In 2024, movie stardom proved more lucrative than ever for a select group of actors who’ve mastered the art of turning fame into fortune. Beyond just acting, today’s highest-paid stars are producers, marketers, and brand builders, raking in massive paychecks through sprawling, multi-faceted deals. Here’s a rundown of the year’s biggest earners and how they climbed to the top.
Dwayne Johnson: The $88 Million Titan
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reclaimed the crown as Hollywood’s highest-paid actor, pulling in an estimated $88 million (after fees). His blockbuster deal for Red One—a reported $50 million package covering acting, producing, and a back-end buyout—set a record for a single film. Add in earnings from Moana 2 and his evergreen catalog, and Johnson’s blend of muscle and hustle made him untouchable in 2024.
Ryan Reynolds: The $85 Million Multitasker
Right behind is Ryan Reynolds, banking $85 million thanks to his starring, co-writing, and producing role in Deadpool & Wolverine, the year’s live-action box-office champ. Reynolds didn’t stop there—his marketing firm, Maximum Effort, churned out ads for the film, amplifying his payday. Off-screen, lawsuits tied to his wife Blake Lively and It Ends With Us kept his name in the headlines, but his earnings stayed rock-solid.
Kevin Hart: The $81 Million Hustler
Kevin Hart’s relentless work ethic earned him $81 million and third place. From self-produced films and TV shows to podcasts and stand-up tours, Hart’s output is unmatched. His ability to juggle multiple projects while keeping audiences laughing solidified his spot as one of the industry’s hardest-working—and highest-paid—talents.
The Rest of the Top Ten
- Jerry Seinfeld ($60 million): The comedy icon leaned on Seinfeld royalties and his Netflix flick Unfrosted to stay in the big leagues.
- Hugh Jackman ($50 million): His return as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine paid off handsomely, proving he’s still a box-office draw.
- Brad Pitt ($32 million): Pitt’s Wolfs skipped theaters for AppleTV+, but his production company Plan B (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) kept the cash flowing.
- George Clooney ($31 million): Despite downplaying Wolf's salary rumors, Clooney’s strategic moves—like partnering with Pitt—kept him in the money.
- Nicole Kidman ($31 million): The top-earning actress of 2024, Kidman cashed in on streaming hits and her enduring star power.
- Adam Sandler ($26 million): Netflix’s golden boy kept the checks coming with Spaceman and a Happy Gilmore sequel in the works—down from 2023’s top spot, but still comfy.
- Will Smith ($26 million): Post-Oscars slap, Smith’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die hauled in over $400 million globally, signaling a solid comeback.
Trends Behind the Paychecks
This year’s list highlights a shift away from theatrical windfalls. With animated films dominating the box office (where salaries lag), A-listers pivoted to streaming giants like Apple, Amazon, and Netflix, snagging hefty buyout deals. Stars like Pitt and Clooney scored big on Wolfs, reportedly outpacing the standard $20 million theatrical fee. Meanwhile, the top three—Johnson, Reynolds, and Hart—out-earned the rest of the top ten combined, thanks to their knack for self-promotion and multi-hyphenate roles.
Looking Ahead
As Hollywood chants “survive to ‘25” echo, the reliance on star power remains unshaken. Whether the box office rebounds or streaming continues its reign, these actors prove that adaptability—and a good agent—keep the money rolling. For now, 2024’s elite show that being a movie star is less about screen time and more about building an empire.