These Were the Highest-Paid Actors of 2023
2023 was a massive year for movies, as the Barbenheimer phenomenon brought millions of Americans into theaters and generated billions in revenue. Naturally, actors in some of the year’s biggest movies and TV shows had a hefty payday to match.
Heading into 2024, Forbes compiled a list of last year’s 10 highest-paid actors based on estimates of how much of their share of the work they were compensated for. And while stars like Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Leonardo DiCaprio dominated the screen, they didn’t come close to the year’s top earner.
1. Adam Sandler, $73 million
According to Forbes, Adam Sandler took home the biggest checks last year, thanks in large part to his Netflix movie Murder Mystery 2. The streaming giant reported that it was watched for a total of 173 million hours around the world in its first three months on the platform.
In addition to three Netflix movies, Sandler also reminded audiences of his comedy chops by embarking on a stand-up comedy tour through more than 40 cities.
2. Margot Robbie, $59 million
Australian superstar Margot Robbie did more than just portray Barbie; she was also involved in the Mattel megaproject as a producer. For her Barbie work alone, Forbes estimates she pulled in more than $60 million in gross profits, making her the year’s highest-paid actress.
3. Tom Cruise, $45 million
Decades into his career, Tom Cruise continues to show his durability in an ever-changing industry. With last year’s Mission: Impossible movie and streaming and purchase profits from 2022’s beloved Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise himself reportedly made $45 million.
4. Ryan Gosling, $43 million
Ryan Gosling starred opposite Margot Robbie in Barbie and is up for an Oscar for his role as Ken. It’s not just his on-screen work that’s making him money; his song from the movie, “I’m Just Ken,” has racked up more than 100 million streams on Spotify.
4. Matt Damon, $43 million
Matt Damon’s supporting role in Oppenheimer was only a portion of his $43 million payday last year. His Artists Equity studio, created with Ben Affleck, sold its first project Air to Amazon for an estimated $130 million.
Related: Dwayne Johnson Tops Highest-Paid Actors
6. Jennifer Aniston, $42 million
One of only two women in the top 10, Jennifer Aniston is maximizing her time as part of AppleTV+’s The Morning Show. She reportedly makes nearly $2 million for acting and executive producing each episode. On top of that, she shared the screen with Sandler in the lucrative Murder Mystery 2. Aside from acting and behind the scenes work, she also racked up endorsement deals with the likes of Uber Eats and even has her own haircare line, LolaVie.
7. Leonardo DiCaprio, $41 million
Leonardo DiCaprio stunned audiences in Killers of the Flower Moon, and the Titanic star had a massive $40 million payday for his starring role in the movie. That, combined with him buying out his portion of theatre profits once the movie hit streaming, resulted in a successful year financially for the Oscar winner.
7. Jason Statham, $41 million
Jason Statham was a part of some big blockbusters last year like Fast X and Expend4bles. Meanwhile, he’s off to a great start this year with a starring role in The Beekeeper, the highest-grossing movie of 2024 so far.
9. Ben Affleck, $38 million
Affleck directed the massively successful Air, which brought in $90 at the domestic box office before heading to streaming. Together with Matt Damon, he runs Artists Equity studio and is working just as hard behind the camera as he is in front of it.
10. Denzel Washington, $24 million
Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington continues to be a hot name in Hollywood several decades into his career. The Equalizer 3 hit theaters in 2023 and brought in $190 million at the box office.
