwide Total: $5,400,503,732
●​Number of films: 29
●​Average Gross: $186,224,000
●​Lifetime gross: $5,400,503,732
●​Signature roles: Annie (Speed), Ryan Stone (Gravity), Margaret (The Proposal)
Source – www.msn.com

22. 16. Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle Rodriguez is best known as Letty Ortiz in the Fast & Furious franchise, one of
the most successful film series ever. Her rigid, action-driven roles have made her a fan
favorite. Beyond racing films, she has also appeared in Avatar and other action titles.
These choices have earned her billions generated through her filmography.
●​Highest grossing film: Furious 7
●​Total Gross: $1,515,341,399
●​Worldwide Total: $4,950,387,609
●​Number of films: 21
●​Average Gross: $235,732,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,950,387,609
●​Signature roles: Letty Ortiz (Fast & Furious), Trudy (Avatar), Rain (Resident Evil)
Source – foxnews.com)
17. Daisy Ridley

23. Daisy Ridley became a worldwide star almost overnight thanks to her role as Rey in the
Star Wars sequel trilogy. Those films alone grossed billions, making her one of the
youngest additions to the list of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Her portrayal
of a new generation’s Jedi heroine captivated fans and secured her place in pop culture
and box office history.
●​Highest-grossing film: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
●​Total Gross: $2,071,310,218
●​Worldwide Total: $4,851,662,539
●​Number of films: 8
●​Average Gross: $606,457,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,851,662,539
●​Signature roles: Rey (Star Wars), Mary (Murder on the Orient Express), Ophelia
(Ophelia)
Source – abcnews.go.com
18. Lupita Nyong’o

24. Lupita Nyong’o‘s presence in two of cinema’s biggest franchises secured her position
among the highest-grossing actresses of all time, while her artistry continues to inspire
millions. She is admired for her talent and her choice of influential roles. She won an
Academy Award for 12 Years A Slave, but her global box office strength comes from
films like Black Panther and Star Wars.
●​Highest-grossing film: Black Panther
●​Total Gross: $1,346,913,161
●​Worldwide Total: $4,502,230,769
●​Number of films: 12
●​Average Gross: $375,185,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,502,230,769
●​Signature roles: Nakia (Black Panther), Maz Kanata (Star Wars), Patsey (12
Years an enslaved person)
Source – glamourmagazine.co.uk
19. Evangeline Lilly

25. Evangeline Lilly won hearts on television with Lost before moving into Hollywood
blockbusters. As Hope van Dyne, also known as The Wasp, in Marvel’s Ant-Man films,
she became part of a billion-dollar franchise. She also appeared in The Hobbit series,
adding even more to her global totals.
●​Highest-grossing film: Ant-Man and the Wasp
●​Total Gross: $622,674,139
●​Worldwide Total: $4,395,633,202
●​Number of films: 11
●​Average Gross: $399,603,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,395,633,202
●​Signature roles: Hope van Dyne (Ant-Man), Tauriel (The Hobbit), Kate (Lost)
Source – variety.com
20. Meryl Streep

26. Meryl Streep is not just a box office name; she is widely considered one of the greatest
actresses ever. She has proven she can do everything with roles spanning decades,
from dramas like The Devil Wears Prada to musicals like Mamma Mia!. Her career total
has made her one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, combining critical
acclaim with global commercial success.
●​Highest-grossing film: Mamma Mia!
●​Total Gross: $609,841,637
●​Worldwide Total: $4,394,250,945
●​Number of films: 44
●​Average Gross: $99,869,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,394,250,945
●​Signature roles: Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada), Donna (Mamma
Mia!), Sophie (Sophie’s Choice)
Source – www.firstforwomen.com
21. Keira Knightley

27. Keira Knightley became an international star with her role as Elizabeth Swann in the
Pirates of the Caribbean series, one of the biggest franchises of all time. She has also
earned praise for period dramas like Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. This balance of
box office success and critical acclaim has earned billions worldwide across genres like
action, drama, and romance.
●​Highest-grossing film: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
●​Total Gross: $1,066,179,725
●​Worldwide Total: $4,176,250,848
●​Number of films: 23
●​Average Gross: $181,575,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,176,250,848
●​Signature roles: Elizabeth Swann (Pirates of the Caribbean), Elizabeth Bennet
(Pride & Prejudice), Cecilia (Atonement)
Source – koimoi.com
22. Charlize Theron

28. Charlize Theron has built a reputation for her fearless performances and wide range of
roles. From action-packed films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Fate of the Furious to
dramatic work in Monster, she has proven her versatility time and again. Her
involvement in the Fast & Furious franchise especially boosted her numbers, making her
one of the highest-grossing actresses ever. At the same time, her award-winning
performances highlight her extraordinary talent.
●​Highest-grossing film: The Fate of the Furious
●​Total Gross: $1,238,764,765
●​Worldwide Total: $4,170,767,491
●​Number of films: 29
●​Average Gross: $143,819,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,170,767,491
●​Signature roles: Furiosa (Mad Max: Fury Road), Cipher (Fast & Furious), Aileen
(Monster)
Source – abcnews.go.com

29. 23. Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer has enjoyed a long and diverse career, with roles ranging from timeless
dramas to big superhero films. Her performances in Batman Returns as Catwoman and
more recently in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania show her ability to adapt to
different eras of Hollywood. Her career proves her staying power and continued
relevance across decades of film history.
●​Highest-grossing film: Ant-Man and the Wasp
●​Total Gross: $622,674,139
●​Worldwide Total: $4,045,261,143
●​Number of films: 35
●​Average Gross: $115,579,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,045,261,143
●​Signature roles: Catwoman (Batman Returns), Janet Van Dyne (Ant-Man),
Susie (The Fabulous Baker Boys)
Source – variety.com

30. 24. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart rose to global fame through the Twilight saga, which earned billions and
became a cultural phenomenon. Her later work in films like Snow White and the
Huntsman and indie dramas showed her ability to take risks with her roles. While she
has shifted more toward arthouse films, her blockbuster past keeps her among the
Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time, with impressive totals highlighting her impact
on modern cinema.
●​Highest grossing film: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
●​Total Gross: $848,751,963
●​Worldwide Total: $4,042,960,637
●​Number of films: 24
●​Average Gross: $168,457,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,042,960,637
●​Signature roles: Bella Swan (Twilight), Snow White (Snow White and the
Huntsman), Princess Diana (Spencer)

31. Source – observer.com
25. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, blending critical acclaim
with blockbuster fame. She has defined versatility from her Oscar-winning performance
in Girl, Interrupted to her action-packed roles in Tomb Raider and Maleficent. With
substantial box office numbers across fantasy, action, and drama, Angelina remains one
of the Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time, admired for her acting and global
humanitarian work.
●​Highest-grossing film: Maleficent
●​Total Gross: $758,539,785
●​Worldwide Total: $4,036,056,360
●​Number of films: 30
●​Average Gross: $134,535,000
●​Lifetime gross: $4,036,056,360

32. ●​Signature roles: Maleficent (Maleficent), Lara Croft (Tomb Raider), Lisa (Girl,
Interrupted)
Source – people.com
Also Read:
●​You Won’t Believe Who Tops the List of the Highest Paid Actors in the World
●​Top 20 Highest-Paid Celebrities in the World: Film, Music, Sports & Influencers
●​Top 20 Richest Celebrities in the World (2025)
Conclusion
These Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time have influenced modern cinema through
their remarkable talent and box office strength. From Scarlett Johansson’s leadership in
the Marvel universe to Emma Watson’s enduring Harry Potter legacy, each actress has
turned memorable performances into massive financial triumphs, demonstrating the
power of star appeal and cultural impact that resonates worldwide.

33. Citations & Further Reading
●​https://www.boxofficemojo.com/
●​https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-star-records/worldwide/lifetime-acti
ng/top-grossing-stars